Begin with plain playdough. No color, no scent. Just plain old simple playdough.
I set out little bowls of old grains and spices. Flax seeds, chia seeds, basil leaf, a flower tea. . . .
All set out with a zen like peacefulness. Sniff. Pick. Mix.
I added a mortar and pestle for pressing and grinding the seeds and herbs. Grind. Press.
So much fun.
And just to be real – it can . . . and will. . . get very messy.
And it is worth every grain of crazy.
There is nothing quite like mixing up your own special playdough!!!
Plain Playdough Recipe
2 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1 heaping tablespoon of cream of tartar
2 cups of water
1 splash of oil (a tablespoon or a bit less — I do not like a lot of oil – just a tad)
Mix dry ingredients together in bowl. Heat liquids in a large pan. Slowly stir in flour mixture. Stir and cook until smooth. Put on board and knead until shiny. Keep in air tight container or plastic bag.
Troubleshooting:
- too wet – knead in flour a little dusting at a time.
- too dry – knead in a little water.
Add-Ons
Ask your families for old spices, herbs, teas and small grains. Be sure to check student allergies before setting out your selection. Be creative! Have fun!
You’re right, there is nothing better than a nice fresh warm batch of playdough. I bet yours really did smell amazing. What a wonderful sensory experience for your little ones.
It was so wonderful – a parent brought a cup of full of herbs from their garden. Talk about a sensory experience. The whole classroom smelled so wonderful as the children snipped and cut fresh herbs into their playdough!
Wow! What an awesome sensory idea for my kiddos at home AND at school! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks!
Perfect way to use old spices and herbs!
I make mine in the thermomix now and it is a beautiful mix. It can get a bit crumbly as it ages.
Do you bring the water to a boil?
Yes, I do boil the water. Good luck!