Did you know?

Playdough at playgroup provides opportunities to develop social skills such as sharing and cooperative play. It is a great introduction to pretend play. “Let’s make a birthday cake”.

Add Language

Adjust the words you use depending on the children’s age. Repeat simple, single words “roll” “push” “cut” to describe younger toddlers’ actions. Repeat words and wait for them to copy you. For older children playdough provides lots of opportunity to explore words about the touch and feel of playdough “sticky, smooth, soft”.

Other Development

Playdough provides the opportunity for children to develop finger strength essential for many later tasks such as using pencils and scissors. Playdough scissors are a safe way of introducing cutting skills without the sharp blade.

Variations

You could set up playdough a little differently each week; sometimes using glitter, popsticks or match sticks; other weeks using rolling pins and cutters, or cups, plates, knives and forks for a food themed pretend play session. Other themes could include farms, dinosaurs or birds’ nests.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how playdough can be fun for babies, toddlers and children.

Making Playdough

Ingredients

• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups plain flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups boiling water
• colour if required

Method

1. Combine ingredients (except water) in a bowl.
2. Pour the boiling water and stir.
3. Knead lightly on table top.
4. This will store in an airtight container in the fridge for months.

 

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.

Play ideas