So there is this great product on the market, it’s a type of sand that kids obsess over, it holds its shape when squeezed and is easily vacuumed up – but it also costs a small fortune and I don’t really like spending money on things that go up the vacuum, ya know?
But, this little magic cloud dough recipe serves a similar purpose, costs next to nothing, you probably have the ingredients in your kitchen right now and your children can make it themselves. Not bad, hey? This is a great activity for preschoolers, they are learning with their hands at this stage and anything that encourages concentration, gets them to manipulate things in different ways and stimulates the senses* is going to be super beneficial for their little brains, but bigger kids can have lots of fun with it too.
Best bit: It will keep them entertained for literally minutes.
*You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the mix but because I have an ‘eater’ I didn’t. He needs no encouragement.
Supplies:
- Plain flour: 5 cups
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup
- Glitter: 2 tablespoons
- Food colouring: 1 tablespoon
- Other options: Scented oil, peppermint essence, confetti, etc
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a lasagna dish and get the kids to mix it all together. 
Step 2: Gather a bunch of tools for the kids to use. I have put a lot here so you guys can get some ideas, but usually I would pick one or two as kids tend to concentrate better when they have a clear purpose. You may notice that I am using glass, wood and metal rather than plastic when possible. This is because glass has a nice weight to it, the kids can see through it and if they drop it, it breaks. Life lesson, right? But keep an eye on them! Also, all the different sized tools really help their hand muscles get ready for holding pencils..
Step 3: Show them some different things they can do, like making sandcastles, stamping shapes, scooping squeezing, etc. They will soon get the hang of it.
Step 4: Make your self a cuppa and take a seat. 
More ways to keep the kids happy:
- 5-Minute Microwave Playdough Recipe
- 26 Amazing Sensory Play Ideas (& How Sensory Play Benefits Kids)
- Science at Home
Images: Barbara O’Reilly
