26 replies to this topic

[concernedmamma]

Has anyone had to deal with Playdough in the classroom? My son (almost 5 yrs) was diagnosed one month ago with Celiac. We have done really good at home (I think) about avoiding gluten and cross contamination. We are FINALLY starting to see some improvement. I was talking with one of his preschool teachers today about playdough. They don't have this out everyday, but a couple of times a month. I am more than willing to make gluten-free dough for him, and even provide him with his own toys and placemat to avoid cross contamination at the table. I thought I had it all under control..... BUT then one of the teachers pointed out that playdough is a 'free activity' which means that there isn't always an adult at that table. So no way to discourage cross contamination. Also, no way to make sure the kids are washing their hands when they are done, before they go do something else. How worried about this do I need to be? He puts his fingers to his face/mouth frequently which is why I want the 'safe' playdough, but is cross contamination throughout the classroom a concern or am I being over cautious?

Thanks!
Kim

[Heidi S.]

Has anyone had to deal with Playdough in the classroom? My son (almost 5 yrs) was diagnosed one month ago with Celiac. We have done really good at home (I think) about avoiding gluten and cross contamination. We are FINALLY starting to see some improvement. I was talking with one of his preschool teachers today about playdough. They don't have this out everyday, but a couple of times a month. I am more than willing to make gluten-free dough for him, and even provide him with his own toys and placemat to avoid cross contamination at the table. I thought I had it all under control..... BUT then one of the teachers pointed out that playdough is a 'free activity' which means that there isn't always an adult at that table. So no way to discourage cross contamination. Also, no way to make sure the kids are washing their hands when they are done, before they go do something else. How worried about this do I need to be? He puts his fingers to his face/mouth frequently which is why I want the 'safe' playdough, but is cross contamination throughout the classroom a concern or am I being over cautious?

Thanks!
Kim

Can you order or supply the entire classroom with gluten free play dough? As a donation? I know my sister who has a Celiac 6 year old, she supply substitutes or the entire classroom when needed. I do not think you are being over cautious, it is a medical need. I know if the product is purchased and sealed, the school should be able to accept it. Check out Blue Domino!

Order Online:
Blue Domino
Gluten Free Play Doh 8/09
www.bluedominoes.com


And this awesome list: Scroll down for 2009 updated Supply list

You are not alone, this website may help! Link

[weluvgators]

We supply each of our children's classrooms with gluten free play-dough and new tools. We have bought our stuff from Discount School Supply: http://www.discounts...=&Brand=&Price= . We still have strict protocols in place when working with the gluten free doughs because all of the "gluten free" play doughs that I tested were positive for gluten. In testing my third brand of "gluten free" dough, I had accepted that I was simply checking to make sure that it was not a "high positive". So, we still make sure that good cleanup protocols are in place, especially that my children wash their hands after playing with it. They also contain the play dough and clean surfaces when done with the activity.

I don't think that it is overly cautious at all. In our consultations with specialists that are trying to help us figure out why we continue to have issues in these shared space environments, play dough has been one of the first questions asked!

[Mom of a Celiac toddler]

You are not being overly cautious! There is no such thing in this game! I am fortunate enough to also be able to afford to buy a classroom supply for my kid. I bought Model Magic. The teacher had never used it and really liked it. I also supplied her with ziplocks because if it gets put back into a container or ziplock it can be reused over and over again.
Discount School Supply is a great resource!
Good luck!

[concernedmamma]

Thanks so much for your replies. I am more than willing to supply the classroom, however am struggling since we are in Canada and I can't find any Canadian companies, and shipping from the states almost doubles the cost, if they will even ship here. A friend of mine who has a home based business is checking to see if she can order from aroma dough. I have made a decent playdough at home, but not sure if the school will take home made stuff or not.

Thanks again!
Kim

[kbdy]

Thanks so much for your replies. I am more than willing to supply the classroom, however am struggling since we are in Canada and I can't find any Canadian companies, and shipping from the states almost doubles the cost, if they will even ship here. A friend of mine who has a home based business is checking to see if she can order from aroma dough. I have made a decent playdough at home, but not sure if the school will take home made stuff or not.

Thanks again!
Kim

Can you provide them w/the recipe for the home made dough & have them do it as a class? That way they can see how it's made? That might be an option?

[missy'smom]

I have made a decent playdough at home, but not sure if the school will take home made stuff or not.
Kim

It doesn't hurt to ask. I was a TA in a preschool before I went gluten-free. All the dough, every year was "homemade". As part of my job I made it at home and brought it to school. I made a fresh supply and tossed the old each month because pre-schooler's hygene is not the best, plus cold and allergy season...I changed the color to match the season. Maybe don't use the word "homemade" as that might scare some people off, just offer to "make it for the class" If the teacher seems hesitant maybe bring in a sample. Sometims people are hesitant to embrace things if they can't imagine or don't have experience with something and percieve it as different.

[concernedmamma]

Thanks so much for all of your replies. I have been trying different recipes to find a good one and would be more than willing to provide it for the classroom (teacher is awesome and willing to do what ever it takes to keep him 'safe'!). I am not thrilled about the results I am getting though. They are either crumbly or like a rubber ball. Anyone have a tried and true recipe? (also I haven't make much playdough- gluteny or otherwise, so any tips are appreciated!)

Kim

[Grace'smom]

Ok...this is surely a dumb question, but why the major concern over playdough if its not ingested? My daughter was recently diagnosed with celiac, but I've allowed her to use playdough, so long as she washes her hands well afterwards, and certainly before eating. Can anyone answer this for me? Thank you, Emily

[frieze]

Ok...this is surely a dumb question, but why the major concern over playdough if its not ingested? My daughter was recently diagnosed with celiac, but I've allowed her to use playdough, so long as she washes her hands well afterwards, and certainly before eating. Can anyone answer this for me? Thank you, Emily

unless you have her in a long sleeved smock she will get some on her clothes...and from there it will go anywhere .....and her hands...unless you scrub her nails rather diligently/harshly some will remain, and, while she is playing do you really want to bet she will never touch her face?

[concernedmamma]

Hi Emily,

My son is pretty bad for having his hands in his mouth. Also, the other kids are also playing with the playdough and may not (likely not) wash their hands after playing with the playdough..... it can get everywhere!

His preschool class room had a table (like a water table) full of different kinds of pasta. I wasn't aware of this until the end of the second day. He had cramps on both days.

We are still new to this. I am not sure what a reaction looks like for him, and am trying hard to eliminate EVERYTHING so that we can be sure his gut his healing, and then pinpoint things he may react to more clearly.


Kim

[divamomma]

Hi. I found this old topic but I was wondering if you were successful in finding any gluten free playdough in Canada or if you found a good home made recipe? Thanks.

[domesticactivist]

What about another sensory rich alternative to play dough? Could flubber be made gluten free? What about actual clay? Good luck!

[concernedmamma]

Hello!

We went the 'homemade' playdough route, and I am now the sole supplier of playdough for the classroom. About every 6 weeks I get another request for a few batches. It is fun! For christmas I made a cinnamon/nutmeg scented one. Next they want plain white.

I can post the recipe- but my little one is just waking up and fussing, so will come back later and do it!

Kim

[divamomma]

Thank you, that would be great! I am sure that this will be me in a few weeks