Fossils

I used this recipe for "Coffee Ground Fossils" (great site - annoying pop-up). I mixed the dough the night before and made individual balls, wrapped them in plastic wrap and squashed them flat. When I mixed the dough, I found it to be more batter-like than desirable, so I added another 1/2c. salt and 1c. flour. It was still soft and sticky the next day. they left it out for a few hours to stiffen up and managed some fossils. I had to move them off of the kitchen table for dinner, and they lost some definition... so I'm not sure I'm 100% thrilled with the recipe. I think I may have gone wrong with the coffee grounds. we are NOT coffee drinkers, so my ILs put some in a Ziploc for us. They were still damp, but not dripping when I added them. perhaps they should have been dry.. the boys enjoyed this, so it may be worth a do-over. I also had to let them dry for 3 days and they still aren't totally dry. Perhaps "baking" in the sun would have helped.... or better yet... in the oven.

*This is a rare "Thomas the Tank Engine" fossil made by #1 who is having a hard time handing the trains over to #3...

Playdough Day

• Last summer, as a treat, Fridays were Playdough days. It was such a big hit, that it has mad a return this summer. At the end of a busy week, it is a nice no-brainer for the staff here at DDC.
  
  I have a bin loaded up with:
  containers of playdough
• tools
• 2 plastic tablecloths

You can get big bags of small containers in the party sections of the discount stores. I've had great success finding deals on them at the dollar store as well.

"Tools" can include plastic utensils, cookie cutters, small plastic rolling pins... just about anything. Plastics are good because they are non-porous (easy to clean) and tough to break.

Tablecloths also came from the dollar store. one goes on the table - one under it. Better still, set them up at a table outside!

You can guide this activity as much - or as little - as you like. We prefer to let them explore and create. Aside from having fun, they are strengthening their hands and developing fine motor control, imagination and creativity. It also provides them with visual and tactile stimulation. If you prefer to guide them a bit mroe, use the dough to teach colors, shapes, letters, numbers and even words! blend colors together and explore the color wheel!