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DIY PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

This homemade play dough recipe is very easy to make, and the fine motor skills your child can gain from a sturdy homemade playdough is priceless.

If you do purchase dough instead of making it, be sure that it is firm enough for kids to get a hand work out. Some doughs are too soft and slimy to provide any strengthening.

I appreciate real clay, for the experience of using authentic art materials and the texture it provides for the children to explore.

DIY Playdough recipe

DIY PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

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For travel, or for children who still mouth their hands or toys- this is my favorite recipe. It’s actually edible, and it smells nice. Although this dough recipe isn’t specific to Montessori, I do feel that it’s worth sharing with other parents and teachers: Exploring with form is a valuable work for little kids.  Also, they can do all the measuring!

HOW DO YOU MAKE PLAYDOUGH?

printable recipe at end of the post

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Warm the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. It takes a while for it to goop together, but once it does the mixture will start to look dull- not wet.

Then remove from pan, place on a floured surface and knead.  If you find that you want a more tough dough, change the salt measurement to 3/4 cup.

Store in an airtight bag or container.

Make a rainbow of colors and have a colorful day!

DIY Playdough for kids

DIY PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

DIY PLAYDOUGH RECIPE

Ingredients

  • One packet Gelatin Dessert (store brand works just fine)
  • One cup white flour

One cup white flour

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 cup water

1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup salt

Instructions

Warm the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. It takes a while for it to goop together, but once it does the mixture will start to look dull- not wet.

Then remove from pan, place on a floured surface and knead.  If you find that you want a more tough dough, change the salt measurement to 3/4 cup.

Store in an airtight bag or container.

You may also like DIY SALT DOUGH HANDPRINT ORNAMENT:

SALT DOUGH HANDPRINT

As bloggers often do, we have updated our pictures in this post to more bright, beautiful photos 🙂

DIY play dough

playdough recipe

Playdough recipe

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Jessie is a Primary Montessori Teacher and Mom to twin three year olds and a five year old.  Jessie has a Montessori blog at The Education of Ours, and can be found on Twitter.  See her other Mommy Moment posts here.

Debbie White Beattie

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

I remember trying to make this when I was a kid and it was a disaster but I pretended it was a science project

Montessori-Inspired Fall Playdough Activities | LivingMontessoriNow.com

Tuesday 18th of September 2012

[...] DIY Play Dough Recipe (includes a way young children can help) by Jessie from the Education of Ours at Mommy Moment. [...]

Jessie, Education of Ours

Monday 26th of September 2011

Ours says 3 oz.

Kari

Monday 26th of September 2011

What size of jello are you using? It seems that it comes in two sizes. Thanks!

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