Another really interesting topic discussed at one of the Pregnancy and Parenting Network get togethers was development through play. Play is so important, not only is it fun it is a child's way to learn about the world about them. Play helps develop physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. A lot of our discussion focused on using materials available in your home and the value of simple toys that encourage creativity. I promised to post a few craft recipes . I'd love to hear your thoughts on play and any recipes you'd like to share.

Slime

Ingredients
1/2 cup white glue
6 Tbsp. water
food colouring
1-4 tsp. Borax
1-4 Tbsp. water

Method
Mix the glue, 6 tablespoons water and food colouring until it is dissolved. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon borax into 1 tablespoon water. Add to the glue solution. You will get a very thick clump of slime when the two mix. Pull the clump of slime out of the glue mixture and put it in a separate bowl.
Mix another batch of the borax solution and add to the remaining glue mixture. Repeat until all the glue mixture is used (about 3-4 times). With clean hands, knead the slime to mix. This will take about 10 minutes and is not very difficult as the slime easily separates between your fingers. If a looser, more slimy texture, is desired knead in a bit more water. The more water you add, the slimier it gets. The slime doesn't leave a residue and doesn't get stuck on anything.

Cooked Playdough

Ingredients
2 cups of flour 4 tbsps cream of tartar
1 cup salt 2 tbsps of cooking oil
food colouring 2 cups of water

Method
Mix all the ingredients together in a large saucepan and stir over a medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture congeals. You can split the playdough up into smaller quantities after it is cooked and add different colours for even more fun.