In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make fall play dough, the benefits of sensory play and ways to set up an invitation to play.
An invitation to play can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. It is made to spark creativity, get your imagination flowing and encourage independent play. It is also an AMAZING way to incorporate your child's interests, while working on language skills, vocabulary opportunities and motor skills.
It is meant to serve as a jumping off point, if you will. "Look at this assortment of materials, what can you create with it?" Maybe they make a turkey, maybe they don't. Maybe they explore and create with all of the materials, maybe they choose just one or two. It is completely open-ended and focused on the process or creating, not the product that is created.
When you add in play dough, you provide an extra element of goodness that allows kids to activate their senses and engage their fine motor skills. Play dough can also be so very calming. One major benefit of sensory play is how it can help to regulate emotions and reduce the effects of big emotions.
Play dough is also inclusive. There is NO wrong way to play.
It is also ageless. Children (and adults!) of all ages can explore playdough at their own developmental level. It provides an opportunity for them all to play together, separately.
So how do you set up an "invitation to play?"
Start by grabbing a tray. You can use a sensory tray, a baking sheet or any shallow tray you have. This acts as a barrier to help keep play dough and materials together. Now, begin to gather your materials. I have this chip and dip tray from the Dollar Store that works amazing for activities like this, but a muffin tin works well also!
Shop your home...what do you have lying around or buried in a drawer somewhere?
You could add:
Pom Poms
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Popsicle sticks
Gems
Beads
Small plastic animals or figures
Lego pieces
Foam pieces
Wooden loose parts
Nature treasures (rocks, acorns, sticks)
ANYTHING!!!!!
The BEST part is that when you are done creating, you can put everything back on the tray and it is ready for play on another day!
Here are our BEST tips for ensuring sensory play SUCCESS!!
Prepare your environment:
Choose your buffer: an old sheet, a tablecloth, a beach towel, plastic shower liner, etc. and lay that down. Designate a space in your environment that is easily accessible, easily cleaned and comfortable for all.
Gather your materials:
Before I bring a child over to play, I make sure to have everything I need to be successful. Think ahead: bring over wipes, paper towels, etc. Gather all of the scoops, cups and trinkets that you think will be explored. If your child is helping you set up, remind them that play isn’t going to start until everything is ready. Incorporating a fun code word is a great way to practice this, “When I say sparkle, it’s time to start playing!”
Base sensory experiences off of your child’s interests and abilities:
This should be an engaging experience. Trying something for the first time can lead to sensitive feelings, but there are ways to set your child up for success. If you know that they prefer clean hands, save messy recipes for later when they have built up a tolerance.
Model, Teach, Reinforce, REPEAT!
Sensory play is open-ended, there is no one way to play! That being said, if you sit with your child in the beginning and model your expectations it will help to ensure future sensory play success.
Clothing:
Wear clothing that is washable. Choose items that everyone is comfortable with getting messy. Do you have a child in a diaper? Sensory play in a diaper is easy clean-up: wipe them down or head straight for the tub! Is it warm? Bathing suits outdoors is also a great option.
Sensory Play supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
I am going to share our AMAZING base play dough recipe and then I will teach you how to switch it up to make Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Gingerbread Play Dough!!
Materials:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step 1: Pour all ingredients (except essential oil, if using) into a pan.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: When it forms a ball, remove from pan.
Step 4: After it cools, knead well (add essential oils now, if using).
Step 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months!
To make apple pie play dough:
Follow the above recipe/steps and add 1-2 teaspoons of apple pie spice into the pan. This will be a light brown dough. You can add a few drops of red food coloring, if desired.
You can also pick your favorite apple spice tea and add 2-4 tea bags into the one cup of water. Let is steep for a few minutes, remove the bags and pour the water in. This adds an incredible smell AND adds color naturally into your dough!
To make pumpkin pie play dough:
Follow the above recipe/steps and add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice into the pan. This will be a light brown dough. You can add a few drops of orange food coloring, if desired.
You can also pick your favorite pumpkin spice tea and add 2-4 tea bags into the one cup of water. Let is steep for a few minutes, remove the bags and pour the water in. This adds an incredible smell AND adds color naturally into your dough!
To make gingerbread play dough:
Follow the above recipe/steps and add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the pan. This will be a light brown dough.
A Play Filled Life Tips:
Squirt your food coloring into your water & stir before pouring into the pan.
Mix slowly & consistently to incorporate all of the ingredients together.
You can also experiment with spices to add an extra layer of sensory goodness to your dough! Try cinnamon, cocoa powder or apple pie spice.
It is normal to see salt crystalize on the dough. Knead it back in before use. If you see mold, throw away immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of flour do you use for play dough?
White, all-purpose flour works best for homemade play dough. Using whole-wheat flour may alter the color and texture of your dough.
What is creme of tartar?
Cream of tartar is used to prolong the shelf-life of the dough, as well as help to create a silky-smooth texture. If you do not have COT, substitute the same amount of either white vinegar or lemon juice.
What does the salt do in the dough?
Salt is an important ingredient in play dough and should not be eliminated.
It acts as a preservative, making the dough last longer.
It adds texture to the dough.
When combined with oil and cream of tartar, it creates a super soft and moldable play dough.
What oil should be used?
Oil is used to improve the play doughs texture and consistency.
You can use anything that you have: vegetable oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
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