Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Gather the materials and explain to the child they will be mixing and shaping play dough to experience what it’s like to be a bread baker or cook. Explain how bakers/cooks need to carefully mix their ingredients together so that the food they are making cooks properly and tastes great.
Step 2Hand them 2 small pieces of different coloured playdough, and ask them to follow your instructions:
• Can you make the red piece flat?
• Can you make the blue piece round/into a ball?
• Can you mix the colours together using 1 hand only?
• Can you mix the colours together using both hands?Step 3Ask the child to comment on whether it was easy or difficult to mix the colours together. Ask, was it easier when you were able to use both hands? Did the way you mix them change?
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1Explain to the child they will now get to use different tools to shape and mix the play dough instead of using their hands. Demonstrate how to roll out the play dough using a rolling pin and cutters to create shapes. Let the child try it themselves, offering help as needed.
Step 2Encourage the child to try combining small amounts of different coloured play dough using the tools. Ask them to comment on the tools that help mix the colours evenly, and those that squish the play dough together rather than mix it.
Step 3Invite the child to knead the dough using different techniques and observe the new colours that form. Discuss the changes they see and how their predictions compare to the results.
Step 4 (optional)Provide the child with safe decorative items like googly eyes, beads and pipe cleaners. Show them how to press these items into the play dough shapes to create fun designs. Allow the child to decorate their shapes independently.
Step 5Once the child has finished making and decorating their play dough shapes, ask them to show their creations and describe what they made. Encourage them to talk about the shapes, colours and decorations they used, as well as the techniques and tools they used to combine the colours together.
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Compile photos, drawings, and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what was learned and enjoyed.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Play
Set up simple hands-on experiments or demonstrations that promote repeated practice, discussion and ongoing investigation.
Encourage imaginative play using clothes, toys or props related to the concept and let them role-play scenarios that reinforce their understanding.
Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.
Sing songs (known or made up) and encourage dancing or movement in ways that explore or mimic the concepts being explored.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Once the child has developed an understanding of mixing techniques, involve them in some basic cooking. For example, you could ask them to help you mix some cookie dough or put the lid on the blender to make a smoothie.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.