Playdough activities for kids are not only fun but also an effective way to get sensory input, fine motor skills, creativity, imagination, and socialization. It can be a fun sensory activity for babies 6-12months and also fun older kids!

These activities involve molding, shaping, and creating different shapes and figures using a soft and moldable play material.

Playdough activities are an excellent way for kids to explore and learn about the world around them.

Children with hearing loss can also benefit from these activities as playdough sensory activities can help them in developing communication skills and practice speech and signing goals.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of playdough activities for kids, and explore some exciting ideas for making playdough sensory activities for kids with hearing loss.

Benefits of Playdough Activities for kids

If you have a children at home, you already know how much they love to explore and play with different textures. That’s where playdough activities for kids come in!

Aside from the fun, colorful, and squishy nature of playdough, it has a ton of benefits for growing minds.

For starters, it provides excellent sensory input. This helps children learn about textures and shapes while also engaging with their sense of touch and sight.

Not only that, but playdough activities also do wonders for fine motor skill development. Pinching, rolling, and shaping playdough all require precise hand movements that can help kids strengthen their hand muscles.

Playdough is also a great medium for practicing language skills with kids. According to Stacy Crouse in her article about practicing speech goals with kids with hearing loss, you can incorporate practice with short sounds like “cut, cut, cut”.

You can also practice learning to listen sounds by using the sounds that naturally correspond with the playdough cut outs.

For example, if you have a playdough cut out of an airplane you can practice the learning to listen sound “ahhhh” with your child while creating a playdough airplane

The best part? Playdough also encourages creativity and imaginative play, as little ones can shape and sculpt their own creations.

Making Playdough Sensory Activities for Kids with Hearing Loss

Playdough activities for kids are always a hit, but for kids with hearing loss, they can be extra special.

Adding tactile elements like sand, glitter, and beads can give them a unique sensory experience.

You can even mix things up by using aroma therapy dough, which can add a whole new dimension to the playdough experience.

Playing with playdough is also a good time to practice speech goals and work on sign language while doing an activity that your child enjoys.

If you are looking for different ways to practice speech goals with your kids, read my blog post for more tips on practicing speech goals in your daily routine.

Overall, sensory playdough activities are designed to stimulate all of the senses, providing an amazing experience for kids with hearing loss.

Playdough Activity Ideas

A. Making words with sign language

Are you searching for some creative playdough activities for kids with hearing loss?

One fun idea is making sensory words with sign language.

Simply roll out the playdough and use it to form letters. Then, use your hands to do the corresponding sign for each letter.

Not only will this activity encourage language development, but it also uses the senses of touch and sight. Plus, it’s a great way to involve the whole family in learning sign language together!

B. Creating animals out of playdough

Why not try creating animals out of playdough! These feeling and sight activities help children with hearing loss improve their brain development and motor skills while having fun.

Start by making basic shapes with different colors of playdough, such as circles, triangles, and rectangles.

Then, use these shapes to create animals like elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Encourage your child to be creative with their designs and use their imagination to bring their playdough animals to life.

With this engaging playdough activity, your child will be learning and having fun at the same time!

C. Using molds and cutters to make shapes

One great way to mix things up is by incorporating molds and cutters into playtime.

You can use a variety of shapes like stars, hearts, and animals to create endless possibilities.

One of my kids’ favorite ways to play with playdough is this playdough shape and mold kit by Melissa and Doug. It’s perfect for creating different shapes and patterns with the playdough!

Watching little ones squish and mold the dough into different shapes is always a joy, and adding in the element of cutters and molds can take their play to the next level.

D. Pretend play with playdough

Playing with playdough can be such a fun and exciting experience for kids, especially those with hearing loss.

One great way to engage their imagination is through pretend play.

With some playdough and a few props, they can become chefs, veterinarians, or even astronauts!

Set up a playdough station with a variety of cookie cutters and other tools to help your child create pretend food, animals, or anything else that sparks their interest.

My kids love creating pretend food with their playdough, and my 7 year old picked out this playdough ice cream food set. He plays with it constantly and loves making fun ice cream and popsicle creations with it!

You can even join in on the fun by modeling language and encouraging creative exploration. 

The tactile nature of playdough makes it a great sensory activity for kids, and adding pretend play elements can help them develop their communication skills and social interactions.

It’s amazing to see just how creative kids can be with some simple playdough activities!

E. Making playdough musical instruments

Playdough activities for kids are always a hit, and this musical twist will make it even more exciting!

Making playdough musical instruments is a great way to encourage creativity and support sensory development.

From drum sets to guitars, the possibilities for playdough instruments are endless.

You can even incorporate some easy household items like toothpicks and buttons to make the musical instruments more authentic.

If your child loves music, read this blog post for more ideas on creating musical instruments with household items.

Kids will love squishing and shaping their playdough into their favorite instruments and then putting on a mini concert for their friends and family. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce kids to the world of music!

Playdough activities for kids are not only fun but also beneficial in enhancing their sensory stimulation, fine motor skills, creativity, imagination, socialization, and communication.

These benefits are especially crucial for kids with hearing loss, who may have different sensory experiences and require unique approaches to getting sensory input and language input.

By incorporating tactile, visual, and smell elements, as well as communication exercises with sign language, playdough sensory activities can offer a holistic and engaging learning experience for children with hearing loss.

Don’t forget to download your free Sensory Play Guide!

More Resources

Sand Activities Sensory Play for Kids

Quick and Easy Water Activities for Kids

Creative Bubble Activities for Kids

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