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Exploring with playdough
One of the joys of learning at BestStart Napier Central is our emphasis on nurturing spontaneity and creativity while building on children’s ideas and interests. We encourage a child-led holistic approach where children engage in opportunities and experiences supported by kaiako who value their choice.
What are the benefits of playdough in early childhood? Playdough has enormous development and learning benefits for tamariki; strengthens fine motor skills, supports hand-eye coordination, encourages sensory play, boosts imagination and creativity, increases curiosity and knowledge, creates a calming experience, promotes STEM and fosters social skills. Try out our favourite playdough recipe from BestStart Napier Central In a bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients: 5 cups of flour (plain) 1 cup salt 2 tbsp cream of tartar In a second bowl, mix together all of the wet ingredients: 4 cups boiling water* 6 tbsp oil Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then mix well! (Add a sprinkle of flour a little bit at a time if it's too sticky) Kaiako tips: *You could also use scented water (not essential oils).
To make scented water, add 2-3 herbal tea bags to your boiling hot water. This works well with lemon, passionfruit, strawberry and rose herbal teas. Adding ginger or cinnamon is also great for its taste and scent. Cooking experiences, making and experimenting with playdough, natural materials and loose parts are just a few of the play and learning adventures your child is able to explore within our centre.