National Playdoh Day is September 15th!

Play doh is a tool that has many benefits for individuals of all ages – some of which include building cognitive skills, encouraging individuals to use both hands together, and increasing overall hand strength. In addition, it also provides the opportunity for sensory exploration.

Below is a list of ideas to use play doh to work on building those skills.

Hand Strength: 

• Hide small objects in the play doh such as marbles, erasers, buttons, or beads. Once hidden, find the items in the doh.
• Roll the doh into little balls using the palm of your hand or your fingers. After rolling multiple balls, squish them between your fingers or using an index finger.
• Roll the doh into a long snake. Press your index finger, golf tees or marbles into the doh.
• Flatten doh into a pancake then roll the doh into a ball.

Using Both hands together (bilateral integration):

• Use rolling pins, cookie cutters, plastic knives etc. Press them into the flattened doh with both hands.
• Roll play doh into a long snake. If ready for utensils, use a plastic knife and fork to cut the doh into pieces. Use the pieces you cut to make pretend toppings to pizza or tacos.
• Pinch off small pieces of the doh using your thumb and pointer finger with one hand while holding the ball of doh with the other.
• Roll play doh into small balls using both hands. Using the template, fill the dog bowl with the balls. Add some fun by pretending to feed the dog.

Cognitive Skills:

• Using the template provided, add facial features to the face by rolling pieces of doh into different shapes.
• Make letters using the dough by rolling out pieces and placing it on a letter template.
• Flatten the play doh with both hands and draw pictures or letters on the doh using a pencil or toothpick

Play Doh can be easy and fun to make at home. Try this recipe at home to make your own.

Ingredients:

½ cup salt

1 cup flour

water

food coloring

Directions:

Place the flour in a bowl. Add the salt and stir. Add water and food coloring slowly until a dough forms. Keep kneading until it is formed and smooth. If the doh is too sticky, add additional flour. Keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

At GiGi’s, we see ability and possibility. Although play doh can be fun, it is challenging and hard work. When working on these activities, utilize the How I learn strategies found here and “I Do, We Do, You Do” language to help guide their efforts.