2. Follow a recipe to make playdough
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First milestone: with adult support, children mix different ingredients, including: sand and water, flour and water to make simple playdough. They use the following tools: wooden spoons, sieves, scoops, rolling pins, cookie cutters and knives. They follow simple recipes in areas such as the mud kitchen.
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As children take part in these experiences they become more skilled in using scoops (filling the scoop carefully to the top); they count the scoops as they tip them out; they use a wide range of different-sized buckets, tins and other containers. Children become confident in using tools at the snack table to prepare snacks. e.g. spreading butter on toast.
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Second milestone: in a small group, children follow the steps of the playdough recipe with an adult. The adult draws children’s attention to the recipe card. With adult help, children use measures (teaspoon, tablespoon, cup etc) and tip in the ingredients. With adult help, they mix the ingredients and reflect on the process.
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As children become more used to our cooking routines, the adult reduces their support for the group. 
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Third milestone: in small groups/pairs, children make playdough together - pairing more experienced and less experienced children together. The adult takes more of an observational role. Children are also involved in regular preparation of snack for the snack table and a range of cooking experiences over time. |
As children become more independent, there is minimal adult support as they follow recipe cards.
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Final milestone: children follow the steps of the playdough recipe independently. They measure ingredients, mix them and create their batch of playdough. They may make decisions about colour and scent and they may begin to support their peers in making batches of playdough.