PreK-3rd Grade

Ten Reasons for Play Dough

By Heather F. White

January 2023

1. Social Skills- Children talk, collaborate, plan together, share materials, and problem solve in a social setting.

2. Fine Motor- When a child molds, rolls, flattens, and shapes play dough it strengthens the small muscles in their hands needed for writing, and using small tools.

3. Literacy- Add paper, small cards, crayons, markers to the play dough time and children will write, make signs, and label their creations.

4. Numeracy- Play dough helps children use concrete forms for difficult math concepts- more/less, shapes, how many, what is left, and math problem stories. Higher-level math concepts including geometry, spatial sense, and sorting.

5. Language- The simple act of using play dough builds vocabulary, descriptive words, listening, and speaking skills. Inventing a story about a creation or using their mold to refer to their everyday experiences.

6. Creativity & Imagination- The simple act of creating from “scratch” pushes the use of imagination and creativity. The play is at the child’s level whatever their age as seen in their creations and use of details.

7. Calm- In this high speed over active time children need a time for calm quiet play and expression. This play releases tension and excess energy, improves focus and helps worries to seem a bit smaller.

8. Science- This hands-on experience allows children an understanding of how matter changes (physics). The scientific concept of cause & effect when mixing your own play dough or by adding ingredients like sand or sawdust.

9. Physical Development- The act of playing with and manipulating the play dough builds eye-hand coordination while improving dexterity.

10. FUN!- It is important to relax with your child for pure fun! Laughter, conversation, and quality time together is priceless!