Homemade playdough

From the house

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup water and 1 spoon of oil
• Food coloring (optional)
• A bowl and spoon

How to play

1. They pour the flour and salt into the bowl and stir.
2. Add the oil, coloring and water a little at a time, then knead until soft.
3. Squeeze, roll snakes, make balls, poke holes with a fork.
4. Store it in a bag for tomorrow.

Fit it to your child

• Easier: Mix the dough yourself and let them squeeze, pat and poke it.
• Harder: Cut shapes with a butter knife or cookie cutter, and make a pretend dinner or the letters of their name.

Words to use

• squeeze
• roll
• flat
• ball
• soft

Why it helps

Squeezing, rolling and poking build the hand strength they’ll need for cutting and drawing, and it’s very calming.