This morning in the Jelly Tots the children have supported Terri to make play dough! Each child took it in turns to mix the play dough together, using gross motor skills for big movements.

Once mixed, Terri emptied the mixture onto the table and the children used fine motor skills to poke, squeeze and roll the play dough together. Once finished the children used different tools to make patterns and marks. Adults used age-appropriate and encouraging language to build on knowledge and introduce new skills, such as, naming colours, exploring textures and making big and little movements.

The children developed both gross and fine motor skills through mixing, squeezing, rolling, and manipulating the play dough. They strengthened hand muscles which support early writing development. The activity also supported turn-taking and social skills as children waited for their turn to mix.

Children explored creativity and early mark-making skills while experimenting with tools and patterns. Adult interaction supported language development, including colour recognition, descriptive vocabulary, and understanding of textures and movement.

The Jelly Tots children have also been exploring flour play. Adults introduced different tools for children to make marks with. Adults were observed using language to identify marks and with some children making the marks that they asked for. The flour was positioned close to the play dough allowing the children to transport from the table to the tray and back again. The children were observed collecting handfuls of flour and moving it to the table to sprinkle onto the ply dough. This activity supported sensory exploration as children experienced the texture of the flour.

They developed fine motor skills and hand control through grasping, sprinkling, and mark making. Transporting the flour between areas encouraged problem-solving, independence, and early scientific exploration such as cause and effect. The activity also supported early mathematical concepts such as quantity and movement between spaces. Adult modelling and language helped develop communication skills, listening, and understanding of instructions.