Most children love pounding, sculpting, and stretching
tactile materials. You can buy these, but mixing your own
doubles the fun! Here are easy recipes for play materials
you can make together.
SHINY DOUGH
You and your child can make 3-D pictures by squeezing this
dough onto cardboard. The salt makes it sparkle when it
dries.
| 1 cup flour | 1 cup water |
| 1 cup salt | food coloring (optional) |
With your child, measure and mix the ingredients together.
If you want to use food coloring, let your child squeeze a
few drops into the water. Pour the mixture into plastic
squeeze bottles like the kind used for ketchup or mustard.
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GLARCH
This unusual recipe yields a wonderfully stretchy, putty-like material.
| 1 cup white glue |
| 1 cup liquid starch |
| food coloring (optional) |
Put the glue in an old plastic container and add food
coloring if you choose. Pour in the liquid starch, a little
bit at a time, stirring continually. Keep stirring until the
mixture holds together in a putty. Then test it with your
fingers. If it's too sticky, add more starch in small
amounts and stir until you get a smooth, rubbery
consistency. Now have fun playing, pulling, and stretching.
Store the mixture in a plastic bag or airtight container. It
will last without refrigeration.
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GOOP
You can't make many things with this mixture, but children
really enjoy its changeable, oozy feel. Wear smocks and work
in an easy-to-clean area.
| 1 cup cornstarch |
| 1 cup water |
| food coloring (optional) |
Add food coloring to water and combine with cornstarch in a
bowl. Then play by squeezing, pulling, and letting the goop
drip through your fingers. Store in a covered container. If
it dries out over time, you can revive it by adding a small
amount of water.
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MODELING DOUGH
Cooking gives this long-lasting dough a workable,
high-quality consistency.
| 2 cups flour | 2 teaspoons cream of tartar |
| 1 cup salt | 1 tablespoon vegetable oil |
| 2 cups water | food coloring (optional) |
With your child, measure the ingredients, and add food
coloring to the water if you choose. Combine the ingredients
in a bowl. Let your child watch from a safe distance as you
cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until
it becomes stiff. When it cools, it's ready for you and your
child to use! Store in an airtight container to play with
again and again. It needs no refrigeration.
Remember: Most children under five are interested in the
process of playing rather than in creating particular
objects. Fives and sixes are more likely to work toward a
"product," but still enjoy the process as much as the
results. Join in the fun by playing with your child at his
or her level.
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Take a look at the Spanish version of these recipes.
