Christmas Scented Play Dough

Learning with All Senses

There is something magical about the smell of cinnamon and orange during Christmas time.

This simple DIY play dough brings that cozy scent into your home - and offers a beautiful way for children to explore language, creativity, and focus through hands-on play.

⭐What you need:

• 2 cups of flour

• 1 cup of salt

• 1 cup of warm water

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

• A pinch of cinnamon, or a few drops of essential oil (orange,…)

Optional: natural food coloring in red, brown or green - or try a spoon of cocoa powder for a warm scent and soft brown tone

🔔How to make your Christmas - scented play dough

• Mix flour, salt, cinnamon (or other fragrances), and natural coloring in a large bowl.

• Add the warm water and oil. Stir slowly until the dough starts to form.

• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.

• Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth and warm.

💡Playful Language Learning

This sensory activity is more than just fun - it naturally invites children to explore language through play.

As they roll, shape, and smell the dough, they can describe what they see and feel, tell small stories about their creations, and build confidence in expessing themselves.

👉Try adding words: soft, warm, round, star, sweet, ….

⭐Language grows best when it’s connected with the senses.⭐

🚩For families learning German:

If your child is learning German, this activity is a gentle way to connect words and experience.

Use simple vocabulary while playing:

• Zimt - cinnamon

• Orange - orange

• Stern - star

• Knete - dough

• braun/brown - rot/red - grün/green

Repeat the words while you play, ask:

• Wie riecht das? (What does it smell like?)

• Welche Farbe ist das? (What color is that?)