Mats for Bots...A Simple Tutorial

Creating mats for Bee-Bot or Code & Go Robot Mouse takes a little time, but has long-term benefits. Once made and laminated, these mats can be used again and again. Follow these simple steps for making your own!

1. Choose the images you want for your mat. If creating a mat for Bee-Bot, make sure the images are in 15cm squares. If creating a mat for Code & Go Robot Mouse, make sure the images are in 13 cm squares. The squares should have bold lines around the edges. Print out the squares and arrange them so you know exactly which pictures will go in each row.

2. Trim off the excess from the LEFT side of each square in the top row...EXCEPT the first square.

3. Overlap the second picture, onto the first, and use tape to secure in place. Then overlap the third picture onto the second, the fourth onto to the third, and so on. The resulting row should have a border around all four sides.

4. For the second row, trim off the excess from the TOP of every picture. Trim off the excess from the LEFT side of each picture EXCEPT the first one.

5. Align the first picture so that its lines match with the first picture in the top row. Use transparent tape to affix it.

6. Continue to attach the remaining pictures in the second row, overlapping one at a time, and using transparent tape to attach them in place.

7. If you notice places where the squares are not held down, add tape as needed.

8. When the mat is assembled, there will be a border around all four sides. If desired, follow steps 5 and 6 to add additional rows. (***See lamination tips at end before adding additional rows!)

9. Trim the border off of all four sides. Then laminate.

***LAMINATION TIP - Before laminating, use transparent tape to secure the back of the mat, as well as the front.

***LAMINATION TIP - Leave a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of lamination beyond the border of the finished mat. This will help to keep the seal. Cutting too close to the paper may result in separation.

***LAMINATION TIP -- When creating a large mat, check the width of your laminator before adding all of the rows. If your mat is too wide, laminate two rows at a time, and attach them with clear packing tape.

The mat seen here, as well as other coding mats, can be found in my TpT store. Just click an image below!