Playdough vs Clay: A proprioceptive play showdown

by Nicole Halton

When we think about the resources that we use with children, it's important to consider the "why". Why do we choose some materials or resources over others? What benefits do they have from a play or sensory perspective? 

Did you know that we have 8 Sensory Systems? In this post, we're tackling just one of these - proprioception. 

So, what is proprioception, anyway? Simply put, it's our "body awareness" – our ability to know where our body parts are in space without having to look. It’s the reason we can touch our nose with our eyes closed or walk without constantly staring at our feet. It's a crucial sense for everything from coordination and balance to fine motor skills and even emotional regulation.

So, what does playdough or clay have to do with it? Well, these materials are great for developing the proprioceptive sense. But is one better than the other?

Playdough

Playdough is almost a given in every early childhood setting. I have fond (not always fond!) memories of my time working in services and stirring a large pot of ingredients on the stovetop until my arm felt like it was going to fall off, just hoping that the sloppy mess would come together into a smooth dough (thankfully I later found a much easier, no-cook recipe!!) So what are the benefits of playdough?

  • Playdough offers just the right amount of resistance for little hands. It's easy to manipulate, making it perfect for younger children or those still developing their hand strength.
  • The soft nature of playdough means kids can easily smoosh it back together and start over. This encourages experimentation and reduces frustration. 
  • It's easy to add scent to playdough using essential oils or spices such as cinnamon,adding another sensory dimension to the play experience.
  • While it can still make a mess, playdough is generally easier to clean up than clay, especially from carpets and clothing (yay!)


Clay

Clay is a different experience - far messier, and yet rich in possibilities. Some of the benefits of clay play:

  • Clay typically offers more resistance than playdough, providing a more intense workout for those hand and arm muscles.
  • Unlike playdough, clay starts cool to the touch and warms up as it's manipulated, adding another layer of sensory input.
  • Clay can be smooth, rough, or anywhere in between, depending on how it's handled. This variety in texture offers rich proprioceptive feedback.
  • There's something primal about playing with clay that connects children to the earth. 

 

The verdict: is one better than the other?

Not particularly. Although I personally love clay, both of these materials have a place in supporting children's development of proprioception. 

Playdough might be better for younger children or those just starting to explore proprioceptive play, while clay can offer more challenge for older kids or those with more developed motor skills.

Offering both materials provides a range of sensory experiences. The different textures, temperatures, and resistances all contribute to a well-rounded proprioceptive diet. It's important to note that some children might prefer the softer touch of playdough, while others might crave the intense feedback of clay. Having both available allows children to self-select based on their individual sensory needs.

So... why not have both? 

 

Want to learn more about the senses? 

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