The Mom I Want to Be

National Play-Doh Day celebrates a great childhood play toy. Invented in the mid 1950s, it has entertained millions of children, and allowed them to express their creativity, both at home and in the classroom.

 

It’s fun and easy to celebrate National Play-Doh Day. Simply pull out the Play-Doh and ……Play!

Playing with clay and other modeling materials is a tactile experience that benefits children in many ways, but it can be messy. Here’s how to make it a pleasurable and manageable activity for preschoolers — and for you.

 

Nurture freedom of expression. Remember that clay, plasticene, and play dough are open-ended materials — there is no right or wrong way of playing with them. Avoid making models for children to copy or suggesting that a final product is expected.

 

Personalize the experience. A small child-sized table with four chairs set up around it is a comfortable work space that encourages children to share materials and conversation. By controlling the group size, the frustration level — as well as the mess — isn’t as apt to get out of hand.

 

 Support children’s play. Encourage children who want to experiment. A smile, wink, or a hand to steady a clay mound are forms of positive reinforcement. Offer sincere, meaningful comments such as “Your yellow shape is so BIG!” rather than asking “What is that?” Be careful not to compare children’s work.

 

 Encourage hesitant children. Some children may not want to participate in messy play. Never force the issue! Be patient and give children lots of time and plenty of opportunities to observe the fun others are having. They might enjoy helping you carry the wrapped dough to the refrigerator or feel comfortable sitting near you as you pat the dough and describe how it feels.

 

 Guide children who may be disruptive. Sometimes a child might be tempted to take play dough away from others or smash their clay sculptures. To encourage appropriate behavior, make sure children understand a few specific rules for the clay table, and be sure to provide ample manipulative materials for each child, so they’re less likely to feel a need to take another’s supplies.

 

Provide technical assistance. It’s time to step in when a child is having difficulty with something he or she wants to accomplish. Just be sure your suggestion helps the child accomplish his own goal for his clay.

 

Supply accessories for added fun. When children have had lots of time to explore the properties of the material, they may enjoy the challenge of using tools that make impressions, such as large buttons, spools, and forks, or tools that cut, such as plastic knives and plastic caps. Cookie cutters, however, may stifle creativity.

 

Buy some Play-Doh, make your own — but have fun and get playing!

 

Simple Playdough

Excellent Imitation Play-Doh

Chocolate Playdough (edible)

Magenta Playdough

Pink Playdough

Peanut Butter Playdough (edible)

Pumpkin Spice Playdough

Pearly Soda Clay

 

How do I remove PLAY-DOH compound from carpet, upholstery or fabric?

 

When attempting to remove PLAY-DOH compound do NOT use hot water or cleaning solutions of any kind. To remove PLAY-DOH compound from carpet or fabrics, allow it to dry completely, and then loosen with a stiff brush. It may be necessary to vacuum clean or wash with gentle soap and cold water. You may need to repeat the process in order to completely remove the PLAY-DOH compound.