How do you make playdough for preschoolers?

Making playdough at home for preschoolers is a fun and easy activity! Here’s a simple, no-cook recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or baby oil)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.

2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the water and oil to the dry ingredients. Mix well until there are no lumps.

3. Cook the Mixture: Cook and stir over medium heat. The mixture will start to thicken and form a ball.

4. Remove from Heat: Continue cooking and stirring until the playdough pulls away from the sides of the pot. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes.

5. Cool and Knead: Remove the playdough from the pot and let it cool slightly.

6. Knead the Playdough: Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead the playdough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the playdough is too gooey, add a little more flour while kneading.

7. Add Color (Optional): Divide the playdough into portions if you want to make different colors. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.

Tips for Success:

• Storage: Store your homemade playdough in an airtight container or a zip-top bag to prevent it from drying out.
• Variations: Add essential oils for a scented playdough or glitter for extra sparkle.
• Supervision: Always supervise young children while they are playing with playdough.
• Clean-up: Playdough can be easily cleaned up with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.

This recipe creates a soft, pliable, and non-toxic playdough that is perfect for preschoolers to enjoy.