Materials List:
– Play dough in various colors
– Play Dough Planet Task Cards (printed and laminated)
– Dry erase markers
– Play dough shaping tools (such as rolling pins, cookie cutters, etc.)

Preschool Learning Objectives:
1. Develop fine motor skills by manipulating play dough to fill in shapes and trace words.
2. Enhance hand-eye coordination through shaping and molding play dough.
3. Encourage creativity and imagination through themed play dough mats.
4. Build vocabulary and letter recognition skills by tracing words on the task cards.

Preschool Teacher Instructions:
1. Introduce the Play Dough Planet Task Cards to the preschoolers and explain the activity. Show them how to use the play dough to fill in the shapes on the mats and trace the words with dry erase markers.
2. Demonstrate how to use the shaping tools to create different textures and patterns in the play dough.
3. Encourage the children to be creative and come up with their own designs on the mats using the play dough.
4. Provide guidance and support as needed, especially for younger preschoolers who may need assistance with shaping and tracing.
5. Allow the children to explore and play with the task cards at their own pace, providing positive reinforcement and encouragement along the way.

Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– For children who may need extra support, offer simpler shapes and words to trace on the task cards.
– For advanced learners, challenge them to create more complex designs and patterns with the play dough.
– Provide different sizes and shapes of shaping tools to cater to individual preferences and abilities.

Assessment Suggestions:
1. Observe the children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they manipulate the play dough.
2. Note the children’s creativity and imagination in their designs on the task cards.
3. Assess their ability to trace words accurately on the task cards.
4. Provide feedback and encouragement to help them improve and grow in their skills.