Many families are looking for fun and creative activities to keep their children entertained indoors. One classic winter craft that never fails to bring joy is creating paper snowflakes. However, if you’re looking to add a new twist to this timeless activity, consider using play dough mats as a canvas for your snowflake designs. These mats provide a unique and interactive way for kids to explore their creativity while honing their fine motor skills.
Embrace the magic of winter—and there’s no better way to do that than with some creative snow activities. My winter play dough mat printables are here to transform ordinary play into a frosty adventure.
Each play dough activity mat is designed to inspire their inner artist while sneaking in some essential fine motor activities for kids. It’s the ideal combination of education and entertainment! With preschool sensory play at the forefront, these mats allow kids to explore textures and colors while crafting their own unique paper snowflakes.
These winter play printables are the perfect antidote to those gray skies, whether you’re gearing up for a festive Christmas celebration or simply want to keep the kiddos engaged during chilly weather. Grab your play dough, and let’s have a little fun.
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How to Use Paper Snowflakes Play Dough Mats With Kids
Paper snowflakes play dough mats are a fun and creative way to engage kids in sensory play while working on fine motor skills. Here are some tips on how to use these mats with children:
1. Start by printing out the paper snowflake play dough mats on cardstock and laminating them for durability.
2. Provide children with different colors of play dough and encourage them to roll it out into thin ropes or balls.
3. Show your kids how they can use the play dough to fill in the different sections of the snowflake design on the mat. They can press the play dough into each section, creating intricate patterns and designs.
4. Encourage them to explore different textures and shapes by using tools such as cookie cutters, rolling pins, or even their hands to mold and shape the play dough.
5. As they work on filling in the snowflake design, talk to them about symmetry and patterns, pointing out how each side of the snowflake is a mirror image of the other.
6. Once they have finished decorating their paper snowflake play dough mats, they can display them as a winter-themed art piece.
7. To extend the activity further, you can incorporate math concepts by counting how many sections they fill in or talking about shapes and sizes as they create their designs.
What’s included:
- Cover page.
- Instruction page.
- (6) Snowflake play dough mats.
Related: Snow Learning Activities For Kids
Materials Needed to Create Paper Snowflake Play Dough Mats
To create these mats, you will need a few simple materials:
1. Cardstock paper: Cardstock paper is thicker and sturdier than regular printer paper, making it ideal for creating play dough mats that can withstand repeated use. I recommend laminating each sheet after printing on cardstock paper.
2. Snowflake templates: You will find six snowflake templates with intricate designs.
3. Play dough: Use your favorite store-bought play dough or make your own using flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, and food coloring.
4. Rolling pin: A rolling pin will help flatten the play dough so it can be easily shaped onto the mats or use your hands.
5. Glitter (optional): For an extra touch of sparkle, sprinkle some glitter onto the play dough before pressing it onto the mat.
Once you have gathered these materials, you can start creating your paper snowflake play dough mats. Encourage your kids to use different colors and textures to make each mat unique and special.
Click any image to view
Click any image to view
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Benefits and Uses of Snowflake Play Dough Mats For Kids
Snowflake play dough mats are a fun and educational tool that can provide hours of entertainment for kids. You’ll find snowflake designs that allow kids to create different shapes and patterns using play dough.
One benefit of snowflake play dough mats is that they help improve fine motor skills in children. As kids manipulate the play dough to fill in the snowflake shapes, they are practicing their hand-eye coordination and precision. This can be beneficial for younger kids who are still developing these skills.
Snowflake play dough mats can also help with cognitive development. By following the outlines on the mat or creating their own designs, they are engaging in creativity and problem-solving abilities. They can play with different colors and textures of play dough to see how it changes the overall look of their creations.
Another benefit of snowflake play dough mats is that they promote sensory exploration. The texture of the play dough provides a tactile experience for kids as they mold it into various shapes on the mat.
Did you know in some Native American tribes, snowflakes are seen as symbols of purity and beauty? In Japan, paper snowflakes are often used in traditional New Year’s decorations to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
They add a touch of whimsy and charm to any space. They are versatile enough to be displayed in homes, offices, schools, or even at winter weddings and events.
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Paper snowflake play dough mats are a fun and creative way to engage your little ones in sensory play while also fostering their fine motor skills and creativity. These mats provide a hands-on learning experience that allows kids to explore different textures, shapes, and designs in a tactile way. By including these play dough mats in your child’s playtime, you can encourage them to use their imagination and develop important cognitive skills playfully and interactively.
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