Materials
Homemade playdough (see recipe below)
small containers
scissors
grass clippings
Instructions
1. Let the children help make playdough according to the recipe on the next
page.
2. Give the children scissors and a small container. Take them outdoors and let
them use the scissors to clip some grass and put it into their containers.
Encourage them to clip the grass and not pull it up by the roots.
3. Show them how to use the scissors to shred the grass they have collected.
4. Encourage the children to add the grass to the playdough and knead firmly to
mix. Enjoy your grass playdough! Challenge the children to use the playdough
to create colorful sculptures.
5. If desired, change the playdough add-ins with the seasons. For example, use
flower cuttings in the summer and collect colorful leaves and shred them with
scissors in the fall.
Homemade Playdough
1 cup cold water
1 cup salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Tempera paint or food coloring
3 cups flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Mix water, salt, oil, and enough paint to make bright colors. Gradually work in
flour and cornstarch. Knead to consistency of bread dough.
More to do
Encourage the children to collect small rocks, pebbles, and sand. Add these to
the playdough for an interesting texture. Brainstorm with the children about other
things that can be added to playdough. Give each safe and reasonable suggestion
a try.
