Learning Through Play
Numbers
Children enjoy making things and they can gain confidence in their abilities by doing so. Play dough provides tactile learning experiences which can stimulate a child's imagination.
Play dough is also easier for young children to handle than such as Plasticine or clay.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- half a cup of salt
- food colouring (optional)
Method 1 - Saucepan
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan at a low heat. Stir continously until the mixture thickens to a firm dough texture.
Method 2 - Microwave
Place all the ingredients in a plastic container and cook for one and a half minutes in a microwave. Stir the mixture and microwave again for one minute.
Why Make Your Own Dough?
Making dough is simple and much cheaper than buying it.
Using Play Dough
Dough can give children an opportunity to discover how a soft, stretchy material can behave. At first they will be happy just to handle the dough. It can be a soothing and relaxing activity.
Children always enjoy play cooking, so provide rolling pins, plastic cutters and plates.
Storing Play Dough
Store the dough in an airtight container such as a plastic bag or box, and keep it in the fridge. Like this the dough should keep for up to 2 weeks.