1. Gather your group.
2. Distribute sticks or lumps of play-dough to each person.
3. Instruct each person to mold the play-dough into an object or artful expression which represents their response to one or more questions you pose.
4. Allow 1 to 2 minutes for creation time.
5. Invite one or more people to exhibit and describe their play-dough creation to the rest of the group.

You could integrate Play-Dough Debrief as part of a well-designed SEL program to help your group understand their emotions, thoughts and values and how these influence behaviour in different situations.

Specifically, this activity offers opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:

Self-Awareness

• Identifying Emotions
• Linking Feelings, Values & Thoughts
• Identifying Personal, Cultural & Linguistic Assets
• Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
• Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
• Experiencing Self-Efficacy

Self-Management

• Identifying & Managing Stress
• Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
• Use Planning & Organisational Skills

Relationship Skills

• Communicate & Listen Effectively
• Seeking and/or Offering Support
• Build Positive Relationships

Responsible Decision-Making

• Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
• Promoting Personal & Collective Well-Being

You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.

Emotional Intelligence

The evocative nature of moulding play-dough is ideal for exploring and developing emotional literacy. Help your group to explore what they are creating and/or interpreting in their creations to help them identify, explore and navigate a range of emotions such as compassion and empathy, frustration, conflict, joy and sorrow.

Mindfulness

Creating something out of nothing (a lump of play-dough) can be a powerful self-reflection exercise that can assist your group to be present to what they are feeling. Invite your group to be still and quiet to help them focus on their experience – or a part of it –  and then ask them to mould the play-dough to discover what comes up for them. Encourage your group that there is no one right answer and everyone’s experience of being mindful will be different.

• Team Creations: Invite small groups working together to sculpt their artful expression.
• Pen & Paper: Take a look at Journalling to engage your group in another equally-creative form of sharing.

Creative ‘Team-Building’ Session

What You Need:
4+ people, 60 mins, set of Alphabet Equation cards (Print+Play), Jar filled with beans, shoes worn by participants, play-dough

• Alphabet Equations – series of puzzles that serve as a brilliant arrival activity
• Count The Beans – classic ‘guessing game’ which highlights the benefits of synergy
• Leaning Tower of Feetza – quick & simple creative team-building task
• Play-Dough Debrief – a fun, hands-on strategy to process your group’s experience