Materials:
To use as:
Seasonal Loose Part Mats : Mats of your choice printed, laminated, or placed in page protectors for easy use. Loose Parts e.g., buttons, beads, stones, shells, pom-poms, sequins, mini pinecones, dried flowers, small artificial snowflakes, leaves etc.
Play dough Activities: Dough, cookie cutters, and dough tools
Light Table Activities: Light Table, Printable transparencies, acrylic table scatter
Craft Templates : markers, crayons, stickers, paper cutouts, etc.

Directions:
Prepare the Mat:
For Loose Parts Play: Print or laminate the seasonal mat, or place it in a page protector for durability. This will allow children to use loose parts to decorate or build on the mat.
For Light Table Play: Print the mat on a transparency sheet for use on a light table. The light table adds a unique visual experience as the loose parts become illuminated, enhancing sensory exploration.
For Play dough Activities: Laminate the mat or place it in a page protector to provide a sturdy surface for playdough activities. Children can roll, flatten, and shape playdough onto the mat, creating textures and shapes related to the seasonal.
For Crafting: Use the mat as a template for various crafts. Children can use the mat as a guide to create their own seasonal decorations, such as drawing, coloring, or adding paper cutouts and stickers.

Rotate the mats to match the changing seasons. Each mat offers an opportunity for children to explore the different textures, colors, and themes of the season, helping them build seasonal awareness while having fun!

Learning Standards: Manipulates small objects and tools with fingers