Mabel's Mountain
Why play this way?
This activity sparks creativity & fine motor development as children build their own version of Mabel’s mountain using play dough and natural materials. Through hands-on exploration, they’ll enjoy the freedom to shape their own worlds, bringing their ideas to life. Whether reenacting Mabel’s journey or dreaming up new adventures, this open-ended play encourages storytelling and helps your little one express themselves—letting their imagination take flight!
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 2 Minutes
Ready
Play dough (homemade or store-bought)
Natural materials (e.g., sticks, leaves, pebbles)
The Mabel pom-pom from this package!
Set
Designate a flat surface to build your mountain.
Plan your mountain by thinking about Mabel’s adventure:
- How steep will your mountain be?
- Will it be an easy climb? Will there be tricky obstacles?
- Will you make a place for her to stop & camp?
- Will you create other climbers?
Play!
Shape your dough into a tall mountain.
Add natural materials (e.g., sticks for trees, pebbles for boulders, etc.).
Use your “Mabel” to reenact her climbing adventure.
- Who does Mabel meet along the way?
- Does she stop to look up at the stars?
- What does she say at the top of the mountain?
- How does she get back down?
Imagine a new adventure for Mabel or another one of your characters.
- Use your materials to create a whole new world to explore.
- Tell a new story!
