Print this page

Calming Playdough

  • Written by 

From: Aussie Childcare Network

Calming Playdough

Three different playdough recipes which will help children to calm down as they manipulate it. 

Lavender Playdough

Materials Needed: 

  • 1.5 cups of flour
  • 6 T of salt
  • 3 T of cream of tartar
  • 2 T of oil
  • 1.5 cups of water
  • dried lavender flowers (optional but provides texture)
  • 10 drops of lavender essential oil
  • purple food colouring (a few drops)

What to do:

  • Mix the above ingredients together in a pan and cook on low heat until it forms a non-sticky dough.
  • Remove from pan and, let it warm before giving to the children to manipulate.

Rose Playdough

Materials Needed:

  • 1.5 cups of flour
  • 6 T of salt
  • 3 T of cream of tartar
  • 2 T of oil
  • 1.5 cups of water
  • rose petals {dried ones keep better in the dough}
  • 10-15 drops of rose essential oil
  • pink or red food colouring (few drops) 

What to do:

  • Mix the above ingredients together in a pan and cook on low heat until it forms a non-sticky dough.
  • Remove from pan and, let it warm before giving to the children to manipulate.

Citrus (Orange) Playdough

  • 1.5 cups of flour
  • 6 T of salt
  • 3 T of cream of tartar
  • 2 T of oil
  • 1.5 cups of water
  • zest of one orange and one grapefruit
  • 10 drops of orange essential oil
  • orange food colouring (few drops) 

What to do:

  • Mix the above ingredients together in a pan and cook on low heat until it forms a non-sticky dough.
  • Remove from pan and, let it warm before giving to the children to manipulate.

Hints and Tips:

  • Experiment with other ingredients which can be added to playdough such as mint, vanilla peppermint, cinnamon etc.
  • Store in Tupperware so it stays nice and squishy.

Reference:
"Super Calming Playdough", Playdough to Plato, May 7 2015

Additional Info

  • Appropriate Age: 2 year+
  • Number of Children: Individual (1)
  • Developmental Milestones:

    Following direction to helping create the dough.

    Play and create with the dough.

    Listen and follow directions, ask questions.

    Manipulation of the dough, rip the paper in pieces, spoon movement.

    Play with others/share resources.

  • Play Based Learning: Sensory Play, Manipulative Play
  • Interest Areas: Sensory Play
  • Games Categories: Fine Motor Skills, Manipulation Games, Quiet Games, Sensory Games
  • EYLF Outcomes: Learning Outcome 1, Learning Outcome 2, Learning Outcome 3, Learning Outcome 4
  • Sub Outcomes:

    1: Developing knowledge and self-confidence through new skill development, manipulating Play-Dough and utensils.

    2: Becoming aware of fairness through sharing materials and experiences

    3: Developing fine motor skills through manipulation of the Play-Dough. 

    4: Developing creativity, imagination, enthusiasm, confidence and persistence through creating with Play-Dough.

Printed from AussieChildcareNetwork.com.au