Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Christmas

Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

by Leave a Comment

_______

This Christmas peppermint sensory bin was inspired by a gorgeous miniature red, pink, and white-striped peppermint tree. The eye-catching tree was one of these “gotta have it” Christmas decorations for me, as it is festive and unique. A quick search in stores around my neighborhood led to finding complementary accessories for the tree. Loose parts round out the supplies in the inviting sensory bin your little learners will absolutely LOVE.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

The following supplies were gathered for this sweet candy-themed bin:

  • peppermint candy Christmas tree
  • candy cane ornaments
  • candy ornaments
  • peppermint candy erasers
  • toy peppermint candies
  • peppermint candy-themed metal buckets
  • red, pink, and white buttons
  • pink, red, and white pom poms
  • wooden peg people
  • red spoons
  • red, pink, and white acrylic paints
  • small paintbrushes
  • spoons

_______

The Christmas Peppermint Candy Sensory Bin

The unexpected bin of choice for this peppermint candy sensory bin is a red saucer sled. It is an economical purchase and accommodates three or four children nicely at a time.

_______

The base is white glutinous rice, often my go-to for sensory bins. It is low on the mess, and the white color lets the festive supplies in the bin shine.

Wooden peg dolls painted with red, pink, or white acrylic paint match the color theme.

_______

Peppermint candy-themed metal buckets hold candy cane ornaments and the other sensory supplies nicely.

_______

Spoons are always a requested item for my sensory bins, and red ones fit the bill.

Red, pink, and white pom poms and buttons round out the sensory supplies.

_______

The Christmas peppermint theme for the bin is a way for little learners to play with Christmas peppermint candy without the sugar fix.

_______

Benefits Of The Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

_______

Aside from adding joy to the holiday season, this Christmas peppermint candy sensory bin allows children to:

  • count candy canes, candies, and other supplies
  • notice red and white, and pink, red, and white striped patterns
  • discuss the words hard (candies and buttons) and soft (pom poms)
  • label pink, red, and white colors
  • develop eye-hand coordination while using the sensory supplies
  • share whether they like the taste of candy canes and other Christmas candy

_______

More Christmas Sensory Bins

Plaid-themed Christmas Rice Bin

Ugly Christmas Sweater Rice Bin

Christmas Sensory Play

Llama Christmas Sensory Bin

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

Shiny Paint Cactus Art

by Leave a Comment

Four easy to make shiny cactus art projects that look beautifully displayed. Kitchen supplies gleam in this all-ages art activity.

_______

This all-ages shiny paint cactus art can be made in a few different ways. Try one of the versions or try them all, and share a few cactus facts along the way. Saguaro and prickly pear cactus trees are featured in the activities, and two free cactus templates are available to download to make your art activity preparation easier.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Make this shiny saguaro cactus tree art project using only a few supplies. An all-ages easy-to-do desert art activity.

_______

Gather the following basic supplies for the cactus art projects in this post:

  • white corn syrup
  • neon purple and green food coloring
  • green food coloring
  • paint pots
  • paintbrushes
  • glue paddle
  • small bowls
  • spoons
  • white glue
  • scissors
  • large circle punch
  • 8 ½ inch x 11-inch white cardstock paper
  • 12 x 12-inch colored cardstock
  • flower confetti
  • cactus templates
  • newsprint or tablecloth

_______

Cactus Art Paint

Three of the four projects featured employ a shiny paint made by adding a food coloring hue to white corn syrup. Little learners find this paint soooo satisfying to use. It is super sticky and can work as an adhesive. It dries with a glossy, smooth finish.

_______

Coconut Embellished Saguaro Cactus

Saguaro cactus trees grow naturally in southern Arizona and in the Mexican state of Sonora. The desert dwellers are covered in prickly spines.

Saguaros often bloom in late May to late June, but the blooms can be spotted earlier or later in the year. The stunning white flowers with yellow centers mature into edible ruby red fruits.

Steps to make a shiny saguaro cactus art project using only a few supplies. An all-ages easy-to-do art project.

_______

For this first saguaro cactus art project, start by squeezing a little white corn syrup into a paint pot. A baby food jar works well as a paint holder.

Next, add a few drops of neon green food coloring into the corn syrup and stir it in.

Then cut a saguaro cactus tree from white cardstock paper. Feel free to download this template for the project.

A free saguaro cactus template to use for art and craft projects. Paint, glue, and create with using unique cactus design.

_______

Saguaro Cactus PrintableDownload

_______

Afterward, set the cactus cutout on an art table along with the sticky green paint, a paintbrush, a small bowl with shredded coconut, and a spoon.

Cover the cactus with shiny paint, and then sprinkle on coconut bits to represent pokey spines. Press in confetti flowers to depict a cactus in the blooming season.

To complete the cactus art project, add a strip of golden or yellow ochre sturdy paper to the bottom of a 12-inch x 12-inch piece of cardstock that is a pastel shade. Using white glue or a glue gun, carefully adhere the painted cactus to the cardstock background. Punch or cut out a large cardstock circle and glue it on to represent a sun in the picture.

Make this shiny saguaro cactus tree art project using only a few supplies. An all-ages easy-to-do desert art activity.

_______

Note: This paint takes a generous amount of time to dry. After at least a few days of drying time, the art is ready to be displayed.

_______

Chive Embellished Saguaro Cactus

This easy to create saguarro cactus tree art uses chives as one of the supplies. An all-ages art project that is rewarding to do.

_______

This second cactus tree art project uses green glue instead of corn syrup paint. For this art activity:

  • Mix a little neon green food coloring into white glue to make a light green hue. Use a glue paddle to apply the glue all over a cactus template. A light coat of glue works best, as it helps prevent the paper cactus from curling as it dries.
  • Sprinkle on freeze-dried chives to look like cactus spines, and add pink confetti blooms.
  • Finish the project the same way the first one was done.

Note: Corn syrup paint works beautifully for this cactus art design just as well.

This easy to create saguarro cactus tree art uses chives as one of the supplies. An all-ages art project that is rewarding to do.

_______

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus Art

Make this shiny purple prickly pear cactus art project using only a few supplies. An all-ages easy-to-do desert art activity.

_______

As I am always drawn to unique colors in nature, I was excited to find out that there is such a thing as purple cacti. Some prickly pear cacti are purple, so this next project celebrates this pretty, vibrant hue and highlights the unique prickly pear cactus shape. Feel free to download the template below for the art activity.

A free prickly pear cactus template to use for art and craft projects. Paint, glue, and create using this unique cactus design.

_______

Prickly Pear Cactus PrintableDownload

_______

To complete this art project:

  • Mix a little neon purple food coloring in a pot of white corn syrup.
  • Paint the prickly pear cactus with the purple sticky paint.  
  • Sprinkle on uncooked rice grains to represent spines.
  • Press in purple confetti flowers. Or use yellow confetti flowers…the natural color of purple prickly pear blooms.
  • Finish the project the same way the first two cactus versions were done.
This prickly pear cactus art project requires simple supplies you can find in your kitchen. It's an easy-to-do all-ages art activity.

_______

Cactus Christmas Tree Art

This last cactus project is elevated by using cake sprinkles for the spines. The balls in the sprinkle mix inspired me to turn the cactus into a decorated Christmas tree.

Use supplies you have in your kitchen to decorate a saguaro cactus as a Christmas tree. An all-ages art activity everyone will love.

_______

To make this art project:

  • Mix a hue of green corn syrup paint and brush it onto a saguaro cactus.
  • Drop on cake sprinkles with your fingers or a spoon, and press them in gently. Space out the sprinkle balls to look like ornaments on the tree.
  • Glue a cut or punched metallic paper star at the top for a tree topper.
  • Complete the art project the same way as all the others.

Note: The corn syrup paint and glue paint have adhesive qualities. If any of the embellishments do not adhere, use white glue or a glue gun to affix the shapes.

Use supplies you have in your kitchen to decorate a saguaro cactus as a Christmas tree. An all-ages art activity everyone will love.

_______

These shiny paint cactus art activities are suitable for people of every age. Each project can be a cooperative one for little learners, with an older child or adult helping a little one with the cactus art.

_______

Related:

Octopus Art

Sea Turtle Art

Sea Star Art

Lizard And Turtle Art

Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

_______

[Read more…] about Shiny Paint Cactus Art

Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

by 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 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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

The Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

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

_______

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.

_____

Adding Grated Orange Rind

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

More Playdough Recipes and Activities

Apple Playdough Tray

Edible Playdough Turkey

Scented Playdough Activities

Edible Playdough Pumpkins

Creating warty pumpkins is easy and fun with white chocolate chips and an edible, no-cook playdough recipe.

_______

Gingerbread Playdough

Chocolate Mint Playdough

Christmas Playdough

Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Valentine’s Day Playdough Activities

Red, pink and white playdough recipes, perfect for a Valentine's Day theme.

_______

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Easter Playdough Tray

_______

[Read more…] about Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

by Leave a Comment

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.

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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!

_______

_______

Related:

Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

_______

_______

More Christmas Activities

Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

Christmas Village Tuff Tray

Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

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

_______

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

Chocolate Mint Playdough

Plaid-themed Christmas Rice Bin

Lemon-scented Christmas Playdough

Easy S’mores Bars

Make this easy, three-ingredient s'mores bars recipe that takes a classic campfire treat indoors. Serve surrounded by festive decor at Christmas time.

_______

Christmas Tree Decorating Center

Christmas Sensory Play

Handprint Angel Christmas Keepsake

Llama Christmas Sensory Bin

Llama themed sensory bin inspired by the picture book 'Llama, Llama Holiday Drama' by Anna Dewdney.
    [Read more…] about Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments

    by Leave a Comment

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

    _______

    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.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Supplies To Collect

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

    _______

    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

    _______

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

    _______

    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.

    _______

    Gingerbread Girl And Ornament PrintableDownload

    _______

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

    _______

    Angel And Ornament PrintableDownload

    _______

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

    _______

    Star And Heart PrintableDownload

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    Related: Handprint Christmas Crafts

    _______

    [Read more…] about Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments