Play Dough Recipe

Whether you spell it play dough or playdough, it’s a staple in our classrooms, right?

Many teachers make a new batch every week.  It’s almost necessary because it gets used so much.

Add things to it, make it interesting colors, use rolling pins and cookie cutters, scissors and knifes, no matter what, the children love this stuff.

I am a huge believer in play dough; I am a bigger believer in clay.  If you are going to put clay out, make sure to put the play dough away.  However, clay is something that you have to buy or, if you are lucky, get a local art school to donate a batch.

Here is the best play dough recipe I have ever come across:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1/4 cup salt
• food coloring

Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.

Now, here’s the thing.  Cream of Tartar is EXPENSIVE!  It’s not necessary.  It is in there as a preservative.  If you are going to be making a new batch every week or two, then you won’t need it.  If you are planning on keeping this play dough for longer than 2 weeks, then you will need it; but let’s face it, that stuff NEEDS to be changed AT LEAST every two weeks.

This is a recipe that can be made in the classroom if you have an electric skillet.  Just make sure you are careful with the children around.  However, there is nothing like getting to play with that play dough immediately out of the pot…it’s like eating a cookie straight from the oven…it’s magical!

What’s your favorite play dough recipe?