Posted on 12/05/2016
Soft modeling dough is a great calming, sensory activity that is perfect for those afternoons or evenings when you’re stuck indoors and need some kind of sensory outlet. Are your kids the kind that just sit there, when you tell them to play? Perhaps they need a bit more specific of an invitation — or even a challenge. If you haven’t made your own soft modeling dough before, start here; otherwise, keep reading. Don’t assume DIY modeling dough in general has lost its appeal among your kids; they may just need to have it jazzed up a bit!
Celebratory or Educational Themes
Do you love throwing parties or decorating a room based on a central theme? If so, you’re going to love this idea! Even when a theme might not quite warrant an entire room makeover or large-scale event, you can choose a theme for an afternoon or an evening, and incorporate modeling dough fun into the mix. Whether you’re celebrating the seasons or coordinating with something your child is interested in or studying in school, you can probably figure out a modeling dough scenario that will delight and inspire. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Make-a-Minion movie theme
• Colorful Christmas tree decorating
• A Make-believe feast
• Perfectly play-worthy pumpkins
• Cupcake creativity
Accessories for More Options
Whatever theme you choose, you’ll want to have some extra accessories to add to the mix; after all, once the novelty wears off, you’ll still have homemade modeling dough that will last for months! Think about anything that can impress a shape or form into the dough, stand up in it, or stick to it — so pretty much anything! From objects in nature to everyday household items. You could also spring for some of these manufactured products designed to be used with modeling dough.
Educational Printable Mats
Educational modeling dough mats can be used to cover just about any discipline in a fun, hands-on way. You could easily design your own, but free downloads abound, many encouraging basic literacy and math skills. But don’t let the abundance of preschool-level mats make you think they’re not appropriate for the school-aged set! Check out these for creating geometric shapes, for instance. These human anatomy mats are great, as well. Alternatively, you could laminate almost any map or use printable geography cards to solidify knowledge without the commitment of a full-blown diorama.
Who knew there could be so much potential in a simple batch of modeling dough?! In addition to specific educational topics, modeling dough can benefit your child in many ways! You can read more about therapeutic, muscular, and imaginative benefits in our third post in this series.
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