Part of the Discovery Hub Collection – where children investigate the world through inquiry, observation, and hands-on exploration of science and nature.
 
Unlock the power of play-based learning with our Dough It Yourself printable mats — designed to inspire creativity, strengthen fine motor skills, and support early developmental milestones.
 
Through the simple act of rolling, pressing, pinching, and shaping playdough, children build essential muscle control and hand-eye coordination while engaging their senses and imaginations. These mats are ideal for developing pre-writing skills, vocabulary, spatial awareness, and creative thinking — all through joyful, hands-on play.
 
As children interact with each mat, they naturally engage in discussion, prediction, and inquiry — prompting deeper conversations about the world around them. Educators can use each design as a springboard for curiosity-led learning: “Where do these animals live?”, “What colours do you see?”, or “How might this feel in real life?” 
 
This process transforms simple play into meaningful, intentional learning that supports both individual thinking and group dialogue. The mats are more than just creative — they’re powerful tools for inquiry-based education.
 
Each set is crafted to suit a range of early childhood settings including:
Early learning centres
Preschool and kindergarten classrooms
Occupational therapy sessions
Home learning environments
 
Whether you're exploring animals, letters, numbers, or cultural celebrations, our mats encourage open-ended exploration with purpose.
Designed to strengthen pencil grip and fine motor control
Promotes language development through themed conversation
Encourages creative expression and imagination
Easy to print, laminate, and reuse again and again
 
File Format:
PDF Document (High Quality)
Size: A4 Standard (can be resized in printer settings)
Digital Download — no physical product will be shipped
 
Terms of Use:
For individual educator, classroom, or single service use only
Not for resale, redistribution, or commercial use
Copyright © Educator Essentials 2025
Contact Educator Essentials for licensing inquiries for multi-site or school-wide use
 
Unlock the power of play-based learning with our Dough It Yourself printable mats — designed to inspire creativity, strengthen fine motor skills, and support early developmental milestones.
 
Through the simple act of rolling, pressing, pinching, and shaping playdough, children build essential muscle control and hand-eye coordination while engaging their senses and imaginations. These mats are ideal for developing pre-writing skills, vocabulary, spatial awareness, and creative thinking — all through joyful, hands-on play.
 
As children interact with each mat, they naturally engage in discussion, prediction, and inquiry — prompting deeper conversations about the world around them. Educators can use each design as a springboard for curiosity-led learning: “Where do these animals live?”, “What colours do you see?”, or “How might this feel in real life?” 
 
This process transforms simple play into meaningful, intentional learning that supports both individual thinking and group dialogue. The mats are more than just creative — they’re powerful tools for inquiry-based education.
 
In this pack, as children engage with these ocean-themed mats, they naturally begin asking questions, identifying patterns, and discussing the animals they see — fostering rich oral language, scientific thinking, and curiosity about the world beneath the waves. 
 
Whether used during World Oceans Day or throughout the year, this set helps deepen children's understanding of marine ecosystems and encourages them to care for the planet through meaningful, play-based inquiry.
 
Each set is crafted to suit a range of early childhood settings including:
Early learning centres
Preschool and kindergarten classrooms
Occupational therapy sessions
Home learning environments