Taken from Raising Arizona Kids
Playing with Play-Doh
by John Bomhoff, Art Studio Manager
The Children's Museum of Phoenix knows that you are never too old to play with Play-Doh!
Ages: Preschool and above.
Materials: Play-Doh (recipe follows), plastic cookie cutters and utensils, rolling pin and objects to press into the Play-Doh (sea shells, stones, beads, sequins etc.).
Play Doh Recipe: (coutesy of Josie Young, founding member of CMoP)
4 cups flour
2 cups salt
4 cups water
8 tsp cream of tartar
6 Tbsp cooking oil
food coloring
peppermint or almond extract (optional)
Mix dry ingerdients together in a large pot. Add oil, water and food coloring. Mix throughly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough starts to form and pulls away from the side of the pot. Remove from stove and let cool. When completely cool, you can knead in peppermint or almond extract to scent.
Teachable moments
This activity is an excellent way to introduce children to the primary and secondary colors. If you wish to do that, add the color at the end of the process. After kneading, divide your dough into two halves. Choose two of the primary colors (red and blue, red and yellow, yellow and blue). Color each half with one of the primary colors. As the child works with the dough they will create the secondary colors (purple, orange, or green). If the dough is wrapped in a damp paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag, it will keep in the refrigerator for 10 days. Enjoy!
