National Playdough Day
September 16th, marks the celebration of Hasbro’s famed children’s compound, Play doh. Those classic little yellow cans with red labels never go out of style with kids and adults alike.
I’ve been asked why I wrote a book about play dough, and what inspired me. Aleeyah Makes Playdough, was inspired by the joys I’ve experienced observing children interact with play dough in many settings. Whether at home in the kitchen with my children and grand children, or in the classroom lab, playing with playdough always brings out the sweetest giggles, cutest smiles, marvels of wonder, and true delight. It never gets old.
Being a teacher at heart, I often look for ways to maximize moments, and to connect well known experiences with new new ones. By the time children enter my first grade classroom, most of them have had experiences in the kitchen mixing ingredients and playing with playdough. Embracing their genuine curiosity of how things work and innate problem solving skills, I realized six year olds are at the ideal stage to explore the why’s of chemistry. Thus, I am able to use their prior experiences with playdough and kitchen play, as a bridge to new learning about chemistry.
Aleeyah Makes Playdough was written
To help children see themselves as scientists
To encourage their exploration of chemistry at home in the kitchen lab
To help children experience the components of the scientific method in a fun and engaging way
As a tool to motivate Black and Brown children to explore STEM related pursuits
As a tool to encourage and motivate Black girls to see themselves in STEM related roles
As a tool to introduce students to chemistry via kitchen science
For a little more about the importance of playdough, take a look at my Why is playdough Important? post, and https://humbleleehomeschooled.com/2020/09/16/28-ways-to-celebrate-national-play-doh-day/
As an author of many children’s books I’ve experienced the delivery of a book baby many times over, and each one has its unique, special arrival. On this National Play-doh day, I share my gift of Aleeyah. Aleeyah Makes Playdough is very special because it gives rise to a bright, bold, and beautiful little girl who loves science, and researching on her computer. She’s got extra spice and sauce but she’s also very kind and loves sharing her skills with others. Aleeyah exudes confidence and has launched to make her own special mark in the world of early science readers and STEM.
Until the next creation, keep rolling and thank your for your support,
Phelicia
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