- Fine motor skills: Manipulating playdough, through actions like squeezing, pinching, and rolling, strengthens the small muscles in children's hands and fingers. This builds dexterity and control needed for later tasks like holding a pencil, buttoning clothes, and using scissors.
- Cognitive development: Playdough supports cognitive growth through problem-solving, as children figure out how to create their desired shapes. It also helps introduce early math concepts like counting, comparing sizes, and understanding quantities.
- Social and emotional skills: Playdough fosters social skills as children play together, learning to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts peacefully. It also builds self-esteem because there is no "wrong" way to play with it.
- Creativity and imagination: Playdough is an open-ended medium that allows children to express their creativity and bring their imagination to life.
- Language and literacy: Children expand their vocabulary by describing the playdough's qualities (e.g., "squishy," "firm," "round") and the things they are creating. It also encourages listening skills when interacting with others and answering questions.
- Sensory and therapeutic benefits: The tactile nature of playdough can be very calming and relaxing for children, helping to relieve stress and anxiety. Adding scents like lavender can enhance this effect.
- Science exploration: Children can learn basic science concepts by experimenting with the dough, such as observing what happens when different ingredients are added or how the dough changes when squeezed.