Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    Restoring Dried Play Doh

    Early Childhood
    School Specialty • Aug 22, 2017 • Last Modified: Nov 6, 2020

    How to Restore Dried Playdough

    Playdough is a mixture made from salt, flour and water, and quickly dries out when left outside of a sealed container for very long. Instead of tossing playdough when it’s dried out, take some time to revive it and put the moisture back in. This messy, yet fun classic creative outlet can be reused after being left out with just a little time and effort.

    Steps for Fixing Dried-Out Playdough

    You might think to yourself “I’ve reminded them to put this away when they are done,” and you are probably right. But the dough doesn’t have to be thrown away once it’s dried up a bit, you can salvage it. Follow these steps to get it back in great shape for play time.

    Step 1: Assess the Damage

    Depending on how dry the dough has become, you may need to do a little more work. Dough that has merely begun to dry on the exterior and is still soft and malleable on the inside can be worked back into shape with just a few drops of water. Simply knead the water into the dough until it has returned to its normal state.

    If that doesn’t work, try wrapping the dough in a wet paper towel and setting it aside for a few hours. This should allow the moisture to seep into the dough. It might require kneading afterwards to absorb any extra water.

    If the dough has hardened past this point, continue reading. You will need:

    • Water
    • Resealable Plastic Sandwich Bag

    Step 2: Break Into Pieces if Necessary

    Take the hardened dough and break it into pieces. This will allow it to absorb water more quickly.

    Step 3: Place In Bag & Add Water

    Place the broken pieces in the bag with a few drops of water to start. You can add more water as you go, but it’s important not to add too much.

    Step 4: Massage Until Usable

    Start to knead the water and the dough together, adding a few drops whenever you need. Adding too much water will make the color bleed, so patience is key. Once you’ve given the dough time with the water, it should be as good as new.

    Looking for Classroom-Sized Packs of Playdough and Modeling Dough?

    Classroom packs of playdough and modeling dough are a great budget-friendly option. Also be sure to stop by our Early Childhood blog category page for more tips, ideas, and activities for young learners. 

    Shop Playdough & Modeling Dough Classroom Packs

    Read More: Early Childhood

    Updated 11/6/2020
    Facebook Comments

    Recommended

    Investigation to Integration: The Teacher’s Role in Early Childhood STEAM

    STEAM & STEM

    Investigation to Integration: The Teacher’s Role in Early Childhood STEAM

    Clean Your Messy Room

    Organization & Storage

    Clean Your Messy Room

    Block Play: Stacked with STEAM

    STEAM & STEM

    Block Play: Stacked with STEAM

    Family Engagement: One Size Does Not Fit All

    Early Childhood

    Family Engagement: One Size Does Not Fit All

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS

    Copyright © 2022 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube