Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 11/3/2004

Question
I have my granddaughter staying with me for a few days (she'll be 5 on 11/28) and would like to get some ideas for fun, easy projects to do with her.  Thanks

Answer
Hi, Jeanne...

Oh, my. There are so many wonderful fun things to do with this age!

Take a walk looking for pinecones and leaves to glue into a collage on cardboard.
Go to the park and enjoy playing!
Make Playdough and pound and roll. Add some shampoo to it to make it smell pretty!

Here are a few recipes with Kool Aid for color and fragrance:

Scented Playdough
Materials:
1 c flour
1/2 c salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 Tsp oil
1 c water
1 pkg Kool Aid (will turn the playdough a great color!)

To do:
Mix all ingredients.  Cook over medium heat until very
thick.  Knead until smooth.  Keep in an airtight
container.  Should last for several months

More Kool-Aid Playdough
Materials
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 T. cooking oil
1 cup water

To do:
Color with food coloring or 1 pkg. of unsweetened Kool-Aid, add directly to the water to make mixing easier.

Add all the ingredients in a microwavable bowl.  Stir every minute until it forms a ball.  Takes about 5 or 6 minutes to cook.  Let cool and store in a ziplock bag.  I usually make a double batch.  I found the original microwave playdough recipe on an Australian teacher's website last year and haven't cooked my playdough on top of the stove since.


ABSOLUTELY ...Check my website for some free art ideas:
www.brightring.com
Go to the section called "Free Art Activities"

And browse the internet for ideas too. I also would like to suggest the book "Preschool Art" by MaryAnn Kohl, published by Gryphon House. You can find it used at Amazon.com or Half.com. It is FULL of ideas.

Have fun building memories with your granddaughter! She's lucky to have you,
MaryAnn
www.brightring.com