What can you make with three cups of flour, one cup of water, one cup of salt and two teaspoons of oil? Almost anything! This recipe makes salt dough that is very similar to Playdough. Small fingers can pound, roll, and pinch dough as they develop large and fine motor skills. If they don't like what they made or change their minds, they simply squish it and start over. This faux play dough can be air-dried but it can take days. The best method of hardening the dough is to bake it in a 350 degree oven for twenty minutes. Thick pieces take longer. They can be baked in a toaster oven or a kitchen oven on cookie sheets.

Plastic utensils can be used to cut the dough. Cookie cutters of various characters or shapes can be used. Six to eight inch dowels about an inch to an inch a half in diameter can serve as rolling pins for little hands. A straw can be used to poke a hole in the tops if the items will be used as ornaments.

Children can paint their creations with poster or acrylic paints. If one-part white glue is added to one-part paint, the item will be shiny and hold up better. Now is the time to bring out stray buttons, sequins, etc. Let the decorating begin! This dough is not harmful if ingested. It tastes very salty. If you use a vinyl tablecloth, this activity is a breeze to clean up. Toddlers and elementary students will enjoy working with this salty play dough.