Playdough learning story example

Playdough invites rich sensory exploration and fine‑motor practice. This concise example shows how to capture observation → analysis → next steps without unnecessary filler.

Playdough learning story example

Sam explored a ball of playdough, squeezing, rolling, and flattening it. He named shapes he made (snake, pancake, ball) and mixed two colours to “make swirls.” When a figure collapsed, he tried again, pressing more firmly. Sam invited a peer to “make eyes” and added small details to his model. He proudly said, “It’s my person,” then explained the parts he added.

Learning analysis (EYLF v2.0 / Te Whāriki)

• EYLF Outcome 3: developing hand strength and coordination; persisting with challenge.
• EYLF Outcome 4: experimenting, problem‑solving, and using language for thinking (shape/colour words).
• Te Whāriki – Exploration (Mana Aotūroa): sensory investigation and trial‑and‑error; Communication (Mana Reo): sharing ideas and naming features.

Next steps and extensions

• Offer tools (rollers, cutters, garlic press) to extend manipulation and planning.
• Add prompts for representation (photo cards of faces/animals) to deepen detail.
• Invite Sam to dictate a caption for his model to strengthen oral‑to‑written links.

Quick summary and tips

• Keep the observation specific and short (actions, language, persistence).
• Link evidence to outcomes in one sentence per point; avoid curriculum quotes.
• End with 2–3 practical extensions. Include phrasing like “playdough observation example” naturally for search relevance.