What shall we do today? As Homer Simpson might reply, 'Doh!' For many generations one of the most absorbing play materials for children in the home has been off-cuts of pastry at the end of a baking session. Nowadays we have a choice of bought playdough, plasticine, clay or modelling materials. But part of the fun is actually making the dough, and the possible variations are much wider when you do it yourself.
The choice of playdough recipe will depend on the qualities you're after and how long you intend keeping it, as well as the age of the children. Why not try different doughs at various times and choose what suits your purpose that day; and while you are at it, why not look at some additional floury ideas?
Playdough offers children opportunities for manipulation, language development, imaginative play, scientific experiment, colour mixing, and just plain fun.
Before introducing any ingredient, check that no child involved is allergic to the ingredients. Nannies also must be vigilant and discourage children from the natural temptation to nibble on the playdough. While the ingredients are non-toxic, the high salt content, the other items you may add such as glitter or buttons, and the inevitable bacteria that comes from a lot of handling do make playdough inedible.
And would you believe there is even an ethical angle to using playdough? Some people are concerned about wasting foodstuff as a play material when there is so much starvation in the world. There are two considerations here. One is that there is so much food nearing the end of its shelf life which can be safely used, but which would be thrown in landfill sites when it becomes out of date. The second is that when so many toys are made from modern materials, computerised, and using batteries, as much energy is expended in manufacturing them and waste in disposing of them, as it would take to feed many children in impoverished circumstances. Like every other decision we have to make, it is a balance.
For all these playdough recipes you will need a big bowl, a small jug of water, a wooden spoon, optional pastry board and aprons, as well as the specific requirements for each recipe.
Standard playdough
* 2 cups of plain flour
* 1 cup of salt
* A squeeze of children's non-toxic paint
* Water for mixing
* Extra flour to prevent sticking
Prepare everything beforehand. Measure the flour and salt and put it in the bowl. Mix in the water, to which has been added the paint, until a stiff ball of dough is formed. Remove from the bowl on to a floured board. Here the dough can be kneaded and pummelled, adding extra flour if it becomes sticky, until it is a firm ball. No cooking is required. This playdough is good for modelling. The shapes retain their form, and the high salt content serves as a preservative. If kept in a plastic box in the fridge the dough will keep for up to a month. If it becomes sticky when you get it out, add a little extra flour.
Long-life playdough
* 2 cups of plain flour
* 1 cup of salt
* 2 cups of water
* 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
* 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
* Few drops of food colouring
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over a medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture, to prevent sticking, until it comes away from the side of the pan. Allow to cool a little and knead well. This is a long-lasting playdough which, if stored in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge, is pleasant and pliable, and will have good modelling qualities for several weeks.
Alternatively, this dough can be microwaved. Place all ingredients into a bowl, stir well, and place the bowl in the microwave. Cook for about three-and-a-half minutes on 650 watts, stirring every minute until the dough is dry. Allow to cool, then knead.
Quick dough
* 3 cups of self raising flour
* Water as required
This is the simplest of playdoughs suitable for the youngest of children, requiring just flour and water. No cooking is needed. It's a stretchy, spongy dough, which will not keep, but is so easy that young children will enjoy making it themselves. This is not a good one for modelling, but it's great for rolling, squeezing, and pressing, and is pleasant to handle.
Finger paint
If the children inadvertently add too much water to the bowl, mix the solution well and use it as finger paint. Spread a damp plastic sheet on the table and let the children make swirls and shapes in the paint with their fingers. If you want to keep the design, lay a piece of paper on top of the paint to touch all of the surface, removing it carefully to take a print of the design.
Glitter dough
* 3 cups of plain flour
* 1 cup of salt
* 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
* Tablespoon of black non-toxic children's paint
* Water for mixing
* Silver glitter
This is a glossy, exciting dough guaranteed to attract attention. Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and stir together. Add sufficient paint and water to make a stiff dough with a deep colour. It requires no cooking, and will keep for up to a month in a plastic box in the fridge. It is especially good for making futuristic models.
Salt dough
* 3 cups of self-raising flour
* 3 cups of salt
* Water for mixing
Mix enough water with the flour and salt to form a non-sticky dough. This dough feels gritty to the touch due to the high salt content, which also acts as a preservative. It is good for modelling and can be used in this state for up to a month if kept in a box in the fridge.
Encourage the children to make models with a purpose. They can be Easter decorations, toy food for imaginative play, tea-light candle holders, or wall plaques. Attach small parts by using a paintbrush to paint the back with water and place an item where you want it to stick. Then bake the model in a cool oven for three or four hours until completely dry. When the dough has cooled, paint with children's paint or water colours. When the paint is dry, make the model last longer by painting all over with a slightly diluted PVA glue. It will dry clear, so the paint colours shine through, and will provide a shiny varnished effect.
Cornflour challenge
* Cornflour
* Water to mix
* Small tray or baking tin for older children, large tray or washing up bowl for younger children
For older children, sprinkle a thick layer of cornflour over the small tray. Stir in water until it forms a thick runny paste. Older children can write or make designs in the cornflour with their fingers. Cornflour acts in a strange way - it offers resistance when pushed by a finger, it feels dry, but it cannot be formed into a ball. It seems solid, but when you try to pick it up it runs through your fingers.
Mix enough cornflour and water for younger children to handle. Let them feel the texture, handle it, even pour it over their bodies for a textural experience if it is a warm day and the babies can have their clothes off.
Cornflour will brush off at the end of the session.
Rope dough
* 4 cups strong bread flour
* Water to mix
This is an uncooked dough which will only last for one session. Mix the flour with the water to form a dough ball. Knead well and roll into a sausage shape. Then, with a child at each end, gently swing and pull the dough until it forms a long rope. It will stretch right across the room.
FOR A CHANGE
* Use granary flour * Use paper plates and paper cake cases * Add sequins * Try wholemeal flour * Add dried peas, lentils or desiccated coconut * Give children a potato masher * Add sawdust * Make flags * Use pastry cutters and rolling pins * Add buttons * Use with plastic animals and dinosaurs * Try a spoon to push wiggles of dough through a sieve * Give children plastic knives and scissors * Stick pasta shapes in dough * Provide objects for making impressions like large keys, Lego, and egg cups * Add scents, food flavourings like peppermint, lavender, baby oil * Add glitter * Use different food colourings to make rainbow dough
