This is a guest post from Adele Crozier, Childminder & Blogger from Playful Learners.
Play dough is a resource which is always available for the children in my setting.
Play dough is great for supporting the development of children’s motor skills. The moulding and kneading of play dough helps children develop their hand control and strengthens the muscles necessary for pencil control. Making homemade play dough instead of shop bought, allows you to make bigger quantities without breaking the bank – as well as adding your own twist to the recipe such as adding colour, texture and scents.
Today I’d like to share with you three main play dough recipes that I use on a regular basis in my setting.
No Cook Play Dough
1/2 cup of salt
1 cup of flour
1 table spoon of oil
1 cup of just boiled water
1 table spoon of cream of tartar
1 table spoon of glycerine (optional for a silky effect)
All the ingredients can be added together placing the water in last with your choice of colouring and scents. Add extra flour or water if needed to get the right texture once it has cooled down.
Salt Dough
1 cup of flour
1 cup of salt
1/2 a cup of water
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. If you would like to keep the models afterwards they can be place in the oven on a low heat until hard or they can air dry on a window seal.
Chocolate Play dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsps vegetable oil
2 tbsps cream of tartar
2 cups of boiling water
Combine all of the dry ingredients. Add in the oil and mix well. Then stir in the boiling water until fully combined. flip it out the bowl onto a clean surface and knead it.
