Spring Cloud Dough Recipe Tutorial

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make cloud dough and share ways to extend your learning and play.

If you are curious about making your own dough, this is a GREAT place to start! It is soft, squishy and only requires two ingredients to make.

Cloud dough is so soft, so squishy & such a fun sensory recipe! It is easy to make, using materials you likely have on hand and can be differentiated in so many ways!

This TWO-ingredient, non-cook dough is a perfect one to let your learner make on their own. Not only will they work on following a recipe, but it will also provide opportunities for them to work on measurement, problem solving, patience & more!

Here we added a festive Spring twist with the yellow color and themed-trinkets, but you can leave it as is and still have SO much fun with it!!

Want to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your play? Use a scented conditioner! Our favorite is strawberry or coconut. I usually grab what I can find at the Dollar Store and keep it on hand!

Sensory Play encourages learning through curiosity, creativity, and free exploration of materials.

It can be a safe way to release big energy or emotions!

Sensory Play supports:

• Language development & vocabulary

• Cognitive growth

• Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)

• Gross motor skills (big movements)

• Problem-solving skills

• Communication

• Exploration of textures

• One's ability to make connections

• The concept of cause & effect

Using cloud dough is a great way to strengthen fine motor skills. The more you squish and squeeze, the stronger your fingers and hands will be.

The stronger your fingers and hands are, the easier it is to accomplish big tasks such as feeding yourself, zippering your coat, tying your shoes and holding a pencil.

Strengthening these skills through hands-on activities, like play dough, is so good for early learners. It keeps engaged, entertained and playing, all while they learn and strengthen big skills!

Exploring play dough also supports creative and imaginative play. Maybe they are making a person, or an animal or a planet? Maybe they are poking holes to make a garden or a cake for your birthday?

While they are creating, they are enhancing their language and vocabulary skills. They could be asking for help, learning to use full sentences or being exposed to new descriptive words. They could even be practicing important social skills by sharing supplies, asking for a turn and learning to share space.

Sensory play can also be extremely calming. It can also be a safe way to explore big emotions.

The possibilities for learning and play are truly endless!

Want to extend your learning and play? Try these ideas!

• Use alphabet or number stamps to practice letters and numbers.

• Roll the dough into a "snake" and use plastic scissors to practice cutting.

• Use the dough to form shapes, letters or numbers.

• Use a plastic knife to practice cutting.

• Hide small objects in the center of a play dough ball. Have kids use their fingers to dig them out.

• Make or purchase a variety of colors of dough and work on color identification. This also lends itself to learning about color theory and what colors mix together to create new colors.

Materials:

• Cornstarch

• Hair conditioner or lotion

• Mixing cup

• Bowl

• Spoon

• Sensory tray or bowl

• Any tools or trinkets you'd like

Step 1: Measure and pour (1) cup of conditioner or lotion into the bowl.

Step 2: If you are adding food coloring, mix it in now.

Step 3: Pour in (2) cups of cornstarch.

Step 4: Mix all of the ingredients until fully incorporated. After you mix your dough, it may still look a bit crumbly. Here's where your hands get a workout! Take the mixture out & knead it. The more you squish & squeeze & smoosh the dough, the softer it gets! As all of the ingredients blend together, the dough becomes silky soft, easy to mold & perfect for little hands.

Step 5: Place it on your sensory tray or bowl, add in your favorite tools and trinkets and PLAY!

Our favorite cloud dough tools:

• Cookie cutters

• Wooden or plastic rollers

• Safety scissors

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it soft.

• If it starts to get dry, add a little more conditioner or lotion.

• If it is too sticky, add a little more cornstarch.

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