Playdough and Multiplication

These chilly dark days of November prompted us to make up a new batch of playdough.

I like this recipe from Festivals Family and Food by Diana Carey and Judy Large - (cook in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until dough forms. It can be still slightly sticky to touch when done and then remove from pan and knead in just a touch of flour).

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 T. oil

2 t. cream of tartar

1 1/2 cup water

I then divided the dough into small balls and using a toothpick and cake decorating colors, "hid" some coloring in the center of the ball and gave them one at a time to each child to knead and find out what color surprise they had.

After the children kneaded their colors through, rolled, cut with cookie cutters, and sculpted, I showed them how to roll out the dough, cut out a square and then cut it up in lines to multiply. For example, ten lines horizontally and then 8 lines vertically would equal 80 little tiny squares.

I couldn't resist a little extra learning during their playtime.

Warm wishes. Tonya