Benefits of playdough

 1. It develops fine motor skills 

While children are molding play dough into different shapes, they are actually building up strength in their hands. The acts of squishing, rolling, flattening, and more help children develop muscles used in their hands for fine motor movements useful in the future, such as holding a pencil or using scissors. 

2. It's calming for children 

Much like the squishy stress ball you pull out from time to time, squeezing play dough is great for helping calm down children. Playing with the clay can help ease tension, release excess energy, improve focus, and express emotions. If children are feeling stressed, sit them down with a container of play dough and watch their worries fade away. 

3. It encourages creativity 

No matter how many colours you have, there is an unlimited number of creations children can make from play dough. Creating objects from scratch encourages your kids to stretch their imaginations and think in new and innovative ways.

4. It enhances hand-eye coordination 

Along with play dough, you probably picked up different materials and tools, such as rolling pins and cookie cutters. These tools, which come in a variety of sizes, develop your child's hand-eye coordination by forcing them to manipulate the materials to fit their ideas.

5. It improves social skills 

When children work with other children or even adults while playing with play dough, it’s great practice for social settings. Between sharing various colours, tools, and materials, as well as spending ample time together discussing and collaborating, children will get great practice with their social skills.

6. It supports literacy and numeracy 

Play dough is an awesome tool for teaching children about counting, shapes, descriptions, volume, quantity, weight and more.

 7. It promotes playtime 

Play dough helps children slow down and focus on playing while using a number of senses and skills in the process.

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