Squishing, rolling, sculpting, molding . . . young children love to play with playdough. Add some props from around the home and playdough play becomes a powerful way to support your child’s learning.

This simple preschool staple lets children use their imaginations and strengthen the small muscles in their fingers—the same muscles they will one day use to hold a pencil and write.

Using playdough with you, a friend, or siblings supports your child’s social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and enjoying being with other people.

Playdough also encourages children’s language and literacy, science, and math skills—all at the same time! For this activity, we used orange playdough, plastic knives, rolling pins, ovens (made from boxes), and baking accessories to create Halloween treats!