The Head Start Program encourages parents to spend time with their children doing age-appropriate activities. The combination of fun and educational values make "Play Dough" and "Oobleck" a terrific indoor activity for young children and families anytime of the year.

1. Play-Dough Recipe

2 cups flour
2 cups water
½ cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar (drops of food coloring is optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a heavy saucepan until all lumps are gone. Heat mixture over a medium-high burner, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The mixture will begin to thicken and form big lumps. Stir like crazy! When the mixture is as clumped as you can get it and it resembles "wet" scrambled eggs, it is done. Dump the warm mixture out onto a clean surface. Allow it to cool a bit while you clean the pot and spoon. Then begin to knead the play dough. DO NOT ADD FLOUR! Have faith; the play dough will become less sticky as it cools while you knead it. Cool thoroughly before storing it in an airtight container.

2. "Oobleck" Recipe

1½ cups cornstarch
1 cup water (drops of food coloring are optional)

Mix the ingredients and allow children to play with the mixture. When "pushed" together, the mixture will appear dry and solid; as children let go of the mixture, it flows like a smooth liquid.