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Playdough

There is something about playdough that is fun!

Who would think that a pile of soft, pliable, mush would bring such satisfaction . . .

 . . .such creativity!



I've been making playdough for my cherubs since they were toddlers.

I used to keep baggies full of different colored dough balls . . .

 . . . and lots of tools! 

Here's a list of fun tools:
  • old cookie cutters
  • plastic knives
  • small rolling pins
  • old biscuit cutters
  • an old garlic press
  • small wooden hammer
  • plastic rolling crimper
  • popsicle sticks
  • an old melon baller
  • small potato masher
But now my cherubs are older and their interest in playdough isn't as strong as it used to be.

Which is kind of sad!

But yesterday, my girl cherub and a friend were playing and I offered to make playdough for them . . .

 . . .and they were SO excited!

They each choose their playdough color, which went a little beyond the basic color chart on the back of the food coloring box! 

In a matter of minutes they each had their dough . . .

 . . .and they played for the longest time; creating and imagining!

It's fun being a kid!

Here are some benefits of playing with playdough
  1. Helps to strengthen little fingers, hands and wrists, which improves fine-motor skills.
  2. It is an open-ended toy;  play-dough can be anything - food, animals, bowls, shapes etc.
  3. It helps to foster your child's imagination.
  4. It helps children develop self esteem; there is no right or wrong and the child has the opportunity to gain mastery over their environment.
  5. It is a great release for tension or angry feelings - squeezing, punching, poking are all acceptable if done to playdough.

Playdough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup water mixed with drops of food coloring (as many as you want!)
1 TBSP oil

Put all of the ingredients in a saucepan; stirring well until all of the ingredients are well incorporated.  Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring the mixture.  A rubbery ball will begin to form; continue stirring until it's "playdough" like.  This won't take long.  Let it cool a bit until you can kneed it to a smooth consistency.

Let the fun begin!

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