Friday, February 6, 2009

quick and easy




This morning Andrew and I made some play dough! I used this recipe all of the time when I was teaching and it really makes a nice, smooth dough. We tried to make it red, but settled with more pink! Try it out!

1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1 t cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 T oil
food coloring
vanilla extract (or peppermint, almond, whatever you like!)

put everything in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it is nearly set. Let it cool. On a floured surface knead it into a smooth dough. I usually add a little more flour if it seems sticky.

In Mommy School Andrew and I use playdough and number cookie cutters to make 2 digit numbers (what numbers do we need for 23? a 2 and a 3? ok, let's cut out the 2 and the 3. Now, which one goes first?). Andrew's not so strong with his fine motor skills, so using the playdough helps him work on the cognitive skill of numeracy without having the frustration of working a pencil and paper. Plus, manipulating play dough builds strength and function in his hands so that using pencil and paper will be easier for him. And, it's pretty fun. And relaxing! win-win-win-win!

5 comments:

Kirsten said...

When I was little, my Mom/preschool teacher made playdough with almond extract. It took me a long time to like almond flavoring after that. (especially marizpan) My primary association with that smell was play dough.

And Happy Friday!

Cat said...

Does Andrew already know his numbers up to 23??? I'm starting to stress because Jacob only knows up to 10 (and he often forgets 7...)

Dave said...

Oh my goodness, Cat! Don't worry at all!!! It's completely normal for kiddos Jacob's age to not know any numbers at all! Most of my incoming Kindergartener's could read 0-10, but that was at age 5. Don't stress it! It'll come. ;) seriously.

Goes On Runs said...

your labels are a great addition! we will be utilizing this recipe next week. thanks for posting a recipe... i know you hate it!

Anonymous said...

I was talking to Tara and her mom about your mommy schoool yesterday. The question is whether to send the boys to preschool even though they will be a very young 3 or to do something at home on my own. I'm trying to make note of all of these great ideas!!

-Steph