One of the best parts of making your own playdough is how versatile it is. While staring at the sparkling lights of my Christmas Tree I came up with the idea of adding multi-colored sequins to green playdough to mimic the feeling of our own Christmas Tree. Christmas Tree Playdough has a lot more texture than the regular playdough recipe, but is just as easy to make and play with.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CHRISTMAS TREE PLAYDOUGH
2 C flour
1 C salt
2 C water
2 TB vegetable oil
4 tsp cream of tartar
green food coloring
1/2 C multicolored sequins
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED WITH CHRISTMAS TREE PLAYDOUGH
mathematics (measurement, counting, fractions, 1-to-1 correspondence)
language development
color exploration
fine motor development
gross motor development
creativity
HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS TREE 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 the green food coloring and sequins and stir until completely combined.
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.
Provide your children with tools such as rolling pins, cookie cutters and plastic knives. My son adored the animals we used with the Snow Playdough so much that he choose to bring those out too. Always follow the creative lead of your children. Like with art activities the focus should be on the process of the work, not the end product.
