Playdough

Both kids (ages 5 and 2) are having fun with playdough lately which makes me happy because there are so many benefits to playing with playdough!

Benefits of playing with playdough:
*Strengthening fingers, wrists, and hands which helps develops fine motor skills and coordination.
*Gives an opportunity for dramatic play and fosters creativity and imagination.
*Gives a chance for experimentation and discovery.
*Increases vocabulary.

They love using scented playdough (my favorite playdough recipe) and playdough mats. Just laminate or cover a playdough mat with contact paper and it wipes clean after you use it.

Some playdough mats have a purpose such as making letters or putting  a certain number of "apples" on a tree and others are for creative open ended play.

Here are several playdough mats that you can print for free and other creative ideas for playing with playdough:

 

photo from Storytime and more

Fall

Apple Tree Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Halloween Playdough Mats from Storytime and more

Feed the Dog Playdough Mat from PreKinders

Leaf Playdough Mats from Childcareland.com

Turkey Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

 

photo from The Preschool Toolbox

Winter

Snowman Playdough Mats from PreKinders

Gingerbread House Playdough Mat from PreKinders

Mitten Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Penguin Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Hot Cocoa and Marshmallow Playdough Mat from The Preschool Toolbox

 

photo from PreKinders

Spring

Feed the Giraffe Playdough Mat from PreKinders

Kite Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Flower Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Summer

Crocodile Playdough Mat from Sparkle Box

Fishbowl Playdough Mat from Childcareland.com

Other

Alphabet Playdough Mats from 2 Teaching Mommies

Number Playdough Mats from Money Saving Mom

Space Themed Playdough Mats from Sparkle Box

 

photo from House of Baby Piranha

Cool Playdough Ideas:

Make a Playdough Zoo from House of Baby Piranha

Playdough Ice Cream Shop from Spell Outloud

Playdough Mystery Box from Inspiration Surrounds Creativity Abounds

Playdough Lacing Activity from The Activity Mom

Frosting Dough Recipe from The Activity Mom

Pretend Play with Playdough from The Activity Mom

Items to Use with Playdough:

popsicle sticks

cupcake wrappers

plastic animals

muffin trays

rolling pin

birthday candles

cookie cutters

old garlic crushers

leaves

sticks

plastic forks, knives, or spoons