Over the last few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating the Chinese New Year, focusing on the Year of the Snake.
This celebration has been filled with exciting activities designed to introduce children to the rich cultural traditions of this festive occasion.
Through a blend of books, arts and crafts, baking, and creative play, we’ve all learned a great deal about the Chinese New Year, from its history and customs to its vibrant symbols. One of the highlights of our celebration was the playdough activity I organised on the day of the event.
I decided to create a tactile and imaginative environment for the children by making green playdough, representing the snake's colour, in honour of the year’s zodiac animal. To add a creative flair to the experience, I laminated various snake-themed ideas, offering visual prompts to inspire the children.
Along with the playdough, I provided a variety of different materials—shells, beads, rollers, and stones—to encourage the children to experiment with textures and designs while shaping their snakes. The Magic of Textures and Fine Motor Skills with the combination of playdough and natural, textured materials, offers a rich sensory experience.
Not only does this enhance the creativity of the children, but it also plays a crucial role in developing their fine motor skills.