Dare I say it? Could it be that Spring is finally here to stay? Today we are encouraging the sunshine to stay with us by making Oh, Mr. Sun Playdough. We will be acting out the song “Oh Mr. Sun” using happy yellow playdough, trees made from craft sticks and green construction paper and little plastic people.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE OH MR. SUN PLAYDOUGH
makes enough for 4 children
2 C flour
1 C salt
2 C water
2 TB vegetable oil
4 tsp cream of tartar
yellow food coloring
craft sticks (or rectangle pieces of cardboard)
green construction paper (or white paper colored green)
scissors
small toy people (we used the Fisher Price Little People)
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED WITH OH MR. SUN PLAYDOUGH
language development (singing, exposure to the printed song)
fine motor skills (manipulating playdough, pouring and stirring ingredients)
mathematics (measuring)
scientific exploration (how heat effects playdough ingredients)
dramatic play
HOW TO MAKE OH MR. SUN PLAYDOUGH
Before making the playdough create trees by cutting out a tree top shape and taping it to a popsicle stick.
Next make a batch of playdough.
Pour first five ingredients into a large saucepan and stir together. This is a great opportunity to include your children. Show them how to measure the ingredients and pour them in.
More than one child? Have them take turns pouring ingredients and stirring. This is an easy opportunity to practice basic counting, verbal directions and patience. We sing “We stir and we stir and we stop. We stir and we stir and we stop. We stir and we stir and we stir and we stir, we stir and we stir and we stop. Next person!” It’s a simple song that everyone can learn quickly and helps manage turn taking. Add yellow food coloring and stir.
Move the mixture to the stove top and cook on medium heat constantly stirring. In the beginning the playdough mixture will look like very thick pancake batter.
Continue to stir until a ball forms. Remove from heat and cool on a counter top. Be careful! The playdough will be very hot.
Once warm or cool to the touch your playdough is ready. Introduce the playdough with the song chart, trees and people. Sing the song and model how to make a “sun playdough” hide behind the trees.
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, oh won’t you please shine down on me!
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun hiding behind that tree.
These little children are asking you to please come out so we can play with you!
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, oh won’t you please shine down on, please shine down on, please shine down on me!
My daughter loved the tree props and used them again and again! Sing the song as many times as your children show interest. Repetition is a crucial part of learning.
