This activity actually combines two things that I feel pretty passionately about: teaching kids about emotions and sensory play. These birthday party printable playdough mats depict common feelings kids are familiar with.
When you incorporate sensory play into learning, kids are better able to retain what they learn. Discussing emotions with them while having them shape playdough with their hands is such a good way to have them remember.
Kids can relate to the emotions they might feel while at a birthday party. The playdough mats each tell of a situation at a birthday party and the corresponding emotion.
You can use this opportunity to talk to your child not only about how they would feel if they were in that situation but what they would do. You can help guide them to the best possible response. Children who role play situations ahead of time have a better chance of choosing appropriate reaction in the actual situation.
How to use the Birthday Party Printable Playdough Mats:
To use these playdough mats, print them on paper or card stock. Laminate them or place each one into a plastic sleeve. Set them out along with some playdough. Allow your child to shape the playdough to fit inside the mats and also to create the facial expressions that correspond with each emotion. 
You can use store bought playdough or make your own. If you want to add a calming scent element to it, use our lavender playdough recipe. Create different colours by changing the food colouring in the recipes.
Discuss the emotions with your child. Help them express what they would feel in those situations.
Get your free printable playdough mats here and you’ll join thousands of others wanting to learn sensory solutions and activities.