Last updated on Mar 3rd, 2021 at 01:01 pm
Before you start, create a play dough station, so your little one will have everything at the tip of his fingers. This will also help keep chaos at bay.
You will need:
- Tray or container
- Small plastic tubs with lids
- Small rolling pin
- Plastic knife
- Coloured ice-cream sticks
- Pipe cleaners
- Decorations like buttons, beads and sequins
- Play dough.
ALSO SEE: Easy microwave play dough recipe
Hammer it in
This is a great hand-eye coordination activity.
You will need
- Play dough
- Golf tees
- Toy hammer
Method
- Shape the play dough into a thick rectangle.
- Allow your little one to place the tees in the play dough and then let him hammer them in with the toy hammer.
Mermaid tails
Did you know your little ones can “dress” their favourite dolls with play dough?
You will need
- Small doll
- Pink play dough
- Sequins
- Beads
- Sparkly gems
Method
- Shape the play dough into a mermaid tail and cover the body and legs of the doll.
- Decorate the body and tail with the decorations.
For a sparkly dough, add glitter or small metallic confetti. For a scented dough, add a few drops of essential oil.
Number cards
These play dough cards will get your little one excited about numbers.
You will need
- Cards. You can download them for free here.
- Scissors
- Laminating sheets
- Laminator (or take them to your local printer to have them laminated)
- Red play dough
Let your child colour in the number with an erasable whiteboard marker.
Method
- Print and cut out the cards.
- Laminate each sheet.
- Help your little one roll the number of apples and make the shape of the number.
Hand-shaped butterflies
Rolling and pressing are great fun for tots.
You will need
- Play dough in different colours
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Beads
- Decorations
Method
- Press out the dough in the shape of wings.
- Roll a sausage shape to make the body and head of the butterfly.
- Cut small pieces of pipe cleaners and press into the head as antennae.
- Add googly eyes or beads as eyes.
- Decorate the wings and the body with the decorations.
Sniff and play
A fun combination of smells and texture.
You will need
- Whole spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and bay leaves)
- Rolling pin
- Clean muffin tray
- Play dough
- Cling wrap
Method
- Place the play dough and spices in the holder.
- Roll out the play dough.
- Let your child feel and smell the spices.
- Let her press them into the play dough and see what shapes the spices make.
Picture play mats
Use this as a fun counting game. The mats can be reused.
You will need
- Picture play mats. You can download them for free here.
- Scissors
- Laminating sheets
- Laminator (or take the cards to your local printer to have them laminated)
- Play dough in various colours
Method
- Print and cut out the play mats.
- Laminate each sheet.
- Add to the pictures with the play dough, according to the instructions on each card.
Fun animals
Let your toddler’s imagination run wild.
You will need
- Play dough
- Thin ice cream sticks
- Googly eyes
- Button
- Pipe cleaner
- Scissors
Method
- Make one big ball and one smaller ball of play dough. Stick the smaller ball on the big one as the head.
- Make legs with the ice-cream sticks.
- Cut the pipe cleaners into pieces and stick into the head.
- Curl a piece to use as a tail.
- Create a face with googly eyes and a button.
To preserve your little one’s art, allow it to slowly air dry. Once completely dry, mix two parts white glue with one part water. Using a paintbrush, paint until completely covered and allow to dry.
Gingerbread people cut-outs
Your little one will love representing all the members of her family.
You will need
- Play dough
- Gingerbread people cutters
- Rolling pin
- Googly eyes
- Decorations
Method
- Roll out the dough.
- Press the cookie cutter into the dough, making sure to press down well.
- Remove the cookie cutter and excess dough.
- Decorate with the googly eyes and other decorations.
