Little ones really like clay and Play-Doh. Most people will have even played with these messy and versatile toys as a kid. Yet when we become a parent we are always look out for ways to boost own child’s development. So wouldn’t it be wonderful to discover that every time our kids are shaping, pulling and manipulating Play-Doh or clay they are gaining in many more ways than just simply having fun? Heres a newsflash, that is precisely what is happening. Check out these wonderful benefits you child receives every time they pops out the Play-Doh.
Fine motor skill development is boosted
Fine motor skills are simply actions which are usually small and precise, generally involving the little muscles in fingers, hands, toes and wrists. As an adult, you use these skills hundreds of times a day. But they were first developed and improved upon when you were playing with clay as a child. The muscles which perform fine motor skills are also strengthened. This makes the transformation to writing, coloring and gripping easier as your child grows.
Your child’s independence is supported
At a very young age, children need to believe in themselves. Every time you see your child acting independently, you are so proud. And the self-esteem which comes with independent play cannot be overrated. When your child grabs his can of Play-Doh and sets out to play on his own, he is believing in himself and his independence, which pays dividends for life.
Imaginative play unleashes creativity
Toddlers and older children should be encouraged to express themselves creatively. Everyone is different, and has different ideas. When your child is free to express her thoughts by bringing them to life with Play-Doh or clay, she is doing so much more than just playing. The imaginative scenes, scenarios and objects she creates teach her the process from thought to action to creation. She realizes she can create anything that she can think of.
When laughter is involved, the benefits multiply
All kids love to laugh, and that is a great thing. And when they make silly faces, monsters or animals with their Play-Doh, laughter is an ever present part of the process. Developmentally, “feel good” chemicals are released when she giggles. Your child’s blood flow is improved, her immune system gets a healthy boost and physical tension or stress is relaxed for up to 45 minutes after a laughing fit.
Math and communication development can be improved
Playing with clay often means using shapes and symbols to press into the malleable substance. This is a great time to give your child an advantage learning the alphabet, memorizing numbers, how to spell his own name and how to “speak” by combining plastic or wooden letter blocks and Play-Doh.