In honor of our Sensory Explorers camp, here is another step-by-step walk through of a DIY project that you and your children can complete at home! 

Do you wish your child could play with Play-Doh, but you notice that they try to eat it?  Well, there are a variety of playdough recipes out there that are safe for children if they place it in their mouths!  Here is a personal favorite: 

Kool-Aid Playdough 

What is great about Kool-Aid Playdough is that it is very easy, fast, and it offers a variety of sensory experiences (tactile, visual, and olfactory).  Kool-Aid packets come in a variety of flavors and colors, so there will be no need for any color dyes in this recipe!  The other awesome part about making your own playdough is incorporating your child in the mixing process.  Following step-by-step instructions helps children develop essential sequencing skills and it will let them feel like they are a part of the process.

Note: This recipe does require a stove-top, so you will need a saute pan or a pot, as well as a mixing bowl. 

Steps: 

Gather ingredients:

• 1 cup Flour 
• 2 tsp Cream of Tarter  
• ½ cup Salt 
• 1 tsp Vegetable Oil 
• 1 cup Water 
• Kool-Aid packets (NO SUGAR ADDED) 
  • 2 per batch for desired colors 
• Optional: Food coloring if desired color is not reached 

1. In large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (including Kool-Aid packets) and mix well. 
2. Add vegetable oil and water to a pot on stove top and mix together.
3. Add the dry ingredients to your pot and mix well. 
4. Cook on low to medium heat until dough starts to form and become dry.
5. Let the dough cool before touching.
6. Once cooled, knead the dough for 5 minutes to make it soft and smooth.
7. Enjoy! 

Once the dough is complete, you can use it like regular play-doh and it can last for months if stored properly!  Store the playdough in an airtight container.  It is also recommended to wrap each individual color in plastic wrap to help it stay soft.