Play Dough and Work Station Activities

 I would love to add some play dough to our choice time centers. I have alphabet cookie cutters and I just came across a great math activity for shaping numbers in play dough and then making the corresponding number of balls. Play dough is also great for working the hand muscles to increase fine motor control...but it's fun too :0)

Is anyone interested in making some play dough at home for our classroom?

I have made it before and it's very easy, but I though maybe some of you might be interested in making a batch at home with your children and then bringing it in.

There are several different recipes *here*.

Please let me know if that sounds like something fun you would like to do for our classroom!

Thanks!

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Some recent additions to our classroom and choice time activities...

These wooden letters show kids where to start letters (with a green dot), what direction to go in (with arrows), and where to stop (with a red dot). They are write on/wipe off so kids can practice their letters over and over in a fun way. We practice writing letters daily with either markers on whiteboards or pencils on paper, but these are great for some of the trickier letters and for practicing in a different way.

This activity allows kids to match upper and lower case letters and then find pictures that match that letter sound. The letters are also bumpy which is helpful for kids who learn through touching (tactile learners). 

Each day while some children attend English Language Development class, the rest of the children have choice time and enjoy work stations in the classroom. Some of the stations (like the ever so popular kitchen) are just for fun and others incorporate alphabet, math, reading, and writing activities. All stations provide children with opportunities to gain skills, cooperate with others, share, take turns, and problem solve.Watching the kiddos during this time and listening to their play and busyness is one of my favorite times of the day because I really get to see them in action!

Thanks to Katie Webb and Keri Larsen for helping out today!