As a parent, it seems like I almost have to trick my kids into creative play. However, for my boys, playing with play dough is one of those hands-on activities that will keep them busy for hours. The trick is, you have to switch things up to keep them excited about the same activity. One of my favorite ways to do this is to have themed play dough activities, based on the holiday or season we are in. This activity idea combines creative play and letter practice AND brings in a little holiday spirit. Give it a try!

What You Need:

Playdoh (or we use homemade salt dough! You can find a great recipe here!)
Cookie cutter letters (find some on Amazon here!)
A rolling pin

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Instructions:

Get out or make your dough.
Help your child roll it out flat.
Give them the letters and let them cut them out!

Activity Notes:

Try helping them make connections with the letters. For example, hold up the "R", tell them a few words that start with "R", mention that it's in their name, make the "Rrrr" sound for them, etc.
Make a game out of finding the letters. Ask them if they can find the "T". When they find the right one, praise them! Then, cut out a bunch of that letter together.
If cutting the letters alone out is a little too advanced for your toddler, just have them make imprints. The cookie cutters work great as stamps, too!