DYI Mermaid Playdough
This mermaid playdough is a great sensory activity for all children. Not only is it a super fun activity, great for encouraging creativity, it’s also has a number of benefits. Playing and building with playdough strengthens the finger and small hand muscles, developing pre-writing skills. It is also fantastic for hand-eye coordination and control. Many senses are also involved: seeing, hearing, touching and smelling.
Once you’ve made your playdough, add different mermaid themed elements to a tray for your child to explore. These can be anything you have around the house, from craft items like pompoms and sequins, to kitchen items such as sprinkles or utensils. And don’t forget a range of toys! Ones that can be washed later are my go to!
What you'll need
- 1 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive, canola or vegetable)
- Purple, pink and blue food colouring
How to make them
1. Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Slowly stir in the water and oil, and mix until combined.
3. Once all the water and oil is mixed in, form it into a ball and let it sit in the bowl for 5-10 minutes.
4. Split the ball into three even portions and place into separate bowls. Create a small well in the middle of each and add a few drops of food colour.
5. Fold the dough over the food dye and gently knead each ball for a few minutes until the food dye is spread throughout.
6. If your playdough is sticky, add a little bit more flour. If it is dry, add a little bit of water.
7. Once your playdough is ready, set up your mermaid themed tray to encourage play. Some items to include in your set up could be little mermaid or sea creature toys, bright colourful sprinkles, colourful pompoms, shells, flowers or glitter. Then, let your littles ones imaginations run wild!
8. When not in use, store your playdough in ziplock bags to keep it fresh for many days.
You can find this activity and more in our Mythical Creatures book boxes. Do you have a mermaid lover who'd love to play with this great mermaid playdough? Tag us in at @inspirebookbox on Facebook and Instagram and show us your kids creations!
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