Play dough is a very important staple in every early learning environment. Many people feel that play dough is just messy, so they avoid it, but it does serve a very important purpose. Always having play dough available is essential for the growth and development of children. Play is the cornerstone of child development and how young children learn. Not only does play dough provide a wonderful opportunity for play, creative expression and fun but it is building many important skills at the same time. “Playing with this dough regularly is great, as it is a toy with no right or wrong way to play, it is safe, and appeals to many people with various learning styles and needs” (OT toolbox, October 2022 para 3).
Benefits of Playing with Play Dough
The benefits of playing with play dough include (OT Toolbox, 2022, para 4):
• Fine motor skill development
• Tactile sensory challenges
• Bilateral coordination
• Sensory development
• Self-regulation tool
• Creative development
• Eye-hand coordination development
• Gross motor development
• Social skill development
• Life skill development
• Learning skill development
• Rapport-building tool
Play Dough Opportunities
If budget is a concern, there is no need to worry as you can make play dough from the ingredients you already have in your cupboard. Search online to find a recipe and then have your children help you to make the play dough. This activity also turns into a cooking class, science experiment, and incorporates math by measuring and counting the ingredients. Add food colour and different spices to enhance the sensory experience of play dough. You can also add various materials for different sensory opportunities, such as sparkles. Try adding tools from your kitchen for the children to roll, cut, squish, smash and create with. Use cookie sheets and cookie cutters and pretend to make cookies. The opportunities are unlimited with play dough.
Play Dough is a Stress Reliever
If your child is having a tough day, bring out the play dough and watch and see them calm themselves. Play dough is a great stress reliever! “Play dough can be used as a relaxing medium that provides calm and quiet time for children who are feeling anxious or stressed and need a break away from the noise and action” (OT toolbox, October 2022 para 22).
Play dough isn’t just for children, join in the play dough fun with your child. Engaging in play activities can strengthen your relationship and create positive experiences. You may be surprised to see how much you enjoy playing with play dough. This is an activity that the whole family can engage in.
Reference:
The OT Toolbox. (2022, October 17). Benefits of play dough. Retrieved from: