Risky Play Activity: Sewing Cultural Doll Clothing

The children engaged in a meaningful and carefully supervised risky play experience using sewing needles and thread. Before beginning, we discussed the potential hazards and safety procedures. The children showed a strong understanding of the risks involved, handling the sharp needles with care and paying close attention to where they placed them as they stitched through the fabric.
Using scrap materials from our Scrap Project, the children explored cultural expression by designing and creating clothing for our cultural dolls. They came up with imaginative ideas such as dresses, skirts, trousers, and T-shirts, which they were excited to bring to life through sewing.
We began by using measuring tapes to determine how much fabric was needed for each design. After cutting their chosen materials, the children threaded their needles and began sewing. An additional challenge was introduced — adding a working button to their fabric piece. This required extra focus and fine motor control, as the children learned to align buttonholes and secure buttons tightly to ensure they could be opened and closed properly.
The process encouraged persistence and problem-solving as the children adjusted their stitches and refined their techniques. Throughout the activity, they demonstrated creativity, coordination, and confidence in their abilities, while applying their knowledge of risky play in a safe and supported setting.
This experience not only strengthened their fine motor skills but also introduced practical life skills and design thinking in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way. Well done preschool for your amazing learning this week!