Play-dough

National Association for the Education of Young Children

“This simple preschool staple lets children use their imagination and strengthen the small muscles in their fingers- the same muscles they will one day use to hold a pencil and write.”

Parent Set-up required

Materials

• 4 cups of flour

• 2 cups of salt

• 8 teaspoons of cream of tartar

• 4 cups of boiling water

• 4 tablespoons of oil

• Food coloring

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix flour, salt and cream of tartar

2. In a separate container combine boiling water, oil, food coloring

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and slowly stir

4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until soft and warm to touch

Extended Learning

• Make prints using hands, keys, button, strong

• Roll into snakes, balls and snails

• Poke things into the play-dough; straws, feathers, pasta, beans, plastic animals

• Make a birthday cake

• Create letters and numbers

• Cut play-dough or use a garlic press to make string