Play Dough - fun for kids and adults!

Play dough is a kind of modeling material made of flour, water, salt, and other ingredients which is used by children for art and craft projects at home and in school. The product was first manufactured in Cincinnati in the years following World War II. Play-Dough persists as one of the best known children's toys. Originally, Play dough came in only one color, but now as we all know it's  available in multi colors.

Play dough is a great source of entertainment for kids of all ages. Children less than 1 year mostly put everything in their mouth, so maybe they are too young  however the best age to play with dough is 18 months and more. Toddlers love to squeeze the soft material in their hands, exploring the texture and consistency of the dough. Older children use their imagination and make different things with the dough. It's even economical and you can prepare the play dough easily at home for your kid.

How to prepare your very own play dough

Ingredients

Method

1. Mix all of the ingredients together, and cook over medium heat, stirring until dough becomes dry and feels like play dough.
2. When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the center, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.
3. Turn the dough out onto a clean counter or silicone mat, and knead vigorously until it becomes silky-smooth and of proper consistency.
4. Divide the dough into balls for coloring.
5. Make a divot in the center of the ball, and drop some food coloring of your choice.
6. You could use gloves or plastic wrap at this stage to keep your hands clean- only the concentrated dye will color your skin.

•  Play dough is perfectly edible and completely safe for kids.
• When you're done store it in an air-tight container. If it begins to dry out, you can knead a bit of water in again to soften the dough.

Where can you buy Play Dough?

You can buy readymade play dough from any super store or can even buy online. Check out this website. Different types of play dough are available in the market , but before buying you must check the label to know how safe they are for kids.

How Play dough helps in the development of kids:

• Develops the sense of touch among toddlers to explore new materials
• Edible play dough is a immense method to provide toddlers the freedom to enjoy an educational and developmentally stimulating activity.
• The dough is also quite tasty and provides a protein packed and nutritious snack.
• While preparing the play dough keep your child around so that they can also explore concepts like wet and dry, counting and change of state.
• Preparing different shape and size help your child to develop their power of imagination.

• By playing games like providing some paper plates and role-model making cookies from the dough and serving them to dolls and teddy bears. This way you can encourage your child to practice sharing anything and everything with others.
• Develops an emotional bonding with friends and family when you appreciate the art of your child.
• They learn different colors and shapes.
• Explore language with your kid. Talk to them about how the play dough feels. It can be sticky, gooey, slimy, wet or warm. Talk about what you are making: shape, size, color and number. Use lots of descriptive language: e.g. long, fat snake, big, flat pizza.

So make play dough for your little one and enjoy creating different shapes and art material. It's not only fun for kids even you will also enjoy as a parent. 

Sources: health.wa.gov.au, investinkids.ca,  infanttoddlerplay.suite101.com, instructables.com)