Making Homemade Playdough with Your Kids

Making Homemade Playdough with Your Kids

Fun and Educational: Making Homemade Playdough with Your Kids

Introduction:

Hello, lovely parents! Today, we're diving into a delightful and educational activity that you can enjoy with your little ones – making homemade playdough. I know, we all hate playdough. It gets everywhere and then dries up and we throw it in the bit. What a waste!

However, this isn't just about making a mess a using ice to pull it out of the bloody carpet and repeat; it's an opportunity to engage in a learning experience that's as enriching as it is entertaining, honestly. 

Let's explore how you can create this wonderful play material using simple ingredients and delve into the benefits of learning through play.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cups of hot water
  • 1 teaspoon of glycerine (for added shine and stretch)
  • Food colouring (choose your favourites)
  • A few drops of essential oils (optional, for a sensory experience)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the wheat flour, cream of tartar, and salt.

  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the coconut oil, and then slowly add the hot water while stirring continuously. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a good consistency.

  3. Colour It Up: Divide the dough into portions and add a few drops of different food colourings to each. Knead each portion until the colour is evenly distributed.

  4. Sensory Twist: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to each portion for a sensory play experience. Lavender can be calming, while citrus scents are uplifting.

  5. Play Time: Now, it's time to play! Encourage your kids to roll, shape, and mould the playdough into whatever their imagination conjures.

The Benefits of Learning Through Play:

  • Enhances Fine Motor Skills: As children roll, flatten, and shape the playdough, they develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

  • Boosts Creativity and Imagination: Playdough provides a canvas for endless creativity, helping children express themselves and think outside the box.

  • Teaches Colour and Scent Recognition: By using different colours and essential oils, kids learn to identify and differentiate between various colours and scents.

  • Promotes Cognitive Development: Measuring ingredients and following instructions support cognitive skills like problem-solving and sequencing.

  • Sensory Development: The texture of playdough and the addition of scents provide a multi-sensory experience, which is crucial for children's sensory development.

  • Emotional Regulation: Playdough play can be incredibly soothing and therapeutic, helping children to relax and express emotions.

Conclusion:

Making homemade playdough is fun; it's also a journey of discovery and learning for your children. By engaging in this simple yet effective play, you're not only creating memorable moments but also laying the foundation for essential developmental skills. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some playful learning!

Safety Note: Always supervise your children during playdough activities, especially when using essential oils and small objects for decoration.

Keep away from carpets. 

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