The toddlers explored creativity and sensory play by participating together in making their own Playdough. This experience began with simple ingredients that can be found in our kitchens. They included flour, salt, oil, cream of tartar, water, and a touch of food colouring, this sparked their curiosity as the children took part and observed each step of the process. They eagerly took turns pouring, mixing and stirring, which helps in developing early concepts of math/measuring and cause and effect. As the mixture began to change texture the educators encouraged the Tod squad to use their hands to knead the dough. This helped in strengthening their fine motor skills and eye hand coordination skills. As Isla explored with the playdough, manipulating it with her hands, she commented on how the Playdough felt "soft". Teddy said that it felt “sticky" and Brayden described the dough as being “squishy” as he pinched it in between his fingers. This demonstrated the toddlers growing language skills and descriptive vocabulary. Once the Play Dough was ready the toddlers engaged in open ended play. They rolled, pressed and shaped the play dough using their hands and simple tools. When the educator inquired, asking what the toddlers were making, Isla said “I’m busy making an Octopus. He likes to swim in the water” she added smiling. Teddy shouted, “I’m making a T-rex!” and he roars like this. ROOARRRR! She shouted holding up his piece of playdough for his friends to see. “I’m making a worm!” said Brayden rolling his playdough with the toy rolling pin. These interactions encouraged imagination, creativity, and problem solving as they experimented with different forms and ideas. Social skills were also supported as the children shared materials, observed each other’s creations and engaged in parallel play. This experience highlighted the importance of hands on, sensory rich activities in early childhood. Through making and playing with Play Dough, the toddlers not only explored textures and materials but also built confidence, independence, and joy in learning.
