Creative Ways to Use Printables: 10 Interactive Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Printables are an incredible resource for hands-on learning, but they don’t have to be limited to just crayons and markers! There are so many creative ways to use printables to make them more interactive, sensory-friendly, and engaging for toddlers and preschoolers. By thinking outside the box, we can turn simple worksheets into multi-sensory learning experiences that keep little hands busy and minds engaged.
Learn More About The Free Little Learners Activity Bundle HERE
Misconceptions About Printables for Toddlers & Preschoolers
There’s a common belief that printables are just worksheets—static, sit-down activities that require pencils, making them “too structured” for toddlers. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are some common misconceptions about using printables for young learners:
“Printables are just busy work.” → Printables can be interactive, engaging, and hands-on when used creatively! They are a tool for learning through play, not just something to fill time.
“Toddlers are too young for printables.” → Printables can be adapted for any age! A toddler might use stickers, pom-poms, or finger painting, while an older preschooler might trace or cut independently.
“Printables are only for sitting at a table.” → Take them outside, turn them into gross motor games, or use sensory elements to make learning more active and engaging.
“Worksheets don’t encourage creativity.” → A simple printable can spark art, sensory play, storytelling, and so much more! Just like a coloring book can become a masterpiece, a printable can be the starting point for imaginative exploration.
10 Fun, Creative Ways to Use Printables
Here are 10 fun, creative ways to use printables!
You can grab the Spring into Learning Pack featured in this post here!!
1. Dot Stickers for Line Tracing
Ditch the pencil and grab some dot stickers! Peeling and placing those tiny stickers along a path gives little hands a fine motor workout while turning tracing into a fun, hands-on activity. Bonus: It also helps with hand-eye coordination and patience!
2. Finger Painting for Mazes
Why stick to a pencil when you can make mazes a full sensory experience? Let your little one dip their finger in paint and follow the maze path that way! It’s a fun, messy way to work on pre-writing skills while engaging their senses.
3. Sensory Tracing with Playdough or Yarn
Roll out some playdough “snakes” and have kids press them along the tracing lines for a squishy, hands-on way to practice! Want even more texture? Swap in yarn, pipe cleaners, or wiki sticks to follow the path instead.
Playdough is also perfect for dot pictures or covering answers on printables—so many fun ways to use it!
Want more squishy fun? Try this sensory worm painting activity!!
4. Watercolor Painting for Coloring Sheets
Crayons are great, but watercolors take coloring pages to a whole new level! They’re a fantastic way to introduce color mixing, encourage brush control, and make art time extra engaging.
5. Pom-Poms for Dot Pages
Who says dot pages are just for bingo daubers? Try using pom-poms instead! Kids can place them over each dot by hand or use tweezers for an extra fine motor challenge. This simple switch strengthens hand muscles, boosts coordination, and adds a fun sensory element.
6. Covering Counting Answers with Stickers or Pom-Poms
Turn a basic counting activity into an interactive game! Instead of circling or coloring the correct answer, have kids cover it with a sticker or a pom-pom. This makes learning more engaging and gives them a hands-on way to reinforce numbers.
7. Bug Toys to Cover Paths in Mazes
Mazes get way more exciting when you bring in tiny toys! Use little bugs, cars, or animal figures to “walk” their way through the maze instead of drawing a line. This simple change adds an imaginative, play-based twist to problem-solving.
8. DIY Puzzle Play
Turn any printable into a puzzle! Just print an activity page or coloring sheet on cardstock, cut it into pieces, and let kids put it back together after completing it. Laminate it for a reusable option they can enjoy again and again!
9. Dot Markers for Crafting
Dot markers aren’t just for dot pages—they’re an awesome way to fill in crafts, too! Kids can create bold, vibrant patterns while working on grip strength, making this a perfect alternative to traditional coloring.
10. Traditional Ways: Crayons, Colored Pencils, & Oil Pastels
And of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics! Crayons, colored pencils, and oil pastels are tried-and-true tools for any printable. They give kids full creative control while strengthening their grip and fine motor skills. Want to mix it up? Try blending oil pastels with a tissue for a cool, smudged effect!
Why Try Different Ways to Play?
Switching up materials and techniques keeps learning fresh and exciting. It also provides sensory exploration, strengthens different fine motor skills, and makes printables more interactive for all types of learners.
If you’re looking for a printable pack that’s perfect for hands-on learning, check out my Spring Into Learning Activity Bundle! 
It’s filled with fun, interactive pages that can be used in so many creative ways!
