It's official! ALL children love Playdough and the opportunity for creativity it provides!
We had so many forlorn onlookers at first, we just had to share the wealth, and soon had a little playdough factory in operation with about 8 participants. It turned into an extended play session, and tremendous disappointment ensued when Lisa said it was time to pack up! This activity is superb for promoting not only Fine Motor development, but also the opportunity for language and concept development (poking, pulling, twisting, thinner, longer, thicker, flatter, etc.), as well as imaginative play. Sophie sometimes finds this difficult..."What's your baby's name?" "It's not a real baby!" "Is it a boy or a girl?" "It's not real, Lisa!"
We had so many forlorn onlookers at first, we just had to share the wealth, and soon had a little playdough factory in operation with about 8 participants. It turned into an extended play session, and tremendous disappointment ensued when Lisa said it was time to pack up! This activity is superb for promoting not only Fine Motor development, but also the opportunity for language and concept development (poking, pulling, twisting, thinner, longer, thicker, flatter, etc.), as well as imaginative play. Sophie sometimes finds this difficult..."What's your baby's name?" "It's not a real baby!" "Is it a boy or a girl?" "It's not real, Lisa!"
We added glitter to the playdough, which already had scents added to it...vanilla in the pink playdough and lavender in the purple.
I used the original "Playschool" recipe which has never let me down as an Early Childhood educator (and has also served my own children well, many years ago!!)
Place 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of Cream of Tartar and half a cup of salt in a saucepan. Combine 2 cups of water and a few drops of food colouring in a jug, then add this and a tablespoon of oil to your saucepan. Mix till combined over a medium heat on the stove top. The stirring becomes increasingly challenging as the mixture coagulates! (Good for the biceps!!) You will sort of get the idea when it's coming together and ready for kneading. Of course, dividing, adding colours, glitter, scents, rice for texture etc. is completely optional. Keeps for a long time and is a very durable playdough. (Please protect your carpet though! Choose a suitable work area!)