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Preschool

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The Ministry of Play Dough
Written by Joanne Moran

As a teacher of preschoolers, I know the value of using play dough as a manipulative. As I observe boys and girls use play dough in learning centers, I notice their curiosity when they see play dough in different colors or smell the scents. Over the years, I have shared the recipe with parents and grandparents. I don’t remember when I realized that play dough is more than something I use in teaching. What started with giving a bag of play dough to a child during a home visit several years ago has become something I do for a variety of reasons.
Other Times to Use Play Dough
New Sibling. When Jackson’s mother had a baby and I was going to visit with a gift for the new baby, I also wanted to visit with Jackson. I made play dough to share with Jackson and take something for him. It was time to make a play dough visit to Jackson’s home.
Hospital. Ashlyn had only visited a few times, but I had been praying for her family to come to our church. When I learned that Ashlyn was in the hospital, I visited her – with a bag of play dough. The play dough was an activity she could enjoy during her time in the hospital.
Death in the Family. I visited Lauren after learning about the death of her uncle. I knew there would be a lot of people at her grandparents’ home where she lived. I wanted to spend time with Lauren. I took a bag of play dough so Lauren would have a quiet activity to do during this sad time for her family.
Vacation. Chase’s family was planning a vacation. When I made a visit to Chase’s home, I gave a plastic tray to Chase with a bag of play dough. His mother said that he could carry the play dough on the airplane and enjoy it as they traveled.
Visitation. I have included preschoolers in the ministry of play dough. I made arrangements to take Kate with me to visit a girl who would be coming to our room. I showed Kate a bag of play dough and explained to her that we would give it to Kenady to show her something we have in our room. Kate assured me she could tell her new friend about play dough.
Permission granted by LifeWay Christian Resources courtesy of in mINistry with kids

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