Do you use play doh in your classroom? I have never used it before this year. I always had intentions to use it, it just never happened! And my three year old pack of play doh is living proof! I stashed it behind the whiteboard closet for safe keeping, and even though it was shrink wrapped, I swear my class could smell it. They asked me everyday when we were going to use the play doh, so one day I gave in and dove in. With two feet. And I haven’t looked back!!
We started our first station with our letter of the week. I didn’t put the play doh out as an independent center in fear of play doh being shoved in every crevice possible. So my students used it at one of their literacy rotations, and we all watched to make sure they put it away in the correct tub and closed it tight before we rotated. So far, so good! I *think* once we learn appropriate play doh usage I may let go of some control. Maybe.
We also have been using play doh mats during math.
Well once I got started, I couldn’t stop. I am addicted to play doh mats! {could it be the smell again??}
I had to make some for our sight words.
And then put some together for some CVC practice!
Did I stop there? No way!! I even made some to practice our shapes!
I think I’m done for now. Unless I make more. And who knows, it may happen. 😉
Want to try some play doh mats in your classroom? You can download the shape mats for free in my TpT store!!
The other mats are all bundled together or you can find them separately in my store too 🙂
I get a little cray-cray about the Play-Doh too…heaven forbid they should mix 2 colors and I would throw a TANTRUM!! We give each child their own Play-Doh and stick a label on it with their name. This seems to make things better because of course they don't want their own play-doh ruined. We don't open that center every week, but I have done numbers, shapes, 10 frames, sight words etc.
~Kourtney
kourtneypayton83@gmail.com
Mrs. Payton's Precious Kindergarteners
You are the reason I am using Play-doh for the first time ever (besides just for fun in Fun Friday)!!!!!! I love all of your packs!! 🙂 THANK YOU!
I love everything you do!!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
Ohhh….do I really LOVE you right now. This is perfect for my 4K & 5K kiddos. I can differentiate and use play dough with both of them! Thanks bunches!!! Amber Kindergarten Rocks Blog
I love letting our little learners use Play-doh. They really need that hands on, sensory experience that is so often lost in today's standards-based push. I love seeing teachers show that we can do it all – meet the standards AND do a fabulous job meeting the developmental needs of our little ones.
You are the best!
Cindy
Granny Goes to School
I love using play dough mats! I use ones that are very similar but I LOVE how yours have space to practice writing with a dry-erase marker at the bottom.
Tiffany
KTeacherTiff.
I love playdoh too! Except I got tired of it drying out year after year. Then I made my own…and I'm in love again! It is much less crumbly and seems to stay fresh a lot longer. My last batch is going strong through the second year now! Try it…you'll love it even more!