2D Shape Play Dough mats
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 19
Coordinating Activities
2D Shape Play Dough Mats
- 8 shape play dough mats (circle, square, rectangle, rhombus, oval, triangle, heart and star)
- Each mat includes a traceable shape word and a real-life example sentence (This kite is shaped like a rhombus.)
- 2 font versions of every mat
Print the mats in color and laminate them for use with play dough and dry-erase markers.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator
- Play dough
- Dry-erase markers
Standards for Geometry
These 2D Shape play dough mats support early math standards connected to naming, describing and identifying 2D shapes.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. Kids name each shape on the cards and posters.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.4: Analyze and compare two-dimensional shapes using informal language to describe their similarities, differences and attributes. Kids talk about sides and corners as they match shapes.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes. Kids name each shape as they match it.
- TEKS K.6A: Identify two-dimensional shapes, including circles, triangles, rectangles and squares as special rectangles.
- TEKS K.6D: Identify attributes of two-dimensional shapes using informal and formal geometric language interchangeably.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures, including circles, triangles, squares and rectangles. Kids name and describe each shape.
2D Shape Play Dough Mats help preschool and kindergarten kids build, trace and name 2D shapes with hands-on play dough fun.
Roll, squish and build! Kids use play dough to make each shape on the mat.
Each mat shows a shape, a real-life example and a traceable shape word. Kids roll play dough snakes to build the shape, then trace the word with a dry-erase marker.
Building shapes with play dough strengthens little hands while kids learn shape names and attributes.
Keep the mats and a few tubs of play dough in a fine motor or math center.
How to Use 2D Shape Play Dough Mats
- Choose a shape mat and name the shape.
- Roll play dough into snakes.
- Build the shape on the mat.
- Trace the shape word with a dry-erase marker.
Small Group: Give each child a mat. Build the shapes together and talk about sides and corners.
Independent Practice: Place the mats and play dough in a center. Kids build each shape on their own.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Play Dough Mats
Every group of kids has a mix of counting, number recognition and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with circle, square and triangle.
- Roll the play dough snakes ahead of time.
- Trace the shape with a finger first.
- Work on one mat at a time.
For On-Level Practice:
- Build every shape.
- Count the sides and corners.
- Read the example sentence.
- Trace the shape word.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Build each shape without the outline.
- Find a real object with the same shape.
- Build a picture using several shapes.
- Write the shape word without tracing.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Model the number word and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Roll and pinch play dough for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Use the words sides, corners, straight and curved as kids build.
2D Shape Play Dough Mats Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Shape themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
