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crafts

Space Father’s Day Craft

June 18, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.
Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.

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If you need a last-minute Father’s Day craft that brings a WOW factor, this Space Father’s Day craft is for you! Your child will love using pompoms in the craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This whole craft can be made in construction paper and/or painted paper, but will look extra special with the following supplies:

  • 12-inch x 12-inch dark blue or black construction paper
  • pompoms in various colors
  • cardstock in white and shades of yellow
  • white glitter cardstock
  • gold glitter cardstock
  • star paper punch
  • scissors
  • white glue
  • glue stick
  • double-sided tape
  • black felt pen
An easy-to-make Father's Day craft. A glittery spaceship and pompom planets are the highlights of the craft.

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Preparing The Craft

First, cut a spaceship from white iridescent cardstock, and “steam” from gold glitter cardstock. Glue together.

Next, with a star paper punch, punch stars from white and yellow cardstock.

Then gather a selection of pompoms in various colors and sizes to represent planets in our solar system.

Add double-sided tape to the back of the spaceship. This will give it a raised look on the craft, helping it stand out.

Finally, write a Father’s Day greeting and the words “You help me soar” with a black felt pen on strips of white cardstock, or use computer-printed messages.

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Making The Space Father’s Day Craft

Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.

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Invite your child to adhere the spaceship to a sheet of dark blue or black 12-inch square cardstock. This size paper gives a nice large canvas to work on.

Add glue to a small food container lid or paper plate. Have your child dip their pompom planets in glue and stick them around the spacecraft on the paper. Your child will love the chance to use soft, fluffy pompoms.

Ask your child to adhere punched stars in the sky with a glue stick.

Glue the Father’s Day greetings to the picture where there is space to do so.

An easy-to-make Father's Day craft. A glittery spaceship and pompom planets are the highlights of the craft.

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This colorful, easy craft can be made for a father or a father figure for Father’s Day. Or it can be adapted to give to a special person any time of the year.

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Related: Super Hero Activities

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[Read more…] about Space Father’s Day Craft

Filed Under: crafts, Father's Day, preschool, sensory, space Tagged With: Father's Day, paper crafts, space

Easter Transient Art

April 17, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set out these adorable, party-ready Easter transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

Here are three easy Easter transient art activities using egg, chick, and bunny designs as a base. They’ll add color and style to any Easter or spring theme.

Set out these adorable, party-ready Easter transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

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What Is Transient Art?

Transient art is non-permanent art using craft materials and/or loose parts. It is open-ended and process-oriented. The art can be designed and redesigned by the same child, or by different children. It allows children to be creative in a non-threatening environment.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for these Easter transient art activities:

  • wood canvas boards
  • wall art frames
  • undecorated wood bunny, chick, and egg plaques
  • circle, flower, and butterfly paper punches
  • turquoise, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple cardstock paper
  • 12-inch x 18-inch yellow, pink, and blue construction paper
  • glue stick
  • scissors
  • pencil

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The Easter Transient Art Process

Adorable, party-ready bunny and egg transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

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First, select inexpensive unfinished wood plaques with an Easter or spring theme. The bunny, egg, and chick plaques featured here were purchased at a Dollar store. I was originally looking for just a bunny, but was excited to happen upon all three designs!

Next, pick wooden canvas boards and/or wall art frames that are slightly bigger than the plaques.

Then cut 12-inch x 18-inch construction paper in colors of choice to fit inside the frames or canvas board backs.

Punch out flowers and butterflies from spring-colored cardstock. Punch circles and glue contrasting colored ones to the flower centers.

Lastly, set the plaques on a table in frames or canvases, and add the paper punched shapes.

Set up this Easter egg transient art invitation for your child today! An easy, non-threatening spring activity.

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Invite children to pick an egg, chick, or bunny design to decorate with paper shapes.

Oh, so pretty spring chick transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty Easter bunny transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty Easter egg transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Tips:

  • For an economical alternative, a homemade cardstock frame can be used instead of the canvas board or art frames.
  • And die cut, foam, and felt craft supply butterflies and flowers can be substituted for paper punched ones.

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Permanent Art Projects

After children have had a chance to create transient art projects, they may wish to complete a finished work. White glue could be used to adhere the flowers and butterflies to the plaques. Or you could offer cardstock bunnies, chicks, and eggs as templates.

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Oh, so pretty Easter chick transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty spring bunny transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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[Read more…] about Easter Transient Art

Filed Under: art, crafts, Easter, preschool, spring Tagged With: bunnies, chicks, Easter, eggs, flowers, spring, transient art

Jelly Bean Theme

April 16, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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A few weeks ago, I set out to make an Easter display that would work for a wall art tree. I thought of incorporating the “Jelly Bean Prayer,” and wondered if there was such a thing as a jelly bean tree. To my delight, an online search revealed a variety of references to “jelly bean tree,” and provided inspiration for other activities. So in addition to changing up the display, I came up with this fun and tasty Jelly Bean Theme. The post includes free printables and a few facts about the colorful candy.

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10 Jelly Bean Facts

  • Jelly beans are bite-sized candies with hard, crunchy shells and soft, chewy centers.
  • These sweet candies are associated with Easter in Canada and the United States.
  • Part of the appeal is their egg shape and tiny size. This makes them terrific Easter egg fillers.
  • There are eight basic colors and flavors, which often have a fruity taste.
  • Over time, jelly beans were created in many different color schemes, often matching seasonal celebrations.
  • Jelly beans became popular in the 1960s.
  • The most common order for eating the candies is: red, purple, green, yellow, and black.
  • Jelly beans are used as an art medium, and there are mosaic art pieces made with them.
  • President Ronald Reagan liked them a lot, so artist Peter Rocha made a jelly bean portrait of the president.
  • There is a National Jelly Bean Day (in the US) on April 22.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Jelly Bean Theme Activities

There are a number of easy, educational jellybean activities to do at home or school.

Tasting Jelly Beans

Give participants jelly beans in the colors red, purple, green, yellow, and black. Chart the order each child eats the jellybeans.

What order would you eat these jelly beans in? Try this candy tasting activity and record the results.

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Incorporate language and math sequencing by describing color and taste, and using words such as first, next, and last.

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Jelly Bean Sorting

Invite children to sort jelly beans by color. This flower-shaped paint palette is perfect for individual color sorting.

A flower-shaped paint palette makes the perfect tray to sort jelly beans by color.

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Candies On Display

Jelly beans look attractive stored in mason jars. The filled jars could be part of a tablescape display or food table.

Store jelly beans in jars for a tablescape or food table display. Have a "Guess The Number Of Jelly Beans In The Jar" contest.

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How Many Jelly Beans Are In The Jar?

Fill a jar with jelly beans, and have participants guess the number of candies in the jar. Then count the jellybeans together. For early learners, a baby food jar or small bottle would be a good size to use.

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Cupcake Liner Easter Party Favors

Add pipe cleaner handles to sturdy Easter-themed cupcake liners. Fill the liners with Easter-colored jelly beans and hand them out as Easter basket party favors. Or fill plastic Easter eggs with jelly beans.

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Jelly Bean Prayer Wall Display

Over-sized paper jelly beans for a "Jelly Bean Prayer" tree display. Download the free printable for art, book-making, and display opportunities.

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Download this free template for a Jelly Bean Prayer tree display. I used it to cut out large jelly beans from different colors of cardstock paper. Then I wrote a line of the prayer on each one and added them to a tree theme wall display.

Download this oversized jelly bean template for art, book-making, and display use.

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Jelly Bean PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Jelly Bean Art

Use this same printable for children to paint or color and cut out gigantic paper jelly beans.

Or have children dictate or write a page for a jelly bean storybook, and then decorate the background.

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J Is For Jelly Bean Craft

Invite children to glue jelly beans onto a paper letter J. How fun!

"J Is For Jelly Beans" in this tasty craft. Reinforce the letter J sound with this fun and easy activity.

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Jelly Bean Tree Craft

Print copies of this tree template on white cardstock paper. Set them on an art table along with white glue and jelly beans. Invite children to glue jelly beans on the tree.

This could also be a transient art activity offered in a tray.

How fun! Decorate a tree template with jelly beans. Glue the tasty candies on for a finished project. Free tree printable available.

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Jelly Bean Artists

There are artists who work with jelly beans as a medium, or as a subject in their art. Who knew?

Peter Rocha and Kristen Cummings are two notable jelly bean artists. Their creations can be viewed on the Jelly Belly Company’s “The Jelly Belly Bean Art Gallery” web page. Their candy art can also be viewed on my Pinterest Board Jelly Bean Kids Activities/Jelly Bean Artists.

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Storybooks Incorporating Jelly Beans

The flavorful candies make an entertaining subject for storybooks. Here are a few books incorporating jelly beans:

Arthur’s Jelly Beans by Marc Brown 

Arthur and his friends participate in a “Spring Fling” party, which includes a jelly bean hunt of course!

Jellybean Mouse by Philip Roy

Happy the mouse isn’t excited to go on a laundromat errand but discovers a jellybean machine once there. The day’s adventure becomes just the excitement the spunky mouse is seeking.

The Jellybeans And The Big Dance by Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans

A group of girls with different interests meet at a dance studio, and slowly become friends. They eventually discover that just as jellybeans come in different flavors but go well together, they get along great. They decide to call themselves “The Jellybeans.”

There are three more books in this friendship and team-building series:

  • The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza
  • The Jellybeans and the Big Camp Kickoff
  • The Jellybeans and the Big Art Adventure

Jelly Bean Tree by Toni Yuli

This story isn’t about jelly beans, but the main character, a giraffe, is called Jelly Bean. It’s reason enough to include the colorfully illustrated, endearing story in the theme.

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[Read more…] about Jelly Bean Theme

Filed Under: art, crafts, display, Easter, literacy, Math, party, preschool, sensory, spring, themes, trees Tagged With: art, crafts, jelly beans, sensory tray

Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

April 14, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this adorable spring bunny wreath craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.
Make this adorable spring bunny paper plate craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Here’s a simple spring bunny wreath craft that’s perfect for the Easter season, but also celebrates spring. Along with a bunny, flowers, and butterflies, it incorporates jelly beans, fitting for National Jelly Bean Day!

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Supplies To Collect

Easy to gather supplies to make an adorable spring bunny wreath craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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For this sweet, floral craft project, gather the following:

  • white paper plate
  • cardstock in spring colors
  • flower, butterfly, and circle paper punches
  • white or tan cardstock
  • pink pompom
  • wiggly eyes
  • needle and thread
  • jelly beans
  • glue stick
  • white glue or glue gun
  • scissors
  • thin black felt pen

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Making The Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

Craft this adorable spring bunny wreath with easy-to-find supplies.

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First, cut the center from a paper plate.

Next, punch flowers, butterflies, and circles from spring-colored cardstock. Using a glue stick, adhere contrasting circle centers to some of the flowers.

Then glue butterflies and flowers around the paper plate rim.

Trace and cut a bunny head from white or tan cardstock. (A white bunny is perfect for Easter, but a grey or brown one will take the craft into spring.) Download this free template if desired.

Download this bunny head template to make a spring bunny wreath craft.

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Bunny Head PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Then draw two curved lines for the bunny mouth, and add whiskers.

Afterward, glue on the wiggly eyes and a pink pompom nose.

Lastly, adhere the paper bunny to the bottom back of the wreath using white glue or a glue gun.

Make this adorable spring bunny paper plate craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Adding The Jelly Bean Necklace

For a unique crafting experience, make a colorful and tasty jelly bean necklace for the bunny:

  • Pull a long piece of thread through a sturdy sewing needle.
  • Thread on jelly beans in a pattern of choice, or add them randomly.
  • Tie off the ends of the thread when the necklace is the desired length.
  • String the necklace around the bunny’s neck.
String a jelly bean necklace to wear or use in a craft. A super fun activity with pattern-making possibilities.

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Tip: For young children, the necklace could be prepared in advance. Or little learners could dictate which color jellybeans to thread on a necklace as you make one for them.

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Making this jelly bean necklace was easier than I thought it would be. I was sure that I would poke my fingers more than once. But thankfully I didn’t!

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This paper plate bunny wreath will brighten up any space, The jelly bean necklace is the highlight of the craft.

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This paper plate bunny wreath will brighten up any space, The jelly bean necklace is the highlight of the craft.

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Craft this adorable spring bunny wreath with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Related: Jelly Bean Theme

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The spring colors in the wreath are so welcome at a time of year when some days are bright and sunny, but others are grey and overcast. And I’m so ready for flowers and butterflies since we’ve had more than our share of snow this year!

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[Read more…] about Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

Filed Under: art, crafts, Easter, preschool, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, flowers, paper crafts, paper plate crafts, spring

Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

March 14, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Create this roarsome shamrock paper plate lion for St. Patrick's Day. The craft can also be turned into a mask.
Create this roarsome shamrock paper plate lion for St. Patrick's Day. The craft can also be turned into a mask.

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Today while completing a St. Patrick’s Day wreath craft a child held the circular frame to his face and said “lion mask.” Right then and there the idea for this adorable shamrock paper plate lion was formed. After all, shamrocks are perfect lion mane material!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

There are just a few supplies to gather for this roarsome craft:

  • white paper plate
  • wiggly eyes
  • black felt pen
  • white glue
  • glue paddle
  • large sticker shamrocks

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Making The Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Steps to create a roarsome shamrock paper plate lion perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The craft can also be turned into a mask.

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First, draw a lion’s mouth on a paper plate with a black felt pen.

Next, add a small shamrock sticker nose.

Then glue on two wiggly eyes.

Afterward, draw on whiskers.

Lastly, add a mane using shamrock stickers.

Create this roarsome shamrock paper plate lion for St. Patrick's Day. The craft can also be turned into a mask.

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Note: Paper cut shamrocks can be used if it is difficult to find the sticker variety. And yellow and orange shamrocks would make good substitutes for green ones.

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Lion Craft Variation

Instead of using wiggly eyes, cut out oval eyes to turn this craft into a St. Patrick’s Day lion puppet. Add a chopstick or drinking straw handle for the finishing touch.

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10 Lion Facts

After the craft is completed, share a few lion facts with participants:

  • Lions live together in groups called prides.
  • Most lions live in grasslands and savannahs in Africa.
  • These powerful animals can run fast, jump far, and see very well.
  • Only male lions have manes, which grow darker with age.
  • Female lions do most of the hunting. They work as a team to catch their prey.
  • Lions hunt large animals such as zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and buffaloes. They will also eat smaller prey like mice, birds, hares, lizards and tortoises.
  • The loud roar of a lion can be heard miles away.
  • Lion cubs are tiny and weigh about 3 pounds.
  • Lions are a symbol of strength, courage, fierceness, and power.

For more interesting lion facts, view the blogpost Lion Facts by factanimal.com.

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A roarsome shamrock paper plate lion to create for St. Patrick's Day. The craft can also be turned into a mask.

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If you are on the prowl for a simple, unique St. Patrick’s Day craft for your early learners to make, this shamrock paper plate lion is the one for you. Why not give it a try?

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Sheep Craft

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[Read more…] about Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Filed Under: art, crafts, preschool, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: animal crafts, lions, paper plate crafts

Three Black History Month Crafts

February 26, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Three vibrant, easy-to-make Black History Month crafts. Pick one or all three paper crafts to celebrate the theme.
Three vibrant, easy-to-make Black History Month crafts. Pick one or all three paper crafts to celebrate the theme.

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These three, easy Black History Month crafts feature ribbons in vibrant patterns and colors and lots of hearts! I’ve always admired the rich-toned clothing that black people can wear. And they absolutely shine adorned with metallic gold and silver jewelry. They can get away with so many color schemes that elude me because of my fair skin!

The bold fabric colors and patterns not only look striking but carry meaning in African culture. The designs are a means of storytelling, communicating messages from particular people groups. Textiles are also used as backdrops for important public ceremonies. And they are dynamic collectible artworks.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Kindness Heart Wreath

This wreath with skin-toned hearts communicates that all lives matter and that everyone deserves to 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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Supplies to Gather:

  • 9-inch paper plate
  • cardstock in skin tones
  • Black History Month ribbon
  • heart paper punch
  • glue stick
  • glue gun

Cut out the center of the paper plate, and cut or punch hearts in skin tones from cardstock.

Invite your little learner to glue hearts around the paper plate rim, leaving a little room at the top or bottom.

Cut a 26-inch piece of ribbon. Tie it into a bow and glue it on the top or bottom of the wreath with a hot glue gun.

Note: The hearts could also be punched from Black History Month colors: black, red, yellow, and green.

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

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Heart Banner Craft

The same skin-toned hearts can be used to decorate an attractive, display-worthy banner honoring Black History Month.

Three vibrant, easy-to-make Black History Month crafts. Pick one or all three paper crafts to celebrate the theme.

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Supplies To Gather

  • 9 x l2-inch sheet of fade-resistant construction paper
  • thin Black History Month ribbon
  • 12-inch strip of jute twine
  • black felt pen
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • glue gun

Choose a color of construction paper that complements the ribbon. Cut a triangle out of one end.

With a hot glue gun, add a ribbon edge to the top and bottom of the sturdy paper.

Write the words “Black History Month” in the center.

Invite your little learner to glue skin-toned hearts around the words.

Use a hot glue gun to adhere the jute twine to the upper back of the craft for a hanger.

Hang the craft project on a wall as a banner.

Note: The words on the banner can be changed to “Kindness Matters” or “Everyone Is Special.” This would make the craft project suitable for any time of the year.

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Black History Month Heart

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

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

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Supplies To Gather

  • two pieces of 9 x 12-inch fadeless construction paper
  • heart tracer
  • Black History Month ribbon in various colors, patterns, and widths
  • plain ribbon
  • glue stick
  • hot glue gun
  • scissors
Steps to make a stunning Black History Month heart craft to honor the important celebration.

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Cut ribbon into strips that are about 13 inches long.

Help your little learner pick and glue pieces of ribbon to one sheet of paper using a glue stick.

Afterward, trim the ribbon so it is even with the paper edges with a good pair of scissors.

Using a heart tracer, cut a large heart from the other piece of construction paper.

With a hot glue gun, adhere the cut paper outline to the fabric enhanced paper. Display the finished project on a wall with the caption “Black History Month.”

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Three vibrant, easy-to-make Black History Month crafts. Pick one or all three paper crafts to celebrate the theme.

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These three ethnic ribbon-enhanced crafts would look amazing displayed as a group. Each individual craft would work wonderfully as a classroom project.

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Related: Black History Month Paper Craft

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[Read more…] about Three Black History Month Crafts

Filed Under: art, Black History Month, crafts, display, preschool Tagged With: Black History Month, hearts, multicultural, paper crafts

Ladybug Wand Craft

February 13, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Cute ladybug wand craft early learners will love to make and play with. A host of ladybug facts are included in the post.
Cute ladybug wand craft early learners will love to make and play with. A host of ladybug facts are included in the post.

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Last month my preschoolers made simple snowflake wands to coordinate with winter and “Frozen” activities. The crafted wands generated lots of enthusiasm, and children were excited to use them in play. Because of their exuberant response, I decided to offer similar projects in the future. This ladybug wand craft is the next one we will do. I’m sure my little learners will enjoy making it, and I think yours will too!

With wings cut from a heart, this cute craft fits in perfectly with Valentine’s Day but could be offered in spring or any other time of the year.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

For this buggy craft, gather the following:

  • red and black cardstock
  • black adhesive gems
  • red and white thin ribbon
  • wiggly eyes
  • straws
  • glue stick
  • glue gun
  • scissors

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Making The Ladybug Wand Craft

Steps to make a cute ladybug wand craft early learners will love to help create and play with.

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First, cut large circular ladybug bodies from black cardstock, and similar-sized hearts from red. Then cut the red hearts in half to become wings.

Snip a few kinds of ribbon into strands about the length of a straw. Hot glue the ribbon strands to the top of the straws.

Then invite children to add black adhesive gem spots to a pair of red wings, and adhere them to their circle with a glue stick.

Afterward, they can add a pair of wiggly eyes.

Finally, glue the ladybugs to the top of the straws and invite crafters to play with their wands.

Cute ladybug wand craft early learners will love to make and play with. A host of ladybug facts are included in the post.

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Ladybug Facts

Ladybugs are well-loved by children. Even when they don’t especially like other insects, little learners are usually excited to hold a dainty ladybug and study it closely. Here are facts to share with little ones when they spot ladybugs while playing.

  • Ladybugs are a kind of beetle and can be found in a variety of habitats.
  • There are more than 5000 kinds of ladybugs.
  • Although shiny, red and black spotted dome shaped ladybugs are most familiar in North America, these adored creatures come in a variety of bright colors.
  • Ladybugs have from five to twenty spots, which can fade over time.
  • Their colors and spots help warn predators that they are not pleasant to eat.
  • With their six feet and two antennae, ladybugs smell and look for food. They use their front legs to clean their heads and antennae.
  • Their two eyes can distinguish between dark and light, but ladybugs don’t see well.
  • A pair of colorful hard, top wings protect two transparent, veined inner flying wings.
  • Ladybugs help the environment by eating pesky bugs such as aphids and mites, and spreading pollen.
A host of ladybug facts to share with early learners.

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  • Birds are huge predators. Other animals that like to eat ladybugs are frogs, lizards, wasps, spiders, and dragonflies.
  • In addition to flashing their spots and bright colors, ladybugs secrete oily, stinky, bad tasting, yellow drops of fluid from joints in their legs to discourage predators. They can also play dead.
  • Ladybugs are either male or female.
  • Over a period of about seven weeks, ladybugs develop in four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
  • Tiny yellow eggs are laid in batches on the underside of leaves near aphid colonies.
  • Colonies of ladybugs hibernate over the winter in warm spots such as in rotting logs or ground cover, or under rocks and snowdrifts. Thousands of these little bugs may gather together.
  • Ladybugs commonly live for about one year, but some live two to three years.

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It’ll soon be spring, and all kinds of bugs will be crawling around. You’ll want to include this captivating ladybug wand craft in your insect theme activities. You could also offer it for Valentine’s Day along with the love bug headband craft featured below.

Pair a ladybug wand craft with a love bug headband for a session of buggy dramatic play.

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Related: Spider Theme Activities

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[Read more…] about Ladybug Wand Craft

Filed Under: crafts, dramatic play, insects, preschool, pretend play, Valentine's Day Tagged With: crafts, ladybugs, pretend play

Dragon Necklace Craft

February 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A dragon necklace craft your children will love to make. An all-ages dragon-themed jewelry project that is easy to do.
A dragon necklace craft your children will love to make. An all-ages dragon-themed jewelry project that is easy to do.

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The first few weeks of this year have gone by so fast! Between winter, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day, there have been so many activities to choose from. This dragon necklace craft was meant to be completed in early February for Chinese New Year, but time didn’t permit. And so my little learners will be making it next week.

Dragons are seen as positive creatures in Chinese culture. They symbolize wisdom, power, and prosperity, as well as fertility, long life, and good luck. Dragon dances are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations. And since the new year festivities happen around the same time as Valentine’s Day, hearts are the perfect embellishment to be included in the dragon jewelry craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Craft supplies to make a dragon necklace craft your children will love to do.

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For these colorful dragon necklaces, gather the following supplies:

  • thick craft foam in colors of choice
  • wiggly eyes
  • adhesive round and heart-shaped gems
  • lacing string
  • small paper clips
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun

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Making The Dragon Necklace Craft

To start the project off, cut small dragons from craft foam colors of choice.

Steps to make a dragon necklace craft your children will love. An all-ages dragon-themed jewelry craft project.

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If desired, you can download this free template.

Free template to make a dragon necklace craft your children will love to do.

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Dragon Necklace Craft PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Invite little learners to decorate a dragon with sticker gem hearts and circles.

Next, use a hot glue gun to add a wiggly eye and tongue to each dragon, and a paper clip to the back.

Then cut lacing string into 26-inch lengths. Loop the cut string through the paperclips, and tie the ends together. Make sure to adjust the length of the strings so the necklaces fit properly.

Allow your little charges to wear their creations. Have a camera ready to snap some pictures.

Note: You can choose red or gold craft foam for the dragons in this craft, as they are traditional Chinese New Year colors. Or you could offer foam dragons in a variety of colors.

Easy and fun dragon necklace children's jewelry craft suitable for all ages.

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Color Meanings In Chinese Culture

The dragon necklace craft in this post is featured in red, yellow, green, blue, and orange colors. Here’s what these colors mean in Chinese culture.

  • Red symbolizes excitement, good fortune, and happiness.
  • Yellow stands for royalty and prosperity.
  • Green represents harmony, health, and spring.
  • Blue symbolizes growth, optimism, and peace.
  • Orange represents harvest, happiness, and celebrations.

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Whether children perceive dragons to be scaly, scary, and fire-breathing, or friendly and helpful, they’ll be super excited to make and wear this craft.

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Related: Bat Necklace Craft

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[Read more…] about Dragon Necklace Craft

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, crafts, dramatic play, preschool, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Chinese New Year, dragons, jewelry, Valentine's Day craft

CD Case Christmas Craft

December 24, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. A fun craft for the whole family to do.
Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. A fun craft for the whole family to do.

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An empty or used empty CD case can be turned into a beautiful art or craft project. There are many creative ideas to try. For this blog post, I’m choosing to feature a CD case Christmas craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more creative ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for this seasonal craft:

  • clear CD jewel case
  • thin unpainted wood holiday decoration
  • festive cardstock
  • acrylic craft paint
  • scissors
  • ruler
  • glue stick
  • white glue or glue gun
  • craft bits: pony beads, holiday confetti, garland strips, sequins, punched paper snowflakes

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Assembling The CD Case Christmas Craft

Steps to making a CD case Christmas craft. An all-ages craft the whole family can do.

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Carefully remove the tray from a clear CD case.

Trim the cardstock pattern of choice to the size of the case.

With the case open, use a glue stick to adhere the cut cardstock to the bottom right section.

Paint a thin holiday-themed wood decoration with acrylic paint and let it dry. The paint and decoration can easily be found at dollar stores.

Note: Acrylic paint dries quickly and comes in a large variety of colors. It’s so fun to use!

Glue the painted wood shape to the cardstock.

Add craft bits of choice.

Close the case snugly.

Make this easy and fun holiday-themed CD craft today!

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Display on a shelf or wall in the classroom or your home.

Tips: The craft bits can be glued down so they are stationary or left movable.

These holiday-themed CD case crafts are a lot of fun to make. Have the whole family create one!

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These charming CD case Christmas crafts are perfect for displaying during the holiday season.

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If desired, add a clear seal to keep the CD case closed.

You may wish to make this CD case Christmas craft in a variety of holiday and winter themes. The craft lends itself to being showcased in groups.

Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. An all-ages family craft.

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Of course, little learners can get in on making this creative craft. The activity could be a cooperative one for a parent/teacher/caregiver and child.

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CD Case Christmas Blocks

Instead of displaying the crafted CD jewel cases, include them on a table with blocks for little learners to use in construction play. This is an idea I look forward to exploring in the future.

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Make this winter-themed snowman CD case craft today! It's easy and fun to do.

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[Read more…] about CD Case Christmas Craft

Filed Under: art, block play, Christmas, crafts, display, preschool, sensory, winter Tagged With: Christmas crafts, crafts, holiday, reindeer, snowflakes, snowmen

Christmas Sheep Craft

December 23, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Christmas sheep craft is fun for the whole family to make. Download the free printable for this craft.
This Christmas sheep craft is fun for the whole family to make. Download the free printable for this craft.

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This adorable Christmas sheep craft offers all the fun that dressing in “crazy Christmas clothing” does. It is inspired by a charming cartoon posted on Facebook by Farm Rescue. A free printable is downloadable below to make the craft easy to make.

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Christmas Sheep Craft Supplies

Gather the following craft supplies in holiday colors for this craft:

  • pom poms
  • bows
  • garland
  • pipe cleaners
  • foam Christmas shapes
  • gem stickers
  • stars
  • snowflakes
  • buttons
  • fade-resistant construction paper

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Making The Sheep Craft

invite little learners to make this colorful Christmas sweater-inspired sheep craft.

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Draw a sheep on white cardstock or download one of the printables below. Cut it out. Then snip off the head.

Downloadable template for a Christmas sheep craft.

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Sheep Printable 1Download

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Downloadable template for a Christmas sheep craft.

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Sheep Printable 2Download

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Trace and cut out a slightly larger version of the wooly body from colored construction paper.

Use a glue stick to adhere the colored piece over the top of the white body.

Then glue the head back on.

Invite your little learner to add festive decorations to the sheep using white glue or a glue stick.

Make this festive sheep craft to add some fun to the holiday season.

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Make this adorable festive sheep craft with easy to gather supplies.

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Make this crazy Christmas sheep craft with holiday craft supplies. Free printable included.

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Variation Of The Craft

For an easier version of the craft, download and make a copy of the sheep printable. Have your little learner color it and add Christmas sticker accents.

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This craft is fun for the whole family to do. Why not invite everyone to make one. You could have a contest and pick the winner of the “craziest Christmas sheep craft.”

Make this Christmas sweater-inspired sheep craft in a bunch of colors!

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[Read more…] about Christmas Sheep Craft

Filed Under: art, Christmas, crafts, preschool Tagged With: Christmas craft, holiday, paper crafts, printables, sheep

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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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Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as ref Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as refreshing as the pretend play center will be! 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

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This little bunny is engaging in a little self car This little bunny is engaging in a little self care after a very busy season. Notice the saved jelly beans for the necklace! 🌺🌸🌼🌷💐

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Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Easter bin! 
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I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns the past few weeks. This one’s having a hard time hiding in this St. Patrick’sDay light table tray. Details for the bin are on the blog…click the link in profile to get to it. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️☘️☘️

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It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who has been caught in a St. Patrick’s Day sensory jar. ☘️☘️☘️

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayfun #leprechauns #sensoryjars #sensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #prek #March #rainbows #gold #catchaleprechaun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this coming week. We meant to fit it in earlier in the month, but time got away on us. I’m 100% sure they will enjoy making and wearing the craft anyways. Instructions and free template are on the blog. Link in profile leads to the post. 

#dragons #dragoncraft #jewelrycraft #freeprintable #freeprintables #funcraft #colorful #colorfulart #diyjewelry #kidsjewelry #prekteachwr #prekfun #kindergarten #earlylearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that can be put together at the last minute. Link in profile leads the the blogpost. A host of ladybug facts are included. 🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞

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Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is this a good pairing? ❤️❤️❤️

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Chinese New Year chickpea bin. 2022 will be the “Year Of The Tiger.” Link in profile leads to the blogpost about how to put together this sensory bin. 

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Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-t Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-themed treasure blocks. Link in profile leads to a blogpost about these see through fillable blocks. ❄️❄️❄️⛄️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️

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Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for the recipe. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

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