Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Expanding Balloon Science Experiment

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This super-easy expanding balloon science experiment includes balloons and two basic household staples, which is a win-win combination. The bubbly experiment is perfect for all ages, and children can easily help with the activity.

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Supplies to Collect

To perform this fantastic chemistry experiment, gather the following inexpensive supplies:

  • white vinegar
  • baking soda
  • large balloon
  • water or juice bottle
  • measuring cup (optional)
  • measuring spoon
  • funnel

The Expanding Balloon Science Experiment

In this fizzy science activity, start by stretching a large balloon and blowing a little air into it.

Next, let the air out and place a funnel inside the rolled edge. Spoon in three teaspoons of baking soda. If the bottle you will use is on the larger side, use heaping teaspoons of the powder. Shake the balloon a bit to get the baking soda to the bottom.

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Then pour vinegar into a clean water or juice bottle and fill it about ¼ to 1/3 of the way. Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup first to make this step easier.

Afterward, carefully fit the balloon snugly over the mouth of the bottle. Keep the balloon hanging off the side as you do this.

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Lastly, lift the balloon so the baking soda drops into the bottle and watch the two ingredients bubble and fizz as they react. The balloon will magically self-inflate.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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The Science Behind This Balloon Experiment

Vinegar is a liquid, and baking soda is a solid. In this bubbly, fizzing science experiment, there is a chemical reaction between the vinegar (an acid) and the baking soda (a base). As the two ingredients interact, they release carbon dioxide gas. The gas expands and goes up the balloon, causing it to inflate.

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Variations of the Expanding Balloon Science Experiment

To extend this magical science activity, try using different-sized bottles and varying amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see if the experiment works out just as well.

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To make the eye-appealing activity even more colorful, add food coloring to the vinegar in the bottle and use a clear balloon.

Have you tried this expanding balloon science experiment?

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More Science Activities

Salt and Ice Science Experiment

Dyed Peony Science Experiment

Magnet Science Tuff Tray

Floating Egg Science Experiment

Heart-shaped Dissolving Candy Science

Color Explosion Science Experiment

Beet Science and Sensory Activities

Celery Science Experiment

Reptile Egg Science

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Earth Day Spin Painting

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This Earth Day spin painting art activity engages children to the fullest and celebrates our beautiful Earth.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather just the following few basic supplies for this stunning Earth art activity:

  • salad spinner
  • white cardstock paper
  • red cardstock paper
  • black construction paper
  • circle-shaped tracer
  • pencil and scissors
  • glue stick
  • blue and green tempera paint
  • paint pots
  • spoons

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Earth Art Spin Painting Process

To create this gorgeous Earth Day spin painting project, pick a salad spinner for the activity. I have one set aside that I only use for art activities.

Next, trace and cut circles from white cardstock paper. The circles should be large enough to fit the bottom of the salad spinner basket.

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Then add green tempera paint to one paint pot, and blue tempera paint to the other.

Tips:

  • Add a little white paint to the blue, and a little yellow and white paint to the green. This will lighten and brighten their colors.
  • Drop a tiny bit of water into each pot and stir. This will help the paint spread more easily.

Afterward, place one cardstock or sturdy paper circle in the salad spinner.

Drop a few spoonfuls of blue paint onto the circle, and a few spoonfuls of green paint.

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Then place the top on the salad spinner, and rotate the handle. After about ten spins, lift off the lid and carefully remove the paint-filled shape.

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Set the decorated circle on an art rack or table to dry.

As a finishing touch, use a paper punch or cut out a red cardstock heart and affix it to the project with a glue stick. Add a black construction paper background if desired.

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This process art activity is a whole lotta fun, and children will likely want to make more than one Earth Day spin painting art piece. Make sure to have lots of supplies ready, or do this art project over several days.

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More Earth Day Art Projects

Recycled Cardboard Process Art

Salt Painting Earth Art

Earth Day Paper Craft

Watercolor Earth with Markers

Earth Day Heart Art

Earth Day Bead Craft

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Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt

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This Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt is a fun twist on the classic Easter egg hunt. It is simple and easy to prep, and lots of fun to play.

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Preparing the Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt

The printable set for this Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt is available in my Skills N Smiles Etsy shop. To prepare the game, purchase and download the listing.

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Next, print one copy of the “Hide the Bunnies” page, and cut out the bunny and egg pictures. Note: Printing this page on cardstock paper is recommended.

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Using tape gentle on surfaces, place the bunny pictures around your classroom, home, yard, or party space. Print one copy of recording sheet #2 and write down where each bunny is displayed or hidden.

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Then print a copy of the recording sheet for each person participating. There are two choices: 1) Mark off the found bunnies; 2) Write down where each bunny was found.

Have enough sharpened pencils to go along with the recording pages.

Lastly, print copies of the bunny coloring page and choose crayons, pencil crayons, or markers for the coloring activity.

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Optional: Prepare a treat bag or party bag for everyone who plays the game. Bunny and egg treats fit the theme beautifully. In addition to or instead of sweet treats, include items like gift cards, stickers, small toys, playdough, keychains, earbuds, jewelry, hair accessories and coins. Redemption prizes such as “pick the next family movie”, a coupon for an ice cream date, an extra story at bedtime, or “stay up one hour later” are also great ideas.

The Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt

In this Easter hunt, participants search for 9 unique bunny pictures placed around an area designated for the activity. Everyone can start the game at the same time, or be assigned to begin in groups.

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Give everyone a recording sheet and a sharpened pencil. Recording sheet #1 is optimal for younger children. Recording sheet #2 is perfect for older children. Explain where the hunt will take place, and whether the pictures will be visible without having to move things, or hidden.

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To keep the activity low-mess, tell everyone that they do not need to move anything to find the bunnies. To make the activity more challenging, hide the bunnies.

Keep the answer key and give clues to where the bunnies are hidden if needed.

As participants finish, give them the bunny coloring page and art media of choice and have them decorate the picture. This is a great activity to help everyone unwind.

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If desired, hand out treat bags or party bags after the festive activity is completed.

Benefits of the Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt

Besides being super enjoyable, the bunny hunt activity encourages literacy skills, movement, and observation.

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This bunny hunt Easter activity is budget-friendly and requires little time to set up and clean up afterwards. Having one treat bag instead of the time-consuming task of filling numerous eggs with treats or toys and accessories is also a plus.

Variation of the Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt

Instead of doing a bunny hunt as an Easter activity, you can have a bunny scavenger hunt anytime in Spring with this Spring Bunny Scavenger Hunt Printable Game.

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More Easter Activities

Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin

Easter Store Dramatic Play Center

Easter Clothespin Fine Motor Activity

Easter Bunny Light Table Activity

Dot Market Easter Bunnies

Paper Plate Easter Basket

Easter Peeps Houses

Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

Easter Playdough Tray

Easter Transient Art

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

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Celebrate Diversity Coloring Pages

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These Celebrate Diversity coloring activities with an “I Belong” theme help children feel seen, accepted, and valued. Designed to nurture confidence and a sense of inclusion, this printable set includes three coloring pages (two are editable), and matching bookmarks to color. The printable is available in my Skills N Smiles Etsy shop.

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The self-esteem building printable set offers the chance to decorate with patterns of two, four, or seven colors or designs, adding a math component to the creative coloring activities.

I Belong Coloring Pages

The Celebrate Diversity printable set includes three coloring pages, each with a heart and sunray design. The first has a heart with the words “I Belong” in the center. The other two have different-sized hearts with no text, enabling participants to add their name or a saying of choice.

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There are many ways to decorate the Celebrate Diversity coloring pages. Skin-toned markers or pencil crayons provide a standout result.

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Pastel-colored markers, pencil crayons, or crayons are also great choices. Offering one of the printables in a medium with these soft colors encourages conversations about kindness and self-worth.  

I Belong Bookmarks

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The “I Belong’ bookmarks come in a design with 5 color options. Crayons, markers, or pencil crayons in skin tones or pastel kindness colors also work great for decorating the bookmarks.

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Below are the steps to make the bookmarks. Adding yarn or ribbon as a finishing touch offers more choice in personalizing a bookmark.

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How to add yarn or ribbon:

  1. Fold two or three 8 or 9-inch strands of yarn or ribbon in half.
  2. Insert the loop at the top through the punched hole.
  3. Pull both ends through the loop and gently tighten.

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Celebrate Diversity Printable Set Uses

This Celebrate Diversity printable set is perfect for:

  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities
  • Inclusive classroom themes
  • Back-to-school community building
  • Anti-bullying discussions
  • School counselors and therapists
  • Morning work or quiet time
  • Library and literacy centers
  • Homeschool affirmation activities

Grab the easy-to-use Celebrate Diversity printable set in my Skills N Smiles Etsy shop today!

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Related:

Celebrate Diversity Paper Craft

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art

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Lunar New Year Lantern Craft

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This Lunar New Year lantern craft is easy to make and looks stunning on display. The gorgeous craft comes in two sizes and five themes, and adds flair to Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year celebrations at home or in the classroom. The hanging lanterns are simple for both children and adults to make.

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At the start of many New Year celebrations in South and Southeast Asia, paper lanterns are displayed indoors in homes and businesses. Outdoors, they are strung along streets and hung on trees. They are most prominently displayed on the 15th day of the New Year, the Lantern Festival.

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Making the Lunar New Year Lantern Craft

To make one or more of these classic hanging lanterns, first download the paper lantern printable set. It is available in my Skills N Smiles shop on Etsy for an everyday low price, and comes in both 8.5 x 11-inch and A4 sizes.

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Next, print a design you would like to craft. Cardstock paper is recommended for printing, but regular copy paper will also work.

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Fold the printed paper in half, with the parallel lines going upwards from the folded edge to the open edge.

Then cut along the lines from the folded paper edge to the open edge. Stop cutting where the lines end.

Next, unfold the paper and roll it into a tube.

Tape or staple the top and bottom edges.

Lastly, attach a paper or ribbon handle, about 8 to 10 inches long, with tape, a glue stick, or a glue gun.

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Skill Level

This paper craft is beginner-friendly and low-prep. Younger children may need help with each step, but will love the chance to use scissors, tape, and glue. Older kids and adults can easily assemble it independently.

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Lanterns in Two Sizes

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These paper lantern designs come in two sizes for versatile decorating. Both look beautiful on display. The smaller size is perfect for children to carry in a Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year parade, or at a Lantern Festival.

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Variation of the Lunar New Year Paper Craft

In addition to white, these striking lantern designs also look nice printed on pastel cardstock or copy paper. Light yellow, blue, green, cream, and pink paper work well.

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Add a festive, cultural touch to your Lunar New Year celebration or Chinese New Year classroom theme in minutes with this beautiful Lunar New Year Lantern craft!

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“Year of the Horse” Wall Art

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This “Year of the Horse” wall art is perfect for an entryway, classroom, or office. Download it at Skills N Smiles on Etsy for Lunar New Year or Zodiac-themed decor, or a cultural celebration display.

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The “Year of the Horse” art print will elevate your Lunar New Year decor, and is available as an instant download on Etsy. It comes in four print sizes, and PDF and PNG formats.

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Get this “Year of the Horse” Chinese Zodiac-themed wall art today!

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Related:

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Chinese New Year Sensory Bins

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Chinese New Year Pretend Play

Chinese Money Tree Activities

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