Fry Bread Playdough Invitation

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a meaningful time to celebrate the diverse histories, traditions, & cultures of Indigenous peoples. Honoring this rich ancestry through stories is a powerful way for children—& all of us—to learn with respect + curiosity.

To continue exploring Native American culture, we read the beautiful book Fry Bread, written by @noblemaillard & illustrated by @juanamartinezn. This story invites readers into themes of family, history, culture, & both old + new traditions.

Fry bread—a flat dough bread meaningful to many Indigenous communities across North America—represents far more than food. It carries memory, connection, & identity. So many of our own cherished moments revolve around gathering for special celebrations, sharing comfort foods, & strengthening our communities. By exploring foods & traditions from cultures around the world, children learn to appreciate, respect, & experience the beauty of diversity.

The book shares:

Fry bread is food.

Warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.

Fry bread is time.

Bringing families together for meals and memories.

Fry bread is nation.

Shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.

Fry bread is us.

A celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.

After reading, we invited the children to make their own “fry bread” using playdough. Playdough is a staple in early childhood for good reason—it's a hands-on, open-ended material that fuels creativity while building essential skills. As children roll, squish, pinch, & shape the dough, they strengthen the fine motor muscles needed for writing & self-help tasks. Playdough also sparks rich language & literacy opportunities as children describe their creations, act out stories, & follow steps in a recipe. It naturally supports early math & science concepts through measuring, counting, comparing sizes, observing changes in texture, & experimenting with cause & effect. Plus, the sensory experience of manipulating soft, pliable dough helps children regulate emotions, stay engaged, & explore the world through touch.

Because children learn deeply through their senses, pairing playdough with a culturally rich story helps them internalize concepts in meaningful ways—building comprehension, empathy, curiosity, & a stronger connection to the world around them.