I know what you are thinking, play dough is to keep our toddlers busy for more than five minutes, duh, end of story. And this is a very true statement, play dough entertains our little ones and keeps them busy so we can get a much needed coffee break. But there is so much more going on when our toddlers (or babies) play with play dough.
When my girls play with play dough, I use a homemade recipe that I found (see below). When I make our play dough, I tend not to use artificial coloring in case our baby girl eats it. Overall, the homemade play dough is safe to eat for most babies and toddlers in small quantities.
What are the benefits of play dough?
For one, your toddler is working on their fine motor skills. All of the rolling, pinching, and flattening will help your little one strengthen those muscles that they will need for other things, such as holding a pencil. Not to mention, your toddler’s creativity is explored when playing. Toddlers also are able to expand their literacy and language. When a toddler is able to explain what they are doing with the play dough (rolling, flattening) and how the play dough feels (squishy, soft) this expands their vocabulary.
Play dough really does help build much-needed sensory skills that children need early on. To name a few: tactile (being able to explore textures and consistencies), olfactory (the smell of play dough can be fun for your little one to play around with and is easy to add to play dough), sensorimotor (this can also have a calming effect by squeezing the play dough), and there is proprioceptive (pushing down on a rolling pin which in turn helps your toddler put pressure on some of their joints).
Like I stated earlier, there are a lot of benefits to playing with play dough. Your toddler is learning and developing without even knowing it. This is why I love learning that is centered around play. Much of what I toddler will do while “playing” will also aid them in their learning and development.
What do you need?
I always like to make our play dough because toddlers (and babies) tend to try to eat it and to make it homemade is very simple. You only need about 4 main ingredients. I have explored a lot of recipes but my favorite recipe is: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/play-dough-recipe/. Plus, homemade play dough will remain soft for a few months if stored properly.
No time, buy your play dough (no judgement here).
Other tools that are fun to add to the mix are: spatulas, rolling pins, cookie cutters, blocks, straws, buttons and googly eyes.
If you need a fun activity to do with your toddler that they also will learn from (without knowing it) play dough is the way to go!
