Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

art

Celebrate Diversity Coloring Pages

by Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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!

_______

_______

Related:

Celebrate Diversity Paper Craft

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art

_______

[Read more…] about Celebrate Diversity Coloring Pages
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art

by Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

These Positive Affirmation coloring pages reflect character qualities that black people possess and employ to achieve goals and major accomplishments. As such, they are perfect for art activities that celebrate Black History Month. The positive qualities surrounded by beaming sunrays build self-esteem and are key to Black excellence and resilience.

_______

The positive affirmations in the coloring pages were inspired by picture books that highlight Black history and culture.

Decorating the Black History Month Positive Affirmations Printable

There are a variety of ways to decorate the sunshine-themed printables, allowing for many design possibilities. 28 sunrays have room for creative patterns with 2, 4, or 7 colors and/or styles.

_______

The patterns below are inspired by the splendid suns in the storybook “Seven Spools of Thread” by Angela Shelf Medearis. Although written for Kwanzaa, the book is wonderfully suited for a Black History Month theme.

_______

_______

The seven bright colors in the decorated printable below were inspired by those of the spools of thread in the same book.

_______

In the next art sample, the pastel colors represent kindness.

_______

Traditional Black History Month hues (red, green, yellow-gold, and black), are showcased in this last arty project.

_______

Aside from including these Positive Affirmations coloring pages in an art project during Black History Month, they are a fantastic addition to an “I Am Special” or a “Celebrate Diversity” theme. It is an empowering, easy-to-do creative activity with striking results.

_______

Black History Month Positive Affirmations Bulletin Board

The finished artwork and the words “I AM” (Brilliant), (Irreplaceable), “I AM A” (Traveller), “YOU ARE” (Brave) (Strong), or “YOU ARE A” (Leader) make a stunning bulletin board display. It is a gorgeous addition to classroom decor.

_______

Where to Get the Black History Month Positive Affirmations Printables

_______

The BHM Positive Affirmations coloring pages are available for an everyday low price in my Etsy Skills N Smiles shop. There are 18 pages, each with a different word of affirmation. In addition, there are four editable pages to add words of affirmation to by hand or using a program such as Canva. Lastly, the captions “I AM”. “I AM A”, “YOU ARE”, and “YOU ARE A” are included in the set. The instant download printables are available in 8 ½ x 11-inch and A4 sizes. Download your set today.

_______

——-

More Black History Month Activities

Three Black History Month Crafts

Black History Month Hair Decorating Art

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

Black History Month Mixed Media Art

_______

[Read more…] about Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Colors of Fall Sensory Bin

by Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Fall is full of bright and bold hues, and so is this Colors of Fall sensory bin. Brilliant flowers and vibrant, plentiful leaves star in the gorgeous sensory invitation. The autumn sensory bin celebrates the end of our growing season, as the weather is about to become a lot colder, and leaves and flowers will soon dry out.

_______

Supplies in the Fall Sensory Bin

The following are the supplies used in this autumn-themed bin:

  • fall leaves
  • flowers
  • small rocks
  • twigs
  • squirt bottles
  • liquid watercolors
  • pitchers of water
  • mortar and pestle sets
  • eye droppers
  • bowls and spoons
  • cups

_______

The Colors of Fall Sensory Bin

As displayed in many of my other sensory invitations, the bin for this fall sensory activity is a large active world tray. It’s great for a group of children to explore together. The activity would work equally well in a smaller bin, with children taking turns to participate.

The many leaves in the octagonal bin come from the trees and plants in my yard. Lots have turned red, orange, yellow, or brown. Others remain green in the fall season.

_______

The flowers are also from my yard, picked just before the freezing nights that end their growing season.

_______

Clear squirt bottles hold water with a little orange, magenta, green, or blue liquid watercolors mixed in.

_______

Paired with the squirt bottles, pitchers filled with water offer many opportunities for color mixing and potion making in bowls and clear cups.

_______

Including eye droppers allows for more fub colored water squirting.

_______

Mortar and pestle sets are always a hit.

_______

Beautiful red and yellow Bergenia leaves are quickly set aside by some participants as treasures to keep.

_______

Magenta-hued water and bright flowers prove to be a highlight of the sensory experience.

_______

After a long time of engaging in sensory bin exploration, the colored water becomes a drawing tool for transient art on nearby pavement.

_______

A rock border adds a finishing touch to a heart-themed transient art creation.

_______

This Colors of Fall sensory bin is an awesome nature-themed activity, and is one of the most economical play-based learning ideas. The natural materials are a free filler. Most of the other supplies are reusable for other sensory play activities and are suitable for dramatic play setups.

What do you think?

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

More Fall Activities

Fall Drip Ice Cake

Fall Pom Pom Tree Craft

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Fall Leaf Salad Spinner Art

Fall Scissor Skills Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Colors of Fall Sensory Bin
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Chalk Paint Cave Art

by Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

_______

Chalk paint is easy to make and oh so fun to use. It is a superb choice for a chalk paint cave art project, as it dries with a powdery finish that looks a lot like the natural pigments used in real caves.

Cave art was created by people who lived long ago. Deep inside caves on walls and ceilings, our ancestors made pictographs and etchings of wild animals such as deer, horses, bears, mammoths, and rhinos. They also created symbols, geometric patterns, handprints, and people.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Creating Cave Drawings

_______

Before introducing the chalk paint cave art project, an optional activity is to show children pictures of ancient cave art and explain that people long ago made pigments from natural materials like minerals, charcoal, and finely ground clay. Then set out pastels and chunky crayons along with a sheet of brown Kraft paper, and invite participants to create cave drawings.

_______

Introducing Chalk Paint

After children are familiar with cave art and have participated in the drawing activity, mix chalk paint colors in paint pots or a tempera cake tray. Since cave artists often used the hues black, white, yellow, red, and brown, these are paint colors in my tray.

Find the chalk paint recipe here: Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Then place a large sheet of brown cardboard on the ground, along with the chalk paints and brushes. Or position the large cardboard sheet against an outside wall or fence to simulate cave painting. Invite children to do a collaborative art project using the paints.

_______

With these bold colors, the chalk paint looks super bright at first. As the paint dries, it transforms into earth tones with a soft, matte finish. The chalk-like look resembles some of the materials used by Earth’s earliest artists.

_______

_______

Chalk Paint Cave Art Follow-up Activity

Our ancestors did not have the paints and paintbrushes we have access to today. Aside from creating paints from natural materials, they used sticks, leaves, feathers, and animal hair to apply the paints. As a next activity, invite children to design paintbrushes from these materials and use them with the chalk paint.

______

[Read more…] about Chalk Paint Cave Art
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint

by Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

_______

For quite some time now, it has been on my list to make homemade sidewalk chalk paint. I’ve seen people rave about it online, so I was eager to give it a try. My version is slightly different from recipes I’ve seen, but it has equally stunning results.

_______

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint Supplies

For this bright sidewalk chalk paint, gather the following supplies:

  • tempera paint in a variety of colors
  • cornstarch
  • water
  • paint pots
  • tempera cake trays (optional)
  • paintbrushes
  • paper towel sheets

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Making the Sidewalk Chalk

There are only two ingredients, in addition to water, needed for this simple sidewalk chalk paint. So easy!

To start, pour a layer of tempera paint in different colors into paint pots. My paints are black, white, orange, yellow, red, and brown. I chose the bold hues so I could also use them in a cave art activity.

Note: Food coloring or liquid watercolors are typically used in chalk paint recipes. Tempera paint is a fine substitute and was perfect for my color choices.

_______

Next, add water to fill the pots about half full and mix well.

Then spoon a few tablespoons of cornstarch into the colored liquid and stir well again. Aim for a thickened liquid that doesn’t turn into oobleck. Add a little more cornstarch or water if needed to make the proper consistency.

Invite children to help make the paints…they’ll love the opportunity to participate.

_______

The Sidewalk Chalk Paint Art Process

When the paints are mixed, add paintbrushes to the paint pots. Or pour the paints into tempera cake trays for an attractive presentation.

When the homemade sidewalk chalk paint colors are mixed, add paintbrushes to the paint pots. Or pour the paints into tempera cake trays for an attractive presentation.

_______

Invite participants to paint a section of a sidewalk. If using tempera cake trays, have them wipe their brush on a section of paper towel between colors to keep the hues bright.

The paint goes on thick and bright, offering a satisfying result. The paint colors look chalky when they dry.

When the painting activity is complete, simply spray down the decorated sidewalk areas with a garden hose. Or leave the artwork as is to fade away over time.

_______

_______

_______

More Process Art Activities

Recycled Cardboard Process Art

Pump Bottle Watercolor Art

String Painting Snake Art

Pumpkin Painting Process Art

Valentine’s Day Process Art

_______

[Read more…] about Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin