By by Mia Hammerschmidt | Educational Support Teacher
Baking during the holidays is more than just a festive activity—it’s a wonderful way to help children with learning challenges develop important skills in a hands-on, engaging way. Measuring ingredients strengthens math and number recognition skills, following a recipe improves reading comprehension and sequencing, and mixing or kneading dough can enhance fine motor coordination. Plus, baking encourages patience, focus, and a sense of accomplishment when the final product is complete.
Here’s a simple and sensory-friendly Cinnamon Dough Recipe to try with your children:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of applesauce
- 1 cup of ground cinnamon
- (optional) 2 tablespoons of craft glue
Instructions:
- Mix the applesauce and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a dough.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape it.
- Let the creations air dry for 24-48 hours or bake them at a low temperature (around 200°F) until hardened.
This cinnamon dough is perfect for making holiday ornaments, and the spicy aroma adds a festive touch to your home. Best of all, this activity promotes creativity while strengthening motor and cognitive skills.
Enjoy the process—and the bonding time!
