How to set up a play doh table for a small group of children with natural loose parts, recycled and upcycled materials to create a learning experience that:
a) is sensory and focussed on touch, sight and smell as well as proprioception (how hard we can push on something);
b) is sustainable;
c) is inviting, natural and beautiful
d) embeds diversity (recognises other cultures)
e) encourages children's imaginations and creativity;
f) actively involves children in their own learning;
g) encourages children's agency (they can make lots of choices and decisions about how the play will proceed); and
h) works on the children's fine motor skill development, early numeracy skills (maths) and can also help with their emotional and social wellbeing.
Sensory play experiences like play doh should be set up so they are as open ended as possible. That means that the children should not have limitations around their play or what they can make or how they make it.
Here is a summary list on how to set up a great Play Doh Table
Setting up the Table
Set up the table for a small group 2 - 4 children
Kate's table was set up for 2 with 2 placemats which would encourage parallel play.
Make the table look homely and inviting
by using lovely platters and containers made out of ceramic or wood (not plastic) and glass jars. Try to provoke curiosity by adding an element of surprise. We chose a mirrored box with a lid and put the pine pods Kate collected in there. When we lifted the lid a beautiful pine scent came out.
Use loose parts
that can be used for lots of different things and in different ways.
Use natural materials whenever possible
like bamboo straws, pine pods, leaves, stick, coral from the beach and stones - it is best if these are collected by the children themselves on a treasure hunt just like Kate did. Glitter and other unsustainable materials should be avoided.
Use recycled or up cycled materials
that are good for the environment like recycled jam jars. You can involve the families to donate their old jars. Instead of using manufactured plastic tools to cut up or roll the play doh, we used recycled corks.
Try to embed cultural diversity into the experience
on this table we had an Indian doily with little bells and we set up a low table with cushions on the floor as this is how many cultures sit down to dinner eg: Arabic and Indian cultures. You could colour the play doh with turmeric or put chop sticks amongst the tools.
How to make No Cook, No Hot Water Play Doh
Many play doh recipes need hot water, cream of tartar or cooking but this one is simple and safe enough that the children can even make it. This would be a great lesson in itself - making the play doh with the children. The children can measure out the ingredients and stir and knead the doh with their knuckles just like Kate did.
Here is the recipe:
2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon of oil (we used coconut oil which made the play doh smell really nice adding another sensory element)
a few drops of natural green or other colour food dye
mix all ingredients together in a big bowl and then knead the play doh until it is smooth, stretchy and silky.
Pop a ball of play doh on each placemat and watch the children race to the table to play. You could start the play by sitting down either by yourself and making something or inviting a child to come play with you. You can have a chat to the child while you are playing - what do you think I can make today? Experiment with pounding, rolling and using the natural materials with the play doh and see what you can come up with!
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