Physical Development
Young children can develop their motor skills together with hand-eye coordination as they mould the material or cut and flatten it using tools like knives and rolling pins.

Social development
As children play together, they learn about cooperating with one another.
Modelling clay can also inspire dramatic play with the child’s recollection of  preparation for special occasions such as that of her mother baking and cooking goodies for the celebration. She may copy what the adult does and invite her friends to share the ‘cookies’ and ‘cakes’.

Emotional Development
Modelling clay can also be an avenue for introverted children to articulate their emotions. They can create objects out of the clay and use them to act out scenarios or talk about their problems. Warm to the touch, it is a very comforting and reassuring medium for children who are hesitant to touch foreign objects. Moreover, it offers children a sense of control as they transform the clay to whatever they want and children gain self-esteem when they express themselves through such tactile experiences.

Cognitive Development
They discover cause-and-effect by mixing clay of different colours together. By moulding the clay into different shapes and sizes young children also learn that they have the ability to make things happen. They sharpen their problem-solving skills as they figure out how to divide the clay to make different objects. As the projects get more complicated, they will have to conceptualise and plan how to represent certain items.

Language Development
When children play they are more relaxed and learn better too. Don’t be surprised when they talk among themselves as they play. They will also observe the sounds they make as they knead and pound on the clay. Listen to them read the ‘recipes’ they use or create letters of the alphabet with the dough and you’ll be amazed by how creative they can be.

Think your child is ready for more complex creations?
Challenge them or teach them how to do the following with the step-by-step guide here!