Toddler Inspired Cooking with Herb Playdough

We've decided to keep things very simple over the past few days.  Even though you have been feeling a little under the weather, you needed something to get you moving...thinking...playing.  I decided to take a look at our Toddler Summer Bucket List to see if there were any quiet time activities that could help keep your mind off of your discomfort.  I thought that cooking with some Natural Herb Playdough from The Imagination Tree would be perfect.  We used only basic materials found in your room for this toddler inspired cooking play and yet, you managed to take it to a whole other level.

We stepped outside to collect a bit of Rosemary from the garden. You love to use your five senses...the smell was lovely, just like you.

After we picked some Rosemary, we mixed up a batch of playdough (adding a touch of cinnamon for some extra scent) in the real kitchen before heading into your room to play.

Once it cooled, I found your apron and chef's hat, then got your dressed for your task at hand.  Using your imagination.  I added a few items from your play kitchen and then we talked through the whole activity.  Just me and you...discussing how to cook, what comes next, what we need, and how yummy everything tasted.

You thought the dough could use a bit of salt and pepper.

When it was time to cook the food, you knew just what to do.  So many times that I'm in the kitchen, I see you watching me.  Studying what I'm doing.  It amazes me how much you pick up and how you can remember each of the steps.

You knew to put on your oven mitt.  We talked about how pans are hot when you are using them in the oven.

After you put you food in, you adjusted the buttons on the oven.

You also used a bit of fancy footwork to close the fridge.

You are so happy with your finished product.

And you love sharing your food with friends.

This time we spent together was so sweet.  You asked Mama to sit at the table to eat and I did.  You asked me to fill up one of your pans, so I got my hands into the playdough as well.  Do I need to know what you made? No.  You knew what you were making...it could have been pizza or cookies or even bread.  What's important is that you took the lead and this cooking activity was inspired by you, my little toddler.  One of the best parts was that you were able to rest after our bit of pretend play.  Maybe it tired you out - maybe it helped you burn off a little pent up energy from being cooped up indoors...whatever the reason, you are quietly napping right now, and you went down for some much needed rest without a peep.

More Fun with Playdough:

Sand Playdough Castles

Pretend Play Holiday Baking with Scented Playdough

Pretend Play Gardening with Cocoa Playdough

Edible Peanut Butter Playdough

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