The Benefits of Play-Doh
Did you know that Play-Doh modeling compound started out as wallpaper cleaner? Joe McVicker learned from a teacher that kids usually found modeling clay too hard to manipulate. Discovering that the squishy cleaning product he manufactured could substitute, McVicker shipped some to the school. After teachers and kids raved, he offered to supply the product to all Cincinnati schools. More rave reviews followed. Let’s learn more about how Play-doh came to be and the many benefits play-doh offers.
McVicker showcased the modeling clay at a national education convention in 1955, and word spread. By 1956, the wallpaper cleaner had become Play-Doh. A year later, the manufacturer offered a softer Play-Doh in primary colors. Kids mixed these to make other colors, ending inevitably in brown. In the 1950’s children’s television show Captain Kangaroo endorsed Play-Doh and so did Miss Frances from Ding Dong School. In the 1980s, Play-Doh expanded its palette to eight colors.Today there are a wide variety of play sets available as well as the YouTube Play-Doh official channel. While Play-doh is a favorite activity for kids, there are also so many other benefits.
Benefits of Playing with Play-Doh
- Fine motor skill development
- Sensory development
- Bilateral coordination
- Creative development
- Eye hand coordination
- Self regulation tool
- Social skill development
- Learning skill development
While many of these are self-explanatory some may need a little explanation! For kids that are sensory seeking, play-doh offers heavy work for little hands. Play-doh is often accepted easier for those children that are sensitive or experience tactile defensiveness. Engaging with play-doh can provide a relaxing, calm time for kids that may be anxious or stressed and need a break from the noise and action. Play-doh can boost creativity! There is no right or wrong way for kids to use and expand their creative minds.
Play-doh can also help build life learning and social skills as kids work together to follow simple recipes, use kitchen tools, and learn about measurements to make home made play dough. Use it as a learning tool for children to form shapes, letters, and numbers. So go ahead and use play dough as a fun and simple way to target many areas of skill development. Don’t be afraid to let your inner child out as you join the fun! There are a ton of inspirational ideas and recipes that can be found online.