Whether or not we have children or grandchildren, the benefits of adding a bit of play and lightheartedness into our day can’t be denied.
Getting outside is great, but when we’re staying indoors, here are a couple of ideas.
Make play-dough – This No-Bake Play-dough Recipe comes from Caroline Gravino via PBS for Parents.
Materials:
Large mixing bowl
1 cup water
4 cups flour
2-4 tablespoons cooking oil
1.5 cups salt
Food coloring
Glitter (optional)
Directions: Place water in mixing bowl. Add food coloring (blue + red = purple or follow any other color combination on the food coloring package) and stir well.
Add flour, stirring, and then salt, stirring well to combine.
Add oil, starting with 2 tablespoons and increasing to 4 if needed (additional can be added later, too, if the mix is too dry and crumbly).
Add generous amounts of glitter, if using, and mix well. Knead with hands until a soft dough is formed.
To store the dough, roll into small balls and keep in a plastic bag or container.
Make puffy sidewalk chalk – Bring some color to your neighborhood.
Materials:
Large mixing bowl
1 cup water
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon dish soap
5 to 10 drops food coloring or washable paint
Directions: Place water and flour in mixing bowl, stirring well until there are no lumps. Stir in the dish soap. Add food coloring (yellow + red = orange or follow any other color combination on the food coloring package) until the color of your choice is achieved and stir well.
Pour mixture into a squeeze bottle and start creating sidewalk art.
This recipe does not save well (and will explode if left in a closed container) so use it up the day it is made.
Purchase or download coloring pages. There are many downloadable coloring pages available. Baby Yoda fans will enjoy this: vulture.com/2020/01/baby-yoda-coloring-book.html.
How are you adding play to your day? Email us at examiner@seportland.news or post on our Facebook page: facebook.com/southeastexaminer