Playdough is a classic toy that is simple yet beneficial. It can keep kids busy for hours and allows them to use their imagination and creativity. In today’s blog post from Lil’ Rascals Academy, we are going to discuss the development benefits of playing with playdough. We’ve even included a simple recipe so that you can make your own from items you probably already have in the kitchen!

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The Developmental Benefits Of Playing With Playdough

If you have a little one, you are no doubt constantly in search of games and activities that are both enjoyable for your toddler and will help them to grow, develop, and learn as they play.

Playdough is a classic toy that has stood the test of time. You probably remember playing with it as a child, as do your parents. This simple, easily shaped dough comes with a host of developmental benefits including helping children to develop their fine motor skills, encouraging creative thinking, and can help develop hand-eye coordination as well. And, when you make the playdough from scratch with your toddler, you get the added benefit of teaching them how to follow directions, work together with others, and the enjoyment that comes with making something yourself.

The benefits of playdough:

• Helps to develop fine motor skills
• Enhances hand-eye coordination
• Finer Isolation
• Encourages creative thinking
• Problem Solving
• Hand Strengthening
• Provides a calming effect
• Teaches children about colors and shapes

Easy, Homemade Playdough Recipe

This playdough recipe is incredibly easy to make and is a great activity to do together with your toddler or preschooler. You can make as many colors as you’d like, and use this as an opportunity to teach your child about the primary colors and how to mix them in order to make others. When you store this playdough in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag, it can last for months.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup salt
• 1 Tbsp cream of tartar
• ½ cup warm water
• 5 drops food coloring, preferably all-natural

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients — flour, salt, and cream of tartar — together in a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water with the food coloring.
3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring as you go.
4. Knead playdough until all of the flour is absorbed. If the dough is still a bit sticky, add a little more flour.