Salt dough is a great developmental activity for even the tiniest of hands. Aside from being a great fine motor/sensory activity, it can also incorporate the sense of smell (adding spices to your dough), cognitive skills (imagination and color matching/sorting if food color is added), and of course speech and language (talking about all the fun objects you are making).

EASY SALT DOUGH RECIPE

2 cups plain flour (not self-rising)
1 cup fine-grained plain salt
1/2 cup water at room temperature

Mix the salt and flour in a large bowl and then add the water. Knead the mixture for about five to 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with cling wrap to keep the dough from drying out, and let the dough sit for 30 minutes before using.

Fresh dough is best for modeling. However, if you find you have any leftover dough, it can be wrapped in cling wrap or an airtight container and stored in a cool place for a few days.

Try adding food coloring. Two or more food colors can be combined to make different colors and shades or for a marbled dough effect. Adding spices such as cinnamon, curry powder, saffron or paprika also act as natural dyes. Adding cocoa powder or instant coffee yields different hues of brown.

You can use simple household items like cookie cutters, a garlic press, jar lids or pastry wheels to make fun shapes and create ornaments.

The dough can be left to air dry or baked in the oven at approximately 200 degrees F until hardened.

This is a chance for you and your child to be creative together and above all to have fun!