In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make chocolate play dough and share ways to extend your learning and play.
There is nothing quite like homemade play dough. Our recipe is soft, squishy and easy to make.
You can squeeze it and smoosh it and differentiate it in so many ways!
This is our chocolate version, and it is perfect for any time of the year, but especially fun for winter or Valentine's Day.
Homemade play dough is unique because you can control what ingredients go into it. You can make it any color you want. You can make it any scent you want. You can activate the senses in SO many ways, all while strengthening motor skills and providing incredible opportunities to enhance language and vocabulary.
Making it yourself also allows for special 1:1 time together with your children. On top of the bonding opportunity, your children will also be able to work on measuring, mixing, following a recipe and stove safety.
What Can You Do With Play Dough?
The possibilities are truly endless, but here are a few of our favorite ways to explore play dough!
Add in your favorite cookie cutters and make "cookies."
Add in safety scissors and work on cutting. You can roll the dough into a snake shape (also so good for strengthening hands!) and practice making little snips.
Add in a child-safe knife and practice cutting.
Add in wooden or plastic letters, numbers or shapes to incorporate academics.
Make 3 balls with the dough. Hide something inside the middle of one of them. Ask your child to try and pick which one it is hiding it. As they pull and push through the dough, they are doing so much GOOD for those fingers!
Add in your favorite trinkets: dinos, trucks, gems, legos, peg dolls etc and PLAY!
What are the benefits of sensory play?
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
You can differentiate play dough trays so easily. Add in whatever you have, whatever your child is interested in and/or whatever academic concept you are exploring. I always suggest that you "shop your kitchen!" Grab whatever you have in there (that is safe for your child) and let them explore with it during sensory play!
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a pan. Stir well.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a solid ball, remove it from pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well.
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
It smells SO good!!!
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.
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