This simple activity engages your child's senses through sensory play and uplifting scents.
Today, we're diving into a fun and therapeutic DIY project that your kids will love—aromatherapy playdough. Additionally, this simple activity engages your child's senses by combining the sensory and fine motor benefits of playdough with the calming and uplifting properties of scent. Different natural scents can help calm anxious minds, boost moods, and even improve concentration. This simple and hands-on project is perfect for a variety of ages and provides a creative way to bond with your child. For our little ones, learning through the senses in a fun engaging way is just an overall win, so let's get into it!
What You'll Need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of salt
- 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (vegetable oil works too!)
- 1 ½ cups of boiling water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Essential oils (lavender, chamomile, or any calming scent) OR citrus fruit (lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit) for scent
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon to mix with
- Airtight containers for storage
Step-by-Step Instructions for Scented Dough:
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Gather your Ingredients:
First, start by assembling all your ingredients and tools. This is a great opportunity to involve your child, letting them measure, pour, and help gather materials. (This promotes their independence, confidence, impulse control, and they will love being your helper!)
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. This forms the base of your playdough.
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Add Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the coconut oil and boiling water to the dry mixture. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
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Knead the Dough:
Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, knead it until it becomes smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it's too dry, add a few drops of water. (This is another great time to involve your little one!)
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*Optional* Add Color:
If you'd like to add color, knead or mix in a few drops of food coloring. If your child wants to make a few different color options, divide the dough into portions and then mix color into each portion. This can be a fun part for kids, allowing them to choose their favorite colors!
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Infuse with Scent:
Now, it's time to add the calming scents and turn your regular dough into aromatherapy playdough! Make a small indentation in each portion of dough and add 2-3 drops of the essential oil or citrus juice of your choosing. Lastly, knead thoroughly to distribute the fragrance evenly. Be mindful of the amount–a little goes a long way!
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Store Properly:
Store the playdough in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months!
Benefits of Aromatherapy Playdough:
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Fine Motor Skill Development
These are the skills that help your child write, dress themselves, open their backpack, and learn to tie their shoes!
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Aromatherapy:
Essential oils like lavender and chamomile are known for their calming properties. Playing with aromatherapy playdough can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a great activity before bedtime or during a stressful day.
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Hand-Eye Coordination
Physically this skill of course incorporates fine motor movements and the benefits that accompany those. However this skill also requires concentration and problem-solving, which can help kids develop cognitive skills. It can help the brain process information by organizing thoughts, distinguishing similarities and differences, and discriminating sounds.
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Creativity and Imagination
Playdough encourages creativity, allowing children to shape and mold their ideas into tangible forms. It's a fantastic way to foster imagination and artistic expression.
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Sensory and Calming Therapeutic Play
Children learn through their senses, so manipulating this DIY aromatherapy playdough sparks their sense of feel while inhaling the scent which enhances their smell receptors. Using their senses opens many avenues for inquiry based learning– a.k.a ask them questions and let them talk to you about what they are experiencing!
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Color Therapy
Choosing colors helps young children to develop critical thinking, promotes inquiry and investigation, and expands vocabulary. It also allows them to have choice which fosters their sense of confidence.
Tips for Success:
- Supervise Young Children
While this playdough recipe is generally safe (and might look and smell yummy) we do not recommend giving it a taste! This could be a good time to have a conversation with your child about food vs. not edible items.
- Experiment with Scents
Feel free to experiment with different essential oils or citrus juices. Citrus scents like orange or lemon can be invigorating and uplifting, while lavender can be calming and mint can be stress relieving.
- Make it Personal
Try adding glitter or small beads (even rice or pasta) for extra texture and visual appeal. Personalizing the playdough makes the experience even more special for your child.
Your Turn!
We hope this calming DIY aromatherapy playdough craft brings joy and tranquility to your home. Happy crafting!
For a chance to be featured, share your creations with us on social media using #PlaygroundPressKids. We can't wait to see your aromatic masterpieces!