Sentry Page Protection

Please Wait...

Unit 2 Student Login Hi, (First Name) | Log Out

Unit 2 Student Login

Welcome, (First Name)!

Enter Member Area

(Message automatically replaces this text)

OK

My Profile Log Out

(Unit 2) Topic 2: Playdough

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Playdough for Special Needs

​Topic 2 Page 16

Children with special needs can encompass a wide array of exceptionalities that require different adaptations. Playdough creates a simple option to assist in those adaptations for many children with special needs. Whether children have a developmental delay, physical challenge, sensory processing disorder, speech or language challenge playdough provides options for learning, play, and interaction.

For children with sensory or tactile challenges playdough can be a good and bad option. The trick is to find a playdough texture, smell and color that children prefer. It can take some time and most likely not all children will have the same preference, but it is well worth the effort. Often once the preference is discovered the child will enjoy using the playdough so much that they will ask for it often. This creates a great opportunity to extend common playdough play by using playdough mats, additional objects, tools and more.  

If a child has challenges with hand and wrist movement or small motor control the use of playdough is very beneficial to strengthening those muscle groups. Basic playdough play at regular intervals gives children frequent opportunities to practice the use of those muscles and have fun doing it. 

Playdough can also be used to help language development.

Children who are non-verbal or partially verbal will enjoy using the playdough, and a teacher can use that to build those linguistic connections. A teacher may use playdough to communicate emotions or concepts and show the child how to as well. Another option is to use playdough as a reward of sorts for children who respond well to sensory rewards. 

There are many ways that playdough can assist a child with a special need. Consider adaptations that are based on the child’s abilities and needs and encourage and support them to try the activity. Keeping the task simple at first will help to engage the child and give them ample time to explore the materials. Eventually you will see confidence build when the child accomplishes his or her goals through playdough. 

(Unit 2) Topic 2: Playdough * Navigation Menu