In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make soft and squishy play dough without using food coloring!
Homemade play dough is the BEST. It is soft and squishy and it can be differentiated in SO many ways!
The colors of this dough are bright and vibrant, and you don't have to use a drop of food coloring! While they play and explore, they will be strengthening fine motor skills, enhancing language skills and using their imagination to play!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with storebought play dough, but making yourself is something special. I think of it as a two-for-one activity. We spend time together measuring and mixing and cooking the dough. While we do that, my kids are practicing measuring, following directions, patience and stove safety.
This play dough recipe is not only the perfect consistency, but it smells amazinggggg! The added layer of scent is so full of sensory goodness that your toddlers, preschoolers and even big kids will be asking for this one over and over!
Ways to Enhance Learning and Play with Play Dough:
Add in your favorite rollers, cookie cutters and tools to strengthen fine motor skills.
Add in safety scissors, roll the dough into a "snake" shape and practice cutting.
Add in number, letter or shape stamps.
Practice counting! Roll a die, count the dots to identify the number and roll that many balls of dough. Go back and count each one, smooshing them with your finger as you go!
Our play dough recipes also offer so many opportunities to introduce new language and vocabulary into your play.
You can ask questions such as:
What color play dough do you see?
What does the dough 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?
This smells so good! Which one is your favorite?
What do you think it smells like?
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
one small box of JELLO powdered mix
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan. Stir well to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a firm ball, remove it from the pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well. If it feels sticky (it should NOT stick to your hands or surfaces, add in few tablespoons of flour and knead well).
Step 5: Add in your favorite tools and trinkets and PLAY!
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
Check out some of our favorite play dough recipes:
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