Playdough mats are a great way to increase fine motor skills, talking points for lessons, and independent activities that can be used over and over again. Playdough mats can be used in small group settings or choice time activities for students. In my classroom I use this in conjunction with the Tree Study and we talk about fruits that do and do not grow on trees. I print and laminate the cards and they can be used year after year. Check out some other great playdough mats: Shape Playdough Mats