Benefits of Play Dough

Play dough Activities are a great way to exercise the muscles of toddler’s hands to develop fine motor skills. Making homemade play dough with your child is a fun way to integrate math & science through cooking.

Homemade Play dough

Materials:

(here’s the basic recipe)
2 cups flour
2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
optional ingredient: food coloring

1.  Mix all dry ingredients together, and then add all wet ingredients.  Stir until well blended.
2.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a ball forms.
3.  Transfer hot play dough carefully to a floured surface.  Knead as the dough cools.
4.  When cooled, store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
5.  Have fun!

Don’t forget to ask your child to describe what the play dough feels like, smells like and looks like.
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” Kristin Rude is the Owner and Center Director of FasTracKids, Del Mar, established in 2007. She started teaching Kindergarten in 1992. Kristin last taught in the Del Mar Union School District. She obtained her teaching credential from the University of San Diego and has her Masters degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on second language learners. When Kristin is not working, motherhood keeps her plenty busy with her 2 children, Connor, age 5 & Katherine, age 4. It has been a truly rewarding experience watching her own children benefit from the FasTracKids program. Spending time with her family, golfing, traveling, and continuously learning are among her favorite activities.”