Hands & independence

Press, poke, flatten

Explore three hand actions with homemade or child-safe playdough.

8 minutes

What you'll need

Store-bought non-toxic modelling dough labelled for the child's age · Large tray

Before you start

Can grasp and release a large object

Best fit: indoors · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Model press, poke and flatten.
  2. Follow your child's preferred action.
  3. Name the changes rather than the result.
Make it easier

Use very soft dough and whole-palm presses.

Standard

Explore three hand actions with homemade or child-safe playdough.

Extend it

Compare one whole-palm press with one fingertip poke without adding objects.

What you might notice

Different finger and palm movements your child chooses.

Keep it safe

Use only store-bought dough whose label includes the child's age; never use homemade high-salt dough. Stay within arm's reach, use one large portion with no hidden objects, stop and discard for mouthing, wash hands and tray, and store sealed out of reach.

Why it may be useful

This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.

practice guidance

Provides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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