For a play-of-the-day, kids can have some colorful fun with play dough. Play dough is sensory and imaginative and appeals to little hands. It can be pre-made and purchased at many stores, or it’s easy and inexpensive to make at home.
Just today, I read a Washington Post article by Valerie Strauss on the decline of play and how this is affecting young children: The decline of play in preschoolers — and the rise in sensory issues. Repeating what many researchers are now discovering, “… young children learn best through meaningful play experiences,” parents, caregivers, and teachers all know there is still a great deal of pressure to substitute academic activities. As children play with play dough, they reveal and shape with their hands and words what is meaningful to them.
Play dough seems to be a magnet that attracts fingers and hands. Sometimes, kids will play with just one color and sometimes it can be fun to mix them all up and see what happens. Depending on the kind used, the result can be a swirling mass of color or just a muddy, grey lump. Gee, that sort of sounds like life with kids. Who knew play dough could have such profound zen?
Whatever is available at your house, set out some play dough for your child or children to explore. A few simple items like cookie cutters, molds, a wooden rolling pin, and a plastic knife are useful. To extend the play, kids may have their own suggestions, such as small dinosaurs, toy dishes, or other favorites. Buttons and plastic gems can be buried for treasures. Sea shells and rocks will turn the play dough into an ocean and beach.
The article also mentioned, “In fact, it is before the age of 7 years — ages traditionally known as “pre-academic” — when children desperately need to have a multitude of whole-body sensory experiences on a daily basis in order to develop strong bodies and minds.” Play-dough is not whole-body sensory, but it is certainly sensory. You can add a drop or two of lavender or peppermint, or a spice like cinnamon. Kids need both play and hands-on and this meets that need. No matter, the color, can your child have some sensory and colorful play with play-dough?