We’ve all been there, right? The yellow has been mixed with the red, the green has been mixed with the brown, all the colors are stuffed back into their containers; the texture is getting hard, there are crumbs all over the floor. “Ok, playdough time is over”
I know- I get it! But- when you put playdough in a child’s hand the opportunities are endless!
Now don’t feel like you need to go on amazon and purchase some High-Tec, super expensive play dough toys- go into your junk drawer (yes, I know we all have one) and pull out some loose parts! (crayons, yarn, rubber bands, paper clip, buttons, pencil, etc.)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Loose parts are simple, easy items that you already own!! Yes- you don’t need to buy anything! When children are given Loose parts, their creativity is tested; they design things that did not have a preconceived notion.
Look at some of the Loose parts items our children are using during their daily routine.
Take it up a notch, make your own playdough! Below is a simple recipe for homemade playdough; your kids will love making this with you.
*Hint- add a few drops of essential oils for an up-lifting or calming effect!
Lavender- calming and relaxing
Wild orange/Lemon- up-liftin
Easy Homemade playdough recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp. Oil
- food coloring (optional)
- essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a pot or pan.
- Turn the stove on medium heat and stir until it has a playdough consistency.
- Set aside to cool down.
- Once lukewarm, knead it to get the right texture. My son likes to help with this process as playing with warm playdough is quite a novel thing for him to do.
