Day One: Holiday Play Mats
Welcome to Day One of our 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways!
Remember when I mentioned that we can all benefit from resources that buy us a little time? This is one of those resources. I know my kitchen can use a wipe-down and presents still need wrapped. I may get some of that done if I don’t get caught up in play myself. Play Mats are one of those resources that can be used in a variety of ways with various ages. Print a few copies to keep on hand. When needed, pull out a few pages along with resources you have on hand and you’ll have a simple invitation to create. The simplicity of the pages, offer children an opportunity to use their creativity to bring them to life. The versatility allows you to use this one resource in multiple ways.
Below are some ideas that we have used already this season.
Art Invitation:
Offer the printables with a variety of art supplies in an area that is easily accessible. Allow children the freedom to design the pintables as they wish. Allow their creativity to go wild. Avoid directing children towards a specific outcome. The snowman may not look like a snowman you can imagine but it may come alive to them. Encourage them to tell a story about their creations. This led to lots of silly stories for us.
Art supplies : Use the materials you have on hand. I will list the items we incorporated because they were what I happened to have on hand (TBH- I may be a bit of a craft supply hoarder though). I will also offer some additional items that could be incorporated as well. I wouldn’t suggest using all of the items listed as it may be overwhelming. You could swap it up over a few occassions to make a familiar activity new again.
coloring utensils: crayons, colored pencils or markers
water colors or paint sticks
stickers
sequins
buttons
pipecleaners (I cut these into smaller pieces)
ribbon and yarn
pom poms
holiday decorations such as cut outs or bells
googly eyes
beads
bells
Playdough Mats:
I would suggest using a page protector or laminating the playmats before using with playdough. These would protect the pages and allow you to reuse the pages again and again. Set out the protected pages with various colors of playdough and playdough tools. Rollers, playdough knives and cookie cutters are great tools to keep on hand. Use store bought playdough or make your own. If you need a playdough recipe check out our go to recipe here.
Sensory Bags:
Begin by placing the printable on a flat surface. It may be helpful to tape it down. Next, prepare a large ziplock bag. If there is a printed label on the bag, fingernail polish remover will take it right off. Fill the bag with clear gel and holiday trinkets. You can use glitter, sprinkles, cutouts, bells, pom poms or any other items you may have around the house. Close the bag while making sure all of the air has escaped. Tape the end of the bag closed. Place the bag over the printable and tape down to the flat surface as well. Let children feel the texture and manipulate the pieces inside. Babies may be facinated by the colors, texture and movement. Toddlers and young children may purposefully move the trinkets around. Depending on the printable used you could provide a direction such as “decorate the tree,” “design a holiday sweater,” or “create a snowglobe.”
Hopefully these suggestions offered some inspiration, but these are just a few possibilities. How will you use the Holiday Play Mats? Be sure to share with others in the comment and tag Play Beyond the Lines on social media. I can’t wait to see your play!