This homemade oatmeal play clay is a fun version of homemade playdough you can make with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why make mess?
Playing with playdough or clay are both great small/fine motor activities that help strengthen the muscles in your child’s hands a wrists. These type of activities are important for future pencil grip. Your little one might not be ready to draw pictures or write their name yet but getting their hands ready for those skills starts early!
What’s the difference between a clay and a dough?
This one is called a play clay rather than a play dough because it comes out a little thicker than the typical playdough. This makes it a great activity to really get some strength in those fingers.
It’s one of the easiest recipes to make and I love the natural color of the oats and flour together. It reminds me of cookie dough, or bread dough. Which my daughter loves because she can pretend to be baking in the kitchen (or dining room table) just like Mommy.
If you want to add a little more fun to your play clay, adding food coloring just like regular playdough is the way to go. Just a 1-2 drops, is all you need in this small batch of clay. If you prefer a more natural look, you can leave the play clay plain and enjoy its natural oatmeal color.
Another thing I really love about this recipe is that it has not salt or chemicals, which means if it accidentally ends up in someone’s mouth… or swallowed you don’t have to worry about it making anyone sick.
Getting the kids involved.
There is no boiling or hot water involved in this recipe. Which means you can have your little one help in making this play clay as well.
Getting to help always makes activities more fun and memorable for them. Just premeasure the ingredients before you invite them to help to avoid any major spills.
My daughter likes to help in the kitchen. This is a great activity for her to do. I can give her the ingredients separately and a big bowl and let her do it mostly on her own. As it gets a little thicker she always needs a little help when it needs to be kneaded. Then she can play to her heart’s content in the same room as me while I get what I need to done!
Some helpful tips:
Make sure to use the right oats, for this play clay you need to use old fashioned oats, not quick oats. Make sure the container says “old fashioned” or “cooks in 5 minutes”.
If all you have is quick oats the clay will be sticky and you will need more flour. Quick oats also are not as thick or rough as the old fashioned oats so the texture will be closer to regular playdough.
If you are adding food coloring to the play clay, make sure to add only 1 or 2 drops. This is a very small batch of clay and doesn’t need more than that.
Also make sure to add the food coloring after the water but before you stir. If you add the food coloring during the kneading process, you could end up with food colored hands. I guess that wouldn’t be too bad, but just to ensure less transfers to yours or your child’s hands, make sure to add it before or during the stirring process.
Remember to take some time to play with your child and show them how to roll it out and use the cookie cutters if you have them. Experiencing things with you is what makes it fun.
Find more fun kids crafts to enjoy here
Oatmeal Play Clay
Materials
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 to 2 drops food coloring optional
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients (flour and oats) in a medium sized bowl.
- Add water and food coloring if using.
- Stir until mixture is no longer wet, if it seems sticky add a little flour. Sections or clumps may form this is fine they with come together when you knead the dough.
- Flour your counter or table and turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
- Knead dough for 3-4 minutes, the flour on your surface should help with any more stickiness. Try not to over flour or it with get dry and crumbly.
- When done playing store in airtight container for 1-3 days.
- Have fun playing with the little ones in your life. They are only little for a little while.
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