In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make Snow Dough and explain the benefits of sensory play.
Snow Dough (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!
Snow Dough is the perfect activity to pull out on a rainy or cold day or just when you need a little something to get through the afternoon.
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! For Snow Dough, I always use coconut!
The BEST part of this dough is that it is pure white, meaning you don't have to add any food coloring to it.
If you are feeling sparkly, you can add some glitter to it, but it isn't a necessity. It is full of sensory-goodness, just as it is!
Sensory Play encourages learning through curiosity, creativity, and free exploration of materials.
It can be a safe way to release big energy or emotions!
It is also an AMAZINGGGG way to work on strengthening your fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are the ones responsible for self-help skills such as feeding yourself, zippering your coat or tying your shoes. They are also responsible for things like holding a pencil and writing your name!
The earlier we can strengthen those skills, the better!!
Sensory play also supports language and vocabulary development. Think of all of the incredible things you can talk about:
I wonder if this is what real snow feels like?
Have you ever felt real snow?
Does this dough feel hard or soft?
I wonder what would happen if we hid something underneath the dough?
Can you make it flat?
Watch, I can roll it into a ball!
Not to mention the problem-solving skills!!
My dough is flat but I want it in a ball shape, what should I do?
I made a snowman but it fell over. How can I fix that?
The dough feels to dry. I wonder how we can make it soft again?
If you are exploring Snow Dough with a sibling or friend, it also presents opportunities to work on important social skills such as:
Sharing
Turn taking
Sharing space
Using manners
Patience
Problem solving
Conflict resolution
Also, any type of sensory play can be extremely calming and support self-regulation skills.
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 food coloring or glitter, 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!
Our favorite cloud dough tools:
Cookie cutters
Wooden or plastic rollers
Safety scissors
Themed trinkets
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. 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.
Practice rolling the dough into snakes & cutting it with safety scissors.
Hide small objects in the dough. Have your learner dig through and find them, working those fingers and hands!
Make something with your dough and then tell a story about it!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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