How to Make JELL-O Playdough

Even little hands can help make JELL-O playdough.

Engage kids in a project to make their own play dough from another child favorite -- JELL-O gelatin. Homemade playdough is completely non-toxic and the powdered gelatin adds a fruity scent and bright color to the dough. For older children, prepare the cooked version of the dough, but younger children should stay away from the stove and make the uncooked playdough instead.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 4-serving package sugar-free JELL-O
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 3 tbsp. cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• Large Bowl
• Airtight container

Instructions

Cooked

1. Whisk together 2 cups water with the contents of a 4-serving package of sugar free JELL-O in a saucepan.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the gelatin dissolves completely.

3. Stir 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 3 tablespoons cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into the saucepan.

4. Cook while stirring the mixture until a soft ball forms.

5. Remove the playdough from the saucepan and cool to room temperature before kneading and molding.

Uncooked

1. Measure into a bowl 1/2 cup salt, 3/4 cup flour, the contents of a 4-serving package of sugar free JELL-O mix, 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

2. Knead the ingredients together with your hands until a dough forms.

3. Mold the playdough into small shapes.

4. Bake the shapes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes or until hardened.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sugar free gelatin to prevent little hands from becoming sticky with sugared JELL-O. Sugar-sweetened JELL-O can be substituted, if needed.

References

• "Play Works: Helping Children Learn Through Play"; Susanne T. Eden; 2008