making letters with play dough

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Tactically creating letters is one of the best ways for children to begin learning their letter names and sounds. Making letters with play dough provides valuable hands on and sensory exploration for little ones! Here are five ways to learn letters using play dough….

I set up an invitation to play with the intent on creating letters with my son. I set out some straws, beads, his play dough mat, all on his wood board where he can build blocks or create play dough masterpieces at his level. (Since bring play dough down to the floor, or outside, rather than isolated at the table, John has been willing, and excited to enjoy sensory play dough play!)

1. Creating the letter with beads.

2. Rolling snakes into the letter. Here we are using the wonderful Animal Playdough Mats from 1plus1plus1equals1.

3. Using straws and little playdough balls to create the letter. John created his without the play dough :)

4. Create the letter with a roller (we use the Melissa & Doug play dough set). {affiliate link}

John made this little d all by himself!! I couldn’t be more proud of him!!

5. Creating the letter with imprints. (In this case, we just took out our beads, but you can stamp with any object around your house — the tip of a pen cap would work too.)

We are striving to create more open ended play opportunities. A gently directed learning time to create and build and play. My son is enjoying this Reggio Emilia approach to his learning time. And I am enjoying watching his imagination grow since I became intentional about respecting my son’s needs and giving him the chance to explore in his own time.