Play Dough Pinch Pot

[20 Minutes]

Open-ended materials such as play dough help children discover and explore. So, pinch a piece and play a while.

You'll need:

• 1 cup flour • 1 cup water • 1/2 cup salt • dash of cornstarch • food coloring • commercial play dough (optional)

What to do:

1. Use store-bought play dough or have fun making your own. Let your child help measure and combine all the ingredients in a saucepan except the food coloring.
2. Stir well over low heat until the mixture becomes rubbery.
3. Let your child knead the warm dough.
4. Divide the dough into several balls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each ball and knead in the color.
5. Give your child a ball of play dough.
6. Show him how to create a pinch pot by using his thumbs to hollow out the center as his fingers press up the sides.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• How does the dough feel when you play with it?
• What will you put in your pinch pot?
• What other things can you make with the play dough?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps introduce your child to a variety of artistic tools, mediums, and techniques.