Ooglies

Purpose

A craft activity which encourages siblings to talk about themselves in an indirect way. Many children find it much easier to express things in this way – it is not them speaking it's the Ooglie, so it seems less threatening and personal. Also they are in complete control over what they choose to share – some will produce good science fiction, others will talk about very personal issues.

You will need

• A selection of Playdough in various colours (see recipe below)
• Extra decorating materials such as wool, feathers, dried spaghetti/peas (optional)

How to do it

Get each child (and leader) to make anything they like – animal, person, monster …

Ooglies are in essence whatever they want them to be!

Once finished ask each person a series of questions such as:

• Where does your Ooglie come from?
• Does it have a name?
• What is your Ooglie's favourite thing (food, TV programme, book, activity …)?
• What would your Ooglie wish for?
• Where would your Ooglie go on holiday?
• What is your Ooglie afraid of?
• Who is your Ooglie's best friend?

Variations

Work in small groups, each with a leader. Talk about the Ooglies as you work

If the leader chats about his/her Ooglie, the siblings will probably chip in about theirs without being asked directly

Playdough Recipe

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups water

food colouring

Put all ingredients except the salt in a saucepan, stir then add the salt (this avoids scratching a non-stick pan!)

 Heat and stir, until cooked.

Allow to cool, then store wrapped in plastic, preferably in the fridge – it will keep several months.

Three batches of this quantity, in different colours, is enough for a group of 12 siblings plus their leaders

If the dough seems too dry, knead in a little extra oil

If preferred, the colouring can be kneaded in after the dough is cooked – so if you only want small quantities, cook it first, divide into portions and then colour

It is food-safe – just horribly salty!