Children need to touch and play with a variety of textures to develop normal tactile processing. Sensory play stimulates and focuses children’s senses which help them learn about their environment. Sensory play also supports language development, cognitive growth, fine/gross motor skills, problem solving and social interactions.

 Make some dough, oobleck, GAK or slime for a fun, learning activity!

 

UNCOOKED PLAY DOH:

3/4 cups flour

3/4 cup salt

3/4 to 1 cup water with preferred color food coloring

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Mix all ingredients. Knead until smooth consistency. Keep it covered and in refrigerator when not using it.

 

EASY SALT DOUGH:

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup salt

3/4 cup water

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, add more water if needed. Knead into soft ball of dough. Have fun playing with it.

 

SCENTED PLAY DOH: (smells awesome and the kids LOVE IT!)

1 package of sugar free gelatin; .3 oz size- any flavor

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

4 tablespoons cream of tartar

2 cups boiling water

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Mix dry ingredients together in pot, add the boiling water and cooking oil. Stir over medium heat until it forms a ball. Let it cool. Keep in air tight container in refrigerator when not playing with it. 



 

CORNSTARCH AND WATER: (NOW THIS ONE IS FUN!!)

Mix cornstarch and water until it has a thick, watery feeling.

To play: It will feel dry when you pick it up, but turns “goopy and watery” as you squeeze it and let it drip through your fingers.  Store in covered container. If it dries out, you can just add a small amount of water. 


 

EDIBLE SLIME

Food coloring

Cornstarch

Flax or chia seeds

 

Measure 1/4 cup of flax seeds into a bowl and add one full 16oz box of cornstarch.  Mix them together (kid hands are really good at this part).  Add food coloring to 2.5 cups of water.  Add the water to your cornstarch and seed mixture and stir well.   You will ultimately end up kneading the slime like bread dough as over the span of 5 minutes, the seeds will begin to absorb the water and it will begin to thicken the mixture.    Once the slime is completely uniform feeling – you’re ready to play!

 

Get Messy and Have Fun!