We did the teaching. We built the words together. But I needed a way for students to practise independently in a way that was hands on and engaging.

If you’re like me, you may have found yourself asking:

How do I take heart word learning beyond the explicit teaching and give students opportunities to practice without abandoning play-based, hands-on pedagogy?

After explicitly teaching heart words on the carpet, using oral language, movement, and shared exploration, I realised something was missing. Flashcards and worksheets didn’t feel authentic. They didn’t reflect the rich learning we had already done (and they certainly didn’t align with how young learners learn best).

So I created these Heart Word Mats as a way to consolidate Heart Word learning in a hands-on, meaningful, play-based way.

These Heart Word Play Dough Mats are designed to support early years literacy, Science of Reading aligned instruction, and authentic consolidation, giving students a purposeful way to revisit heart words independently or in small groups.

This resource works beautifully for:

• Foundation / Kindergarten
• First year of school / Year 1
• Early years classrooms using play-based or inquiry approaches
• Literacy rotations, morning tubs, intervention groups, or fast finishers

✨ What This Resource Includes:

• 100+ heart words in a print-and-laminate-and-go format, going well beyond Foundation level
• Words sourced from a range of SOR-aligned programs and sequences, making this easy to integrate into existing literacy blocks
• An editable file, so you can add or swap in heart words from your specific scope and sequence
• A teacher guide with a complete word list and page numbers, saving time when printing and planning
• Clear visual instructions for learners, supporting independence and reducing repeated teacher explanations

When I started using these mats, I watched as…

• heart word practice shifted from quick flashcard drills to purposeful, meaningful learning
• students engaged their hands, eyes, and voices, turning practice into a multi-sensory experience
• play-based learning and explicit instruction finally worked together instead of competing
• learners took ownership of their practice, building independence and quiet confidence
• prep time disappeared, making heart word practice simple, sustainable, and easy to repeat

If you’ve been struggling to find a way to make heart word practice feel authentic, purposeful, and aligned with the pedagogy happening in your classroom, this resource was created for you.

Want to connect?

Instagram: @thewonderfullclassroom

Facebook: The Wonder-Full Classroom

Email: thewonderfullclassroom@gmail.com

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