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(Unit 2) Topic 2: Playdough

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Stress and Anxiety

Topic 2 Page 12

Some educators will even use playdough in their very first teachable moment in class. The reason for this is in the familiarity that many children have with playdough. They can use the playdough and often find some relief from anxiety especially when surroundings and people are new to them. Allowing children to use familiar materials such as playdough gives them a sense of security and belonging in their new environment.

Children who are accustomed to child care situations may still experience anxiety when there is some kind of stress in their lives. Playdough can be a calming and soothing activity for children who find themselves getting worked up. This also works well for adults! On a particularly difficult day in the classroom it can be beneficial to engage in some playdough play with children. Both child and caregiver may find relief through the rolling, patting, squishing and repetition of these movements. If two children are arguing and are unable to settle after a tiff some playdough time can actually clear their minds and calm their moods. After achieving this calmness perhaps a discussion about the event is well suited.

Unfortunately, there are times when children experience trauma or loss and playdough can be used to help alleviate any stress that children are feeling as a result. For example, if a child in your care has recently experienced a loss and has trouble coping throughout the day, they may enjoy the independent and simple activity of playing with playdough. Other children may prefer to play playdough with a friend or caregiver. Either option is completely fine and is dependent upon what is best for the child.

Infants and toddlers can benefit from the calming sensation of playing with playdough through assistance from a caregiver. The adaptations that were previously discussed for infants and toddlers can also be helpful in relieving stress and anxiety with playdough play. The texture, repetition and interesting material can assist a toddler or infant in stress or anxiety relief. Typically with this age group stress comes in the form of things not going their way or separation anxiety, and playdough is a welcome distraction.