The Benefits of play dough
Published: January 28, 2010
The Benefits of play dough
Using play dough is an endless tactile learning experience for all children. It helps to improve fine motor skills which is beneficial to daily activities.
Daily Activities Using Fine Motor
- Cutting with scissors
- Using a computer mouse
- Pinching (holding a pencil, pulling Velcro)
- Poking / pushing numbers on a calculator or telephone
- Squeezing
- Writing
- Buttons
- Zippers
- Using sign language (especially ABCs and numbers)
Benefits of using play dough:
- It helps to gain control over hand and arm movements which improves coordination
- Modelling and using cutters & rollers is great for muscle development
- Play dough is a natural outlet through which children can express their emotions
- Cooperative play and dramatic play can be seen when children use play dough
- Discussing what has been made helps build communication skills and develops imagination
- Dividing it up can be used to help children learn about numbers and counting
- Playing with dough with others helps children understand the importance of sharing
- Receiving praise and compliments for their “creation” helps children develop their self-esteem and confidence
- Play dough can be used as therapy for special-needs children
Tags:
