Encourage sensory play in your early learning environment with salt dough cookies inspired by If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Sensory play is important because it benefits all learning styles as children create, play and explore. The If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Activity supports sensory play and fine motor development in children, two years and up, as they knead, roll, and flatten the salt dough to shape it into a cookie. Ideal for both classroom and small group settings, teachers can also use this activity to integrate various learning opportunities.
Science
Scientific discovery is supported in this activity through hands-on experiences. Teachers can highlight themes from the book, such as cause and effect, to encourage scientific discovery as children make the salt dough and examine how the cookies look and feel.
Math
Children will practice counting, measuring, spatial awareness, and sequencing as they go through the step-by-step instructions in the recipe.
Language and Literacy
Teachers can introduce new words, such as recipe, knead, and dough, to help children build their vocabulary skills. By defining the language, children can learn about printed recipes and how they are used to help explain the process of making the salt dough cookies.
Creativity
This sensory activity stimulates imagination and creativity as children learn through pretend play. Young chefs will enjoy both creating the cookies and decorating them with various paint colors and 3-D objects.
Social and Emotional Development
Group sensory activities enable children to release and redirect energy that can be calming or invigorating for children. The If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Activity includes repetitive actions, such as kneading and rolling, which can help children release stress and relax while practicing social skills when playing with peers.
Download our FREE printable below!
Required Materials:
- Flour
- Salt
- Warm Water
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
Optional Materials:
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Puppet and Props
- New Sprouts® Bake It!
- Modge Podge
- Cookie Cutters
1Mix Dry Ingredients
Mix ½ cup of flour with ¼ cup of salt.
2Add Water
Slowly add ½ cup of warm water into your dry mixture while stirring. If mixture is still powdery, add small amounts of additional warm water until a dough-like consistency is created.
3Knead Dough
Knead your salt dough until fully mixed. Roll golf-ball-sized balls of dough and flatten to form a cookie shape or use cookie cutters.
4Bake
Place your salt dough cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 248°F for 3 hours. Let them fully cool.
5Decorate
Paint your freshly baked salt dough cookies with acrylic paint and seal with Modge Podge (optional).