4 fun skill-building activities with playdough

Skill-By-Skill shares these four fun activities that address fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills and hand strengthening.

Posted 11:15 p.m. Oct 10, 2017 — Updated 7:15 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Looking for some new activities for your kids to do at home that are both fun and educational? Have a bunch of playdough at home?

The owners of Skill-by-Skill, which provides small group occupational therapy for kids and teens, say there is no need to go to great lengths with new purchases or fancy or elaborate ideas. Just break out the playdough.

Here are four fun activities that address fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills and hand strengthening.

Chicken Feet

For the creative child (like the one who named this activity!). Create patterns or practice counting as they carefully string the toes!

Supplies: playdough, beads (or pasta), spaghetti (or pipe cleaners)

Scissor Snakes

For the child that loves cutting (are there any that don’t?!). Roll some snakes and let them cut, cut, cut!

Supplies: playdough, scissors

Marble Mazes

For the child that loves marbles (and again, are there any that don’t?!). Trace letters, shapes, or create a larger maze!

Supplies: playdough, marbles (small bouncy balls)

Construct-doh

For the child who loves building. Construct shapes, houses, towers, whatever their mind desires!

Supplies: playdough, toothpicks or popsicle sticks

And here's Skill-By-Skill's OT-approved playdough recipe

1 cup flour

1 cup water

¼ cup salt

1 TB oil

2 tsp cream of tartar

Additional options: food coloring (we prefer natural forms), glitter, and/or scented extract

Cook over medium heat until dough comes together in a big ball. Knead together, then cool.

Skill-by-Skill has upcoming group sessions for Social/Life, Fine Motor, and Sensory Skills. Skill-By-Skill's website has more information, including details about how to win a free skill playgroup.

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