Support the Development of Children Recipes and Activities

Salt Ceramic Playdough Recipe Salt ceramic playdough can be used to make decorations and can be molded into shapes, made into beads, letters and used for making hanging decorations. Make any holes that might be required in the finished product before the playdough is left to harden. It can also be painted after it has hardened. Creative gifts can be made from this resource by the children for special occasions. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups salt 3/4 cup cornflour 1 cup water Playdough Recipe Instructions Mix the ingredients together in a pot, then cook over a low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes solid. Turn out and knead immediately. Makes enough for three or four children. Leave for 36 - 48 hours to harden.

Finger paint Ingredients: 2 cups white flour 2 cups cold water food coloring Directions Put water into a large bowl.  Slowly add the flour, while the children are stirring.  Once it's all mixed together, divide into smaller bowls and add food coloring.

Cooked Play Dough Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 cup salt 6 teaspoons cream of tartar 3 cups water 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Food coloring Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Blend water and oil together in a bowl. Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add several drops of food coloring until you get the right color. Cook for about five minutes. Take the play dough out of the saucepan and put it on a cutting board or counter and knead for a few minutes. Add flour if it's too sticky. Makes enough for four children.

Wax Drawing and Printing Apply a color wash over desired wax markings created from a wax crayon or candle either on paper or fabric. Where the wax has been applied, the paint or dye will not stick creating a print. This form of art is called batik. The word batik is from Java, it is represented through cultural marital art forms throughout Africa and Asia.

Ironed Wax Paper Activity Resources that can be used: Wax paper Crayon shavings Tissue paper pieces Cellophane pieces Leaves Encourage the children to come up with suitable resources! Have children arrange pattern, picture onto desired piece of wax paper, wax side up. Make the wax paper long enough to fold over the desired creation. Adult: Ensure wax paper is folded back over the entire creation ensuring it is covered. Place a thin material over the desired area to protect iron, and continue to iron until wax paper has sealed. This is a great way to make stain glass windows, group murals and wrapping paper and cards.

Cooked Goop Cooked Goop Makes enough for one tray up to two children. 2 cups water 1/2 cup cornstarch Food coloring Boil water in saucepan add cornstarch stirring until smooth. Add food coloring and stir. Remove from heat and cool. Provide a plastic tray with adequate sides. Makes enough for one tray up to two children.

Chocolate Pizza Melt cooking chocolate in microwave and pour onto desired size pizza tray. Top with sweets or fruit. Cut pizza slice indentations prior to chocolate hardening.

The Fun is in the Making and the Doing.