Annette Kaminsky

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

February 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Early learners absolutely love dramatic play and eagerly embrace new seasonal accessories in a play kitchen. Here’s a heart-filled Valentine’s Day Pretend Play tablescape your little charges will be excited to explore.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

Lots of hearts and red and white loose parts make this Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape fun to play in.

_______

The following economical supplies were gathered for this seasonal play tablescape:

valentine-themed cups and disposable plates
heart-shaped measuring spoons, serving plate, and silicone mold
heart-themed ice cube tray, spatula, canister, and a small tin
cookie pan and valentine’s muffin tin
purple, red, and magenta craft foam hearts
red, white, and black stuffed felt hearts
large red and white pompom balls
valentine erasers
red gem hearts
white pearl beads
metallic red beads
vase with red hearts and white flowers
white tablecloth

_______

The Valentine’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

A super fun Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape with lots of heart-themed accessories.

_______

Dollar stores are a handy place to find many of the supplies featured in this tablescape.

Foam craft hearts and stuffed felt hearts make great “cookies.”

Loose parts such as valentine erasers, gem hearts, and pearl and metallic beads allow early learners to exercise their imagination.

_______

These Valentine’s Day-themed supplies can be set up as a tablescape or spread around play kitchen appliances and shelves.

_______

More Valentine’s Day Play Tablescape Ideas

Heart-themed accessories take center stage in this Valentine's Day dramatic play invitation.

_______

In this next Valentine’s Day tablescape, heart-themed plates, bowls. and cookie cutters are included, as well as sunglasses and a purse.

Heart-shaped reusable ice cubes, a Valentine’s-themed tea towel and oven mitt, and cupcake play food would also make great additions to a Valentine’s Day pretend play tablescape.

_______

This simple and pretty Valentine's Day dramatic play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.

_______

Related:

Valentine’s Day Store

Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

_______

[Read more…]

Loose Part Jewelry Heart

February 19, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Do you have some costume jewelry you no longer wear? Have you picked up vintage jewelry at a garage sale or second-hand store? It will be perfect for this beautiful loose-part jewelry heart invitation to create.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

An invitation to create a gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

_______

For this easy-to-set-up transient heart art activity, gather the following supplies:

large wooden canvas frame
wood heart plaque
vintage costume jewelry
small containers

_______

The Loose Part Jewelry Heart Play Invitation

_______

To prepare this gorgeous loose part play invitation, first, select a large wooden canvas frame. My frame is approximately 12 inches wide and 16 inches long.

Flip the frame over and use the backside.

Note: A serving tray or an art frame with the back removed also work well for this activity.

Next, put a wood heart plaque inside the frame.

Then cut costume jewelry into pieces suitable for loose part play. Make sure there are no rough edges on the jewelry.

Place the jewelry bits into small containers and set them in the corners of the canvas frame. Add more jewelry pieces around the frame if available.

Finally, set the canvas frame on a table and invite little learners to take turns decorating the heart with jewelry treasures.

A gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart created with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

_______

Benefits Of Loose Parts Play

In this loose part jewelry heart play invitation, early learners get to:

engage in open-ended play
practice sorting, counting, and color matching
strengthen finger muscles by moving and arranging jewelry pieces
experience beautiful objects with different colors and textures
create unique patterns and designs
focus on a task and be mindful
develop higher thinking skills

_______

More Loose Part Heart Decorating

On another day, offer this loose part heart invitation to create with polished agate slices and precious rocks and gemstones.

A gorgeous loose-part precious rock heart created with polished agate slices. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

_______

An invitation to create a loose-part precious rock heart with polished agate slices. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

_______

Related:

Jewelry Sensory Tray

St. Patrick’s Jewelry Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…]

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

February 18, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

If you are looking for an exciting and easy outdoor winter art activity, this spray paint snowflake silhouette project is a great choice.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies to Collect

An invitation to create a spray paint snowflake silhouette outdoors. A quick and easy transient art activity with stunning results.

_______

On a day when there is fresh snow on the ground outdoors, gather the following supplies:

spray bottles
red, blue, green, and yellow food colors
large snowflake decoration
small towel
tray

_______

The Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette Activity

A beautiful blue background snowflake silhouette created with a spray paint technique. A quick and easy ourdoor transient art activity.

_______

This painting activity works best when there is a fresh layer of snow on the ground.

To do the art activity, fill spray bottles used only for craft activities at least half full of water. Then add a few drops of food color in each one, and mix it in. I use red, blue, green, and yellow food coloring.

Next, select a large snowflake decoration. I feature an economical 12-inch plastic one purchased at a dollar store.

Afterward, place the colored water-filled spray bottles, the snowflake decoration, and a small towel on a tray.

Then invite participants outside and take the tray of supplies with you.

Gather around a smooth patch of snow that no one has stepped over and gently place the snowflake decoration down.

Have everyone take turns spraying food color paint around the edges of the snowflake.

Afterward, gently lift the decoration off of the snow and admire the beautiful white snowflake silhouette.

_______

Wipe the decoration down with a towel and lay it down on another spot. Spray-paint the snow around it again. Drying the snowflake template is a tip I learned after trying this red background silhouette. There are a few drops of other colors on the red-framed flake as the decoration was used in the previous snowflake design.

A beautiful red background snowflake silhouette created with a spray paint technique. A quick and easy ourdoor transient art activity.

_______

If you have enough snowflake decorations and spray paint bottles, invite participants to spray paint their own snowflake silhouette.

_______

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette Benefits

In this snowflake painting activity, squirting a spray bottle develops finger muscles. And participants get the opportunity to create beautiful transient art outdoors during the winter season working cooperatively or on their own.

_______

Spray Painting Snow Indoors

An invitation to spray paint snow indoors. This is a super fun winter transient art invitation.

_______

Originally, I hoped to offer this spray paint snowflake silhouette activity indoors. I filled a round tub with snow and got the colored water spray paints ready. But the snow was too sticky and hard, and I couldn’t achieve a smooth snow surface to lay the snowflake decoration down on. But even without a snowflake decoration, the snow is enjoyable to spray paint indoors.

Take snow indoors and invite early learners to spray paint it with food coloring paint. A quick and easy sensory activity.

_______

Fun Facts About Snow

Snow is composed of many snowflakes. Tiny ice crystals clump together to make each snowflake.

The light reflecting off snow makes it appear white.

In cold weather, snow is powdery, while in warm weather it is sticky.

New snow absorbs sound waves, resulting in a quiet atmosphere.

Snow creates a wonderful playground for activities such as making snowballs, snow angels, snow forts, and snowmen.

Snow contains 95 % trapped air, and is a great insulator for animals who burrow under it.

When snow melts, it makes 1/10^th the amount of water.

_______

A spray paint snowflake silhouette created outdoors. A quick and easy transient art activity with stunning results.

_______

Related: Painting Ice And Snow

_______

[Read more…]

Magic Creamer Color Experiment

February 17, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

It’s been a while back, but I promised to try the always-fun magic milk experiment with homo milk or cream. So here’s a post about a magic creamer color experiment.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This is a crowd-pleasing science experiment.

_______

Supplies Collected

Collected in this winter-themed version is:

snowman cake pan
half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer
red, yellow, and blue food coloring
liquid dish soap

_______

The Magic Creamer Color Experiment

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This easy-to-do science experiment is sure to be a topic for conversation.

_______

To perform this easy science experiment, pour a layer of half and half (10% milk fat) creamer into a cake pan or small bin. My pick for this experiment is a snowman cake pan. It is medium-sized and fits the amount of liquid I have on hand.

Note: Half and half cream is equal parts whole milk and light cream. It isn’t near as creamy as whipping cream but is creamier than the milk I’ve featured in past experiments. It is commonly used as a coffee creamer.

Next, add drops of red, yellow, and blue food coloring around the pan.

Then add drops of liquid dish soap onto some of the food coloring patches. The colors will immediately swirl around and make new color designs.

Close up, the color changes look super stunning.

A close-up view of the immerging designs created in a magic creamer color experiment. This easy science experiment is a crowd-pleaser.

_______

After the color movement slows down, check back occasionally and you will see new color patterns immerge. The color designs will keep changing for at least half an hour.

_______

At this time, try adding a few more drops of food coloring. I try to make a snowman face and buttons.

Add more dish detergent drops and watch the colors move and change again.

_______

Interpreting This Color-Changing Science Experiment

Although half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer is made of a significant amount of water, it also contains fat and protein. These are both sensitive to changes in the liquid. When dish soap is added to the pan, it breaks up the surface tension of the half-and-half liquid and is attracted to the fat molecules. The fat molecules try to scurry away but end up bonding with the soap molecules. The movement of the food coloring makes this process visible. As more and more soap and fat molecules bond, the color movement slows down and eventually stops.

_______

Fat content in the half-and-half creamy liquid is super important in this science experiment.

The colors in the half-and-half coffee creamer experiment move at a slightly slower rate than 2% or 1 % milk, both of which I’ve tried successfully before. All three liquids show stunning color-swirling results.

_______

Related:

Color Explosion Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…]

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

February 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

You may have noticed a pair of adorable llama ornaments in a winter sensory bin a few posts back. With their pastel pink blankets, these woolly animals are easily repurposed in a llama-inspired valentine sensory bin.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

Loose parts for an adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base.

_______

The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun blue, pink, and white valentine sensory bin:

two non-breakable llama ornaments
storage container in a heart shape
peg family
pink heart necklace strips
blue and pink gemstones
heart-themed cookie cutters
valentine-themed heart erasers
blue foam hearts
pastel pink and blue pompoms
pink spatula
heart-shaped measuring spoon
“U-R Great” treat basket

_______

The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

A cute Valentine's Day rice sensory bin inspired by llamas. There are lots of fun loose parts to explore in the bin.

_______

White glutinous rice is the base for this pretty bin. It is a go-to sensory bin base because of its bright white color.

As in the llama-inspired winter sensory tub, the bin is a white food bus bin, also a common item in my sensory activities.

The llama ornaments are foam-based, so are suitable for early learners to handle and explore. Thqt being said, all sensory activities for little ones should be closely supervised by a caregiver.

Heart necklaces cut in strips make attractive loose parts.

A heart-shaped storage container is a happy Dollar Store find and matches the color theme of the bin.

The pink heart-shaped measuring spoon offers little learners a chance to scoop and pour.

A little wooden peg family is accented with blue, pink, and silver acrylic paint.

The valentine-shaped basket has a positive message.

Blue and/or pink foam hearts, cookie cutters, and pompoms round out the loose parts in the bin.

_______

Llama Facts

Llamas are popular in art and home décor. Llama-themed arty goods can be scooped up in any season of the year. Here are Ten Fast Llama Facts about these appealing animals.

_______

Valentine’s Day Water Play

Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

Valentine’s Day Process Art

_______

[Read more…]

Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

February 11, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Honeycomb cereal is tasty to eat, but is also super fun to use in a craft activity. In this post, the craft idea is honeycomb cereal necklace lacing.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Honeycomb Cereal “Snowflake” Necklace

With its six sides, each honeycomb makes a nice “snowflake.” And having holes, the cereal is perfect for lacing a “snowflake” necklace.

A thin lacing cord works best for threading honeycomb. In fact, the thinner the cord the better.

Older children may enjoy the challenge of lacing each honeycomb down one side and up the other. And they can make a game of it by seeing who can string the most honeycomb cereal in the shortest amount of time.

For younger children, it’s best to suggest lacing through the center hole.

A fun and tasty lacing honeycomb cereal activity for little learners.

_______

Some honeycomb pieces have holes that are too small to thread lacing cord through, so they are perfect for snacking on.

Stretching the cord while working may break a few, but again, the honeycomb bits are just another excuse for snacking on the tasty morsels!

After some practice, this first string of honeycomb is ready to be tied as a necklace.

A fun honeycomb cereal "snowflake" necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

_______

More Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

Naturally, it’s hard to stop after lacing just one string of honeycomb cereal. Here’s a pink version for Valentine’s Day.

A fun honeycomb necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

_______

And below is a version for a bumblebee theme, the most natural fit for honeycomb cereal.

_______

Finally, since the lacing cord comes in Easter colors and I have a few jube bunnies hanging around, the chewy treats are included in a necklace craft photo.

_______

Lacing honeycomb cereal is a perfect opportunity to practice eye-hand coordination and fine motor control while casually snacking on the flavorful cereal.

_______

A fun bee theme honeycomb cereal necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

_______

Related:

Bunny Candy Art

Silhouette Easter Bunnies

_______

[Read more…]

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

February 10, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

With so many skin-tone art supplies available to explore, it is easy to provide art activities that celebrate diversity. In this post, I feature three “Celebrate Diversity” heart art projects: one with chalk, another with pencil crayons, and a third with metallic markers. These are all low-prep, low or no-mess art projects everyone can do. To help out, there is a free heart template to download.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Skin Tone Sunburst Heart

A "Celebrate Diversity" sunburst heart art project with skin tone pencil crayons. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity.

_______

Only a few inexpensive supplies are needed for this mini art project:

set of skin tone pencil crayons
ruler
white cardstock paper
heart template

_______

Steps to make a "Celebrate Diversity" sunburst heart art project with skin tone pencil crayons. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity

_______

To start off, cut white cardstock paper into 5-inch or 6-inch squares. With this size of paper, the whole project can be done without having to sharpen the pencil crayons.

Next, use a pencil or pencil crayon to trace around a small heart template in the middle of the square. Feel free to download the template further on in the post for the art project.

Then add lines that extend from the heart to the edge of the paper in a sunburst design.

Tips from a blog post by ARTBAR were helpful in making the sunburst lines that protrude invisibly through the heart from one side of the paper to the opposite one. The technique took me a few tries to get right but the effort is worth it.

Afterward, use pencil crayons in skin-tone hues to color inside the lines.

You may want to trace around the small heart template once again at the end to make sure the heart is defined and stands out.

_______

Skin Tone Chalk Heart Art

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone sidewalk chalk. An all-ages, stunning art activity.

_______

For this second art project, gather the following supplies:

8 ½ x 11-inch light blue fadeless construction paper
large and small heart template
skin tone sidewalk chalk
painter’s tape
table cover

First, select a heart tracer that is a little smaller than the construction paper.

Lay the heart on the construction paper and tack it down gently with a piece of painter’s tape.

Next, use sidewalk chalk in various skin tones to color in the area around the heart.

Note: An alternative is to trace the heart first and remove the template before using the chalk sticks.

Afterward, gently smudge the chalk lines in an outward fashion.

If desired, trace a smaller heart in the center of the larger one using one of the chalk hues and color it in.

_______

A variation of this art activity is to dip the chalk sticks in water before decorating the paper.

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone sidewalk chalk dipped in water. An all-ages, stunning art activity.

_______

For both chalk activities, it is advisable to lay down newsprint or an old tablecloth first to protect the work surface and make clean-up easier.

_______

Metallic Marker Concentric Hearts

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone metallic markers. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity.

_______

Supplies to gather:

8 ½ inch x 11-inch white cardstock paper
metallic markers in skin tones
heart template
scissors

For this third project, start by tracing the large heart template, and then draw smaller hearts inside it with metallic skin tone markers.

If you do not have metallic markers in all the hues, substitute regular ones. I use a regular marker for the black hue.

Note: For little learners, you can offer non-toxic washable markers in skin tones instead of the permanent metallic markers featured in this art activity.

Downloadable Heart Template

Here is a free heart template to download for the art projects featured in this post:

_______

Heart Art PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

_______

These three heart art projects give participants a chance to celebrate diversity by experimenting with different art media. They are a good fit for Black History Month, a Valentine’s Day theme, or a special time set aside to celebrate diversity.

Do you have questions about any of these art projects? Leave a comment below.

_______

Related:

Three Black History Month Crafts

Celebrate Diversity Butterfly

Black History Month Yarn Art

_______

[Read more…]

Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

February 9, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Penguins are well-loved animals and are a popular subject for art activities and sensory bins. Here they get a further notice in a penguin pretend play tablescape.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

Set up this penguin-themed pretend play set up for your little learners to explore. Black and white loose parts add many paly possibilities.

_______

My preschoolers love to discover seasonal loose parts in a dramatic play center. And just a few themed accessories and matching loose parts make for engaging learning through play. Supplies collected for this penguin-themed tablescape are:

crafted foam penguins
penguin coasters and cookie tin
muffin tin and cupcake liners with a penguin theme
mini penguin erasers
penguin ice cube tray
black bowls, baskets, trays, and serving spoon
white spoons and forks
clear cups and faux ice cubes
black and white plaid styrofoam balls
red, black, and white stuffed felt hearts
black and white letter tiles
cotton balls
white buttons and pearl beads
black and white gift box, placemat, and striped straws
play food fish and eggs
penguin themed key chains
white tablecloth

_______

The Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Even though we have snow in our area well into March most years, penguin-themed supplies are usually only available in fall or early December. If you see them, you buy them because there is no guarantee you will spot them again.

This black and white penguin-themed pretend play tablescape offers many opportunities for imaginative play.

_______

In this bin, the penguin-themed coasters, cookie tin, and ice cube tray are dollar store finds.

Black bowls, serving spoons, and trays as well as white forks and spoons fit the color scheme.

Mini penguin erasers and penguin-themed cupcake liners add character to the theme.

Crafted foam penguins and stuffed felt hearts make great play cookies.

Penguins eat fish and lay eggs, so fish and egg play food is a good fit.

Set up this penguin-themed pretend play set up for your little learners to explore. Black and white loose parts add many play possibilities.

_______

A black and white gift box and placemat add design elements. The letter tiles give the opportunity to spell the word “penguin.”

A mound of cotton balls is a reminder of the snowy environment most penguins live in.

The penguin-themed key chains make great dinner party favors.

Black and/or white loose parts such as buttons, straws, pearl beads, and cloth-covered styrofoam balls round out the supplies.

All accessories are set on a white tablecloth.

_______

This penguin-themed pretend play tablescape is a good example of how a few themed supplies and inexpensive complimentary loose parts offer many dramatic play opportunities.

_______

Arctic Animal Facts And Sensory Trays

Penguin Small World

_______

[Read more…]

Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

January 29, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Sensory Bin Supplies

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

_______

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

_______

The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

[Read more…]

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.

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

[Read more…]

Annette Kaminsky

Supplies Collected

The Valentine’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

More Valentine’s Day Play Tablescape Ideas

Supplies To Collect

The Loose Part Jewelry Heart Play Invitation

Benefits Of Loose Parts Play

More Loose Part Heart Decorating

Supplies to Collect

The Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette Activity

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette Benefits

Spray Painting Snow Indoors

Fun Facts About Snow

Supplies Collected

The Magic Creamer Color Experiment

Interpreting This Color-Changing Science Experiment

Supplies Collected

The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

Llama Facts

Honeycomb Cereal “Snowflake” Necklace

More Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

Skin Tone Sunburst Heart

Skin Tone Chalk Heart Art

Metallic Marker Concentric Hearts

Downloadable Heart Template

Supplies Collected

The Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Related Posts:

Sensory Bin Supplies

The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Variations Of This Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Ten Fast Llama Facts

Celebrate Diversity Butterflies

Making The Handprint Butterflies

Assembling The Butterflies

Celebrate Diversity Yarn Heart