Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

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Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

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This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

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Words are powerful, and they can be super uplifting to early learners. At the beginning of the school year, supportive, self-esteem-building words help students get off to a good start. A creative and oh-so-easy way to introduce them is by inviting little learners to use highlighters to color around positive ones printed in heart shapes. Afterward, the fancied-up words can be viewed and discussed in a “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation” language and science activity.

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Supplies To Collect

For this confidence-boosting glow art activity, gather the following supplies:

  • chisel-tipped highlighters in a variety of colors
  • white cardstock paper
  • black felt marker
  • scissors
  • tape
  • portable black light fluorescent tube and holder
  • small coffee table

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Glow Word Art

First, draw heart shapes on white cardstock paper with a black felt marker, and add a word of affirmation to each one. Or design the project digitally. The words chosen for my art project are:

  • creative
  • friendly
  • kind
  • brave
  • helpful
  • teachable
  • awesome
  • unique
  • cherished
Steps to perform a black light "words of affirmation" glow art activity. The art project is perfect for the beginning of the year, the end of the year, or anytime in between.

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Next, invite little learners to decorate a word heart with highlighter markers, and then cut their hearts out. Leaving some parts of the designs uncolored is fine, as white will glow too.

Note: Highlighter ink is a tiny bit toxic, but using it is not considered a health risk. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths and/or coloring on themselves, it is advisable to choose another art medium for this activity.

When decorated, tape the embellished hearts to a wall in a room that can be made totally dark.

Afterward, place a fluorescent tube black light on a small table next to the art wall, and turn it on.

Then invite everyone to the room to view the art with all lights on. Discuss how the words apply to your little learners.

This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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Lastly, make the room dark and leave just the black light on. Students will be wowed by the glowing, worded hearts.

This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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Safety Tip: Tell children that they should only be near a black light for a short period of time. Prolonged exposure may lead to eye and skin damage.

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Discussing The Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

Here are some ideas for discussing decorated word hearts with the children:

  • Assure early learners that they are brave in coming to school and meeting new friends.
  • Affirm the specialness of each child by saying they are “unique, awesome, and cherished.”
  • Compliment students for being creative and teachable.
  • Highlight that being “friendly, helpful, and kind” are ways to work as a team and get along with each other.
This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

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The Science Behind Black Light

Black lights are designed to block out visible light and emit invisible, ultraviolet (UV-A) light. They illuminate natural and man-made materials that contain phosphors. Phosphors convert the energy in UV radiation to visible light by re-emitting it at a different wavelength, one that our eyes can see.

The dyes from highlighter pens contain phosphors. When highlighter art is positioned in a dark room near a black light, it glows.

This black light character trait art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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Glowing Names

Instead of focussing on words of affirmation, invite your little learners to color around their names with highlighters. This is also a terrific beginning of the year activity. And it works well at the end of the school term to remind children that they have been valued members of the class.

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Related: Scented Moon Playdough

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Watercolor Planets With Markers

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This stunning "watercolor planets with markers" art project is a must-try. It's an all-ages process art activity that displays well.

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Creating watercolor planets with markers is an easy and satisfying process art activity with stunning results. Your little learners will absolutely love doing it. And if you need a quick, beautiful bulletin board or wall display, this project checks that box.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this art activity:

  • 8-inch diameter paper basket coffee filters
  • water-based markers
  • 12-inch x 12-inch black cardstock paper
  • spray bottle
  • plastic tub
  • hot glue gun

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Creating Watercolor Planets With Markers

First, flatten basket-shaped coffee filters, and set them on a table with water-based markers.

Invite little learners to decorate their paper circles any way they wish.

Steps to create stunning watercolor planets with markers. This all-ages process art looks beautiful displayed together.

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Tip: Offer analogous colors, which are groups of three colors positioned next to each other on the color wheel. Because these colors complement each other, they work well in process art projects.

Create watercolor earth art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.
Planet Earth With Blue and Green Markers

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Create watercolor planet Jupiter art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.
Planet Jupiter With Red, Orange, and Yellow Markers

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Afterward, have everyone take turns wetting their project with a spray bottle filled with water. When doing this, place the decorated circles in a small tub to be sprayed.

Tip: Your little charges may want to soak their circular canvas with lots of water, but just giving the colorful coffee filters a few squirts results in nice art pieces for display.

Next, dry the paper circles on a flat surface covered with a plastic tablecloth or tarp.

Finally, mount the round planets on a 12-inch x 12-inch square piece of black cardstock, or sturdy paper that is 8 ½ x 11 inches in size. Using a hot glue gun works well.

This process art project looks amazing displayed in a group.

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Create watercolor earth art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.

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More Watercolor Planet Process Art

Because little learners love the spraying water part of this art activity, invite them to make more colorful planets without restrictions. They may spray the color right out of the circles after decorating them, but they enjoy doing this soooo much. Have them try black or dark green markers. Early learners are sure to be excited about the new colors that will be revealed.

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More Space Theme Activities

Earth Day Heart Art

Scented Moon Playdough

Salt and Glue Moon Art

Outer Space Pretend Play

Space Theme Loose Parts Play

Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Moon Colors Art Project

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Space Father’s Day Craft

Earth Day Bead Craft

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Salt And Glue Moon Art

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Try this stunning salt and glue moon art activity. It's a process art project that displays well. Ten moon facts are included in the post.

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This salt and glue moon art activity is a simple way to create a realistic moon in its natural colors. It’s easy for little learners to do, and looks showy when displayed.

To help set the tone for the art activity, here are ten fun facts about the moon’s surface to share.

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Ten Moon Facts

  • The moon usually appears bright whitish, silvery gray, or pale yellow. This is because its surface is illuminated by the sun.
  • Close up, the moon is colored in shades of gray, with a little bit of black and white. There are tinges of orange, blue, or green in some parts.
  • The moon is rocky and bumpy.
  • There are light and dark areas on it’s surface.
  • The dark areas are huge craters filled primarily with basalt lava that has cooled and formed smooth, dark plains. Much of the lava is rich in magnesium and iron, which is the reason for the dark color.
  • The lighter areas are highlands with mountains and many craters. The highlands are low in iron and rich in calcium, giving them a lighter color.
  • There are volcanic domes and shield volcanoes, as well as channel-like depressions on the moon.
  • The moon is covered in a thin layer of moon dust, which is a dark grey color.
  • There are traces of water in the form of water ice at the moon’s poles. Water molecules have recently been discovered on the sunlit side of the moon.
  • From earth, we always see the same side of the moon.
An easy-to-do moon art activity with a salt and glue technique. The art project looks stunning on display.

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Powerful telescopes, space probes that orbit or land on the moon, spacecraft that circle the moon, and robotic rovers are some ways the moon is regularly explored. Twelve astronauts have had the chance to walk on the moon and see it up close.

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Moon Art Supplies

Just a few supplies are needed for this striking moon art project:

  • 8 ½ inch x 11- inch gray cardstock paper
  • 12 x 12-inch black cardstock paper
  • white glue
  • glue paddles
  • disposable plates
  • table salt
  • small bowls or paint cups
  • spray adhesive
  • hot glue gun

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The Salt And Glue Moon Art Process

To prepare for the activity, cut circles about 8 ½ inches in diameter from gray cardstock.

Next, set up a station for each child participating with a

  • gray cardstock paper circle
  • small bowl of salt and a teaspoon
  • container of white glue and glue paddle
  • disposable plate
Stunning moon art made with a salt and glue art technique. Teach facts about the moon while doing this process art activity.

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Invite little learners to drizzle white glue on their circle-shaped paper.

Then have them sprinkle salt from a teaspoon over the glue, and shake excess salt onto their disposable plate.

Let the art projects dry overnight.

An easy-to-do moon art activity with a salt and glue technique. The art project looks stunning on display.

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To help preserve the moon art, spray each salted circle with adhesive spray. Hairspray works fine for this task too.

When thoroughly dry, adhere each paper moon to a black cardstock or construction paper background using a hot glue gun.

Display the stunning art projects on a bulletin board or wall. They will look amazing!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Little learners may have their own thoughts about the art they are creating. One of my students pretended he was making “The North Pole.” This led to a discussion about who was on Santa’s nice and naughty list!

Another student asked if he could taste the salt. After saying it was ok to taste a little of it, we discussed that it is a good choice to ask if it is safe to taste an art supply before doing it. We also talked about how there is a lot of salt in many playdough recipes, but we only use a little bit to season food.

Try this stunning salt and glue moon art activity. It's a process art project that displays well. Ten moon facts are included in the post.

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Related:

Scented Moon Playdough

Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Space Father’s Day Craft

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Watercolor Planets With Markers

Outer Space Pretend Play

Earth Day Heart Art

Earth Day Craft

Moon Colors Art Project

Space Loose Parts Play

Space Theme Light Table

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Jelly Bean Theme

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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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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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Three Black History Month Crafts

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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, 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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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

Celebrate Diversity Butterfly Craft

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

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Celebrate Diversity Yarn Heart

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

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