How to Make Playdough

Making playdough with your child is a fun way to practice math skills.  Measuring each scoop of flour, counting drops of food coloring, plus learning the difference between units of measurement equal hands-on mathematical learning.  In addition to the experience of making playdough, playing with playdough strengthens your child’s hand muscles developing fine motor skills necessary for gripping a pencil and writing.  Follow the instructions on this printable recipe to make a homemade playdough your child will enjoy playing with for hours to come!

Homemade Playdough

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ cup salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • Food coloring

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl and mix well
  2. Add several drops of food coloring into the water (hint: If you want more vibrant colors, add several drops of food coloring)
  3. Add both the colorful water and the oil to a pot and stir in the flour mixture.
  4. Cook over low to medium heat until the dough starts to pull away from the side.
  5. Continue to stir and heat for 3-5 minutes until it begins to form a ball then remove from heat.
  6. Dough will be hot. Allow to cool for several minutes and then remove from the pot and allow the dough to cool on a piece of parchment paper
  7. Once cool, knead dough for about five minutes until soft. Add a little more oil if the dough feels too dry.
  8. Store in an airtight container.

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How to Make Gluten-Free Playdough

Making playdough with your child is a fun way to practice math skills.  Measuring each scoop of baking soda, counting drops of food coloring, plus learning the difference between units of measurement equal hands-on mathematical learning.  In addition to the experience of making playdough, playing with playdough strengthens your child’s hand muscles developing fine motor skills necessary for gripping a pencil and writing.  Follow the instructions on this printable recipe to make a homemade gluten-free playdough your child will enjoy playing with for hours to come!

Homemade Gluten-Free Playdough

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ¾ cup water
  • Food coloring

Directions

  1. Add several drops of food coloring into the water (hint: If you want more vibrant colors, add several drops of food coloring)
  2. Combine all ingredients to a pot and whisk together.
  3. Cook over low to medium heat until the dough starts to thicken.
  4. Remove from heat. Dough will be hot. Allow to cool for several minutes and then remove from the pot and allow the dough to cool on a piece of parchment paper
  5. Once cool, knead dough for about five minutes until soft. Add a little more water if the dough feels too dry.
  6. Store in an airtight container.

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About the Author
Susan Brunk, M.A.
Susan Brunk has a Masters Degree in Education. She taught children in both public and private elementary and early childhood settings for more than ten years before she made the transition to educating teachers. Since beginning her journey with Stepping Stone School over five years ago, Susan has written several portions of our Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum and has created valuable teacher education modules to improve the standard of education within our company. Through her years of teaching experience, research, and raising four children of her own, Susan has obtained a valuable understanding of developmentally appropriate practice which is demonstrated through her interactions with teachers and children alike.