You can squish it, you can squash it, roll it into a ball,
or flatten it like a pancake. Play dough is a classic childhood toy that never
fails to entertain! This idea of malleable dough has been passed down from
generation to generation. Maybe it’s the
smell and soft texture that brings back such fond memories for adults, and
makes them want their children to experience the fun of play dough too. This icon
of modern-day childhood, other than providing pure fun, actually has
developmental benefits.
Play dough, specifically, helps with acquiring fine motor
skills. Fine motor skills include small movements with use of the fingers,
wrists, toes, tongue, and lips. The development of these skills is extremely
important. The malleable property of play dough makes it easy and fun to build
strength in these muscles.
Also, play dough sparks creativity and imagination, which
are both necessary for development. Rolling play dough into noodles, turning it
into a bowl of spaghetti, and playing “restaurant” is really more than what it
seems. Imaginative play can sometimes be underrated from an adult standpoint,
but it is an important factor of how children develop social skills.
Playing with play dough is not only beneficial for
development, but it is also a great way to release extra energy. All of the
pounding, rolling, and squishing can be relaxing and calming. Adding a few
drops of essential oils is an easy way to introduce aromatherapy, and to make
it a fun way to unwind!
Here is an easy recipe to make play dough at home:
What you’ll need:
•
2 cups plain flour (all
purpose)
•
2 tablespoons vegetable
oil
•
1/2 cup salt
•
2 tablespoons cream of
tartar
•
Up to 1.5 cups boiling
water (adding in increments until it feels just right)
•
food colouring
(optional) few drops glycerine (optional- adds more shine!)
How to make it:
•
Mix the flour, salt,
cream of tartar and oil in a large mixing bowl
•
Add food colouring TO
the boiling water then into the dry ingredients (color optional)
•
Stir continuously until
it becomes a sticky, combined dough
•
Add the glycerine
(optional)
•
Allow it to cool down
then take it out of the bowl and knead it vigorously for a couple of minutes
until all of the stickiness has gone. * This is the most important part of the process, so keep at it
until it’s the perfect consistency!*
•
(If it remains a little
sticky then add a touch more flour until just right)
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