The Power of Play Dough

Fine motor skills: Children gain strength and improve dexterity in their fingers and hands as they roll, poke and squish playdough. Improving fine motor strength is critical for physical development preparing children for hand writing, drawing and self help skills eg. Buttoning up a coat or tying shoelaces.

Hand-eye coordination: While manipulating dough, children are developing the ability to match hand movement with eye movement. The use of play-dough tools such as stamps, children are able to further develop this skill as they line up the stamp to press into the dough.

Language & social skills: When engaging in play-dough play with others children practice listening to and talking with friends, siblings and adults- thus expanding their vocabulary and opening up opportunities for practicing the skills of sharing, collaborating and negotiating.

Emotional development: Creating with playdough lets children feel competent and proud of their accomplishments as there is no right or wrong way to play. Pounding, flattening and squeezing are healthy and safe outlets for extra energy. They can also help children cope with big feelings in a safe and calming way.

Encourages creativity and imagination: Children can express their ideas through make believe play. Play-dough encourages symbolic thinking. One moment it is a ball, the next it is the sun - play-dough can be anything they wish it to be!