These Lunar New Year playdough mats are a fun way to develop fine motor skills and introduce children to Chinese New Year vocabulary. Are you searching for a hands-on activity to celebrate the Lunar New Year in your Preschool, Pre-K, or Kindergarten classroom—or even at home? These engaging mats not only highlight Chinese New Year (often called the Spring Festival) for young learners but also help them strengthen their fine motor abilities. Read on to learn how you can use these mats to teach Lunar New Year vocabulary while your students mold Chinese zodiac animals and festive symbols.
What Is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a vibrant festival celebrated in many Asian cultures. It’s most commonly referred to as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival. During this time, families gather to honor their ancestors, enjoy special meals, and welcome good luck for the year ahead. Each year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. This year, 2025, is the Year of the Snake!
<<Get this Year of the Snake playdough mat here.>>
Preparation: Getting Your Playdough Mats Ready
First, print out the Lunar New Year playdough mats. You will find various symbols like a coin, envelope, fan, candle, fortune cookie, lantern, and orange, as well as all 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
Next, for added durability, you can laminate each mat or place it in a dry-erase pocket sleeve. This way, you can reuse the mats again and again!
Then, gather your playdough. Each mat is in black and white, making it easy to match the colors to your preference. If you’re in a classroom setting, you might want to keep it simple by making one large batch of red or yellow playdough. However, if you’re a homeschooler, you can treat your little ones to multiple colors. Store-bought playdough is a quick option, especially if you want to replicate the colors shown in any examples you’ve seen.
<<Find these Chinese New Year Playdough Mats here.>>
How to Play with Lunar New Year Playdough Mats
First, have your students (or child) select a playdoh mat featuring a Chinese zodiac animal or a traditional Lunar New Year symbol.
Second, encourage them to name the symbol or animal on the mat. This step builds Lunar New Year vocabulary and helps them become familiar with the culture and traditions behind each design.
Next, let them mold the playdough into the shape of the animal or object. Guide them to press, roll, or pinch the dough to fit within the lines on the mat. This process is excellent for improving fine motor skills.
Finally, after they have completed one mat, invite them to pick another design. Let their creativity run wild as they explore each Chinese zodiac animal and festive symbol.
<<Grab these Lunar New Year Playdough Mats here.>>
Why These Mats Are Perfect for Fine Motor Activities
These playdough mats double as fine motor activities and engaging lessons on Lunar New Year vocabulary. They fit seamlessly into:
- January work tubs
- Centers or morning tubs
- Table time activities
- Fine motor tubs
- Early finisher tasks
Children love the tactile experience of molding the dough, and teachers appreciate how these mats support language development and cultural awareness.
<<Grab these Chinese New Year Playdough Mats here.>>
In conclusion, celebrating the Lunar New Year with these playdough mats is a fun and educational way to introduce the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival to young learners. By molding each Chinese zodiac animal or symbolic item, children enhance their fine motor skills and gain valuable Lunar New Year vocabulary. Whether you’re a preschool teacher, homeschool parent, or caregiver, these mats will make your festivities both meaningful and memorable!
Ready to bring the Lunar New Year into your classroom or home? Grab your set of playdough mats today and start creating colorful, hands-on memories!
More Lunar New Year Activities for Kids
Be sure to check out these other activities too.
Lunar New Year Dramatic Play
This Lunar New Year pretend play area is such a fun way to transform your classroom and learn about Chinese New Year traditions through play. You can learn more about how to set up this area here.
Chinese Lunar New Year Crafts
These craft activities include a lantern craft, dragon puppet, mask, printable red envelope craft, and more. Find out more here.
Chinese Zodiac Animal Crafts
These craft activities include cute Chinese zodiac animal lanterns, printable headbands and bracelets, and more! You can learn more about them here.