Lemon Playdough - lemon extract
I've read a few Montessori books that talk about learning through the senses. The playdough that I've made uses touch, sight and smell. I've been making playdough since the boys were little. I try to make just one color since most times too many colors will get mixed up and turn into an unappealing brown or gray. Analogous colors work best if you want to make more than one. Here's a recipe I was given from the family preschool the boys went to when we lived in Sunnyvale. If it's too wet for you, add flour. If it gets too dry, add a little vegetable oil. The recipe works well halved or quartered if you don't want to make so much.
Preschool Playdough
6 cups all purpose flour
3 cups table salt
4 Tbsp. + 2 Tsp. cream of tartar
6 cups water
3/4 cup vegetable oil (you can use a little less)
food coloring
extracts, oils or spices
1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot. Add food coloring or liquid watercolor.
2. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until ball forms.
3. Turn out onto a floured board and knead. Add in a few drops of extracts or oils or sprinkle in some spices.
4. Leave on board at room temperature to cool. Knead occasionally. When dough is cool transfer to airtight container or ziplock bag.
Some ideas for colors and scents:
Valentine's Day- Brown- Add cocoa powder. Make "candies" and put into empty candy boxes.
St. Patrick's Day- Green- Add mint extract. Shape into clovers.
Fall- Red- Add cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Shape into apples.
Summer- Yellow- Add lemon extract. Shape into suns and create a beach scene using dough as sand.
Halloween/Thanksgiving- Orange- Add pumpkin pie spice. Shape into jack o lanterns and turkeys.
Winter- White- Add clear vanilla extract and silver glitter. Make into snowflakes and snowmen.
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