OK, I must firstly point out that this is not real baking, do not try to eat these cakes!
I thought it would be fun to set up the tuff spot with some baking utensils, along with sensory materials to make cakes with, so I added some rice and a few different colours of play dough…
I always enjoy setting up invitations to play like this, as there is plenty for them to get stuck into, but it’s totally up to them what they do with it. At 5 and 2, both of my children love activities like this, as it allows them to explore with the materials and make up their own games. They like to explore alone, and then play alongside each other, too. Boo often tells Little Man what to do, Little Man sometimes agrees, sometimes ignores!
The difference in the two textures was immediately appealing and interesting. In this tuff spot, there was a good variety of possible activities available. They could play at filling, pouring, mixing, moulding, running the rice through their fingers, squidging the play dough in their hands and combining the two materials together. They did create some little ‘cakes’, too.
This tuff spot took me no more than five minutes to set up, and they were both happily playing with it for around an hour. It was a nice one to do outside, getting a bit of fresh air, and keeping the grains of rice out there, too. I am finding myself a little bit addicted to tuff spot possibilities now, as the children get so excited to see what’s in there, and I love seeing how they choose to play with it.
What do you think of this one?
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Great idea and it looks like they had a lot of fun exploring textures and playing.
It was really good, and they both enjoyed it. Little Man’s asked for it out again, which is always a good sign!
Great idea. This is definitely one that N would love. He likes anything to do with ‘baking’ and preparing food for people #pinitparty
My kids love it, too, and I liked the simplicity of getting it ready
Great idea. My kids love baking but I can’t handle the mess they make in the kitchen. At least this (and the kids) can be hosed down. I think I’m going to have to invest!
There’s little mess with this one anyway, though always better outside!
I did have a momentary check when I read ‘baking and tuff spot’!! Looks like lots of fun, I really do like it when we can give the children the freedom to play and create independently. And I’m loving Little Man’s hat and glasses 🙂 x
Ha ha, mixing it up! I do, too, I’m inspired to do more and more of these invitations to play type activities, as they always get stuck in and I love to see what they do. Oh yes, he has to have them on when he’s outside, apparently! x
Love it – this looks great fun! #Letkidsbekids
They certainly loved it!
The wee girl would love this, we did a ‘mud’ kitchen a little while ago and it was a huge hit 🙂
Oh yes, she’d no doubt get stuck right in!
This looks so much fun Jocelyn! I love the shots of them playing together in there, so cute and I am looking forward to the days when my two can play together while I watch (or try and get something done!) I love this kind of independent play though Monkey is going through a very attention seeking phase and wanting a lot of involvement while he is playing at the moment :/ great idea though 🙂 xx
It’s great when they play together! Thanks x
This is such a fun activity! It’s great that you set it up outdoors, that’s even better.
Thanks. They really enjoyed this one.
I so love simple but exciting Tuff Spot ideas, this is fab! I haven’t made play dough in a while, that might be a task for tomorrow morning, maybe the weather will even warm up so we can play in the garden again! 🙂 xx
Yes, do have a go! Have fun x
Popping back, thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Thanks for hosting and sharing x
What a great idea for an outside play area. My daughter would of loved this. Unfortunately she’s too old these days for it, but it sure looks like fun! Thanks so much for pinning to the P3Party Board! You are being featured this Friday on the blog, so look for some social media love from me!
Kim
Thanks very much, Kim. I do like that Pinterest board, always full of ideas 🙂
I’ve never heard of Tuffspot before.It’s like an uber clean version of mud pies that my kids like making.Thanks for joining in Parenting Pin-It Party.
Tuff spots are so handy for lots of activities. Great fun and contain the mess!
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