2D Shapes Play Dough mats: Christmas Tree Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 8
2D Shapes Play Dough Mats: Christmas Tree Theme
- 12 Christmas tree play dough mats, 2 per page
- Each mat has a tree with shape ornaments to fill and the shape word
- 12 shapes: circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, heart and star
Kids build the ornaments with play dough and add mini Christmas lights for extra fine motor practice.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Play dough
- Optional: mini Christmas lights or beads
Standards for 2D Shapes
These shape activities support early math standards connected to naming, describing and comparing shapes.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.5: Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes. Kids build each shape with play dough.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. Kids name the shape on each tree.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes and names at least 1 solid 3D shape. Kids name and describe each shape.
- PK4.IX.B.1: Child shows control of tasks that require small-muscle strength and control. Kids roll and press play dough into each shape.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures (circles, triangles, squares and rectangles). Kids build and name each shape.
2D Shapes Play Dough Mats: Christmas Tree Theme give preschool and kindergarten kids a festive way to build and name 12 shapes.
Each mat shows a Christmas tree with ornaments in one shape and the shape word. Kids roll play dough to fill the ornaments and say the shape name.
Laminate the mats so they last all season. Add mini lights or beads to decorate the trees.
How to Use 2D Shapes Play Dough Mats: Christmas Tree Theme
- Print, laminate and cut apart the mats.
- Kids pick a mat and read the shape word.
- Kids roll and press play dough into each ornament.
- Kids name the shape and count the sides.
Small Group: Build a shape together and count the sides and corners.
Fine Motor Center: Set out the mats with play dough.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Play Dough Mats
Every group has a mix of shape and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use soft play dough.
- Start with circle and square.
- Roll snakes together first.
- Name each shape together.
For On-Level Practice:
- Fill every ornament.
- Name each shape.
- Read the shape word.
- Count the sides.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Build the shape without the mat.
- Write the shape word.
- Sort the mats by number of sides.
- Draw the tree and label the shapes.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name each shape together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Trace each shape with a finger to feel the sides and corners.
- Use real shape blocks next to the pages.
2D Shapes Play Dough Mats: Christmas Tree Theme Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Christmas and winter themes
- Fine motor centers
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
