Homemade Playdough

2 Cups plain flour

2 Cups colored water

1 Cup salt

1 Tb cooking oil

1 tsp cream of tartar

Put ingredients together in medium to large size pan and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens.  

Take out of pan and let cool slightly before working with hands.

Thinking about textures and shapes, find some fun and age appropriate (safe) objects around your home for little ones to explore with the playdough.

Store in ziplock or plastic container in refrigerator.

E woke up from her nap in a “funky mood” so I decided we’d give some playdough a try.  I figured this would either send her over the edge with stimulation OR be a wonderful sensory experience. She watched me demonstrate several techniques, such as rolling out a coil, rolling a ball, and using a toothpick (I trimmed the points beforehand) to make faces on animals.  Soon, she was using the tool to make her own faces, saying aloud each part as she carved it.  It was exciting to watch her so curious and absorbed. After she’s had a number of experiences with a single color (learning how to manipulate with her hands and various tools) we’ll add some new colors and see where we go.