Are you tired of searching for fun and easy crafts to do with your kids? Do you want a sensory play activity that will keep your little ones entertained for hours? Look no further than homemade cloud dough! This simple and versatile craft is perfect for kids of all ages and is sure to bring smiles and laughter to your home.
Homemade Cloud Dough
First things first, let’s start with the basics. Cloud dough, also can be known as moon sand or kinetic sand, is a soft and moldable material that can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
The best part? It’s non-toxic and safe for kids to play with. No need to worry about harsh chemicals or harmful additives.
To make your own cloud dough, all you need is cornstarch and conditioner. Yes, it’s that simple! Mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/5 cup of conditioner, and voila – you have cloud dough! If you want to add some color and scent to your dough, feel free to add a few drops of food coloring or essential oils.
We personally had coconut conditioner on hand at home so we put in red food coloring and then let the natural scent of the conditioner and coconut come through without any essential oils being added in.
Benefits of homemade cloud dough
Now that you have your homemade cloud dough, let’s talk about the benefits. First and foremost, cloud dough is a sensory play activity. Sensory play is crucial for a child’s development, as it helps to improve their cognitive, motor, and social skills.
By manipulating and exploring the texture of the dough, children are using their senses and building important connections in their brain.
In addition to its sensory benefits, cloud dough is also a great way to improve fine motor skills. As children mold and shape the dough, they are strengthening their hand muscles and improving their hand-eye coordination.
This is especially beneficial for younger children who are still developing their motor skills.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Cloud dough is also a great tool for imaginative play. Children can use the dough to create sculptures, build castles, or even make “baked goods” in a pretend kitchen. The possibilities are endless!
By engaging in imaginative play, children are using their creativity and building important social skills, such as communication and problem-solving.
And let’s not forget about the benefits for parents. Homemade cloud dough is a budget-friendly activity that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
It’s also a mess-free activity that can be easily cleaned up with a vacuum or broom. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your child and spend quality time together.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get out your cornstarch and conditioner and start making your own cloud dough today!
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to keep your kids entertained on a rainy day or just want to incorporate more sensory play into your child’s routine, homemade cloud dough is the perfect solution. With its endless possibilities and numerous benefits, you and your child are sure to have a blast.
Sensory play with cloud dough ideas
Looking for some inspiration on how to use your cloud dough? Check out these fun ideas:
- Sensory bins – Fill a plastic bin with cloud dough and add toys or other objects for your child to explore.
- Art projects – Use the dough as a medium for sculpting or stamping.
- Letter or number formation – Use the dough to create letters or numbers, helping your child learn while they play.
- Texture exploration – Add different materials, such as sand or glitter, to the dough to create a unique sensory experience.
The possibilities are truly endless with homemade cloud dough. So, what are you waiting for? Get creative and start playing today!