Homemade Play-Doh

While Samantha was in school last week, Sophia and Jack helped me make homemade Play-Doh.  Sometimes, I feel a little guilty because it seems as though we are always doing fun things while Sam is in school, but this was a project that I didn't feel too badly about because I knew that she would be able to play with it once she got home that day.

We have made homemade Play-Doh before, but this time was a little different because we chose to use kool-aid packets to both color and make the Play-Doh smell great!  (My mom can't handle the smell of Play-Doh and I have to admit, that I don't really care for it that much either).

First, we began by gathering all of our plastic containers and lids that would be used to store the Play-Doh in when we were finished.  Jack busied himself with that particular task ...

... while Sophia began adding the kool-aid for the first batch.

And then Jack discovered that Sophia had received a job that was a little more "hands on" and "physical" than his.  The look on his face says it all -- it definitely did not bode well with him.

So, Jack was then able to begin putting the ingredients together for the second batch.

Sophia was a happy onlooker.  (I just LOVE her absolute enthusiasm for life and any "projects" that we do together).

The first batch that we made was pink (strawberry), and while it turned out all right, I might consider using more than one packet of kool-aid next time in order to deepen the color a bit.

Doing their respective jobs:

Jack's batch was made with blue raspberry Kool-Aid, and Jack decided to play with it immediately using the help of a spatula.

Playing with the grape batch:

Ever the organizer, Jack began sorting the containers down on his level -- on the chair, rather than the countertop.

The final products, lined up and ready to show Samantha:

From left to right: blue raspberry, orange, strawberry, grape and green apple.

This was such a fun and easy project for the kids to do together.  It provided at least an hour of entertainment later than night and the Play-Doh is stored in the closet for future fun!