Today we discovered that our current play dough was dry and crusty and decided to make a new batch of fall play dough! Here I’d like to highlight all the ways in which a simple activity, such as making play dough, can provide a plethora of learning opportunities and discussion topics for all of our preschoolers and kindergarteners.
The first thing we had to decide is what scent to make our play dough. We smelled many different spices and voted if we liked the scent or not. This provides a sensory experience as we used our noses and helped us state our opinions. While counting up the votes we practiced counting, the concepts of more/less, and recording information. We discovered everyone liked the smell of apple pie spice!
Next we began measuring the ingredients for our play dough. This allowed us to practice measuring, counting, and fine motor skills as we had to be exact in our measurements. We discovered that we use some of the same ingredients making play dough as we do when we make muffins: flour, salt and oil (making connections).
This process also allows us to practice taking turns and following directions. Friends must be patient while others are working with the play dough, knowing that they will also have a turn soon.
While choosing a color to make our play dough, the topic of colors naturally came up. We predicted what colors would mix to make orange and learned that red and yellow (two primary colors) make orange!
And after the play dough is finished cooking, friends get to play with it! They learn the satisfaction that comes from seeing something though from beginning to end.
Although adults may find making play dough a simple and straightforward activity, to our little people it offers a rich and engaging learning experience across many dimensions.
Have a wonderful weekend! –Jessica
Wee Sprouts: Carrots. Breakfast: Brown rice cakes with peanut butter and fresh pears. Lunch: Whole wheat bread with hummus and fresh green beans and strawberries/blackberries. Snack: Mozzarella cheese sticks and pretzels.
