Learning Objective: EYFS Maths

Shape, space and measures: children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems

Resources

Bowls, vegetable oil, table salt, plain flour, boiling water, cream of tartar

Measuring Cups

Small sticks, feathers, googly eyes, natural materials

Natural dyes – turmeric, water that has had beetroot steeped in, or natural food colours

Coveralls

Water

Pre-made ingredient cards

A variety of tools for dough play

Introduction

Lay out some tables outside and protect the work surface. Explain to the children they will be making their own play dough.

Activity

Make all the ingredients and cards available to the children, and support them in the following of the instructions as follows, measuring the ingredients together

Ingredients: 1.5 cups of flour / 1/2 cup of salt / 2 tbs of cream of tartar / 1 tbs of oil / colouring Lavender and mandarin essential oils 1 cup of boiling water Directions: Mix all ingredients except the boiling water together into a large mixing bowl Add the boiling water and mix well (Note, the food colouring will mix in better if added to the boiling water). Please take care when using boiling water around children. Allow the children to mix the ingredients with the spoons, again taking great care while the mixture cools.

Allow the children to choose what colour they would like to make the dough, and offer egg shaped cutters, or model how to make a chick with the natural materials.

Extension

Have paper and pencils available for the children, and ask them to write down their recipe, or the name of the creation they have made!