Let's Make Orange Play Dough

[20 Minutes]

Make homemade play dough for Halloween. You and your child can explore with your senses while creating with orange play dough.

You'll need:

• 4 cups flour • 2 cups salt • 2 Tbsp cream of tartar • 2 Tbsp cooking oil • 4 cups water • yellow and red food coloring • orange extract • Halloween cookie cutters • airtight container • saucepan • spoon • measuring cup and spoon

What to do:

1. Begin by measuring the water and invite your child to help pour it into a saucepan.
2. Together, add the food coloring. Talk about the color changes when you add yellow to red.
3. Measure all the other ingredients.
4. Invite your child to help pour them into the saucepan.
5. Cook the mixture over medium heat.
6. Stir constantly until the mixture is stiff.
7. Let it cool.
8. Let your child help you knead the dough.
9. Encourage your child to find ways to roll, pound, flatten, and squish the dough.
10. Then bring out the Halloween cookie cutters to cut out play dough shapes.
11. When you are finished playing, store the dough in an airtight, plastic container.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• How does this play dough feel in your hands?
• What color is it? Can you find something else that is the same color?
• What can we make with the dough?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop her senses and small muscle skills.