In a snapshot, While using play dough our kids are learning………………
Social and emotional skills
sharing and taking turns using the props, cooperating to make something together, and feeling proud of their accomplishments.
Language and literacy skills
by rolling a long snake then forming letters, telling you about what they are doing and making, discussing new words, such as , cut, chop, and slice…
Creativity and Imagination
baking cakes,pies to sell in a bakery or building cages for zoo animals, schools and yards…..
Science and math concepts
by responding to your questions, such as” What do you think will happen when……?”,”How does it feel?”,
What can you do to make it….?”
What is bigger/smaller….
Fine Motor skills
by using hands,fingers,tools to pound ,push,poke,shape,flatten,roll,cut,and scrape the dough.
How can parents use play dough at home?
PROPS-
open your kitchen drawers and cupboards to find rolling pins, plastics knives, cookie cutters and birthday candles
Collect recycled items such as aluminum pie plates, buttons, lids, and bottle caps of different sizes.
Add a touch of nature with feathers,twigs,leaves,acorns,and dried flowers.
Look in your child’s toy collection for plastic and rubber people, animals, dinosaurs, blocks, and more.
Space
Cover a table with an easily cleaned mat or table cloth. An old shower curtain would work too. Some families use large cookie sheets as the play surface.
Time
3-4-5 year old need plenty of time to feel, touch, roll, mush, and create with play dough. They will enjoy being with you-talking, talking and talking again, laughing and learning.
Enjoy the process everyday playing with play dough!!!
