One of the best things about setting up play sessions with PLAY-DOH compound is that there aren't any small parts, batteries, or complicated instructions to deal with. Children get to focus on creating right away! It's inspiring for parents and kids alike. Free play, besides being fun, boosts the natural qualities that all children possess: curiosity, enthusiasm, a love of discovery, and the drive to "figure stuff out." In addition, free play lets children control their environment, which builds self- esteem and provides and outlet for creativity. Child development experts say that free play is crucial for children's intellectual and emotional growth.

• A flat, clean smooth surface like a countertop or table is best for playing with PLAY-DOH modeling compound. You can cover the surface with a plastic sheet or a disposable tablecloth if you want. Nothing in PLAY-DOH compound will harm wood, masonry, glass or plastic surfaces; table coverings just help to contain the play and help to make clean up easy.
• Make sure you have an assortment of PLAY-DOH modeling compound for kids to work with. Have plenty of colors available -- kids love mixing them! How much? 3 five-ounce cans per child are ideal, but there's no hard and fast rule. For kids the more colors the better!!
• For more great ideas, check out all of the Fresh Ideas! on this website. You can also spark ideas with magazine cutouts, picture books, household objects, foods, or the cooking or other chores you do while your kids play.

Your kids have had a great time playing and creating with PLAY-DOH modeling compound, and now they're done. How do you clean up? It's easy.

• Engage your child in the cleanup….its part of the fun! Tell them to find all the blue pieces first and put them in the blue can. Sing the "Clean-up, Clean-up, Everybody Clean-up" song as you do it. Save one can for your mixed 'doh rather than separating them.
• You can re-store used or unused PLAY-DOH in the cans. Be sure to close the lids tightly so the PLAY-DOH compound won't dry out.
• PLAY-DOH creations if left out of the cans will eventually dry out and crack, but you can preserve them forever by taking a quick picture or digital image, and then return the PLAY-DOH compound to its containers to use again.
• If the PLAY-DOH compound has started to dry out or if the colors have become messy and mixed, remember: PLAY-DOH compound is inexpensive and easy to buy. Nothing beats a fresh can!
• Need to clean up bits of PLAY-DOH compound from the floor or work surface? No Problem! If the compound is still moist, try picking up smaller pieces with a larger piece. This method may even work on carpet.
• If PLAY-DOH compound gets into the carpet, Don't Panic! PLAY-DOH compound will naturally dry and can be loosened with a stiff brush. If necessary, pick up dried crumbs with a dust buster or vacuum cleaner. Do not use hot water or cleaning solutions.