The dental shape mats offer a variety of learning opportunities for preschoolers, including shapes, literacy, and fine motor skills. Be sure to check out the rest of my free preschool printables when you’re done here.
Another reason I love the dental shape printables is their versatility. They can be used in so many different ways. And they are super low prep! Just a few quick steps and the free printable dental shapes are ready to go!
Educational, versatile, and easy to set up? That’s the recipe for an amazing preschool activity in my book!
Follow along to find out how to prep the mats. I’ve also outlined a few (of the many!) shape mat activities that the kids are sure to love.
Then, scroll to the bottom of this post and grab your own copy of the free printable dental shape mats!
Dental Shape Mats
Each student who enters our classroom is a unique individual. And they each have their own unique learning style. That’s why having a resource that is so versatile is a plus!
The dental shape printable can be used in a variety of ways. Each activity can be easily modified to fit the needs of your class as a whole, as well as individual students.
How to Prep the Dental Shapes Printable
The materials list for the shape mats is super short! Here’s what you’ll need (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
- Dental shape mats (scroll down!)
- Printer and paper
- Dry erase pockets
Seriously, that’s it!
Now that you have all of the necessary materials, it’s time to prep. First, scroll to the bottom of this post and follow the prompts to receive your copy of the printable dental shape mats and print them out. Next, pop them into dry-erase pockets. Finally, let the kids play!
Related: Monster Shape Mats
Now, there will be a few additions to the materials list based on the activity of choice. Here are some suggestions centered on the activity ideas below:
If you have some activity ideas of your own, that’s great! Just know that the materials list may need adjusting.
How to Use the Dental Shape Mats
Now that you’ve gathered all of the necessary materials, it’s time for the best part. Let the kids have some fun!
For this activity, just pop each sheet into a dry-erase pocket. Then set them out with a set of small math manipulatives. Anything will work. We have used both colorful tooth erasers and counting bears as shown below.
Children use the manipulatives to outline the shapes on each mat, counting as they go. For an added challenge, have children create a pattern with the manipulatives. They can alternate big and small or different colors as they place the manipulatives around the perimeter of each shape.
Related: Penguin Shape Sorting Mats
Be sure to go over the shape name and sentence written at the bottom of each sheet. Read along with them, having them tap each word as they go. Then have them try reading it back to you.
Other Ideas for the Dentist-Themed Shape Printables
As I mentioned previously, this free printable is super versatile. There are several ways to use the floss shape mats in the classroom. Here are some additional ideas:
- Using a dry-erase marker, students can trace both the outlines of each shape as well as the shape names and sentences written on each page. Try printing out a classroom set of the bonus page at the end of the pack. It has each shape and shape name printed on a single page. It’s great for tracing practice!
- Use the bonus page as a classroom scavenger hunt. Or better yet, take it outside for a nature hunt! Children will check off each shape on the bonus sheet as they find them in the classroom or outside!
- Pair the dental shape mats with play dough. Students will play as they see fit. Some may roll the dough into snakes to outline the perimeter of each shape. Others will smoosh the play dough into place. Still, others will create a 3D version of the shapes using the mats as both inspiration and a work surface.
Each of these activity ideas will work well for centers, whole-group, or as a free-time option. Either way, students will learn so much while having a ton of fun along the way!
What are the Kids Learning with the Dental Shape Mats?
Each of the activities listed above is lots of fun for the kids. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with kids participating in activities just for the fun of it. But, even with fun activities, we can’t underestimate just how much kids learn and absorb in everything they do.
The dental shape mats are certainly no exception to this rule. I’m not typically a huge fan of preschool worksheets. But printables like this allow for versatility, hands-on learning, and lots of fun!
Here are just a few of the things the kids will practice and learn with the free printable dental shape mats:
- Practice fine motor skills
- Read shape names
- Left to right directionality in reading
- Work their hand and finger muscles
- Identify shapes
- Form connections between these shapes and similar shapes within their environment
- Practice creating patterns or counting when paired with manipulatives.
See? A ton of fun and learning all in one simple printable.
How do you plan to use the dental shape mats in the classroom? Do you have some activity ideas of your own? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Remember to scroll down to the bottom of this post to get your copy delivered right to your inbox today!
More Dental Activities for Kids
If your students enjoyed the dental shape mats, consider adding these ideas to your next dentist theme:
- Dental Playdough Mats
- Dentist Play Dough Pretend Play
- Letter Match Tooth Cleaning Game
- Dental Health Count and Match
- Race to Lose a Tooth
Wow, that’s a nice variety of dental-themed activities. Dental health is so important, and extra interesting in the younger years when the kids are beginning to lose teeth. These activities should be a good start for a dental health theme!
Dental Lesson Plans and Preschool Resources
Planning for preschool can be so stressful and time-consuming. Let Preschool Teacher 101 help so you can focus on teaching. We have hundreds of done-for-you preschool materials for teachers like you. We have everything from lesson plans to song packs to STEM to dramatic play!
Children will learn about reading, math, science, and more, all while exploring a dental health theme with our dental lesson plans. Click on the image below to learn more about this product.
Or, perhaps, you’re just looking for a few dental health-themed activities to fill in some gaps in lesson plans. The Dentist Dramatic Play activity and This is the Way We Brush song pack are both great options for you! Click on the images below for more information.
While you’re at it, check out The Pack, our membership for preschool and kindergarten teachers. Members have access to our materials at a steep discount.
Get the Free Printable Dental Shape Mats
This free printable is available to members of Fun-A-Day’s free email community. If you’re a member, fill out the form below and the download links will be sent to your inbox. If you’re not a member, you can join us by entering your information in the form. Then you’ll receive the floss shape mats printable as a welcome gift!
Be sure to check out my printing FAQ page if you run into any issues.
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