Play Dough Tray - Horses

Play dough trays (often called invitations) are trays you set up for focused play.  I honestly recently found out about this kind of play and while I see tons of beautifully curated trays of all kinds, I do not have the time, money, or focus to set them up to look as nice.  I know that they are from the Montessori style of learning – however I haven’t researched enough to delve into all of that.

The concept is still there and I love them because:

• My kid usually takes play dough – mushes all of it together – into a gray- brown blob (look I know my kid isn’t the only one) – forces me to make stuff for her and then gets bored quickly.  Even though we have little dough toys, molds, and cutters.  We still play with them, but I keep them where we can do that as a bedtime activity and I have time to spend with her.  However, when I am working or running around the house doing stuff – this type of tray comes in handy.

• As mentioned above – fosters independent play

• Screen-free – unplugged is always a win for me

• Inexpensive as you choose to make it

• Can be changed out and re-used for other crafts or play later on

• Can be taken out and put away quickly

• Can be made in many different ways

• Engages in fine motor skills

• Engages in pretend play

My toddler has been suddenly very into horses lately and I recently decided to make one of these trays.  I was in the dollar store and found craft sticks, a small bin/tray, play dough, and a small package of horses.  We had also been to a library book sale that week and she had picked out a book about horses for 10 cents.  I chose some rocks from her collection on our porch and viola!  Play dough horse tray! Total cost: $4.10

She loved it and plays for at least 20-30 minutes.  It is also an excellent thing to take out when she is overexcited or needs some quiet time right after a nap or bedtime.

*Originally written on my former blog - January 25, 2018