Boosting Hand Strength and Creativity with Play Dough Therapy in Phnom Penh

Play dough is more than just a fun classroom activity—it’s a powerful occupational therapy tool. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we use play-based hand exercises like sculpting with colorful dough to strengthen fine motor skills, support sensory development, and spark creativity in children. These activities are perfect for young learners who need to improve coordination and hand function for writing, dressing, or using tools.

Why Play Dough Is a Therapist’s Secret Weapon

Manipulating dough engages the small muscles in the fingers and hands, promoting better grip, dexterity, and endurance. Children with delays in fine motor development, low muscle tone, or sensory processing challenges benefit from structured play that looks and feels like fun.

In therapy, play dough is used to:

• Improve grip strength and finger coordination

• Build bilateral coordination (using both hands together)

• Practice pre-writing strokes and shapes

• Support sensory exploration through texture and resistance

• Develop planning and sequencing as children create models

These foundational skills are critical for school success and everyday independence.

Engaging Activities We Use at OrbRom Center

Our occupational therapists use guided play dough tasks to make therapy both fun and effective. Some favorite activities include:

• Rolling, squeezing, and pinching different shapes

• Forming letters and numbers for early writing skills

• Using tools like cutters, rollers, or tweezers to build strength

• Story-based sculpting to link fine motor with language

• Sensory challenges like adding beads or textures to the dough

Each activity is tailored to a child’s specific needs and goals, with built-in progression as their skills improve.

Encouraging Families to Join In

One of the best things about play dough is how easy it is to use at home. Our therapists guide parents in Phnom Penh to extend therapy beyond the session, using dough-based play to:

• Practice hand strength exercises during free play

• Support early writing readiness at home

• Calm sensory-seeking or anxious children through tactile input

We even provide recipes for homemade dough so families can create their own therapy kits on a budget.

Why Phnom Penh Parents Choose OrbRom Center

At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapy sessions are filled with creativity, connection, and clinically backed strategies that help children grow. Whether your child is preparing for school or working through developmental delays, our play-based therapy approach ensures they stay engaged while gaining real skills.

👉 Learn more about our Occupational Therapy Services