In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make the BEST homemade playdough, the benefits of sensory play and storage tips.
When I was 18 I started working in a HeadStart Pre-School classroom. It was there that I fell in love with teaching, learned to be resourceful with materials and found my passion for sensory play.
For over 20 years I have advocated for sensory play in the classroom and at a home as a way to incorporate and strengthen early childhood skills into your day. Play dough strengthens fine motors skills, helps to increase language and vocabulary and is a great way to activate your senses.
It can also be so very calming. One major benefit of sensory play is how it can help to regulate emotions and reduce the effects of big emotions.
Play dough is inclusive. There is NO wrong way to play.
It is also ageless. Children (and adults!) of all ages can explore playdough at their own developmental level. It provides an opportunity for them all to play together, separately.
Play dough is also EASY to differentiate based off your interests. Are you a truck lover? Add them in! Dino lover? Stamp around in "mud" play dough. Do princesses bring you joy? Add them in with sparkly jewels. You can bring life to any theme by adding in some soft and squishy dough and trinkets.
What about storebought play dough?
You can absolutely buy storebought playdough and have the exact same benefits. There is nothing wrong with purchasing, instead of making!
If you do choose to make it, you gain the added exposure to measuring, following a recipe and problem solving. You also have an opportunity to spend some 1:1 time together in the process!
Want to extend your learning and play? Try some of these options!
Add in your favorite rollers, cookies cutters and trinkets.
Add in plastic letters or numbers and practice letter identification, sound production or building simple words.
Add in plastic numbers and practice identifying numbers, counting, quantifying numbers and simple addition or subtraction.
Roll play dough into a "snake." Use safety scissors to practice cutting skills.
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
Sensory Play Recipes are:
An excellent way to connect with your kids (and your own inner child!) as you spend time together making the recipes even before play begins!
Eco-friendly: you control the ingredients that go into it and use much less packaging.
Budget-friendly: most recipes last up to 6 months if stored properly.
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
5-10 drops food coloring (optional)
5-8 drops essential oil (optional)
Step 1: Pour all ingredients (except essential oil, if using) into a pan.
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 essential oils 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.