Pumpkin Pie Playdough

If you are like me, when I think of Thanksgiving I think of pumpkin pie (and of course all of the other delicious foods!). So naturally I want to share a Pumpkin Pie Playdough recipe with you.
I know I have said this many times before, but playdough is SO good for children. Not only does it build and strengthen small muscles in the hands and fingers but it is a wonderful sensory learning experience. Honestly, I believe you could practice any skill using playdough, i.e. letters, sounds, counting, addition/subtraction, etc. All you need is a ball of playdough and directions for the activity. Tip: Children only need a fistful of playdough. Si try it in your literacy or math centers. You will be amazed!!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Ingredients:
2 cup Flour
1 cup Salt
2 tablespoon Cream of Tartar
2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
2 cup Water
Nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice
Orange food coloring (add to water)

Directions:
1. In a medium sized bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well. Add wet ingredients to bowl and, again, mix well.

2. Add contents to a large pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it forms a ball.

3. The dough is ready when the mixture pulls away from the pan and when the wet parts begin to look dry.

4. Turn the dough onto your counter-top and knead it until smooth. It will be quite warm to the touch, so be careful!

5. Add the spices AFTER the dough has cooled. The scents won't "take" as well when the dough is hot/very warm. The spices will turn the orange dough a nice pumpkin color.

6. Place playdough balls in an airtight container.

I doubled the recipe. This recipe makes a large ball. Remember children only need an amount the size of their fists. You can easily cut it in half.

ENJOY!