The Power of Parenting

Monday, 18 January 2021

Playdough Party!

Age Range: 25-30 months

Making playdough with a friend is a fun Comfort, Play & Teach™ activity that helps to develop important social skills. As two children take turns adding and mixing ingredients they can enjoy each other’s company while squeezing their dough into shape.

 

You will need:
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup cooking oil
  • Powdered paint or food colouring
  • Mixing bowl, spoons and measuring cups

 

 

Instructions:

Measure these ingredients into a bowl, and combine using a spoon or even your hands. When the dough is ready, it can be formed into different shapes.

 

Enjoy this more with Comfort, Play & Teach™:

Comfort: As the children play together, let them know when they are being patient, sharing and playing nicely. Say, “Thank you for waiting your turn. It’s hard to be so patient.” This will reinforce their emerging social skills and developing ability to play cooperatively with others.

Play: Provide some paper plates and role-model making cookies from the dough and serving make-believe cookies to each child. This will encourage them to begin using playdough as part of their pretend play and to share what they make!

 

Teach: Your toddler and one friend can help you to measure and combine all of the ingredients and see how they transform into playdough. Together they can practice sharing and taking turns, and then enjoy the soothing sensation of squeezing, rolling and patting the soft dough.