Playdough is more than just a fun activity – it’s an incredible resource for tamariki that supports creativity, learning, and development in a hands-on way. At our early learning centres, playdough is a favorite among children and educators alike. Its versatility makes it perfect for sensory play and provides countless opportunities to explore, create, and learn.
Why Playdough Is a Must-Have Resource
Playdough offers a relaxing and soothing sensory experience that helps tamariki develop critical skills, such as:
- Creativity
- Fine Motor Skills
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- Literacy and numeracy
- Speech and language
- Critical thinking
It also provides opportunities for kaiako (teachers) and tamariki to engage in meaningful interactions, sparking conversations, and imaginative play.
Enhancing Playdough Fun with Additional Resources
At our early learning centres, we pair playdough with other materials to encourage tamariki to think creatively and explore further. Some of our favorite additions include:
- Scissors and shape cutters for fine motor skills
- Rolling pins to practice coordination
- Natural materials like stones, shells, flowers, and twigs for texture exploration
- Cooking utensils for imaginative play
- Animal figurines to inspire storytelling and pretend play
The Joy of Making Playdough Together
One of the highlights at our early learning centre is involving tamariki in the process of making playdough. In our Kea (preschool) room, tamariki love measuring, mixing, and kneading the ingredients—each taking turns to participate.
Making playdough is not only a sensory delight but also a wonderful way to introduce tamariki to early science concepts. They observe how dry and liquid ingredients combine to create something entirely new, and they delight in seeing (and feeling) the transformation. Plus, the inevitable messiness makes it even more exciting for them!
Each week, we create fresh batches of playdough with our Kea tamariki, fostering teamwork, turn-taking, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Afterward, we all enjoy the fruits of our labor, sitting down together to play, create, and imagine.
Try This Easy Playdough Recipe
Here’s the simple recipe we use with our tamariki—it’s perfect for both the classroom and at home!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1–2 teaspoons food coloring
- 1–2 teaspoons flavor essence
- 2 cups warm water
- ½ cup flour (for kneading)
Method:
- Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the oil, food coloring, flavor essence, and warm water.
- Stir until the mixture is combined. Adjust with extra flour or water if needed to achieve the right consistency—it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of flour onto the table and knead the dough until smooth.
- Enjoy crafting and creating with your homemade playdough!
Playdough: A Staple in Every Early Learning Centre
At our early learning centres, playdough isn’t just an activity; it’s a tool for learning, creativity, and connection. By engaging tamariki in both the creation and use of playdough, we nurture their curiosity, support their development, and make learning a truly hands-on experience.
So, next time you’re looking for an activity that combines fun and education, give playdough a try—you might be surprised at the magic it brings to your tamariki’s day!
Discover has a great article on the benefits of playdought for early learners. Read more about it by clicking here.
