Benefits of Playdough

Who doesn't love playdough? It is fun and the possibilities are endless! Let's not forget the benefits it provides for children (and adults too!..let's face it, everyone loves playdough). Different materials and objects can be added with playdough and it will become a whole new activity. Along with exploration and discovery, playdough encourages children to strengthen old skills and learn new ones. 

*Check out my Youtube Video on Benefits of 

Playing with Playdough HERE

Here are 10 benefits of children playing with playdough:

1) Fine Motor Development

Playdough is a great way to strengthen fine motor skills. Fine motor skills refer to the movement and control of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Playdough allows children to mash, poke, flatten, break apart and so much more! When other objects or materials are added, the learning possibilities increase.

                   

2) Creativity and Imagination

Playdough provides the opportunity for children to express their ideas. Whether it is through art (the creations they have made), symbolic thinking (a great cognitive skill) and “make believe play”. Children can use their imaginations to create whatever they want with this amazing substance. Let’s not forget, creativity allows children to embrace their individuality and think in unusual ways. It is the freest form of self-expression where children can express themselves without being judged.

         

3) Eye-hand Coordination

Children develop and improve their eye-hand coordination as they play with playdough. Eye-hand coordination refers to the ability to match hand movement with eye movement. As children play with playdough, they are able to practice this skill as they use their eyes to match the movements of their hands or what they are doing.

4) Social/Emotional Development

Playdough fosters cooperative play and teaches children to work, play and learn together. It also provides opportunities for children to engage in discussions, share ideas, share playdough/materials, problem solve and plan with others.

                              

5) Literacy and Numeracy Development

Playdough provides several opportunities to incorporate activities with words and numbers. Several different concepts including letters, words, numbers, shapes, colours can be explored through verbal communication. Playdough is a great opportunity to ask questions and identify words/actions as children play. Children can practice the letters of the alphabet or the letters in their own name. Also, playdough is a create way for children to count, trace numbers and practice “how many” questions.

6) Therapeutic/Calming

Sitting and playing with playdough can be a soothing activity for children. Some children may use a sit down and play activity as a therapeutic experience. Playdough is a great way to relieve stress or release some of that extra energy where children need a moment to sit down and relax. Also, playdough is a way for children to enhance and improve concentration and attention skills.

7) Open-ended Learning

There is no right or wrong answer or way to play with playdough. Children are able to create whatever they want with playdough without having to reach a specific end result. There are no rules, instructions or right/wrong way. Possibilities are LIMITLESS!

8) Science and Discovery

Making playdough together with children is a great interactive learning experience involving science and discovery. The process of making playdough can involve lots of questions, discussions and prediction skills. Children can also assist and be “helpers” to the teachers. Playdough provides opportunities for teamwork, taking turns and cooperation.

9) Sensory Play

Playdough is a great way for children to engage in sensory engagement. Children learn about the world through their senses from birth; touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, hearing. Playdough helps children to use their senses to learn and retain information. When playdough is given to children, they are motivated to explore and discover this soft, colourful, moldable substance.

10) Promotes Play

As educators, we know the importance of play. Children learn and improve several skills that are crucial for growth and development. Playdough allows children to just be children where they can use a range of their senses and skills.

"Children are like tubs of playdough...open up the lids, add a

pinch of imagination and just watch what they become!"