Silly Putty Recipe



Here's Silly Putty Recipe laid out with step by step instructions. Before that let's look at the background and its origin.

What is Silly Putty ?

The name itself lures and excites most preschool kids.It is stretchable and flexible, kind of rubbery, yet gooey in texture. Such texture delights and captivates preschool children for hours as it involves one of their five senses - the sense of feel and touch.

Silly Putty was first known as Nutty Putty. Today people also call it Bouncing Putty, Potty Puttyor Thinking Putty.

It was initiated and patented by Crayola who is known for their crayons, color pencils, playdough.... etc - a great supplier for preschool crafts.



Time required

  • It only takes 10 to 15 minutes


Ingredients & materials required

  • 2 parts Elmer's glue
  • Food coloring, optional (note: color may stain)
  • 1 part Sta-Flo liquid cornstarch


Step by Step instructions

  • Pour glue and coloring in plastic container.

  • Stir until color is thoroughly mixed in.

  • Add starch a little at a time, stirring with a spoon or kneading with your fingers as mixture thickens.

  • Keep stirring until mixture holds together like putty.

  • Test with your fingers: Add more glue if the consistency is too thick or stiff. Add more starch if it is too thin or runny

  • Put Silly Putty aside to dry

  • Store in air tight container, ready for use.





Caution to parents and teachers

  • Food coloring stains. So avoid contact with clothes, wall, carpet, especially children's hair - watch out for the girls' long hair !

  • If kids are wearing long sleeves shirt, tell them to push up their sleeves.

  • It is advisable to gather the kids around the table so they are under close supervision.

  • Smaller kids take warning instructions seriously especially when you describe the disastrous consequences. Don't scare them though :)


Use this Silly Putty Recipe anytime when you want to:

  • teach about the sense of touch

  • teach about flexibility and elasticity.

  • teach length - eg. short, long, shorter, longer...

  • you want something to keep your kids occupied :)

  • you want something to talk about with other parents

  • you want to share this recipe - its free!



See Also

Preschool Art Projects

Preschool Crafts

Preschool Activities

Preschool Cooking Activities

Outdoor Activites for all seasons

Check out more Preschool Themes

Preschool Resources



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