Giving kids the vocabulary to name their own emotions is really helpful, and this hands on activity opens up the topic in such a simple and easy way. List of Emotions and Feelings for Kids

Choosing an open-ended playdough mat inspires creativity and imagination. They allow children to express their ideas and knowledge in any way they like, and encourages creative thinking, problem solving and ingenuity.Playdough Mats are a fun way for kids to work with play dough at home or in the classroom, and bring in themes to their playdough exploration. Note: The size of your bowl depends on how big of a face or portrait you want to make. You can do this with a small cereal bowl or with a large mixing bowl. It’s up to you. Play dough is one of the most popular and age old activities for children all ages. This fun, activity reinforces body part vocabulary and allows your child to explore some emotions in a multisensory learning experience. Language and social skills – including talking about what they are making with other children and adults, sharing ideas, sharing items etc.

Talk about the body parts as you put them together. Preschool children will probably know the basics (eyes, nose, mouth, ears etc) but will be learning more complex words such as eyelashes, eyebrows etc so talk about these are they make their play dough face. Rather than taking about emotions in an abstract way only, let them get involved with their hands and make something that they can see and touch. The goal is not for kids to make a perfect face, but rather, to learn about facial features, exercise creativity and imagination and develop fine motor skills. What makes you feel scared, and what do you do when you feel scared? What helps you feel better again?

Valentine’s Playdough Mats

Making play dough faces is so much fun and a great way for kids to learn about their body while developing fine motor skills. It is perfect for a preschool body theme. I have added these mats to our play dough bin and they are sure to make an appearance time and time again! You can use poke-ins such as googly eyes, buttons, or beads to add detail to your play dough face if you like.

If …. happened, how would you feel?” and bring up all kinds of examples. Wait and see what examples the children suggest too, even younger children can have all kinds of insightful experiences to share about their emotions! Eye-hand coordination – coordinating hand and eye movements and working on visual-motor coordination.

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You can use home-made play dough, shop bought dough, modelling clay/plasticine, or any kind of dough. You don’t need anything other than the mats and the dough, but collecting a few accessories to go with the theme is loads of fun too. Our set of free printable emotions play dough mats includes 10 different play dough mats to use and re-use.

Playdough mats are a great sensory activity for kids and can be a calming activity too. Kids who are sensory seekers will love using playdough, and for those kids with tactile defensiveness, a playdough mat could be a great way to encourage them to give playdough a try.A couple of pots of Play dough – different colours if you have them but not essential. You can make this yourself or use shop bought play dough – we won’t judge!