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 ˇt 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 ˇs 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 ˇs

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 ˇ 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

ˇs family was planning a vacation. When I made a visit to Chase

ˇs 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

Preschool

The Ministry of Play Dough

Written by Joanne Moran

www.bgco.org/toptentips

Childhood Ministry Resources and events are

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