This is such a fun activity to do with children. They can help with the everything - from gathering nature to making the playdoh alongside their grownup.
- Gather natural materials from outside. Guide them to find pieces that would work for making a face: eyes, nose, ears, hair, mouth. This playful activity can be enjoyed indside or outside.
- Gather supplies for playdoh: cream of tartar, flour, table salt, and vegetable oil.
- Roll out playdoh to make the shape of a face. These can be different - oval, round, square, oblong.
- Add nature pieces to give the face expressions and character.
- Playful learning opportunities: Discuss how everyone is different and uniquely beautiful. Discuss feelings and how when we are happy, sad, angry, surprised: our face expresses those feelings. Model expressions on your own faces and be silly!
- Find illustrated children’s books at the library about feelings and empathy.
- Make faces onto trees in your yard. Give trees a face using this simple and playful way of using playdough.
- Talk about body language and act out how feelings can be expressed using our whole body. Have your children guess how you feel just by looking at your body - pretend to be sad, angry, mad, silly, happy, confused, and worried.
Playdough Recipe:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 cups water
4 tsp cream of tartar
4 tablespoons oil
Mix dry ingredients while water is coming to a boil on the stove. After water is boiled, pour it carefully in with dry ingredients along with oil and mix well. Caution as it will be hot.
When dough has cooled a little- knead until well blended. Add more oil if dry. Store in a sealed container or ziplock bag. The playdoh will keep for months. If it seems dry, add a few drops of water or oil and knead it in until rehydrated.