What if your child could build the foundations for writing — without picking up a pencil?
This playful activity introduces Loose Parts Play through something all kids love: making faces! Using playdough and found objects, your child will create silly, expressive characters while developing fine motor strength, creativity, and storytelling skills.
No right or wrong. No craft to “finish.” Just imagination, tiny fingers, and big ideas at work.
🧠 Why This Matters for Pre-Writing
Before your child can hold a pencil, they need to:
✔️ Strengthen their hand and finger muscles
✔️ Learn how to plan and visualize ideas
✔️ Develop storytelling and descriptive language
This activity supports all three — through play.
🧺 What You’ll Need
- Playdough (store-bought or homemade)
- Loose parts (a mix of textures and sizes):
- Bottle caps
- Screws (for older toddlers, supervised)
- Buttons, beads, googly eyes
- Pom-poms, pipe cleaners, felt scraps
- Nature items like sticks or leaves
- A tray, placemat, or small plate
📝 How to Play: Make Loose Parts Faces
- Set out playdough and your collection of loose parts on a tray or placemat.
- Invite your child to make a face out of playdough.
- Let them decorate the face using the loose parts — eyes, nose, mouth, hair, earrings, hats, and more!
- Ask questions: “What’s their name? Are they happy or sad? What’s their story?”
💬 What to Say
- “That’s such a silly nose! What’s their favorite food?”
- “This one looks surprised — what just happened?”
- “I love how you used the pipe cleaners as hair!”
🔁 Extend the Play
- Make a family of faces with different expressions.
- Play “Guess the Emotion” by making a face and having your child guess how they feel.
- Take a photo of each creation and turn it into a storybook later!
Tag us on Instagram @kidactivitieswithalexa to share your child’s silly face creations!