Salt Dough Decorations: Free Printable Recipe Card for Year 2
Salt Dough Decorations is a free printable recipe card for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Mix, shape and bake. Ask a grown-up for help. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea, and the answers. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This recipe card includes numbered questions with space to answer.
A look at what children will meet:
- You need: 2 cups of plain flour, 1 cup of table salt, 1 cup of water
- Mix the flour and salt in a big bowl
- Add the water a little at a time and mix to make a dough
- Knead the dough until it is smooth. Add a little flour if it is sticky
- Roll it out flat and cut out shapes with cutters
- Use a straw to make a hole for the string
- A grown-up bakes the shapes on a low heat until they are hard and dry
- When cool, paint your decorations and thread string through the hole
Who this is for
Year 2 (ages 6 to 7) in Key Stage 1.
Key Stage 1 covers Years 1 and 2, ages 5 to 7. Children are building secure foundations in reading, writing and number, and short playful practice at home helps those foundations stick. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Following steps
- Measuring
- Shaping
Follow a simple recipe in order and shape the dough into decorations.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: Art. Key stage: Key Stage 1. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Work through the steps in order with a grown-up. Ask a grown-up for help with hot things and knives. Contains wheat (gluten). Salt dough is not for eating.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2 and the answers.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
A grown-up measures. The child mixes, rolls and presses the cutters.
To stretch confident children
Ask them to change the recipe to make double the amount and write what they need.
Make it a game
Press a toy or a leaf into the dough to make a pattern before baking.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Wash hands and tie back long hair before you begin.
- An adult should handle anything hot or sharp.
- Check for allergies before you start.
A screen-free art activity for Year 2
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free art activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free art resources for teachers
Teachers can use this recipe card as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Art ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free art worksheets for Year 2, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider art plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Art and Design | Making | Year 2 |
What children will be able to do
- I can follow a simple recipe in order.
- I can shape dough into a decoration.
- I can say what I would change next time.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What did you do first, next and last?
- How did you shape your decoration?
- What would you do differently next time?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Drawing Prompt Cards | Same subject, one year down: Squiggle Turn Into Picture
Frequently asked questions
What age is Salt Dough Decorations for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1.
What will children practise?
Follow a simple recipe in order and shape the dough into decorations.
How do I use it?
Work through the steps in order with a grown-up. Ask a grown-up for help with hot things and knives. Contains wheat (gluten). Salt dough is not for eating.
What if it feels too hard?
A grown-up measures. The child mixes, rolls and presses the cutters.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Salt Dough Decorations suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More Christmas printables | More for Key Stage 1 | More art printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources