Age Group

Preschool
Kindergarten

Supplies

flour, salt, vegetable oil, water, red and yellow food coloring, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, containers or ziploc bags to store, large bowl, rolling pins, cookie cutters (or other playdough accessories), pumpkin seeds (optional)

Description

This is a great multi-sensory activity to do in the Fall season.  You can prepare the playdough ahead of time or with the class.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Creative Expression: By making sculptures out of playdough
• Fine Motor: Practice fine motor skills by kneading and playing with playdough.
• Science: Seeing how the ingredients mix together to form playdough.

Homemade Playdough Recipe:

• 2 c. flour
• 1 c. salt
• 1/4 c. vegetable oil
• 3/4 - 1 c. water
• Few drops of red and yellow food coloring 

To make the dough, mix together flour, salt, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) and oil. Measure the water in a cup and add red and yellow food coloring.  Once the orange color looks as desired, add water to flour, salt and oil. Knead the mixture together with your hands. If it's too sticky, add more flour. Dough can be stored in plastic containers or baggies.

Give the children rolling pins and cookie cutters to play with the playdough.  If desired, add some pumpkin seeds to the dough.  Allow children to play with the dough - you could also cut open a real pumpkin and show them the insides (have them compare how the real pumpkin insides look next to the pumpkin playdough).

 It will be an sensory experience for their senses of smell AND touch.

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