Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Sensory · The activity desk
Shape a dough trail
Roll one piece of playdough into a trail and follow large shape outlines.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
The dough shapes page or paper and a crayon, plus age-appropriate playdough
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Print the shape page or draw a large circle, square and triangle. Set it on a clean table with one lump of dough.
Adult's role: Check the dough's age guidance and ingredients for allergies. Stay beside the child and help roll if needed.
Let's make it happen
- Roll the dough into one long, thick piece using both hands.
- Lay it along the circle outline and notice its round edge.
- Gather the same piece, roll it again and follow the square or triangle outline.
Make it simpler: Trace one outline with a finger before making the dough trail together.
Clean up: Put the dough away, discard a soiled page and wash hands and the table.
Playdough is not food. Keep it in one large piece and away from mouths; wash hands after play.