In this BLOG post I will teach you the benefits of exploring play dough and the recipe for confetti dough!
This sparkly, shimmery play dough is SO fun for New Year's Eve, but truly enjoyable all year round!
I have been using this recipe for 23 years. It is soft, squishy and easy to make.
It lasts for months and months. Store it in an airtight container when not in use and it will be ready for the next time you want to play with it.
It can be differentiated in so many ways. You can add an extra layer of sensory-goodness by making it smell like cinnamon or chocolate or peppermint.
You can add food coloring and make it colorful or glitter to make it shimmery.
Add in letter, number or shape stamps to add an educational twist to your play.
Add in safety scissors and work on beginning cutting skills.
The possibilities for learning and play are truly endless. You truly can do so much with such simple ingredients.
Sensory Play supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
SO many skills are hard at work, all through PLAY!
Our sparkly dough also offers so many opportunities to introduce new language and vocabulary into your play.
You can ask questions such as:
What color glitter do you see?
What does the glitter feel like?
The dough is so soft. I wonder what would happen in we squeeze it?
Hmmm the cookie cutter didn't cut all the way through, I wonder why?
I am going to add in green pom poms. What color do you want to add in?
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Confetti or glitter of choice
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan, except for glitter
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a ball, remove from pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well (add glitter now, if using).
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
A Play Filled Life Tips:
Squirt your food coloring into your water & stir before pouring into the pan.
Mix slowly & consistently to incorporate all of the ingredients together.
You can also experiment with spices to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your dough! Try cinnamon, cocoa powder or apple pie spice.
It is normal to see salt crystalize on the dough. Knead it back in before use. If you see mold, throw away immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of flour do you use for play dough?
White, all-purpose flour works best for homemade play dough. Using whole-wheat flour may alter the color and texture of your dough.
What is creme of tartar?
Cream of tartar is used to prolong the shelf-life of the dough, as well as help to create a silky-smooth texture. If you do not have COT, substitute the same amount of either white vinegar or lemon juice.
What does the salt do in the dough?
Salt is an important ingredient in play dough and should not be eliminated.
It acts as a preservative, making the dough last longer.
It adds texture to the dough.
When combined with oil and cream of tartar, it creates a super soft and moldable play dough.
What oil should be used?
Oil is used to improve the play doughs texture and consistency.
You can use anything that you have: vegetable oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Try these Variations of our Play Dough Recipe:
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
Comments