Play Dough
Here's What To Do
1
Play with play dough! You can use store-bought play dough or make your own (see recipe download on this page).
2
Show me how much fun it is to roll, squeeze, pound, poke, and pull apart play dough.
3
Help me use tools like popsicle sticks or spoons, a small rolling pin, or cookie cutters to shape the dough in different ways.
4
Make some pretend cookies or cakes and have a pretend tea party with dolls and stuffed animals.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Set up our play dough in a space free of distractions.
E
Engage:
- "What does the play dough feel like? What happens if you pull it apart?"
- "Would you like to cut a piece of my pretend pie? Maybe Teddy would like a piece too."
E
Encourage:
- I might not like the play dough texture at first. Help me by offering it to me in a ball shape, which may be more familiar.
- Model using tools for me first, then let me try on my own.
R
Reflect:
- What did I seem to like or not like about playing with play dough?
Not quite ready?
If I seem more interested in eating the play dough than playing with it, try again in a few months.
Ready for more?
Show me how to make objects out of play dough. See if I can imitate what you make.
As your child masters this skill...
They will know how to use a new art medium.