September 16th is National Play-Doh Day!

It is amazing to me how when you open that familiar can of yellow Play-doh, the distinctive scent can bring some of us instantaneously back to fond memories from our childhood.  Not only does Play-Doh allow for creativity to make and bring to life all sorts of ideas and concepts, there are key developmental skills that can also be enhanced.

* The natural resistance provided within Play-Doh is a great way for your child to develop the smaller muscles of the hand while they roll, squeeze, pull, tear and squish

* Incorporating tools such as rolling pins, cookie cutters, tweezers, scissors, garlic presses, and plastic knives encourage the ability to coordinate the use of two hands together

* Using alphabet stamps with Play-Doh can provide another way for children to learn how to sequence the letters of their name in a more hands-on, interactive way

* The ability to develop copying skills, visual memory, and following directions can be enhanced by having your child imitate making shapes, letters and designs that you have demonstrated

* Remember, it’s what they are learning with you in the process, not the finished product, that is the most important

So don’t stress over the mess that can sometimes accompany the fun and creativity that Play-Doh promotes, get a plastic table cloth at the dollar store to cover the table or the carpet and have fun together celebrating National Play-Doh Day!