Playdough

As a mum of three and an early childhood teacher, I have made my fair share of playdough over the years!  This was my go to recipe.  We always had a number of bags of different coloured playdough on the go in our home, my kids absolutely loved it.

As an early childhood teacher, it was always a loved activity with the wonderful children in my classes.  Playdough is great for so many reasons, including fine motor skill development, improving pre-writing skills, creativity and imagination, develops hand eye coordination and social skills.  You can even get the kids to help you measure out the ingredients and help you knead the dough once it has cooled a little.  A great activity anytime.

Adding essential oils to the mix when kneading can also add to the experience.  Whip up a batch, or a few batches in different colours and watch the fun!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup salt

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1 tablespoon oil

1 cup plain flour

1 cup water

Colouring (optional, see below for natural colours you can use)

10 - 20 drops Essential Oil (see below)

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients except the essential oils in a saucepan

2. Over medium heat, stir until the mixture forms a firm lump

3. While still warm, knead. When cool add in the essential oils

N.B. This only takes a few minutes of cooking

Store in a sealed container in the fridge

Colours

Natural colours can be made by simmering their corresponding fruit or vegetable in one cup of water for 15-30 minutes (colour deepens over time):

• Yellow - 2 tablespoon ground turmeric (powder)
• Pink (1/2 to 1 cup shredded beets)
• Purple - 1 cup red onion skins
• Orange - 1 cup yellow onion skins
• Blue - 1 cup chopped purple cabbage or frozen blueberries 

These colourings can also be used anywhere you would like a safe, natural food colouring such as for Dyed Easter Eggs

Essential Oils

You can use any essential oil, or combination of essential oils you wish. Here are a few combination suggestions:

Uplifting

8 drops Lavender

6 drops Orange

6 drops Bergamot

Focus

8 drops Orange

6 drops Peppermint

6 drops Rosemary

Calming 1

8 drops Lavender

6 drops Vetiver

6 Drops Orange 

Calming 2

5 drops Geranium

5 Drops Lavender

5 Drops Sandalwood

5 drops Ylang Ylang

Energy

5 drops Citrus Fresh (or any Citrus Oil)

5 drops Peppermint

5 drops Basil

5 drops Rosemary

Hyperactivity

4 drops Lavender

4 drops Roman Chamomile

4 drops Vetiver

4 drops Patchouli

4 drops Frankincense

Concentration

4 drops Basil

4 drops Frankincense

6 drops Orange

6 drops Peppermint 

N.B. You may increase or decrease the amount of essential oil to suit

Gluten Free Playdough

If you require a Gluten Free version of Playdough, then try this recipe from parent.com 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup salt

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1 tablespoon oil

1 cup plain flour

1 cup water

Colouring (optional, see below for natural colours you can use)

10 - 20 drops Essential Oil (see below)

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 cup cornflour

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 teaspoon oil

Colouring if desired

Essential oils 

Method:

Mix ingredients. Cook and stir on low heat for 3 minutes or until it forms a ball. Cool completely before adding in essential oils and store in a sealable plastic bag.

Have fun creating playdough with your child and watch them enjoy creating and exploring

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