The Power of Play-doh

Tuesday Scribblings on finding new meaning with a classic toy

Several teachers at Wagstaff keep a supply of Play-doh in their cupboards. The Play-doh frequently comes out during free time, the kids squishing a glob of neon pink or turquoise blue between their fingers, rolling it out on the table. Eighth grade boys may shun the idea of Play-doh at first, but inevitably they will grab the brown canister and pretend to make all sorts of fecal matter. It’s disgusting in only the way teenage boys can be, and yet it frequently seems a way to mask their desire to play like they did only a few years earlier.

Because of the Play-doh I’ve had my own opportunity to reconnect with this creative toy. It really is soothing to press the malleable wheat-based stuff into my hands, watch it respond to a fingerprint, or the impression of a ring or charm.