Here in Connecticut it is still freezing and an abundance of snow is still on the ground, but I am done with Winter. I love sledding and making snowpeople with my kids and the way the snow clings to tree branches is breathtaking, but every year around mid-February I become very sick of Winter. What's a Mama to do? Well, in our house we're celebrating Spring early! Time for a new series. Check back often for Spring-themed activities and recipes. Today we are beginning with Happy Garden Playdough.
YOU WILL NEED:
makes enough for 4 children
2 C flour
1 C salt
2 C water
2 TB vegetable oil
4 tsp cream of tartar
green food coloring
fresh flowers
Pour first five ingredients into a large saucepan and stir together. This is a great opportunity to include your children. Show them how to measure the ingredients and pour them in.
YOU WILL NEED:
makes enough for 4 children
2 C flour
1 C salt
2 C water
2 TB vegetable oil
4 tsp cream of tartar
green food coloring
fresh flowers
Pour first five ingredients into a large saucepan and stir together. This is a great opportunity to include your children. Show them how to measure the ingredients and pour them in.
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More than one child? Have them take turns pouring ingredients and stirring. This is an easy opportunity to practice basic counting, verbal directions and patience. We sing "We stir and we stir and we stop. We stir and we stir and we stop. We stir and we stir and we stir and we stir, we stir and we stir and we stop. Next person!" It's a simple song that everyone can learn quickly and helps manage turn taking.
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Add the food coloring and stir until completely combined.
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Move the mixture to the stove top and cook on medium heat constantly stirring. In the beginning the playdough mixture will look like very thick pancake batter.
Continue to stir until a ball forms. Remove from heat and cool on a counter top. Be careful! The playdough will be very hot.
Once warm or cool to the touch your playdough is ready. I introduced the playdough with a plate of brightly colored flowers.
"Whoa, we get to use REAL flowers?" said Quinn. My children were so excited to explore the flowers. They smelled them, inspected the different parts and pulled the petals off. And of course figured out various way to incorporate the flowers with their new green grass playdough.
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Our animal friends used in our snow playdough were eager to play to. I think they are as sick of Winter as I am!
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Come on, Spring! We're ready for you!
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