The Queux kitchen library

Cooked playdough

Make a small batch of dough for rolling and shaping. It is play material, even though the ingredients come from the pantry.

Generated activity illustration. Your result will vary.

Sensory play only — not for eating. Review contact allergies and mouthing behaviour. Food ingredients do not make this mixture suitable to eat.

Ingredients and materials

150 g plain flour
75 g salt
10 g cream of tartar
250 mL water
15 mL vegetable oil with its source checked
Optional centre-approved colouring; saucepan, spoon, washable mats and individual tools

An adult checks all ingredients, including colouring and oil, against the room’s allergy and skin-contact plans. Choose a non-food activity if those controls cannot be met.
Away from children, combine ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until a dough forms and pulls away from the pan.
Remove from the heat and cool completely. An adult checks the centre of the dough before children touch it.
Give each child a separate portion and clean tools on a washable mat. Roll, press and shape together under active supervision.
End the activity if children put material in their mouths. Dispose of contaminated portions; clean tools and surfaces, and wash hands after play.

Not edible: its high salt content makes this unsuitable for tasting. Keep it separate from snacks and meal preparation.
Cooking does not remove wheat allergens. Check contact exposure as well as eating risk.
This activity is unsuitable for children who are still mouthing materials unless the service has an appropriate alternative activity and supervision plan.

Can you make something long, something flat and something round using the same piece?