Patriotic Invitation to Play
Step into a world of red, white and blue wonder and let your child’s creativity soar with our Patriotic Invitation to Play!
Preschoolers will love the kaleidoscope of colors, all inspired by the stars and stripes that represent the strength and unity of our nation.
The cornerstone of this event will be the buttons and stars in patriotic shades of red, white and blue, allowing you to create a vibrant array of designs that capture the essence of America.
Be sure to check out our other 4th of July activities!
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What is an Invitation to Play?
A play dough invitation to play is a creative and open-ended activity that encourages young children to explore and manipulate play dough in various ways.
It involves setting up a play area with different materials and tools that inspire imaginative play and sensory exploration with play dough.
The term “invitation to play” suggests that the setup is intentionally designed to invite preschoolers to engage in the activity and explore their own ideas.
Be sure to check out our other fun sensory activities for kids!

What Is it About Play Dough?
In a world filled with technology and screens, there’s something beautifully nostalgic about Play-doh.
It has the power to transport us back to our childhood days, when crafting with our hands sparked a sense of wonder and ignited our creative spirits.
Now, imagine combining that nostalgic joy with a celebration of patriotism, as we come together to sculpt, shape and mold Play-doh into symbols of American pride.
RECOMMENDED 4th of July BOOKS
When you’re done playing, enjoy these patriotic 4th of July books that are a great way to introduce young readers to the history and traditions of this important national holiday.
Be sure to check out my full list of fun 4th of July books!
Extra 4th of July Activities
And don't miss these printable 4th of July patriotic ideas to do at home or for your classroom!
Patriotic Sensory Motor Packet for Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th & Labor Day
Fourth of July Yoga Cards for Kids
Fourth of July Do a Dot Pack
America Theme Preschool Classroom Lesson Plans

Patriotic Invitation to Play
Supplies:
- sectional tray
- Play-dohÂ
- wooden red, white and blue stars
- red, white and blue pony beads
- red, white and blue star buttons
- red, white and blue buttons
- star cookie cuttersÂ
- plastic table mat


Patriotic Invitation to Play Directions:
Add the items around the tray. Place the Play-doh in the middle of the tray.Â
Add a plastic mat to protect the surface.
Invite the child to explore and engage with the contents of the sensory bin, using his or her imagination to use the items in a variety of ways!
| Related Article: How to Teach Patriotism to Your Children


How to Encourage Play
An invitation to play is to be an open-ended activity for children.
But some children like challenges in their play.
So ask them to explain how they are creating their own designs.
Are they matching colors?
Can they match stars?
What patterns can they make using just the buttons or all of the stars?
There are so many options!