How to Make Colored Play Dough

Play dough is a wonderful product that can have great motor implications for children. Playing is a child's way of learning in their early years and play dough can play a big part, especially when colors are involved. Play dough can also help strengthen the muscles in a child's hand, which will help strengthen muscles that are used for writing later on. So sit with your child at the table, play with play dough and talk about all the things you make together.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flour
• Salt
• Cream of tartar
• Water
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Any kind of scented oil extracts
• Zip top bags for storage

1. Add 1 cup of flour in a bowl large enough for all ingredients. Let your preschooler add dry ingredients to the bowl.
2. Pour ½ cup of salt to large mixing bowl.
3. Add 3 tbsps. of cream of tartar. Some recipes call for more and some, less, so go ahead and experiment with different amounts.
4. Put 1 cup of water into the large mixing bowl. In order to ensure equal distribution of the food coloring in the play dough, mix in the extract to the water before mixing it with other ingredients.
5. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. This may take a little time so don't rush it. A wooden spoon or your hands can be used for the mixing of the ingredients.
6. Use play dough toys and scissors to experiment with the play dough.

Tips & Warnings

• Having your preschooler add the ingredients to the bowl will allow them to further their understanding of sequencing and measurements.
• Cream of Tartar can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores.
• Play this game several times a week to strengthen small muscles in the hand.
• Add a scent that corresponds with the color of the play dough; yellow with lemon extract, orange with orange extract, green with mint extract and so on.
• Make play dough as often as your preschooler wants. It's inexpensive and fun.

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