Not many things say Thanksgiving dinner like a pumpkin pie! So I decided we should make our own!
Nailed it… 😀
But really! This activity is super packed with learning and development aspects! In fact, it hits every concept of math learning as outlined by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
And all you need is some white and orange playdough, a pie pan, some rollers, and some measuring cups!
Let me walk you through the amazing ways this simple activity can boost your kiddo’s learning and development:
Sensory – this one is obvious right? Playdough is a great way for the kiddos to use their five senses: see, touch, smell, hear, and let’s face it – taste – because there’s always one kid 😀
Fine motor – Playdough always utilizes their fine motor skills as they mold, squish, pinch, tear etc. but add some scoops, spoons and rollers to add an extra boost!
Language – any time you do an activity, you can always have a language component simply by talking through everything you do. “Are you feeling the orange playdough? Is it soft? Is it squishy? Can you put it in the pan?” Such simple statements just re-enforced several words that through this activity their brains can now connect meaning to through experience!
*For added language engagement, you can make labels for the main words you are teaching – or as I have done before, rather than making labels for every little thing you can get a small marker board at the dollar store and as you say key words, you can write them down and show your kiddo!*
Math – there is soooo much math here! Using the two colors for separate parts of the pie uses the math skills of sorting and classification; following a recipe using directions like “first” “second” “next” “after” “before” you are using the math skills of numbers and operations.
Using directions like scooping out, putting in, filling, on top, under etc. teaches spatial relationships. Adding measuring scoops and spoons and talking about how much, how little, more, less etc. teaches measurement skills. Then once it’s made you can cut it into slices and have a beginning lesson on fractions and patterns!
Social/emotional – simply enough, working together to make the pie!
And an added touch – a little “pinch” of playdough whipped cream 😀
They were literally as proud of their pie as this turkey 😀
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