Today, we introduced a new play dough activity.  The children were challenged to cover the entire surface of a plastic animal with the play dough.  By now, you know that play dough is a fun way to develop hand skills as young children poke, pinch, roll, and cut.  Play dough can be used for other development too.  Three year olds have short attention spans.  One activity rarely can hold their attention for more than a few minutes.  Sensory activities, such as playing with play dough, often help children stay focused for longer periods of time.  This can help lengthen the attention span of other activities as well.