Dough-licious Seasonal Festive Scent

Malleable Fun With Seasonal Spices

Kelly, Daisykins Nursery's Manager, made some gingerbread playdough for the children in Pre School Minors to use. Not only was the spice ginger added to the dough, but also a teaspoon of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it more of a festive scent.Upon opening the container one child made reference to the smell of the dough; "Mmm. It smells like hot cross buns." Each child was given some dough to manipulate and make into whatever they wished. A basket of loose parts was placed on the table for the children to select the items they would like to use with their playdough. The children delved into the basket, looking for items to use. Small jingle bells were used as buttons and small mosaic tiles were placed in the dough as hair.[ngg src="galleries" ids="283" display="basic_slideshow"]The children were very proud of what they had made, taking it in turns to tell one another what they had made; "I've made a gingerbread man. He has two eyes. Look!". One child used red beads as a mouth and tinsel for the hair.  The children were fully engaged in this activity, demonstrating their concentration skills. One of our experienced practitioners, Connie, talked to the children about what they had made, providing a running commentary; "Oh I can see that the beads are for his mouth. You have put the tinsel for his hair." She encouraged this further, asking open-ended questions; "Why did you decide to use beads for his mouth? What made you choose tinsel for his hair?".This fun, festive malleable activity was enjoyed by all of the children.  They asked if they could have it out again the next day. We are excited to see what they made next! Why not make some gingerbread playdough for your little one click here for the recipe.