In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make Cloud Dough (pretend ice cream), storage tips and the benefits of sensory play.
Check it out in action HERE!
Cloud dough is so soft, so squishy & such a fun sensory recipe! It is easy to make, using materials you likely have on hand and can be differentiated in so many ways!
This TWO-ingredient, non-cook dough is a perfect one to let your learner make on their own. Not only will they work on following a recipe, but it will also provide opportunities for them to work on measurement, problem solving, patience & more!
Here we created an ice cream theme, but you can leave it as is and still have SO much fun with it!!
Want to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your play? Use a scented conditioner! Our favorite is strawberry or coconut. I usually grab what I can find at the Dollar Store and keep it on hand!
Sensory Play encourages learning through curiosity, creativity, and free exploration of materials.
It can be a safe way to release big energy or emotions!
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
Materials:
Cornstarch
Hair conditioner or lotion
Mixing cup
Bowl
Spoon
Sensory tray or bowl
Any tools or trinkets you'd like
Step 1: Measure and pour (1) cup of conditioner or lotion into the bowl.
Step 2: If you are adding conditioner or food coloring, mix it in now.
Step 3: Pour in (2) cups of cornstarch.
Step 4: Mix all of the ingredients until fully incorporated. After you mix your dough, it may still look a bit crumbly. Here's where your hands get a workout! Take the mixture out & knead it. The more you squish & squeeze & smoosh the dough, the softer it gets! As all of the ingredients blend together, the dough becomes silky soft, easy to mold & perfect for little hands.
Step 5: Place it on your sensory tray or bowl, add in your favorite tools and trinkets and PLAY!
For the ice cream theme, we made FOUR different batches of dough: pink, white, brown and light green.
Are you exploring cloud dough with a friend or sibling?
This is a perfect opportunity to work on important social skills such as:
Turn taking
Manners
Patience
Expressing yourself
Sharing
Sensory play also offers authentic opportunities for language and vocabulary development.
Did I mention how CALMING sensory play can be? It can be a great tool to assist with self-regulation and promote mindfulness. As a child (or adult) squishes and squeezes the dough, they are providing themselves with a healthy way to release big emotions and cope with how they are feeling.
Sensory play experiences have been known to reduce anxiety and have a calming, soothing effect.
Our favorite cloud dough tools:
Cookie cutters
Wooden or plastic rollers
Safety scissors
Plastic ice cream cone, bowls and scoops
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it soft.
If it starts to get dry, add a little more conditioner or lotion.
If it is too sticky, add a little more cornstarch.
Want to extend your learning and play?
Add in your favorite alphabet or number stamps.
Practice rolling the dough into snakes & forming letters with it.
Hide small objects in the dough. Have your learner dig through and find them, working those fingers and hands!
Download our FREE Cloud Dough Recipe Card HERE!!!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.