by Ellen Page

Created on: August 28, 2010   Last Updated: July 01, 2011

Playing with Play dough is a popular activity with children of all ages. Homemade play dough is easy to make, and far superior to store bought play dough. It is non-toxic, and it is cost effective to make your own. The recipe for play dough consists of very few basic inexpensive ingredients, and it takes only a few minutes to make up a batch.

Home-made basic play dough recipe:

♦ 1 cup flour

♦ 1/2 cup salt

♦ 1 cup water

♦ 2 tablespoons oil

• Directions for making play dough

Combine flour, salt and oil into a saucepan, place over a medium heat and continually mix with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the water whilst mixing until it binds. Once it has a firm consistency remove it from the pan onto a board, and allow it to cool, then knead it until it is of a good consistency.

• Create different effects with play dough

Now you have basic dough you can change the appearance, texture, or color, to make it even more fun. To change the color, add a few drops of food coloring to the mix. Children love to help, and they will be amazed to see the dough transform to a new color. To create a different appearance try adding glitter to the dough to give it a sparkly effect, this is very popular with children, however, it is a bit messy. For a different texture try mixing in some confetti for a pretty effect. Other options to change the texture include either adding some lentils, uncooked rice, or even sand. Play dough can be stored in the refrigerator in bags or containers to keep it fresh.

• Educational value

The possibilities are endless with play dough, as it is an open-ended activity that is fun and educational. Playing with play dough is a therapeutic activity that can keep youngsters busy for hours. It is great activity for stimulating and fostering a child's imagination. It allows children to explore textures, colors, and shapes. It promotes creative and imaginative play, and it allows a child to express their thoughts. Playing with play dough aids in developing a child's motor and sensory skills. It strengthens hand and wrist muscles, and it develops fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination.

Play dough is fun, and it is a great activity that can be enjoyed time and time again, as a child can create whatever their imagination allows them to.

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