Let’s talk about play-dough!

I love it and can lose hours squishing the stuff, and my daughter loves it too. If play dough is something you or your child enjoys, you’ll want to grab this recipe! It’s really simple and I also share how you can use play dough time to support your child’s communication and play skills!

It’s not just for little kids – making play dough and playing together can be a calming and relaxing activity for kids and grown-ups of all ages!

The Super Simple Play Dough Recipe

𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

2 cups plain flour
4 tbsp cream of tartar
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 cup salt
2 cups boiling water
Food colouring
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𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱

🥣 Put it all in a mixing bowl and mix
🧒🏽 Kids can help mix dry ingredients until you pour in the boiling water
👩🏻‍🍳 Add flour if wet, add water if dry.
🤩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮!

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Play dough keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge!

Use play dough to build communication and interaction skills

1️⃣ Join in with your child and have heaps of relaxing fun!

2️⃣ Let the play flow, don’t direct the play

3️⃣ Describe what your child is doing and use FUN words 𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘴𝘩! 𝘗𝘰𝘱! 𝘉𝘐𝘎 𝘰𝘯𝘦! 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭!

4️⃣ Build play skills by copying what your child is doing and adding 1 new idea (extend the play a little). You can add items from other activities, e.g. spoons and cups, or toy animals

5️⃣ Model flexibility and resilence by showing your child how what you’re building doesn’t always meet your plans “Oh I really wanted to make a big mouse, but there’s not enough playdough. Hmmm that’s a bit annoying. Hmmm. I’ll try a new plan. I’ll make a little mouse!”

6️⃣Practice literacy and sequencing skills by having your child help you work through the recipe steps of the method, and read labels of the ingredients.

Have squashy, relaxing, chatty fun!

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