Play Dough Mats: Robot Theme

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool kindergarten

Type of Resource: PDF

Number of Pages: 10

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Coordinating Resources:

Robot Play Dough Mats

8 “I Can Make a Robot” play dough mats with robot outlines to fill and build

Each mat shows a different robot made of simple shapes, so kids roll, flatten and shape play dough to build it.

Required Materials:

Paper, printer and ink
Laminator or dry erase pockets
Play dough

Standards for Fine Motor Skills and Shapes

These play dough mats support early learning standards connected to fine motor control and building shapes.

Common Core State Standards: Mathematics

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 robot part from play dough.

Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines

PK4.IX.B.1: Child shows control of tasks that require small-muscle strength and control. Kids roll, pinch and flatten the play dough.
PK4.IX.B.2: Child shows increasing control of tasks that require eye-hand coordination. Kids place the play dough on the robot outlines.

Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning

K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures (circles, triangles, squares and rectangles). Kids name the shapes they build on each robot.

Robot Play Dough Mats give preschool and kindergarten kids hands-on fine motor practice as they roll, pinch and shape play dough to build a robot.

Each mat shows a fun robot outline with circles, rectangles and other shapes. Kids fill in each part with play dough to bring their robot to life.

Laminate the mats or slide them into dry erase pockets so kids can use them again and again. Talk about the shapes and colors kids use as they build.

How to Use Robot Play Dough Mats

Print and laminate the mats.
Kids pick a robot mat.
Kids roll, flatten and shape play dough to fill each part.
Kids name the shapes they made.

Small Group: Build a robot together and name each shape.

Fine Motor Center: Set out the mats and play dough for independent play.

Easy Ways to Differentiate These Play Dough Mats

Every group has a mix of fine motor and shape 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.
Roll balls and snakes together first.
Fill one part at a time.
Use a play dough roller.

For On-Level Practice:

Fill every part of the robot.
Name each shape as you build it.
Use different colors for each part.
Tell a friend about your robot.

For an Extra Challenge:

Build a robot without the mat.
Count the shapes on each robot.
Make up a name and a job for your robot.
Draw your own robot design.

For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:

Name the shapes together and give plenty of wait time.
Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
Rolling and pinching play dough builds hand strength.
Use the same mat across several sessions.