You can certainly buy the technicolor stuff from the store, but creating your own play dough is simple and fun. Plus, the kids really get two activitiesmaking and playing with the dough. Follow these basic instructions to make enough play dough for two different colors or double the recipe to have play dough on hand for multiple children to use.
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a sauce pan on the counter.Include your child in the process by letting him gather togetherthe necessary ingredients, then measure and stir.
- Once all of the ingredients have been added, move the pot tothe stove for cooking. Over a low heat, mix together until thedough forms a ball. You want most of the moisture to evaporate fromthe dough. The “cooking” process should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan and let cool. When the dough is cool enough totouch, knead for a minute or two. Add in the food coloring whileyou are kneading (and wash hands immediately to get the foodcoloring off).
- Store your homemade play dough in an airtight container untilyou are ready to play with it. Always return the play dough to thecontainer to keep it soft and free from debris. For sanitarypurposes, homemade play dough should be replaced every few months(or sooner if it gets lots of use).
- If you want a different take on play dough, experiment withadditional ingredients like glitter or peppermint extract.
Materials:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring
- Stove
- Sauce pan, spoon and measuring cups
- Plastic storage containers