Play Dough for your toddler is the equivalent of a stress ball for an adult. As an early childhood teacher, whenever I have a child in my class who is a sensory seeker and has a hard time keeping her hands to herself, we make play dough together. Once I engage my "rowdy" students in a cathartic sensory-based activity, their entire demeanor relaxes and they calm down. Play dough often allows children to function better and act more like themselves. Play dough also fosters great conversation amongst children and their peers as well as with adults. Whenever I have an open house in my classroom, I always have play dough out at a center. The moms start conversations with one another and the children begin to talk as well.
Play dough is not only a sensory experience for toddlers, but it also helps strengthen those opposable thumbs and the small little muscles in those chubby hands. Play dough provides your toddler with deep pressure in their hands that often provides a soothing sensory experience and ultimately helps calm your toddler.
While many parents prefer to buy play dough, making play dough with your toddler is an all inclusive experience and can be its own activity. There are several recipes and they are all fairly simple. You don't have to be a crafty or Pinterest parent to make play dough. When you make your own play dough with your toddler, include your child and help empower him with decision making. Ask him what color play dough would you like? You can even include some color mixing science here as well! What essential oils or scents would be nice? Vanilla, peppermint, orange, cinnamon - take out your spice cabinet! What texture would your like to feel? Coffee beans, glitter, cloves, sprinkles, rice or even small toys can be great additions to this classic recipe. Another perk of making your own play dough is the security you feel if your child accidently eats some dough, you know the ingredients are safe and non-toxic.
Play dough can be easily utilized in thematic play. In my classroom we have made bakeries, Menorahs, shapes, letters, patterns, restaurants, ice cream shops, zoos, farmers markets and more! We've added toys to further explore our theme and enhance our play dough experience.
My favorite "no cook" recipe is so easy and only has five ingredients! When I was teaching the 3-4 year old class, we would make a big batch of play dough Monday morning and use it throughout the week. Here's what you need to make an easy, simple, one bowl play dough:
1 Tablespoon oil
1 cup water (tap water, not boiling)
2-3 drops liquid food coloring (optional)
1 cup salt (you can use table salt or kosher salt if you want a grittier texture)
2 cups plain flour
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in order in a big mixing bowl. I recommend using gloves so your hands don't get stained from the food coloring. Kneed the dough to your preferred texture. If the dough is on the dry side, add in some more oil, and if it is too wet, add some more flour. Store the dough in an airtight container or Zip-top-bag for 4-5 days.
This dough is very salty and discourages children from eating it. The high salt content slows bacteria growth and keeps the dough germ free for longer. If you are sharing your play dough with anyone who is immuno-compromised, each child needs their own dough and should not share doughs.
Often once toddlers have a great sensory experience, they sleep better as their bodies are more naturally relaxed and ready to rest. And we all know, a well rested toddler is a happy toddler!
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