What are plasticine made from and what to offer a child

It's no secret that clay is a great material for creativity, both for children and adults. True, the characteristics of special and conventional plasticine still make you think: "And from what do plasticine? Also what to offer the child? »

Classic clay consists of paraffin or wax, petrolatum (the product that is obtained from the distillation of petroleum), chalk, kaolin and dyes. However, modern manufacturers are trying to add new characteristics to widely known products. Thus appeared a floating, ball-like, solidifying and non-cooling plasticine. Also children are offered paste for modeling, sculpted clay, mass for molding or dough, it is also called edible plasticine ... In general, it is easy to get lost in such a variety even by adults, and children usually want all kinds at once.

What makes plasticine with special functions, for example, floating or the one that after firing becomes rubber, is not exactly known, and on the packaging you are unlikely to find the composition. However, to risk the health of the child is still not worth it, even if it was a gift from your beloved grandfather or uncle. Just postpone using this gift until 3 years. By the way, usually on the package there are instructions with age limits.

Children of the smallest age category (from year) can be offered edible clay. It is easy to buy, and you can do it yourself. Most likely, home plasticine will be even better, because create it realistically with the child. So, the recipe for plasticine: 1 part flour, 0.5-1 part salt (preferably, fine), a small amount of water, quite a bit of sunflower oil. At the rate of 1 kg of weight - 1 tablespoon of oil. You can also add Allan powder, which is sold in a pharmacy and used to make medicines. It is not superfluous to add a small amount of food colorings. But they can paint their hands a little during molding. Such clay is not agreed, but even if a piece is swallowed, nothing terrible will happen, and you will not be worried: what plasticine is made of and what to do ?!

Secrets of plasticine can also be opened with the help of its wax variety, which is very easy to warm up and suitable for any, even weak fingers. For babies it is better not to buy plasticine with fluorescent colors. There is also a flaw in this species - it is badly attached if you want to collect a figure from several parts.

Paste for modeling is also an alternative for small ones. It is soft and pleasant in work. Another of its pluses can be considered a property to harden in the air after a few hours. Figures from such a paste do not need to be burned. But as a minus, you can select a limited number of color solutions: terracotta and white. But really use the paints.

It is also pleasant to work with clay, but it is more suitable for children from 5 years, because Strongly sticking to her hands and capricious in her work - she lacks plastic properties. However, as an option for a variety of creative activities for younger students, you can offer such material.

Ball-type plasticine is suitable for children from 3 years. If your child is all pulling in his mouth, it is better to still remember the recipe for home-made plasticine and wait with this miracle. It consists of such plasticine from balls, which are held together by an adhesive base. But still, such plasticine does not stick to the hands, it does not need to be kneaded for a long time before work, it perfectly hides some inaccuracies of fashioned masterpieces and the colors are bright and pleasant enough. There are minuses in all varieties, and this clay is not an exception. All secrets of plasticine when working with this option will not exactly open. Working with it excludes some stages, for example, the eyes can be made from one ball and can not sculpt it. It is also impossible to mold a perfectly flat figure, if your child is already capable of this. And, in general, scrupulousness when working with such plasticine will become a hindrance.

But still the choice is yours, and let your head be filled with new creative ideas, and not with the question: "What are plasticine made of?"