Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 2 cups dry pasta, any small shape
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup table salt
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 cup water for the play dough
- 3 cups cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups unscented hair conditioner
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the cloud dough
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup uncooked spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup dry black beans or large dry pasta shells
- 1 cup washable liquid watercolor or food coloring, divided among recipes as needed
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 1 teaspoon glitter, optional
- 5 cups warm water for the sensory foam and water beads
- 1 small package water beads, used according to the package directions
- 5 shallow plastic bins, each about 12 inches long
- 5 mixing bowls, each at least 2 quarts
- 5 measuring cups, 1 cup size
- 5 tablespoons
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 silicone spatula
- 1 baking sheet, about 12 by 18 inches
- 1 roll parchment paper
- 1 washable tablecloth or drop cloth
- 1 pair reusable kitchen gloves
- 1 fine-mesh strainer, optional
- 1 airtight container, at least 2 quarts
Instructions
- Cover the table with the washable tablecloth or drop cloth.
- Set up the work area with five bins, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons within reach.
- Place parchment paper on the baking sheet for the dyed rice and pasta.
- Make the colored rice by adding 2 cups uncooked white rice to a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon liquid watercolor or a few drops of food coloring. Stir until the color coats most of the grains, then spread the rice over half of the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the colored pasta by placing 2 cups dry pasta in the same bowl and adding 1 tablespoon liquid watercolor or food coloring. Stir until the color looks even, then spread the pasta beside the rice.
- Leave both materials uncovered until they feel dry, usually 2 to 4 hours.
- Prepare the play dough by adding 1 cup flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon cream of tartar to a bowl. Stir in 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, and 1 tablespoon liquid watercolor or food coloring, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on the protected table for about 3 minutes until it becomes smoother.
- Mix the cloud dough by combining 2 cups cornstarch, 2 cups rolled oats, and 1 cup flour in a clean bowl. Add 1/2 cup vegetable oil slowly while stirring until the mixture feels soft and crumbly.
- Make the sensory foam by pouring 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon dish soap into a bowl. Whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until a mound of bubbles forms, then add a small amount of liquid watercolor if desired.
- Prepare the spaghetti and bean bin by breaking 1 cup uncooked spaghetti into 1-inch pieces and placing it in one bin with 1 cup dry black beans or large pasta shells.
- Soak the water beads by placing 1 small package of water beads in a container with 3 cups warm water, following the package directions. Let them expand for 4 to 6 hours, then drain through the fine-mesh strainer.
- Try the materials before inviting play to ensure they are good quality.
- Offer one or two bins at a time for children to explore.
- Store the play dough in an airtight container after it cools. Let dyed rice and pasta dry completely before sealing.
Notes
Supervise children closely, especially with small materials that pose choking hazards. Keep all ingredients out of reach when not in use and wash hands after play.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
