Playdough and Modelling
To develop fine motor skills and creativity through malleable materials.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Manipulates playdough with hands
- Uses tools for different effects
- Creates simple representations
- Shows sustained engagement
Materials
- Homemade playdough in various colours
- Modelling tools (cutters, rollers, stamps)
- Natural additions (shells, sticks, stones)
- Clay and other malleable materials
Instructions
Make playdough with children so they understand the process. 'We mix flour and water and salt... then we add colour! What colour shall we make today?' This is learning in itself.
Set up an inviting playdough area with tools and natural additions. 'Here's the playdough and some shells and sticks you can press into it!' Keep materials fresh and appealing.
Sit alongside children and explore materials yourself. 'I'm rolling mine into a long snake. What are you making?' Your engagement encourages theirs.
Develop vocabulary through conversation. 'You're squishing it! Now you're poking holes with your finger. It's getting flatter!' Describe actions and effects.
Avoid asking 'What is it?' as children often explore without representational intent. Instead say: 'Tell me about your playdough.' Accept if they just shrug—that's okay!
Introduce new techniques gradually. 'Watch what happens when I roll it like this... it gets longer! Do you want to try?' Demonstrate without prescribing outcomes.