While poking, rolling, and squishing playdough, children develop the small muscles in their fingers and hands. … They also gain strength and improve dexterity in their hands and fingers, critical areas of physical development for writing, drawing, and other purposes. And…They love it! This is one of our favorite ECP playdough recipes. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salt
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
- Food coloring, optional
- Quart sized bags
Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one color, add in the the color now as well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and then place inside a gallon sized bag or onto wax paper. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth. If you’re adding colors after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colors you want) and then add the dough into the quart sized bags. Start with about 5 drops of color and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough, while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Once it’s all mixed together you’re ready to PLAY.
Store the play dough inside the bags once done to keep soft. Keeps for up to 3 months.
Combine simple toys and household items with playdough for even more fun!
- Wooden mallet
- Garlic press
- Plastic knives
- Small trays
- Plastic lids
- Rolling pins
- Plastic cups
- Plastic animals and people
- Cookie cutters
- Buttons and beads
- Popsicle sticks
- Wooden dowels
- Pipe cleaners
- Plates, pots, and pans from children’s kitchen sets
- Children’s scissors
