How Does Play Dough Enhance Infant's Development?

Motor Skill Development

Using play dough helps a child practice using certain physical skills with the hands when they manipulate the dough with their fingers. Children can practice skills such as pinching, squeezing or poking while they play with the dough.

Cognitive Development

Using play dough helps a child practice using imagination and other cognitive abilities such imitation, symbolism and problem solving. This helps the child learn more about his environment as he makes and mimics everyday objects with the play dough.

Emotional Development

Using play dough may help a child to calm down when frustrated or angry. Holding and squeezing the play dough can produce a calming effect on the child and is useful for teaching anger management skills. Additionally, children may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in other ways while their hands are busy.

Social Development

Using play dough may help a child develop social skills as she plays along with other children with the dough. Additionally, making play dough is an opportunity for a child to practice cooperation and sharing with a caregiver.

Resources

• Instructables