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Learning · The activity desk

Mix two dough colors

Press two colors of playdough together and notice the change.

Let's play →

A little plan for play

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What you need

Two large portions of age-appropriate playdough in different colors and a washable surface

Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.

Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.

Set up: An adult checks the dough ingredients for allergies and places both portions on the surface.

Adult's role: Stay close, prevent tasting and ask what the child notices. Explain that the resulting shade depends on the colors used.

Let's make it happen

  1. Name or point to the two colors and press each portion flat.
  2. Stack the portions and fold them together a few times. Look for streaks of each color.
  3. Continue pressing if you wish and describe the new mixture. Compare it with the original colors you remember.

Make it simpler: Press the two colors side by side without mixing them.

Clean up: Put dough away out of reach of children and pets; wash hands and the surface.

For ages 3 and up with close adult supervision. Playdough is not food; prevent tasting and check ingredients for allergies. Keep it away from pets.

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