4 minute play dough recipe

If your having trouble finding activities during the summer in Dubai and it is simply too hot to play outside play dough is the perfect thing. Play dough is a fun creative activity for children and a great way to train little muscles in their hands to develop dexterity, build strength and refine fine motor skills! Encouraging your child to use both hands to roll, shape and even pound play dough can improve their bilateral hand coordination!

Play dough can be a great outlet for emotional stress and a wild imagination so simply refrain from distracting them and just let them play freely.

Not many nurseries are willing to share their secrete recipes but we simply couldn't keep this one to ourselves. We at Kids Island and Cocoon Nursery believe in "sharing is caring!" so here is our recipe for play dough we actually use. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of plain flour (all purpose)

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup of salt

• 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar (powder) or replace with 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. Note: If you use lemon juice you will require less water.

• 1.5 cups of boiling water (Should be poured away from the children, on an adult counter top)

• Food colouring or natural pigments such as turmeric, cinnamon… (optional)

• Food essences strawberry, mint… (optional)

Recipe method:

• Mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl

• Add food colouring/food essences (lemon juice if not using cream of tartar) and oil to the hot water, then add into the dry ingredients

• Stir continuously until it becomes a sticky, combined dough

• Allow it to cool down, then take it out of the bowl and knead it vigorously for a couple of minutes until all of the stickiness has gone.  This is the most important part of the process, so
 keep at it until it’s the perfect consistency!

• If it remains a little sticky then add a touch more flour until just right

Storage & Use:


Store in an airtight container at room temperature. 
Will last for months ☺. If it gets a bit dry just add a few drops of water and knead through until it’s a nice consistence again. To make it interesting and interactive, gather bits and bobs from around the house or garden, such as stones, sticks, leaves, bits of wool, acorns… and let your children explore!

Recipe created by The Imagination Tree

Sand Dough Recipe!

Sensory Activity Objective:

What a great way to let the children mix, kneed and explore this special sand dough and at the same time develop their language and fine motor skills in a very creative way!
Engage in a conversation that supports this activity i.e.
 
What textures do you feel? Is it soft, hard…? 
What happens to the flour when we add water?
Where can we find sand in Dubai?
What can you do with wet sand, and dry sand?

Activity Words: Soft, hard, gritting, rough, squeeze, roll, pull, cut, mold, create…
 

Items required:

• Clean play sand – 4 cups

• Flour – 3 cups

• Water – 1 cup

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Equipment required:

• Glass mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon

• Rolling pin

Method: 

1. Combine the flour, salt, water and oil in a mixing bowl.

2. Knead with your hands until the mixture forms a ball.

3. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add water until it reaches a nice dough consistency and if the mixture is too watery, gradually add more flour.

4. Let the child’s “creation” dry on a tray.

Change, one small step at a time

February has just burst through the door! The thought that we are well into the second month of 2016 creates a response of nodding heads and tut-tuts about how quickly time seems to fly. And yet it seems as if it were only yesterday that January arrived in a shower of confetti-shaded hopes, wishes and resolutions for the new year ahead. For many of us, this is the time of the year that we look at the year gone by and assess what we could have done better or achieved more with ourselves, our children or our family. And so during the beginning of the year, we often create grandiose resolutions during which, with steely resolve, we promise ourselves that we are going to do more or change more. By February all those plans have faltered, as we protest at how difficult it has been. Actually, those plans were more than likely to fail because we are trying to change too much, too quickly without enough resources or without enough time.  Perhaps, instinctively, we know that they are going to fail and so we give up before we have even started.

The “One percent Principle” goes a long way in explaining why resolutions or long-term plans often fail. It basically suggests that we often avoid setting major goals because achieving them seems so overwhelming. Sometimes changes we are trying to establish may be too great. Interestingly, the theory continues to support that small, often subtle changes create a momentum that increasingly brings about much larger change. I would say that when it comes to our children this idea makes a lot of sense.

Very often we, working in early years children’s nurseries in Dubai, hear parents saying that they are going to start disciplining their children more, spend more time with them, establish better eating habits or help them achieve better grades. The plans come from a good place but are often too general, broad or too drastic. With children, we cannot start changing established habits all at once. It creates too much insecurity as children do not know what to expect. Yet, if we change small things incrementally and consistently, we stand a better chance of succeeding which in turn will bring about confidence in ourselves and our abilities as parents. If dad arrives at home half an hour earlier to read a story to his child he has basically started and achieved in measure the change planned. Scheduling family dinners together over the weekend and at least once during the week creates the basis for a habit that impacts language, communication and cognitive skills. Half an hour less on the I-pad will mean half an hour more time playing and developing physical skills. Speaking to our children and others using “and “instead of “but” will reinforce that respect and love are not conditional. Small, positive changes that we apply with consistency can have the potential to create a lasting effect.

The "W" Sitting Position: What It Means and Why It Matters

The "W" Sitting Position: What It Means and Why It Matters

Lying. Rolling. Sitting-up. Crawling. These aren’t just adorable baby milestones, they’re critical steps in your child’s motor development journey. Think of them as Mother Nature’s way of prepping little humans for upright life. Each stage lays the groundwork for the next, building the coordination, strength, and muscle tone necessary for the grand finale: walking (and then running, climbing, dancing on the sofa, and generally keeping you on your toes).

But what happens when your little one skips a step or hangs onto a habit that might not be doing them any favors? Enter the mysterious (and surprisingly common) “W sitting position.”

What is the "W" Sitting Position?

The "W" sitting position happens when a child plops down on their bottom, knees bent and legs splayed out to either side, forming the shape of, you guessed it, a “W.”

Picture a child with their bum on the floor, knees forward, and feet flung out beside their hips. Cute? Maybe. Harmless? Not always.

This position gives children a wide base of support, making them feel more stable when they’re playing, building towers, or launching imaginary tea parties. It keeps them centered and balanced, which sounds great, except this stability comes at a cost.

Why Do Kids Sit in the "W" Position?

It’s actually very common and even natural for toddlers and preschoolers to choose the W sitting position. Here’s why:

• Greater stability: It’s easier for kids with developing muscles and balance to stay upright in this position.

• Less trunk control required: They don’t have to engage their core as much.

• Comfort: For some children, especially those with joint hypermobility or low muscle tone, this position just feels more comfortable.

However, the long-term effects of habitual W sitting can create developmental challenges.

The Hidden Risks of the W Sitting Position

So what’s the problem with a little W-shaped lounging? A lot, actually. Here’s the scoop:

1. Trunk Rotation and Balance Issues

When children sit in the W position, they don’t develop proper trunk rotation (twisting their torso), which is essential for:

• Reaching across the body

• Crossing the midline

• Maintaining balance during physical activities

Fun fact: Without proper midline crossing, your child may struggle later with skills like handwriting, reading, and tying shoelaces.

2. Muscle Development and Walking Patterns

• The W position can cause the muscles in the hips and legs to shorten and tighten, which may lead to:

  • Pigeon-toed walking

  • Toe-walking

  • Difficulty with gross motor activities like running or skipping

3. Clue to Underlying Issues

A strong preference for W sitting can be a sign of:

• Joint hypermobility

• Sensory processing disorder

• Unintegrated reflexes (like the STNR or Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)

These reflexes are supposed to disappear after infancy. When they stick around, they can lead to:

• Poor posture

• Difficulty concentrating

• Poor coordination

• Reading and writing challenges

Understanding STNR and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex

Let’s dive deeper into the two primitive reflexes most often linked to W sitting position: the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).

What is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?

The STNR is a transitional reflex that helps babies move from lying on their tummy to crawling on all fours. It typically appears around 6–9 months and should integrate by 11 months.

When STNR is active, you’ll see:

• When the child looks up, their arms straighten and legs bend.

• When they look down, their arms bend and legs straighten.

This reflex encourages the creeping (crawling) motion, which is vital for bilateral coordination and visual tracking.

Unintegrated STNR may lead to:

• Poor posture when sitting

• W sitting as a compensation for weak core strength

• Difficulty with tasks like copying from the board or reading while seated

• Problems with coordination during sports or playground play

What is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?

The TLR is one of the earliest reflexes, present from birth, and is linked to a baby’s head movements and overall muscle tone.

When TLR is active:

• Tilting the head back causes the body to stiffen and straighten.

• Tilting the head forward causes the limbs to curl inward.

Unintegrated TLR may cause:

• Poor balance

• Challenges with proprioception (knowing where your body is in space)

• Overcompensation with stabilizing postures like W sitting

• Difficulty with tasks requiring head movement and coordination

How Kinesiology Helps with Reflex Integration

Here’s where it gets exciting, Kinesiology is a holistic therapy that can play a powerful role in supporting children with unintegrated reflexes.

At Kinesiology Dubai, practitioners use muscle testing to detect imbalances in the body. They then use gentle physical techniques, movement patterns, and energetic balancing to help integrate primitive reflexes like STNR and TLR.

Benefits of Kinesiology for W Sitters:

• Identifies which reflexes remain unintegrated

• Uses body-based movements to support reflex maturity

• Enhances core strength, balance, and posture

• Supports coordination and concentration

• Complements occupational therapy and educational interventions

Good news: This approach is non-invasive, child-friendly, and often enjoyable for little ones!

If your child shows signs of habitual W sitting position or struggles with posture and coordination, consider booking a session at Kinesiology Dubai. Their team is experienced in working with children and can tailor strategies to suit individual needs.

Spotting W Sitting in Your Classroom or Home

At our British nursery in Dubai, we make it a point to observe how children move, sit, and play. Spotting physical red flags early gives us the opportunity to work together with parents and specialists to make real developmental progress.

Signs to look out for:

• A child always sits in a W shape without transitioning to other positions

• They struggle with balance when sitting cross-legged

• You notice toe-walking or pigeon-toed feet

Alternative Sitting Positions to Encourage

Here’s where your toolkit of fun (and healthy) sitting options comes in. If you notice a child sitting in a W position, gently redirect them into one of the following:

• Criss-cross applesauce (cross-legged)

• Long sitting (legs straight out in front)

• Side sitting (legs bent to one side)

• Tummy time or prone on elbows (great for building shoulder and core strength)

Make it playful, have a "silly sitting day" or a "zebra pose challenge." Let imagination lead the way!

What Should Nurseries in Dubai Be Doing?

If you’re looking at nurseries in Dubai, go beyond the glossy brochures and colorful classrooms. Ask yourself:

• Do the teachers observe children’s posture and motor development?

• Are staff trained to spot early signs of physical delays?

• Does the school collaborate with occupational therapists or developmental specialists?

At a top-tier British nursery in Dubai like Kid’s Island Nursery, our educators are trained to observe not just behavior and language, but also physical milestones and movement patterns. We believe that early intervention is everything.

We also work closely with partners like Kinesiology Dubai to support holistic development for every child.

Home and School: A Dynamic Duo

You know what they say: it takes a village (and possibly a good cup of coffee). When teachers and parents work hand-in-hand, developmental challenges don’t stand a chance.

• Share observations regularly

• Keep a consistent message about healthy sitting

• Celebrate progress ("Look! You’re sitting like a yoga master today!")

Bonus: Movement Break Ideas for Preschoolers

1. Animal walks (bear, crab, frog)

2. Balance beam games

3. Obstacle courses with crawling, jumping, and turning

4. Yoga for kids

5. Balloon volleyball or beanbag toss

These are not just fun, they help build the core strength, balance, and coordination needed for healthy motor development.

Infographic: Effects of W Sitting and Better Alternatives

Caption: W sitting can hinder trunk rotation and balance. Try cross-legged or side sitting instead. | W sitting position, nurseries in Dubai

FAQs About the W Sitting Position (and Everything You Were Too Polite to Ask)

1. Is W sitting ever okay?

   • Occasionally, yes. It becomes a concern when it’s the child’s go-to position.

2. Does W sitting mean my child has a developmental issue?

   • Not necessarily. But it’s worth monitoring, especially if accompanied by other motor concerns.

3. Can I just tell my child to stop sitting like that?

   • You can redirect, but it’s best to do so gently and consistently. Show them other fun ways to sit.

4. What if my child resists sitting differently?

   • Make it a game. Use stories, songs, or animal poses.

5. Are there exercises to help children stop W sitting?

   • Yes! Core-strengthening, balance exercises, and yoga can help.

6. How do nurseries in Dubai address this?

   • Quality nurseries have trained staff who can spot and support children’s motor development.

7. Can W sitting cause pain?

   • Over time, yes, it can strain hips, knees, and ankles.

8. Should I be worried about unintegrated reflexes?

   • If your child shows multiple signs (poor balance, clumsiness, etc.), talk to a specialist.

9. What professionals should I consult?

   • An occupational therapist, pediatric physiotherapist, or kinesiologist can help.

10. Where can I learn more?

• Visit Kinesiology Dubai or consult your nursery’s educational coordinator.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Sit on This (But Not in a W!)

Children are naturally curious and quirky, and sometimes their bodies reflect that in interesting ways. While the W sitting position might seem harmless at first glance, staying aware and proactive is key.

At our British nursery in Dubai, we take these little posture quirks seriously, not to panic, but to empower. Together with families, we aim to create a nurturing space where every child can move, grow, and thrive.

Understanding reflexes like STNR and TLR, and working with tools like Kinesiology, can make a world of difference.

So here’s to raising strong, confident, and well-balanced little humans, one seated stretch at a time.

Looking for more expert tips and playful insights? Check out our upcoming blog series on physical development milestones and how top nurseries in Dubai are making a difference.

Got a question or story to share? Drop us a message, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit Kinesiology Dubai for more on reflex integration

Easy Clay Ornaments!

Easy Clay Ornaments!

Looking for a recipe to make ornaments for the holidays?
We found the best one and you only need everyday kitchen ingredients to do it!

What you will need!

• 2 cups baking soda

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1.1/4 cup water

• Cookie cutters/stamps

• Straw for the holes

• Ribbons for hanging ornaments

What to do

• Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a pan. Add the water and mix. Place on stove (medium heat) and bring to a boil stirring constantly throughout.

• In few minutes, the watery mixture will thicken and suddenly become almost like mashed potatoes. Straight away remove from the heat and place mixture onto a cookie sheet in one lump. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to cool.

• Once it is cool enough to work with, lightly dust the surface with cornstarch and roll it out into a snake roll. Divide it into smaller chunks. It will have the smooth consistency of fondant.

• Stamp it with stamps (with or without ink) and then cut it with the cookie cutter, finishing it off with a hole using the straw.

• Leave it to air dry overnight.

Ice Cube Painting

Ice Cube Painting

Discussion: What happens to the ice when we paint with it? What happens to the water when put in the freezer? How does the ice feel? 

Activity words: wet, melting, cold, freezing, very cold, frozen, hard….
Remember to make the activity fun, and encourage the children in their creativity.

Preparations: Each teacher must make her own ice cubes.    

1. Fill a jug (1 liter) with water and add half a bottle of food colouring or paint. You may want to do more than one colour.

2. Fill the ice cube trays and place in the freezer overnight. You may want to add popsicle sticks.

Activity:

1. Place a piece of paper in front of each child and then give them each an ice cube.

2. They will see how cold it is to hold and then the excitement of what they can create as the ice-cube melts on their pieces of paper.

3. Encourage the children to move the ice cube around their piece of paper, creating patterns and shapes.

4. Allow to dry!

Developing Important Motor Skills

Teachers at Kids Island Nursery and Cocoon Nursery in Dubai, have noticed some preschoolers having difficulties using their fingers and hands to do basic activities such as tie their shoes, zip their school bags or open lunch boxes, in recent years.

One of the main reasons identified by teachers is that preschoolers are spending more and more time in front of the television, tablets, mobiles or computers, instead of using their fingers to play and make things. It is important for preschoolers to develop their motor skills involving the movement of the fingers and hands with strength and dexterity, this is crucial in the early childhood years.

Fine motor skills are important and children need to develop them in order to do everyday activities such as pouring themselves some milk, buttoning their clothes, tying shoelaces or write and draw.

Some of the methods used by teachers at nurseries in Dubai to help young children develop fine motor skills in the classroom are as follows:

• Play-Doh, Clay and Salt dough – Malleable materials such as clay or play-doh gives children the opportunity to use their hands and make models. They should be encouraged to squeeze, pound, roll and cut out shapes using cookies cutters. This activity can also be encouraged at home by using salt dough, where children can model the material and use paint to decorate it too.

• Actions – Teach children nursery rhymes and songs that include actions with their fingers and hands such as itsy bitsy spider and the wheels on the bus. These activities encourage children's motor, language and cognitive skills.

• Jigsaws and puzzles – Provide children with a variety of simple jigsaw and puzzles with large knobs, small knobs, large knobless pieces, small knobless pieces, large pieces and small pieces, table puzzles and floor puzzles, in order to encourage fine motor development.

• Drawing and colouring – Drawing and colouring are great activities to encourage a preschoolers fine motor skills. Most curriculums in Early Years Education in Dubai, lets children explore Art by letting them tear tissue, painting with different size brushes, pasting an array of collage materials and paper folding.

• Self-help skills – Teachers should include activities that help children practice basic self-care skills such as tying, buttoning, snapping and zipping. Encourage children to attempt to dress themselves for outdoor play, gym time, nap time and any other time.

• Blocks – Children can be encouraged to use their fine motor skills with blocks, where they actively use their skills to build a tower with blocks, construct a structure with Lego® or Duplo® blocks.

• Games – Encourage children to make bead stringing, placing pegs in boards, parquetry blocks as well as board games such as Chutes & Ladders and Lotto which enhances and develops their motor skills.

Having enough opportunities for children to develop their motor skills in a classroom environment is a priority.