In this Christmas-themed emotion play dough mat activity, different emotions are explored in a fun, hands-on way. Children will be using play dough or dry erase markers to recreate the Santa emotion cards on the blank Santa Claus.
This activity is a great addition to any winter, Christmas or Santa theme. And can be used for centers, small groups or one-on-one.
As a small group or center activity, children will be working on their fine motor skills as they roll, smash and place their play dough on the mats.
When working one-on-one, this activity can be good for further developing language. As children talk about feelings, they can be asked questions about the different emotions they are creating with their Santa Claus faces.
The Santa Claus emotion play dough mat activity comes with 12 different emotions and is offered in both color and black & white. The feelings included in this activity are:
- Mad
- Sad
- Happy
- Sleepy
- Surprised
- Silly
- Annoyed
- Excited
- Worried
- Loved
- Sick
- Calm
To set up the Christmas Santa Claus feelings activity:
- Print out the Santa Claus mat and feelings page.
- Cut out the Santa Claus mat and feelings and laminate.
- Provide play dough or dry erase markers to children.
- Instruct children to place an emotion in the blank box and then recreate the feeling on Santa. They may use either play dough or dry erase marker.
Included in the Santa Emotion Play Dough Activity:
- 1 Santa Claus mat in both color and black & white
- 1 feelings page (with 12 emotions) in both color and black & white
- 1 instruction page
