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Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

January 29, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.
An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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It’s very common to spot llamas in art looking beautiful in color-coordinated desert scenes, so I’ve always imagined them to be desert-dwelling creatures. But a little research shows that llamas are native to mountainous areas and high plateaus in South America. In fact, due to their thick, warm coats, they are even comfortable in snowy winter weather. So that is why two bluish llama ornaments spotted on sale just after Christmas are the stars of this llama-inspired winter sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Sensory Bin Supplies

Winter-themed loose parts for a llama-inspired winter rice sensory bin.

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This winter-themed bin has the following supplies:

  • unbreakable llama ornaments
  • small white styrofoam balls
  • blue and clear snowflake gems
  • white and gold snowflakes
  • blue and clear round gems
  • snowflake erasers
  • snowman ice cubes
  • light pink and blue pompoms
  • white pompoms
  • wooden people figurines

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The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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White glutinous rice is the base for this bin. It is the “snow” in the sensory invitation.

Small styrofoam balls make great “snowballs.”

The blue and white snowflakes are dollar store finds, and the white and gold ones are cut from garlands.

Snowflake erasers and snowmen reusable ice cubes add interest to the bin.

The wooden people are painted in pink, silver, and shades of blue to match the winter theme.

The child-friendly llama ornaments fit in perfectly with their baby blue, white, and soft pink coloring.

White, pink, and blue pompoms represent the decorations llamas are often depicted with. They color-coordinate with the wooly animals.

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Variations Of This Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Below, a curvy wooden block and snack cups and spoons add more play possibilities to the bin.

This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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In this next bin, scarf-adorned alligator ornaments are the stars, and pink pompoms are exchanged for red ones.

An adorable crocodile-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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Ten Fast Llama Facts

Interested in learning a little more about llamas? Here are ten fast facts about them.

Llamas are close relatives to camels but have no hump.

These hardy, sure-footed animals are native to the Andes mountains, comfortable in high altitudes with air low in oxygen.

Long necks and legs, large banana-shaped ears, smallish heads and short tails characterize them. They can grow up to six feet tall.

Grasses, plants, and small shrubs are foods llamas forage on.

Llamas can run fast, which helps them get away from predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, and ocelots.

Llamas have one baby, called a cria.

Able to carry loads ¼ of their weight, llamas make great pack animals. They are useful for wilderness trekking.

Protective of other animals, a lone male llama is sometimes used as a guard for smaller livestock.

Llamas are a source of food and wool.

There are no more of these affectionate, intelligent creatures living in the wild.

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This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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Unbreakable, child-friendly Christmas ornaments transition well from being festive holiday decorations to becoming loose parts for themed play throughout the year. Next, the llamas in this post will be incorporated into a Valentine’s Day sensory bin.

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Related:

Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Snowmen Sensory Play

Painting Ice And Snow Activity

Polar Dinosaur Sensory Play

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Recycled Card Mitten Matching

Winter Playdough Recipe

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Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: llamas, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Five Black History Month Crafts

January 28, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Five gorgeous Black History Month crafts that celebrate diversity. Easy-to-make crafts the whole family can do.
Five gorgeous Black History Month crafts that celebrate diversity. Easy-to-make crafts the whole family can do.

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Black History Month, a time set aside to remember notable black people and their achievements, is just around the corner. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada during the month of February. Here are five Black History Month crafts to help children engage in the celebration.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Celebrate Diversity Butterflies

To make these striking butterflies that represent celebrating diversity, gather the following supplies:

  • metallic gold and bronze tempera paint
  • pink, black, and white paint
  • light pink, black, bronze, and gold glitter
  • black pipe cleaners and pony beads
  • white cardstock paper
  • black cardstock paper
  • pie tins or disposable plates
  • white glue
  • glue gun

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Steps to make a handprint butterfly craft to recognize and celebrate Black History Month.

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Making The Handprint Butterflies

To start off, pour skin-toned tempera paints into pie tins or disposable plates. You may want to add a little white to the black paint to soften its hue.

Have participants dip a hand in a paint color and press it onto white cardstock paper. I use metallic gold and bronze for two of the skin tone shades. Regular tempera paints in these hues would work fine too.

If you have the shades available, sprinkle a similar color glitter onto each handprint.

After the handprints dry and extra glitter is shaken off, cut around the edges.

Next, cut long narrow ovals from black cardstock paper to represent butterfly abdomens.

Bend black pipe cleaners in half and have participants string black beads onto them, leaving a little section open for the butterfly antennae. Twist the pipe cleaners just above the beads to make sure they stay on.

Assembling The Butterflies

Make this gorgeous handprint butterfly craft to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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Using white glue or a hot glue gun, add black or pink pompoms to the antennae.

Then use white glue or a hot glue gun to affix four handprint “wings” onto each abdomen. The butterflies can be designed in different kinds of color combinations.

Next, glue the beaded pipe cleaners to the butterfly abdomens. Now the “celebrate diversity” butterflies are ready to be displayed!

Make these gorgeous handprint butterfly crafts to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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Celebrate Diversity Yarn Heart

Different shades of skin-toned yarn represent diversity in this textured yarn heart craft.

Make this gorgeous skin-toned yarn heart craft to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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Supplies to Collect

  • yarn in a variety of thicknesses and skin tones
  • 8 ½ x 11-inch golden-brown cardstock paper
  • white glue or hot glue gun
  • double-sided tape
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • heart template

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Steps to make a gorgeous skin-toned yarn heart craft to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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To make this gorgeous yarn heart craft, start by cutting skin-toned yarn into 7 ½ inch strips. Using different thicknesses of yarn adds variety to the craft.

Next, glue the strips of yarn in rows onto a sheet of 8 ½ x 11-inch cardstock using white glue or a glue gun. Leave a small border around the edge of the paper.

Then add pieces of double-sided tape around the edges of the paper.

Afterward, cut a large heart in the center of a second piece of cardstock.

Finally, gently position the cardstock paper with the heart cut out on top of the yarn-covered piece, making sure the double-sided tape adheres to it.

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Kindness Heart Wreath

This kindness heart wreath with cardstock skin-toned hearts and a geometric bow communicates that all lives matter and that everyone should be treated with kindness.

Black History Month ribbon and skin-toned hearts are the highlights of this easy-to-make "kindness" wreath craft.

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Black History Month Heart Banner

In this craft, skin-toned hearts are used to decorate an attractive, geometric ribbon-edged banner honoring Black History Month.

Black History Month ribbon and skin-toned paper hearts are the highlights of this easy-to-make banner craft.

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Black History Month Ribbon Heart

This heart craft takes full advantage of vibrant, geometrically patterned ribbon, and looks striking on display.

Make this stunning Black History Month heart craft to honor this important annual celebration.

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Which one of these five Black History Month crafts will you try? Let me know in a comment below.

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Filed Under: art, Black History Month, crafts, preschool Tagged With: Black History Month, butterflies, hearts, papercrafts, wreaths

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.
Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Stickers are an easy and economical way to dress up cups, plates, and serving bowls for themed pretend play. They also work well for crafting ornaments. When I spotted festive stickers on sale over my Christmas break, I knew they were perfect for Chinese New Year DIY decorating.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year DIY Ball Ornaments

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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To make these sparkly decorations, you need:

  • clear unbreakable ball ornaments
  • gold glitter
  • Chinese New Year stickers          
  • a funnel

After collecting the supplies, start off by adding gold glitter to clear fillable unbreakable ball ornaments. Use a funnel to insert the glitter. Add just enough to cover the bottom of each ornament and then put the tops back on. Shaking the balls afterward moves some of the glitter up the sides.

Then decorate each ornament with Chinese New Year sticker designs. Hang up the festive balls for display.

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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Chinese New Year DIY Tableware

While out and about our city, I always admire clear patio tableware with design accents. An economical way to replicate them for little learners is by using themed stickers. Adding stickers is also an option if you cannot find tableware suitable for children’s play in the theme you are currently working on.

To do this, gather clear unbreakable plates, cups, and bowls and add sticker designs to them. How simple!

In addition to the ornament, below is a cup and a serving bowl with themed Chinese New Year stickers added on. Both were dollar store finds. The decorated tableware goes over well in a play kitchen or sensory tub.

Decorate clear unbreakable tableware and ornaments with Chinese New Year-themed stickers for a cultural vibe.

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These Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas work in any theme you can find coordinating stickers for. I am looking forward to trying them in a sunflower or butterfly theme next.

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Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Related:

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

Dragon Necklace Craft

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, display, dramatic play, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

January 20, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this Chinese New Year sensory tub for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.
Set up this Chinese New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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This Chinese New Year sensory tub features a pretend play set up, bound to be a hit with your little learners. While playing in the oh-so-fun sensory invitation, children get a chance to learn about Chinese culture.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Sensory Tub Supplies

Super fun supplies for a Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub invitation to play your early learners will love to investigate.

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Play kitchen accessories and loose parts are the theme of these economical and easy-to-gather supplies. Collected for the tub are:

  • large round gold placemat
  • gold coins, bead garland, and buttons
  • pink pompoms
  • orange counters
  • fish and orange play food
  • panda storage container
  • stuffed rabbit ornament
  • paper plates
  • clear bowl and cups
  • training chopsticks
  • ladle
  • gold tongs
  • artificial cherry blossom flowers

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The Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

A super inviting Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A cultural sensory play opportunity your early learners will love.

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The sensory bin for this activity is a spiral saucer sled, and it works beautifully. It is big enough to hold supplies for three children to play in. An active world tray would also be a good fit.

The round gold placemat at the bottom of the bin offsets its bright red color.

Before setting in the clear bowl and cups, I added a few Chinese New Year stickers as an easy way to make them festive.

The orange counters and oranges represent orange fruits (especially mandarins), which are displayed and given as gifts during Chinese New Year. Mandarin oranges are symbolic of gold, as their name in Chinese sounds like it. They are believed to bring riches when given or received as gifts.

A pretty Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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The cut gold garland strips are “noodles.” Long, uncut noodles symbolize a long life to Chinese people.

The play food fish stands for togetherness and plentifulness.

The cherry blossoms in the bin represent the promise of Spring and the renewal of life.

The pink pompoms coordinate with the cherry blossom touches and are soft like bunny tails.

The gold coins are reminders that children are given money in envelopes during Chinese New Year.

Since this is the “Year Of The Rabbit,” there is a stuffed rabbit ornament in the bin.

A pretty Chinese New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a national holiday and the biggest festival of the year.  Dinners with family are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations. This dinner-themed sensory tub is the perfect way to introduce some of the cultural traditions to little learners.

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Set up this Lunar New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Chinese New Year Rice Bin

January 15, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.
This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) is just around the corner, and it will soon be the Year Of The Rabbit. As has been the tradition in the last few years, I put together a themed sensory bin for the occasion. The colorful Year Of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin is filled with interesting treasures for early learners to explore.

Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is used to determine festivals and wedding dates. The longest and most important festival is Chinese New Year, celebrated each January/February in China, and by millions of people around the world. This year Chinese New Year falls on January 22, 2023.

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The Chinese Zodiac

There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. In a 12-year cycle, each animal corresponds to one year and is believed to represent certain character qualities. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac and is considered to be

  • elegant
  • gentle
  • alert
  • kind
  • patient
  • mannerly
  • affectionate
  • witty
  • approachable
  • responsible
  • peace-loving
  • talented
  • self-disciplined
  • able to set goals and achieve them

People born in the Year Of The Rabbit are believed to constitute these character traits.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Rice Bin Supplies

This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

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The first thing gathered for this Chinese New Year-themed bin is a rabbit hanging decoration. I took it apart and used one of the stuffed dangling rabbits for the bin. Also in the bin are:

  • bunny counters
  • training chopsticks
  • red bowl
  • ladles and gold spoons
  • wooden numbers from 0 to 9
  • large gold buttons
  • pompoms
  • gold play coins
  • cut gold necklaces
  • plastic bus bin
  • white glutinous rice

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The Chinese New Year Rice Bin

A stuffed bunny decoration and rabbit counters are highlights in this Year of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin.

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It is handy to have a few different kinds of bins available for sensory activities. For this themed Chinese New Year play invitation, I feature a white bus bin big enough for two or three children to explore at a time.

White glutinous rice is the base for the bin. It is relaxing to play in and showcases the loose parts well.

The feature rabbit is colorful, and pompoms and rabbit counters color coordinate.

Rabbits are soft, with even softer tails. The pompoms are like rabbit tails.

The gold coins are reminders that children and single young adults get red envelopes filled with money or chocolate coins.

Cut gold necklace strips represent long noodles. These symbolize long life and are traditionally served.

This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. A stuffed rabbit decoration and bunny counters are highlights in the bin.

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Training chopsticks are included for exercise in transferring noodles, pompoms, and other loose parts.

There is a red bowl and gold buttons. Both red and gold are popular colors in Chinese New Year decorations. Red symbolizes luck and happiness, and gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Rabbits breed easily and can have 4 or more litters per year. There are anywhere from 1 to 14 kits per litter, with an average being six. Each litter spurs on the question: How many baby bunnies did the mother bunny have? That is why there are so many rabbit counters in the bin! The wooden numbers give an opportunity for number recognition when counting rabbits.

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This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year rice bin is so fun to assemble. The bright and sparkly stuffed rabbit decoration is definitely the highlight of the bin.

This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

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Related:

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Rice Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, math, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

January 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.
This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.

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This orange-scented playdough invitation introduces early learners to scents and colors that work with current festivities. The activity is a good fit for Christmas and carries over to Lunar New Year celebrations.

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Oranges And Christmas

Oranges have been part of Christmas traditions for many years. Here are some ways they were incorporated into the festive holiday season in times past:

  • In pioneer days, oranges were rare. As such, they were prized stocking stuffers.
  • Sliced oranges were used in natural decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, and tree ornaments.
  • Oranges were made into deliciously scented clove-studded pomanders that were displayed in Christmas décor afterward.
Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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Today, oranges are still popular in Christmas decorating projects. And people are encouraged to eat the nutrient-rich, vitamin C-packed fruit to ward off a cold or flu.

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Oranges And The Lunar New Year

Mandarin oranges, preferably with a stem and a few leaves attached, are given as gifts and used in decorating during Lunar New Year celebrations. They symbolize happiness, good luck, wealth, longevity, and fertility.

Mandarin oranges with stems and leaves attached indicate freshness and represent wishes for long life and fertility in Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Spices such as star anise, cloves, and cinnamon are native to parts of Asia. And these three spices are also part of Chinese five spice powder, a spice used to season many Asian dishes.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Orange-Scented Playdough Recipe

The orange jello in this recipe gives the dough a lovely citrus scent and a bright orange color.

For the playdough, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 3 oz / 85-gram packages of orange jello powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil

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    How To Make Orange-Scented Playdough

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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    To make this soft, cooked playdough recipe, add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

    Stir in two 3 oz/85 gram packages of orange jello powder into two cups of boiled water. Then stir in 2 tablespoons oil.

    Add the fruity liquid to the dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Place the dough on a cutting board.

    Knead when cool and add one more tablespoon of oil.

    Wrap the playdough in saran wrap and place it in a sealed plastic bag to store it.

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    The Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

    This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.

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    For a traditional vibe, offer the orange playdough on a tray with the following:

    • cinnamon sticks
    • star anise pods
    • whole cloves
    • ribbon
    • mandarin orange leaves and stems
    • tree sprigs
    • pine cones

    The star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grated orange rind add additional scents for children to experience when using the playdough supplies. They contribute to the cultural vibes of the play invitation.

    Tip: Show a few samples of pomanders and Christmas decorations using dried oranges before offering this playdough invitation to inspire creativity. Or display a miniature orange tree and/or oranges with stems and leaves attached for early learners to observe.

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    Adding Grated Orange Rind

    Grated orange rind, cloves, and cinnamon sticks add interest to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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    To extend this aromatic playdough experience, sprinkle grated orange rind near each participant’s work area. The crumbled, scented rind gives early learners a chance to incorporate a new texture into their creations.

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    Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation Benefits

    This orange-scented playdough invitation has many educational benefits. When using the playdough and accompanying supplies, early learners develop finger strength, important for being able to hold a pencil and use scissors. And eye-hand coordination is enhanced through making playdough creations.

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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    Below are suggestions to extend the learning potential of this playdough experience:

    Language Development

    Label spices and discuss their colors and shapes:

    Highlight that star anise pods look like stars, whole cloves are shaped like nails, and cinnamon sticks look like tiny rolled logs.

    Smell and describe the following scents:

    • the strong, sweet, licorice smell of star anise.
    • the fragrant, sweet smell of cinnamon sticks.
    • the strong, powerful smell of whole cloves.

    Math Skills

    Count cloves and star anise pods.

    Count the points on star anise. There are usually six to eight points.

    Discuss pairs: In parts of Asia, a pair of oranges is given to newlywed couples as a symbol of luck and fertility.

    Creativity

    Design oranges and pomanders from playdough and spices.

    Incorporate natural materials in playdough designs.

    Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to orange-scented playdough creations.

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    Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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    Related:

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Christmas Playdough

    Gingerbread Playdough

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    [Read more…] about Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

    Filed Under: Chinese New Year, Christmas, playdough, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Christmas, loose parts, playdough, scented playdough

    Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    December 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.
    This easy Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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    With Santa on many children’s minds right now it’s the perfect time to set out a simple Santa Claus sensory bin.

    This fun sensory activity is inspired by two Santa ornaments I was gifted this Christmas season. After receiving the ornaments, I realized I had enough supplies to make a no-fuss Santa bin. The bin is a great example of how just a few themed items can provide an interesting sensory invitation.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

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    Here are the supplies I gathered for the festive bin:

    • Santa train engine cookie tin
    • Santa ornament
    • knitted Scandinavian multicultural dolls
    • fillable Santa ball ornament
    • jingle bell garland
    • peppermint candy erasers
    • Santa and Santa hat erasers
    • wooden ladle

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      The Santa Claus Sensory Bin

      This easy Santa sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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      This jovial sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. The chickpeas are colored with various amounts of red acrylic craft paint. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

      Note: As an alternative to using chickpeas for the base, white rice works well too.

      The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use.

      The Santa train engine cookie tin was a happy find last year. I previously featured it in a blog post titled “Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin.”

      The Santa ornament fits perfectly in the train engine. I checked to make sure it has no rough edges before offering it in the bin. A small plush Santa is a good fit too.

      A fillable Santa Claus ornament and other dollar store supplies make for an inviting chickpea-based sensory bin.

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      The fillable Santa ball comes apart, and each half holds lots of chickpeas and loose parts.

      The Scandinavian knitted dolls are cut from a Christmas garland. They make fun helpers for Santa!

      Dollar stores carry metallic jingle bell garlands. Cut into strips, the garland becomes musical loose parts for the bin.

      Peppermint and Santa-themed erasers add interest. They are great for counting and sorting practice.

      A wooden ladle is useful for filling the Santa train and ball ornament with chickpeas, erasers, and garland. When using one, early learners get practice with eye-hand coordination.

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      Making Your Own Santa Claus Sensory Bin

      Would you like to make a Santa Claus-themed sensory bin? You probably have a few interesting supplies already on hand to include. Then add a few dollar store finds. It’s that simple!

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      More Santa-Themed Activities:

      • Santa Claus Playdough Tray
      • Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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      [Read more…] about Santa Claus Sensory Bin

      Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, Santa Claus, sensory bin, sensory play

      Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments

      December 22, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

      How to make six different brown paper bag Christmas ornaments. An all-ages, beautiful recycled craft. Free templates are included.
      How to make six different brown paper bag Christmas ornaments. An all-ages, beautiful recycled craft. Free templates are included.

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      For so long I have admired art projects that involve brown paper bags or doilies. This Christmas I was determined to use both of these supplies to make paper bag Christmas ornaments. The resulting ornaments are simple but beautiful… a perfect combination.

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      Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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      Supplies To Collect

      Supplies to make vintage-inspired paper bag Christmas ornaments. Download the free templates for these six different designs.

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      To craft these vintage-themed ornaments, gather the following easy-to-find supplies:

      • large brown paper grocery bag
      • white paper doilies
      • thin white ribbon
      • white pearl bead garland
      • adhesive white pearl beads
      • white pencil crayon
      • pencil
      • scissors
      • glue stick
      • glue gun

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      Make these beautiful vintage-inspired paper bag Christmas ornaments with lace paper doily accents. Free templates are available to use.

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      Making The Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments

      First, cut out a star, gingerbread girl, angel, heart, and each tree ornament from a large brown paper bag. Feel free to download the templates below to help with the designs.

      Note: The three printables in this post are for individual and one-classroom use only.

      Download this gingerbread girl and ornament template to make beautiful vintage-inspired brown paper bag Christmas ornaments.

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      Gingerbread Girl And Ornament PrintableDownload

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      Download this angel and ornament template to make beautiful vintage-inspired brown paper bag Christmas ornaments.

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      Angel And Ornament PrintableDownload

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      Download this star and heart template to make beautiful vintage-inspired paper bag Christmas ornaments.

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      Star And Heart PrintableDownload

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      With a white pencil crayon, outline the border of each paper bag shape.

      Make these vintage-inspired brown paper bag Christmas ornaments. Download the free templates to make six different designs.

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      Next, cut out shapes from white paper doilies to accent the paper ornaments. Snipping around the designs in the doilies will give you pretty lace pieces to work with.

      Afterward, use a glue stick to affix them to the brown paper backgrounds.

      Then cut thin white ribbon into 15 cm strips. Tie them in bows, and trim the ends to your desired length. Glue one bow to each ornament.

      Next, cut white pearl bead garland into 8 cm strips. Use a glue gun to affix one strip to the back of each ornament in a loop shape.

      Make these beautiful vintage-inspired paper bag Christmas ornaments with lace paper doily accents. Free templates are available to use.

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      As a finishing touch, accent the ornaments with a few adhesive white pearl beads.

      Make these six different brown paper bag Christmas ornaments with lace paper doily accents. Free templates are included.

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      Now the ornaments are ready to be displayed on a Christmas tree. Aren’t they gorgeous?

      How to make six different paper bag Christmas ornaments. An all-ages, beautiful recycled craft. Free templates are included.

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      Paper Bag Gift Wrap

      Another easy, festive craft activity with paper bags is to make decorated gift wrap. A blog post by “A Pretty Fix” titled “Four Simple Brown Paper Bag Gift Wrap Ideas” will give you lots of ideas to try.

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      Related: Handprint Christmas Crafts

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      [Read more…] about Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments

      Filed Under: art, Christmas, crafts, preschool Tagged With: Christmas craft, ornaments, paper bag crafts

      Candy Cane Tree Experiment

      December 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

      This mini candy cane tree experiment is a must-try. Just three supplies are needed for the simple science activity everyone will love.

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      This candy cane tree experiment is easy to set up and is sure to be a conversation piece. It works well as a Christmas science activity, and also fits a forest theme.

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      Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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      Supplies To Collect

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      For this simple science experiment, gather the following four supplies:

      • package of mini candy canes
      • one round striped candy
      • large flat white or cream-colored plate
      • flask of warm water

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        The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

        Design a tree on a plate with mini candy canes. Pour water into the plate and watch what happens. Your audience will be wowed!

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        To perform this showy science experiment, start by arranging mini candy canes on a plate in a Christmas/coniferous tree design. The colorful and fruity candy canes above were a great find at a Dollar Store.

        Next, set a round candy on top of the tree to be the tree topper.

        Then fill a flask with warm water.

        Carefully set the plate with the tree design on a table.

        Now the experiment is ready to be performed. Invite participants to gather around the candy tree. Slowly pour water from the flask into the plate and invite everyone to watch what happens. It’s that simple!

        Participants will be wowed at how the colors in the candy canes quickly spread through the water, making beautiful designs.

        Watch the colors explode from the candy cane tree in this super simple science experiment everyone will love.

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        Color changes will be instant. Over time the colors and their intensity will change.

        Watch the colors move and change in this super simple science experiment everyone will love. The activity is a must-try.

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        Note: This tree-shaped experiment can be done with standard-sized candy canes in a large ridged serving tray.

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        The Science Behind The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

        The candy canes are made of sugar. The water breaks the sugar molecules apart. Then the food colors move through the water from areas of higher sugar concentration (near the candy) to areas with less sugar (the center and rim of the tray.) When the sugar concentration is the same in all areas, the colors stop moving.

        Water temperature is a variant in this experiment. Sugar dissolves more quickly in warm water, and food coloring moves at a faster pace.

        Candy Cane Color Experiment Variations

        Watch the stunning color changes in this super simple mini candy cane science experiment. Try it today!

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        You can forgo making a tree shape with the candy canes, and spread a few around a plate instead. The color movement is just as interesting in this more basic version.

        Watch beautiful colors emerge in this super simple science experiment with a serious WOW factor. Just thee supplies are needed to perform the experiment.

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        Watch beautiful colors emerge in this super simple science experiment with a serious WOW factor. Just thee supplies are needed to perform the experiment.

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        And if you have been following my blog for a while, you may have discovered that I have done a few other candy/candy cane color experiments. Here are more variations:

        Candy Cane Science Experiment

        Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

        Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

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        This mini candy cane color experiment is a must-try. Just three supplies are needed for the simple science activity everyone will love.

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        [Read more…] about Candy Cane Tree Experiment

        Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, science, sensory, trees Tagged With: candy canes, Christmas tree, science experiment, trees

        Gingerbread Sensory Bin

        December 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

        A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.
        A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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        This gingerbread sensory bin is quick and easy to set up. Most of the supplies in the bin are dollar store finds, so the activity is low-cost. So why not set it up for your little learners this holiday season?

        _______

        Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

        _______

        Supplies To Collect

        A super fun gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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        The gingerbread-themed supplies gathered for the bin are:

        • cookie cutters
        • cookie tin
        • ice cube tray
        • gingerbread people ornaments and game pieces
        • gingerbread house and candy cane ornaments

        Also in the bin are:

        • bell garland strips
        • peppermint erasers

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        The Gingerbread Sensory Bin

        An easy-to-put-together gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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        This gingerbread-themed sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post titled “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

        Note: You can skip coloring the chickpeas and use undyed ones instead. They are the same color as gingerbread cookies!

        The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use at a time.

        The cookie tin, ice cube tray, ornaments, garland, and erasers are from dollar stores. You would be able to find cookie cutters there too.

        This sensory bin is a great follow-up activity to reading gingerbread character stories and doing songs and fingerplays about gingerbread people.

        A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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        Other Supplies For The Gingerbread Bin

        There are endless supplies that work in this bin. Other supplies that could be added are:

        • large gingerbread cookie cutters
        • gingerbread people erasers
        • wiggly eyes
        • pompoms
        • buttons
        • rickrack strips
        • cookie jar

        Whatever the supplies, this cheery gingerbread sensory bin is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners!

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        Related:

        Gingerbread Playdough

        Scissor Skill Gingerbread Man Craft

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        [Read more…] about Gingerbread Sensory Bin

        Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread man, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

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        Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky. I am a preschool teacher who loves to share easy and fun early learning activities. Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to stay awhile!

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A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

🍋🍋🍋

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#playinvitation #lighttable #schoolsupplies #explorecolor #explorelight #lightplay #recycledplay #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #seajellies #jellyfish #fish #geometricshapes #gems #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
        Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
        Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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        An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
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        Recent Posts

        • Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin January 29, 2023
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        • Santa Claus Sensory Bin December 23, 2022
        • Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments December 22, 2022
        • Candy Cane Tree Experiment December 20, 2022
        • Gingerbread Sensory Bin December 19, 2022

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