Salt Dough Ornaments: A Montessori-Inspired Holiday Craft
- 16 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Crafts that engage the senses and hands-on skills are a cornerstone of Montessori learning. One of our favorite seasonal projects at Waterfront Academy is making salt dough ornaments. This simple activity combines sensory exploration, practical life skills, and creativity—while leaving children with a keepsake they can treasure for years.
Whether you’re working in a classroom or at home, salt dough ornaments are a joyful way to slow down, create together, and celebrate the season.
Why Salt Dough in Montessori?
Salt dough is more than just a craft material—it’s a learning tool. Mixing, kneading, rolling, and shaping all build skills that support a child’s development:
Practical life skills: Measuring, mixing, and kneading mirror real kitchen tasks.
Fine-motor development: Rolling pins, cookie cutters, and threading ribbon strengthen hand muscles.
Sensory exploration: Children feel the texture of the dough, notice its changes, and engage multiple senses.
Creativity and independence: Each ornament reflects the child’s choices in shape, decoration, and design.
Materials & Ingredients
You’ll need:
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
1 cup water
A bowl and spoon
Measuring cups and pitcher
For shaping and decorating:
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Straw (to make a hole for hanging)
Markers (optional, for decorating)
String or ribbon
Parent note: Salt dough is not safe to eat. Please supervise young children closely during this activity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the dough Combine salt, flour, and water in a bowl. Stir until it begins to form, then knead gently until smooth. Divide into equal portions if multiple children are working—this supports independence and avoids comparisons.
Safety & care tip Salt can be drying to the skin. Wash hands promptly after handling and apply lotion to keep skin comfortable.
Roll the dough Roll the dough thin and even. Thinner ornaments dry more evenly and are less likely to crack.
Cut shapes Use cookie cutters to press out ornaments. This strengthens hand coordination and encourages careful movement.
Make a hanging hole Use a straw to poke a small hole at the top of each ornament. This will allow you to thread ribbon later.
Dry the ornaments
Air-dry overnight (time varies depending on thickness and climate).
To speed up, parents may bake them in the oven—this step should always be handled by an adult.
Decorate (optional) Once dry, children can use markers to decorate. Some families prefer the natural look, while others enjoy adding color.
Thread ribbon Pass string or ribbon through the hole, tie securely, and your ornament is ready to hang.
Montessori Benefits in Action
This project nurtures multiple areas of development:
Independence: Children measure, mix, and shape with minimal adult intervention.
Focus and patience: Waiting for ornaments to dry teaches delayed gratification.
Creativity: Each ornament is unique, reflecting the child’s imagination.
Tradition building: Families can repeat this project annually, creating a collection of handmade keepsakes.
Salt dough ornaments are simple, meaningful, and deeply Montessori in spirit. They invite children to work with real materials, practice purposeful skills, and create something lasting with their own hands.
At Waterfront Academy, we love activities that balance sensory exploration with creativity. This project is a perfect example—easy to set up, rich in developmental benefits, and full of holiday joy.
✨ We’d love to see your finished ornaments—share them with us and celebrate the beauty of handmade traditions.
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