Today's Tip for Families

2026-06-19

Use ‘Play Clay’ for Fun and Learning

Young elementary schoolers love to play with clay. No wonder: They can squish and pound it, as well as form it into many fascinating shapes.

You can make a wonderful play clay at home. And helping you prepare this recipe gives your child practice measuring.

You’ll need:

2 cups water
Food coloring
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Add a few drops of the food coloring to the water. Then, mix all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan. (Be sure to supervise closely at all times when your child uses the stove. You may not want to allow a younger child to use the stove at all.) Cook the ingredients over medium heat, stirring until a soft ball forms. Let the mixture cool. Knead slightly. Now your child is ready to form letters, numbers, shapes, animals or get creative and make imaginary things!

Give your child things to stick in the dough (popsicle sticks, straws), things to pound with (like a toy mallet), and things to make impressions with (jar lids, cookie cutters or bottle caps). Store the play clay in an airtight container to make it last longer.

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District