For a simple shape activity for preschoolers, or kindergarteners, learn about basic shapes with our free printable shape playdough mats. Choose one of our easy playdough recipes or use store-bought. Then add these printable all about shapes playdough mats, and you will have a fantastic hands-on early learning activity to add to your lessons.
Explore Shapes For Kindergarten And Preschool
Learning about basic shapes is important, but so is play! We have you covered with our playful shape activities, playdough included. Get kids to create fun playdough shapes such as a triangle, star or heart.
If you’ve wanted an easy playful learning activity to share with your kiddos, you will love this shape activity. All you need to do is download our free printable playdough mats below, make up a batch of homemade playdough (or use store-bought), and get started!
Combine these free printable shape playdough mats with some of our other hands-on shape activities for a fun math lesson in the classroom or at home.
Basic Shapes
Here are some of the basic shapes to teach to kindergarten and preschoolers.
Circle: A circle is a round shape with no corners or edges. It looks like the outline of a ball or a plate.
Square: A square has four sides of the same length and four right angles. It looks like a box or a piece of paper.
Triangle: A triangle has three sides and three angles. There are different types of triangles, all three sides are the same length, two sides are the same length, or all sides are different lengths.
Rectangle: A rectangle has four sides with opposite sides being equal in length and all angles being right angles. It looks like a stretched-out square.
Oval: An oval is like a stretched-out circle. It has curved sides but no corners or edges.
Star: A star has many points, and it can have different number of points. It can look like the shape you draw when you connect the dots of a star in the sky.
Heart: A heart shape is often associated with love. It has two rounded parts at the top and comes together at a point at the bottom.
Suggestions: Learn about shapes with this simple shape art activity.
Books About Shapes
Here are five Shape books perfect for pairing with these shape playdough mats! (I am an Amazon Affiliate)
“Mouse Shapes” by Ellen Stoll Walsh: This interactive book follows three mice as they explore different shapes to escape from a cat. It’s a great way for preschoolers to learn shapes while engaging in a cute story.
“Brown Rabbit’s Shapes” by Alan Baker: Join Brown Rabbit as he discovers shapes in his everyday life, from squares to stars. The colorful illustrations make learning about shapes enjoyable.
“Shape by Shape” by Suse MacDonald: This book combines clever die-cuts with colorful illustrations to explore how shapes can be transformed into various objects and animals.
“Color Zoo” by Lois Ehlert: While not exclusively about shapes, this book introduces animals created from basic geometric shapes. The cut-paper illustrations are vibrant and engaging.
“The Shape of My Heart” by Mark Sperring and Alys Paterson: Follow Little Polar Bear as he explores his world and discovers shapes in unexpected places. The rhythmic text and charming illustrations make it a delightful read.
For more excellent book suggestions, see our printable shape worksheet pack at the end!
How To Use These Printable Playdough Mats
Tip 1: Protect your mats by laminating or placing them in clear page protectors!
Tip 2: Set up your area with playdough, a few tools, and mats. Less is more when it comes to accessories or tools, as it may overwhelm your kiddos and decrease their attention span!
Tip 3: If working in a large group situation, try rotating three kiddos through the station at a time, so it does not become chaotic.
Tip 4: There is no wrong way to play with the playdough mat or fill in the shapes but you can demonstrate how to roll playdough snakes if your kiddos need help getting started. Or they can roll balls and squish them onto the shapes. They can use a playdough knife to cut chunks as well.
Tip 5: Add letter stamps for kiddos who want to stamp related words if more time allows.
Tip 6: Read about each playdough mat and ask questions to encourage discussion. But also, allow for creative playtime without instruction or talking if desired. Keep in mind that you can interrupt their thought process as well if they are calmly playing. It’s a balance!
Make Your Own Playdough
Choose from various easy playdough recipes to make your own and explore various textures, including a taste-safe playdough recipe!
Check out our popular no-cook playdough recipe to whip up a batch of homemade playdough.
—>>> Go here to find all our playdough recipes.
Free Printable Shape Playdough Mats
Get the free shape playdough mats pack. Before use, laminate the mats or place them in a sheet protector for durability and ease of use.
👉 Click here to get your free printable shape playdough mats!👈
More Free Printable Playdough Mats For Kids
You can find all of our printable playdough mats here or check out some of our favorites…
Printable Shape Activities Pack
Who’s It For?
Perfect for 3-to 6-year-olds in a preschool classroom, learning center, or home. Easy to set up and use with one kiddo or turn into a center for the classroom. This shape activities pack includes a book and supply list to help you easily set up the 14 shapes activities.
⭐️ Tip: Grab the Preschool Themes Growing Bundle and save money! ⭐️
What’s Included?
- Dot Shapes
- Building Shapes
- Seek and Find
- Shape Printmaking
- Sensory Sorting
- What Shape is it?
- Mini-Book
- Shapes Crown
- Writing Center
- Tracing Cards
- Board Game
- Matching Game
- Cover Up! Game
- Puzzles
- Book List
There are so many fun ways to explore shapes!
