Looking for a fun activity to share with a child? These recipes for dough are sure to be a hit. Children can get some added math practice by measuring out the required ingredients and mixing up the dough themselves with adult supervision. However, all cooking should be done by a grown-up. Please remind youngsters that because of the high sodium content, and/or for sanitary reasons, none of these doughs should be eaten.
Homemade Playdough (No cooking required.)
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups flour
- 1 1/2 Cups water
- 1 Cup salt
- Food coloring of choice
Directions:
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the 1 1/2 cups of water. (Remember the water should be a deeper hue than the desired color of the dough.)
- Place the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Add the colored water and mix all ingredients together by hand.
- Form dough into objects by hand or roll dough out and cut into shapes.
To make items last, bake them at 350 degrees for one hour, or let air dry. This dough will last for many future play sessions if placed in an air tight container.
Kitchen Clay (Requires cooking.)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baking soda
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Food coloring if desired
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients (except food coloring ) in a saucepan.
- Warm over moderate heat, stirring constantly.
- When thickened, let cool.
- Knead clay for 2 or 3 minutes until smooth.
If various colors of clay are desired, separate dough into sections before kneading is finished. Work a drop or two of food coloring into each lump of clay while kneading.
Always cover clay with a damp cloth to keep soft or seal in a plastic bag.
Kool Aid Play Dough (Requires the addition of boiling water)
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup boiling water
- 1 Cup flour
- 1/2 Cup salt
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 Package dry, unsweetened, flavored drink mix
Directions:
- Mix flour, salt, vegetable oil and Kool Aid together.
- Add 1 cup boiling water and stir.
- Let cool and knead.
This dough lasts a long time if stored in a container or plastic bag. No additional food coloring is necessary since the Kool Aid provides color. However, if a deeper hue is desired, coloring may be added at the kneading stage.This dough will have a pleasant, fruity smell. Please remind children that it is not to be eaten.
Sand Sculpture Dough (Requires cooking)
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups clean sand (not beach sand)
- 1 Cup water
- 1 Cup cornstarch
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, and stir until mixture becomes thick.
- Allow the dough to cool before handling.
Note: This dough will have an interesting texture. When cooled, it can be molded or "sculpted" into various shapes. Allow objects to air dry if desired.
Play doughs are a lot of fun for children. As kids grow, they can expand their skills and venture into cooking by working will real doughs. Fun starting points include mixing up pizza dough, or creating real dog biscuits to share with a canine friend.
