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Learning Together Joyfully: AUGUST: CREATING WITH PLAY DOUGH

Welcome back parents, educators, grandparents and care-givers. There are many benefits for children who create with play dough. It advances their fine motor development building up hand muscles as well as enhancing their eye-hand coordination. It encourages creative open-ended imaginative play that turns ideas into shapes. Play Dough can relief stress. It can be calming as children pummel, roll and squeeze. It supports literacy and numeracy development as it is a great way to practise numbers and letters. Finally it promotes playtime and playing with others which enhances their social skills. Enjoy the many activities and bring out the Play Dough in August as you play, learn, grow, together joyfully! 

Quick Links

Use these links to quickly navigate to specific sections within this blog!

  1. Read and Sing Together
  2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing
  3. Explore, Engage & Interact together
  4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition
  5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning

1.  Read and Sing together 📚

Our featured author is Barbara Reid: As a child, Barbara loved the outdoors, reading, drawing, writing and creating with plasticine – a kind of modelling clay.  Her illustrations are made by spreading and modelling plasticine to create raised images. After graduating from The Ontario College of Art and Design Barbara has published books in Canada, The USA, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Finland, Norway, China, Denmark, Germany, Brazil, Korea, Russia and Thailand. Her books have been translated into at least nine languages.  Of course, plasticine art needs no translation! Barbara mentions that one of the best things about her job is meeting thousands of young readers, writers and fellow clay artists from around the world through workshops, presentations and via social media. Her husband, Ian Chrysler shoots all the plasticine work for publication; his photography brings the artwork to life on the page. They have two grown up daughters. Barbara lives in Toronto, but enjoys visiting libraries and classrooms everywhere. We encourage adults to highlight Barbara’s different art techniques that she uses in her books so children understand their potential to create and design interesting playdough pictures similar to plasticine. We encourage adults to highlight Barbara’s different art techniques that she uses in her books so children understand their potential to create and design interesting playdough pictures similar to plasticine. We encourage adults to highlight Barbara’s different art techniques that she uses in her books so children understand their potential to create and design interesting playdough pictures similar to plasticine.

  • I Love you More Than by Emil Sher & illustrated by Barbara Reid. This playful book opens up infinite possibilities for saying I love you that carry on long after closing the book. Follow along as young Des’s day winds him through his busy, diverse neighbourhood, highlighting different relationships across age, gender and race, and moments bound together by love. Through Emil Sher’s delightful word play and acclaimed illustrator Barbara Reid’s vibrant modelling clay art, this book creates a rich experience for young readers and brings a wonderful affirming feeling to story time. This story was inspired by a favourite game the author played with his now-grown daughters — one readers can carry on in their own way, with their own loved ones and in their own hearts.
  • Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid. Picture a tree, from every season, and from every angle. These wondrous beings give shade and shelter. They protect, and bring beauty to, any landscape. Now look again. Look closer. A tree’s colours both soothe and excite. Its shape can ignite the imagination and conjure a pirate ship, a bear cave, a clubhouse, a friend; an ocean, a tunnel, and a home sweet home. Its majestic presence evokes family, growth, changes, endings and new beginnings.  Picture a tree — what do you see? The possibilities are endless. In this picture book, Barbara Reid brings her vision, her craft, and her signature Plasticine artwork to the subject of trees. Each page is a celebration, and you will never look at trees in quite the same way again.
  • Picture the Sky by Barbara Reid. In this companion to Picture a Tree, Barbara Reid has us look up . . . way up. Wherever we may be, we share the same sky. But every hour, every day, every season, whether in the city or the forest, it is different. The sky tells many stories: in the weather, in the clouds, in the stars, in the imagination. Renowned artist Barbara Reid brings her unique vision to a new topic – the sky around us. In brilliant Plasticine illustrations, she envisions the sky above and around us in all its moods. Picture the sky. How do you feel?
  • Gifts by Jo Ellen Bogart & illustrated by Barbara Reid. Grandma is taking a trip around the world, and she’s bringing back wonderful gifts for everyone! When Grandma heads out for adventure she asks her granddaughter what she should bring back. The creative response and remarkable fulfilment are delivered through clever rhyme and magical illustrations in this lovely cross-generational story! This classic tale from award-winning creators Jo Ellen Bogart and Barbara Reid is now available with a fresh new look!
  • Have you Seen Birds? by Joanne Oppenheim & illustrated by Barbara Reid. A band, a flight, a flock of birds – the world is full of lots of birds! Spring, summer, autumn and winter birds; woodland, meadow, sea and marsh birds — all are brought to life in lively, lyrical prose and rich Plasticine illustration. Colour and movement abound in every word and every detail, making each bird memorable. A timely reissue of a celebrated picture book that reminds us to respect our natural world.
  • Watch It Grow: Backyard Life Cycles by Barbara Reid. Readers young and old will enjoy this introduction to the marvels of the natural world: watching a tadpole hatch from an egg, a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, an acorn become a mighty oak and a glorious sunflower grow from a tiny seed! Barbara Reid’s love of the outside was celebrated in her acclaimed picture books Picture a Tree and Picture the Sky, and in Watch It Grow, she blends simple text with her signature Plasticine illustrations to awaken curiosity and encourage learning. The book includes graphic illustrations of the four backyard life cycles.
  • The Party by Barbara Reid. In this timeless story, Barbara Reid explores the simple fun and wonderful family togetherness that is inspired by a lively backyard party. Through the eyes of the children in attendance, she muses on the glorious childhood pleasures of running around freely, as parents are preoccupied with conversation and food. In gorgeous colour and Plasticine detail, she invites us all to enjoy the games, the cake, the conversation and to endure kisses from Aunt Joan! Truly a perfect rendering of a chaotic but loving family event. Originally published in 1997, this Governor General’s Award-winning classic has won the admiration of all who have read it.
  • The Subway Mouse by Barbara Reid. Award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid incorporates found objects into her acclaimed Plasticine art to create a glorious underground adventure featuring a little mouse on a big adventure. Nib lives deep beneath the city, in a subway station the mice call Sweetfall. By day, the trains thunder past. At night, the old mice tell stories of the mythical land known as Tunnel’s End, where the air is sweet and the nests are soft, but where scary, mouse-eating monsters roam. One day, Nib sets out on a quest to find Tunnel’s End. Along the way he faces danger, finds a friend . . . and discovers a place more wonderful than he ever dreamed.

Barbara Reid shares how she created the illustrations including Nib, the Subway Mouse.

Here are additional Playdough Activities Based On Children’s Books: Read the books and then follow the directions to have children create fun play dough pictures.

  • Aliens in Underpants Save the World by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort. A zany picture book adventure featuring aliens in (what else?) underpants! The beloved aliens from Aliens Love Panta Claus are back—and this time they are on a mission to save the world! Get ready for another pants-tastic adventure in this wacky picture book.
  • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault. In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! Countless children—and their parents—can joyfully recite the familiar words of this beloved alphabet chant. Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has made the Chicka Chicka series an enduring classic.

  • The Adventures of Beekle the Unimaginative Friend by Dan Santat. Dan Santat’s Caldecott Medal-winning book is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends. This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and–at long last–is given his special name: Beekle. This book combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one’s place in the world.
  • Little Blue & Little Yellow by Leo Lionni. Beloved picture book creator and four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni’s very first story for children, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. In this book, Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can’t find each other. When they finally do, they give each other such a big hug that they turn green! How they find their true colours again concludes a wonderfully satisfying story told with colourful pieces of torn paper and very few words. Leo Lionni launched his children’s book career in 1959 with Little Blue and Little Yellow, and this 50th-anniversary edition, complete with Lionni’s own explanation of how the book came to be, is sure to resonate with children today.
  • Stickman by Julia Donaldson. Since its publication in September 2008, the story of Stick Man’s courageous journey back to his family tree has captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of children. It is now available in sturdy board book format, perfect for Stick Man’s youngest fans. “Stick Man lives in the family tree with his stick lady love and their stick children three.” But it’s dangerous being a Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree?
  • Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. A dreary day turns into a wild romp when this beloved story introduces readers to the Cat in the Hat and his troublemaking friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2. A favourite among kids, parents and teachers, this story uses simple words and basic rhymes to encourage and delight beginning readers. Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read. These unjacketed hardcover early readers encourage children to read all on their own, using simple words and illustrations. These portable packages are perfect for young practicing readers and lucky parents too!
  • Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker. As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hard working trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they’ll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play! Even the roughest, toughest readers will want to turn off their engines, rest their wheels, and drift to sleep with this sweet and soothing story. Vibrant illustrations and gentle rhyming text make this construction book for kids a surefire bedtime favourite.
  • Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site Play Dough Kit from Mama Papa Bubba

Kindermusik.com

SONGS: PLAY DOUGH

PLAY DOUGH ACTIVITIES:

LEARNING FROM BARBARA REID:

PowerfulMothering.com

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

Interested to engage children in more playdough fun to enjoy this summer? Consider collecting loose parts. Loose parts are collections of objects that can be used as open-ended learning materials. These can be things found in nature, recycled materials from around the house and school, or materials purchased for this specific purpose.  Other ideas of loose parts are illustrated above. Consider collecting some of the following loose parts ideas for children to enjoy as they create and use their imagination with play dough. 

As children play, some may start to play and design, while others may need to watch an adult model several of the possibilities. You may wish to play some of the songs to orient them to the activity. During play, adults have the opportunity not only to observe the kids but also to ask open-ended questions such as:  

  • What colours will you use?
  • Will you make polka dots or stripes?
  • Will you roll, pat or create snakes with the play dough?
  • What can you use to make different textures?
  • What happened there?
  • Why do you think it looks like that?
  • What could you try to get a different result?

PLAY DOUGH ACTIVITIES:

  • Use play dough and play this Bus Ten Frame Mat activity.
  • Ocean Playdough and Loose Parts – Sparkly playdough, along with some shells, gems, and other beach-themed loose parts, makes for a wonderful summer-sensory activity. (theimiaginationtree.com)
  • Sunflower STEAM Activity with Homemade Playdough – This activity breaks down the process of making playdough into a wonderful STEAM learning experience for children—mixtures, solutions, and substances. Children will enjoy using seeds and pipe-cleaners to make some playdough sunflowers. (STEAMpoweredfamily.com)
  • Download the following Play Dough Activity Mats
    • Monster Play Dough Mats
    • Click on this link to download the following Play Dough Mats:
      • Ladybug Playdough Counting Mats
      • Carrots for the Rabbit
      • Worms! Play Dough Counting Mats
      • Rabbit Play Dough Mats
    • Shapes Play Dough Mats OR Learning About Shapes Activity Pack.
    • Download the Play Dough Feeling Faces Mat and play this game:
    • How to play:
      • Start by asking for what children know about feelings. As your child lists off feelings they know, write them down on cards. When you are done, have your child pick a card from the pile.
      • Together try to make faces of that feeling on the Play Dough Feelings Faces Mat. When we build feelings on these mats children are deepening their knowledge surrounding that feeling. Once we understand the feeling and are able to discuss it, they can recognize when it’s “happening” and regulate it, if needed. Kids who understand their own feelings have more success recognizing and understanding emotions in other people which can help them have more positive interactions and build stronger relationships.
      • Discussion and guided questions:
        • What makes you feel ______?
        • How do you know that someone is feeling ________?
        • What does your mouth look like when you are ________?
      • If your child is unable to recreate a feeling on the mat, ask them to try to make the face of that feeling, or describe your face when expressing that feeling.
        • What do you notice about my eyes? My eyebrows? My Mouth?
    • Download these ABC Dice – Print, cut them out and glue them onto the sides of a cereal box and play these games.
      • Roll the dice and have children identify the letter or sound it lands on.
      • Roll the dice and have children find that letter in the classroom or house.
      • Roll the dice and have children find something that begins with that letter sound found in the room.
      • Roll the dice and have children erase that letter from the whiteboard.
      • Roll the dice and have children hopscotch to that letter on the floor.
    • Need to get everyone outside for a walk around the neighbourhood? Download this Neighbourhood Seek and Find.
    • Sign-up for Free Playdough mats from Howweelearn.com
    • Focus on developing your children’s independence. Download this Try 3 Before Me.
  • Children can review the letters of the alphabet as they have fun decorating each of these Alphabet Play Dough Mats OR this set of Alphabet Play Dough Mats.
Bookoola.com.au

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

  • Read the book Have you Seen Birds?  And then read Playdough is for the Birds! Playdough Bird Craft for Kids – As children watch birds nesting around their home, creating their own playdough bird nests is a great summer activity. Gather some sticks, leaves, berries, pine cone pieces, grass, or other natural loose parts and encourage them to create their own bird nest. (Howweelearn.com)
  • Summer Theme Play Dough – This playdough setup is a great invitation to play. With scented playdough, little umbrellas, and tiny cocktail picks, children can create and serve some summer, pretend-play drinks. (Learning4kids.com)
  • Ice Cream Play Dough Tray – For this activity, all you need are a few small bowls, playdough, and a bunch of loose parts like pom-poms, beads, cut up straws, and some spoons. Children will love making their fun and colourful sundaes! (Engaginglittles.com)
  • Playdough Flowers Counting Activity – Children will practice fine motor skills as they roll and shape their summer flowers and then practice number skills as they count and add the right number of petals to their flowers. (Messylittlemonster.com)

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4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:

NUTRITION:

  • Scented Kool Aid Watermelon Playdough – This playdough recipe uses Kool-Aid to give the playdough a wonderful summery scent! Children can add small black beans or sunflower seeds to add “seeds” to their watermelon, practicing fine motor skills and counting. (123homeschool4me.com)
  • Scented Lemonade Playdough – Nothing says summer more than freshly squeezed lemonade or the smell of freshly squeezed lemonade. Whip up a batch of playdough and add in some lemonade Kool-Aid mix, along with some yellow food colouring, and you’re set for a summertime, sensory experience. (preschoolplaylearn.com)

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

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