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Stretchy Dough :: First Art

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Stretchy Dough from First Art

Soft and stretchy playdough has the texture and feel of comforting, soft bread dough. Stir the ingredients together (no cooking needed) and make a big mound for pounding, squeezing, pulling apart, and poking.

Materials:

playdough recipe

  • vegetable oil
  • water
  • food coloring
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing bowl
  • flour
  • wooden spoon and hands

art shirt or apron
tools for modeling and exploring the playdough

Sculpting Tools:

chopsticks
dowels (for rolling)
drinking straws
forks
plastic knives
Popsicle sticks
spatulas (for cutting)
spoons
wooden stir sticks

Prepare (Adult)

• This dough is oils, so protect the table with a plastic tablecloth or work directly on the bare tabletop

• Mix 1 cup (240ml) oil, 1 cup (240ml) water, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) food coloring in a bowl. Slowly add in 4 cups (500g) flour and stir with a wooden spoon or hands until the dough forms a ball. Children like to help mix.

Process (Child)

• Help children put on an art shirt or smock because the dough is very oily.

• Encourage toddlers to pound, roll, knead, pull, poke, and stretch the dough.

• Add sculpting tools for exploration.

Note: This dough does not hold a shape well and is not meant for intricate sculpting projects.

Toddler Tips

• This playdough is easy to clean up because it sticks together and does not crumble. It is also a quick and easy playdough to use when in a hurry.

• Clean-up tip: Soak the tools in a dishtub of water. The dough will soften and dissolve easily.

Stretchy Dough Story

Three toddlers were playing with Stretchy Dough, each absorbed in his own discovery and experience. Max began pounding his ball of dough with his fist, and within seconds, Darien and Thomas were pounding away with identical grins on their pink faces. They were now a group of one together instead of three alone.

copyright © 2005 MaryAnn Kohl
This art activity is copyright protected.

Permission is granted to reprint one copy for personal use only.
Please contact maryann@brightring.com or 800-480-4278 for permission to reprint
multiple copies or to disperse.

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