Rainy Day Play Dough

Create an activity to keep your children occupied and invoke a whole range of learning opportunities on a rainy day with this play dough activity.

While the rain was coming down out side last week I put together some air drying play dough but you could use my simple 1 minute play dough recipe and  then placed it out for the children suggesting we make our own pretty puddles. 

The boys started by mixing the colours and using textured rolling pins. We discussed the shape and size of puddles and looked out the window to see if we could spot any in the garden. We looked at the different marks they were able to make in the play dough using the rolling pins. 

The children had fun making different rain sculptures using the glass beads and pipe cleaners which added a different dimension to their play. They worked on sharing the play dough, tools and resources we put out for them.

Early Years Outcomes:
PD-	Moving and Handling	(8 Months - 20 Months) - Enjoys the sensory experience of making marks in damp sand, paste or paint.
PD-	Moving and Handling	(16 Months - 26 Months) - Makes connections between their movement and the marks they make.
PD-	Moving and Handling	(22 Months - 36 Months) - Shows control in holding and using jugs to pour, hammers, books and mark-making tools.
PD-	Moving and Handling	(40 Months - 60 Months) - Uses simple tools to effect changes to materials.
PD-	Moving and Handling	(40 Months - 60 Months) - Handles tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control.
EAD-	Exploring and using media and materials	(8 Months - 20 Months) - Notices and is interested in the effects of making movements which leave marks.
EAD-	Exploring and using media and materials	(30 Months - 50 Months) - Beginning to be interested in and describe the texture of things.
EAD-	Exploring and using media and materials	(40 Months - 60 Months) - Manipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.
EAD-	Exploring and using media and materials	(40 Months - 60 Months) - Uses simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately.