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dramatic play

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.
Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Stickers are an easy and economical way to dress up cups, plates, and serving bowls for themed pretend play. They also work well for crafting ornaments. When I spotted festive stickers on sale over my Christmas break, I knew they were perfect for Chinese New Year DIY decorating.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year DIY Ball Ornaments

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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To make these sparkly decorations, you need:

  • clear unbreakable ball ornaments
  • gold glitter
  • Chinese New Year stickers          
  • a funnel

After collecting the supplies, start off by adding gold glitter to clear fillable unbreakable ball ornaments. Use a funnel to insert the glitter. Add just enough to cover the bottom of each ornament and then put the tops back on. Shaking the balls afterward moves some of the glitter up the sides.

Then decorate each ornament with Chinese New Year sticker designs. Hang up the festive balls for display.

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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Chinese New Year DIY Tableware

While out and about our city, I always admire clear patio tableware with design accents. An economical way to replicate them for little learners is by using themed stickers. Adding stickers is also an option if you cannot find tableware suitable for children’s play in the theme you are currently working on.

To do this, gather clear unbreakable plates, cups, and bowls and add sticker designs to them. How simple!

In addition to the ornament, below is a cup and a serving bowl with themed Chinese New Year stickers added on. Both were dollar store finds. The decorated tableware goes over well in a play kitchen or sensory tub.

Decorate clear unbreakable tableware and ornaments with Chinese New Year-themed stickers for a cultural vibe.

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These Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas work in any theme you can find coordinating stickers for. I am looking forward to trying them in a sunflower or butterfly theme next.

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Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Related:

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

Dragon Necklace Craft

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, display, dramatic play, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

January 20, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this Chinese New Year sensory tub for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.
Set up this Chinese New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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This Chinese New Year sensory tub features a pretend play set up, bound to be a hit with your little learners. While playing in the oh-so-fun sensory invitation, children get a chance to learn about Chinese culture.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Sensory Tub Supplies

Super fun supplies for a Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub invitation to play your early learners will love to investigate.

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Play kitchen accessories and loose parts are the theme of these economical and easy-to-gather supplies. Collected for the tub are:

  • large round gold placemat
  • gold coins, bead garland, and buttons
  • pink pompoms
  • orange counters
  • fish and orange play food
  • panda storage container
  • stuffed rabbit ornament
  • paper plates
  • clear bowl and cups
  • training chopsticks
  • ladle
  • gold tongs
  • artificial cherry blossom flowers

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The Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

A super inviting Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A cultural sensory play opportunity your early learners will love.

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The sensory bin for this activity is a spiral saucer sled, and it works beautifully. It is big enough to hold supplies for three children to play in. An active world tray would also be a good fit.

The round gold placemat at the bottom of the bin offsets its bright red color.

Before setting in the clear bowl and cups, I added a few Chinese New Year stickers as an easy way to make them festive.

The orange counters and oranges represent orange fruits (especially mandarins), which are displayed and given as gifts during Chinese New Year. Mandarin oranges are symbolic of gold, as their name in Chinese sounds like it. They are believed to bring riches when given or received as gifts.

A pretty Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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The cut gold garland strips are “noodles.” Long, uncut noodles symbolize a long life to Chinese people.

The play food fish stands for togetherness and plentifulness.

The cherry blossoms in the bin represent the promise of Spring and the renewal of life.

The pink pompoms coordinate with the cherry blossom touches and are soft like bunny tails.

The gold coins are reminders that children are given money in envelopes during Chinese New Year.

Since this is the “Year Of The Rabbit,” there is a stuffed rabbit ornament in the bin.

A pretty Chinese New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a national holiday and the biggest festival of the year.  Dinners with family are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations. This dinner-themed sensory tub is the perfect way to introduce some of the cultural traditions to little learners.

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Set up this Lunar New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

November 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Thanksgiving tablescape pretend play setup incorporates loose parts in a big way. It's an easy center to include in harvest celebrations.
This Thanksgiving tablescape pretend play setup incorporates loose parts in a big way. It's an easy center to include in harvest celebrations.

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Here’s an easy Thanksgiving tablescape pretend play setup your little learners will love. It incorporates fall-colored loose parts with a few turkey and pilgrim-themed accessories.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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Supplies In The Thanksgiving Tablescape

Turkey-themed loose parts are the highlight of this Thanksgiving play tablescape setup.

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The following supplies make this Thanksgiving tablescape a fun place to play:

  • harvest disposable plates and plaque
  • clear plastic glasses, dessert plates, and jars
  • baking pan
  • orange, yellow, and green cutlery
  • gold flowers in a vase
  • green, yellow, red, and orange felt balls and wooden beads
  • turkey centerpieces
  • miniature artificial pumpkins
  • Thanksgiving cookie cutters
  • Pilgrim sticker “cookies”
  • turkey game pieces and wooden beads
  • “Be Thankful” tea towel
  • white tablecloth

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Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

Arrange supplies for this tablescape in a play kitchen on a shelf, or place them in the play stove, fridge, and cupboards. Your little learners will enjoy incorporating them into festive play.

Loose parts are always a highlight of pretend play setups. Green, yellow, orange, and red-themed felt balls and round wooden beads easily transfer from a fall play tablescape to this Thanksgiving one.

Loose parts are the highlight of this Thanksgiving-themed dramatic play tablescape.

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The turkey centerpieces were a delightful find at a party store and add color and style.

Pilgrim-themed stickers make great “cookies” when placed on a baking pan.

Turkey game pieces and wooden beads help make the play set up super special.

Themed cookie cutters are easy-to-find items that add flair.

Turkey-themed loose parts are the highlight of this Thanksgiving tablescape pretend play setup.

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Disposable plates befitting the Thanksgiving theme are included in the décor, as are artificial miniature pumpkins showcased in clear plastic glasses.

Early learners will enjoy role-playing Thanksgiving dinner events with this festive pretend play setup.

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A “Be Thankful” tea towel and harvest plaque are the finishing touches to this seasonal dramatic play center.

This Thanksgiving tablescape dramatic play setup incorporates loose parts in a big way. It's an easy center to include in harvest celebrations.

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Related:

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Play Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

Filed Under: autumn, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, Thanksgiving Day Tagged With: dramatic play, pretend play, tablescapes, turkeys

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!
Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!

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Living in Alberta, Canada, it seems a little late to feature a fall activity post. The leaves have almost completely blown off the trees, by fierce winds that seem determined to knock every last one to the ground. But although fall has nearly left us, we are not ready to leave it behind. So here’s one last colorful autumn post…an inviting fall tablescape pretend play center.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Pretend play is super fun and imaginative in this fall tablescape pretend play set up early learners are bound to love.

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Fall colors, leaves, and animals feature prominently in this list of gathered supplies:

  • leaf-themed paper plates
  • green, yellow, and orange forks and spoons
  • fall cupcake liners
  • orange ice cube tray
  • bowl with owl, leaf, acorn, and apple game pieces
  • jar with yellow, orange and red felt balls
  • container with leaf, acorn, pumpkin, and diamond gems
  • felt animal decorations
  • orange artificial flower sprig
  • artificial sunflower heads
  • large felt maple leaf
  • muffin pan
  • cookie sheet
  • potholder and spatula

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The Fall Tablescape Pretend Play Setup

The list of supplies seems long, but this play tablescape is quick and easy to set up. I started out by setting out the red maple leaf and vase with flowers. Next, I added the plates and cutlery. Then I added the rest of the supplies.

Pretend play is super fun and imaginative in this fall tablescape pretend play set up early learners are bound to love.

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Loose parts such as gems, felt balls, and game pieces allow children to use their imagination. Little learners love incorporating them in pretend play. For instance, wouldn’t the felt animal decorations make super fancy cookies?

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Seasonal loose parts add a host of imaginative possibilities to this easy-to-put-together fall tablescape pretend play setup.

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Loose parts such as game pieces and felt balls add imaginative possibilities to this easy-to-put-together fall tablescape pretend play setup.

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Can you think of anything I’ve forgotten to set out on the table? It’s fall-themed cups! I didn’t realize they were missing until after I had taken all the pictures.

Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!

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Little learners relish playing with seasonal accessories. And it’s especially fun to see their excited response the first day they notice a new play kitchen theme.

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View this Fall Play Tablescape as a video.

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Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Filed Under: autumn, dramatic play, fall, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: fall, loose parts, play kitchen, pretend play, tablescapes

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

October 21, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape pretend play center that little learners will love.
Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape pretend play center that little learners will love.

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This bright and cheery pumpkin tablescape pretend play setup has a host of loose parts that make it super fun to explore.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Pumpkin-themed loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play center your early learners will be eager to explore.

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Pumpkins are a huge part of fall décor, so it is easy to find accessories for this inviting, seasonal dramatic play activity. Here’s a list of items gathered:

  • white tablecloth
  • vase with artificial flowers
  • a string of pumpkin lights
  • pumpkin-themed disposable plates and serving trays
  • non-breakable cutlery and drinking glasses
  • acrylic gem pumpkins
  • artificial mini pumpkins
  • wooden pumpkin beads
  • pumpkin cookie cutters
  • pumpkin seeds
  • reusable pumpkin ice cubes
  • pumpkin-themed ice cube tray
  • felt pumpkins
  • fall-themed mini spatula
  • wooden harvest/pumpkin plaque
  • plastic jars and serving bowls
  • cookie tray
  • serving utensils

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Setting Up The Pumpkin Tablescape

Set up this colorful pumpkin-themed pretend play center your early learners will love. Loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play activity.

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It’s so quick and easy to set up this play tablescape. I keep a large storage container with pumpkin-themed accessories and take out the tableware and loose parts that work for the center.

To get this activity ready, first cover a child-sized table with a white tablecloth. Then, set an unbreakable vase with pumpkin-themed artificial flowers in the center. Add a string of pumpkin lights around the vase.

Next, arrange place settings with fall-themed disposable plates and cutlery on the table.

Then, drop artificial mini pumpkins into clear drinking glasses and include them in the place settings.

After this, set out the rest of the supplies in the open spaces:

  • tray of felt pumpkin “cookies”  
  • jar of artificial mini pumpkins
  • bowl of pumpkin/turkey bead “candies”
  • ice cube tray with reusable pumpkin-themed ice cubes
  • bowl of pumpkin seeds
  • jar of acrylic pumpkin gems
  • fall-themed spatula

Finally, add serving spoons to the play tablescape.

Set up this colorful pumpkin-themed pretend play center your early learners will love. Loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play activity.

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Your little learners will be excited to discover this pumpkin tablescape pretend play center, and I’m sure a lot of imaginative, quality play will take place.

Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape dramatic play center little learners will love.

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View this Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play Center as a video.

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Related: Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

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[Read more…] about Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

Filed Under: autumn, dramatic play, fall, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: dramatic play, play kitchen, pretend play, pumpkins, tablescapes

DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

October 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A DIY portable mud kitchen that can quickly and easily be set up indoors or outside, Fall leaves are the highlight.
A DIY portable mud kitchen that can quickly and easily be set up indoors or outside, Fall leaves are the highlight.

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I am a huge fan of mud kitchens but also love a DIY portable mud kitchen option.  A “to go” mud kitchen that can be taken on nature outings or set anywhere in the classroom is economical and easy to set up. And it offers a multitude of imaginative play opportunities.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Portable Mud Kitchen Supplies

Supplies for a portable mud kitchen that can quickly and easily be set up indoors or outside, Fall leaves are the highlight.

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To make a pop-up mud kitchen, simply use supplies you have on hand. Gather the following:

  • milk crate
  • small wire shelves
  • cardboard box square
  • play pots and pans
  • loaf pans and muffin tins
  • soup spoons
  • wood slices
  • pine cones
  • rocks
  • leaves
  • black permanent marker
  • black crayon
  • circle tracers

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The DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

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This portable mud kitchen can be set up anywhere. In the classroom, it allows you to bring in natural materials for early learners to explore in an effortless way.

To put it together, start off by using circle tracers (think food container lids) to draw stove burners on a cardboard box square with a black permanent marker. Color in some of the circles with a black crayon.

Place the stove top drawing on an upside-down milk crate. Or draw stove burners on the bottom of a box.

Set the crate and drawing (or box stove) in a sensory table (sand and water table.)

Add small wire shelves (available at dollar stores).

Collect old pots, pans, muffin tins, and serving bowls and place them in the table. Include serving spoons.

Sprinkle in rocks, wood slices, pine cones, and leaves in a variety of colors. Invite little learners to explore the center.

It’s that simple!

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More Mud Kitchen Play

This setup can be taken outside and arranged on the ground or on a bench. Load all the supplies in the crate for easy transport.

A metal bowl “sink”, a pitcher of water, tea cups, whisks, potato mashers, and ladles would add interest and sensory opportunities to this center.

An active world tray positioned on the ground works well as a base instead of a sensory table. Or set up the supplies on a tarp.

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Related: Fall Sensory Play

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[Read more…] about DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

Filed Under: autumn, dramatic play, fall, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: DIY mud kitchen, fall, leaves, mud kitchen, sensory play, sensory tray

Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

September 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this flower stand dramatic play center in minutes. The colorful center can be changed throughout the year to match the current season.
Set up this flower stand dramatic play center in minutes. The colorful center can be changed throughout the year to match the current season.

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A flower stand dramatic play center can be set up in minutes and will be a colorful, inviting place for your little learners to play. It was this summer’s dramatic play center at my preschool, and absolutely everyone enjoyed it. In addition to making a great spring or summer pretend play area, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Dollar stores are an excellent resource for stocking a flower stand pretend play center, as they often have a good selection of artificial flowers at a low price. Keeping an eye out for flower theme supplies on regular shopping runs will lead to discovering interesting accessories to add to the stand.

Here’s what’s in my flower stand:

  • a variety of artificial flower branches
  • small decorative garbage cans
  • flower-themed plates, bowls, and ice cube trays
  • pool noodles flower slices
  • flowery gift bags
  • bulletin board slabs in a flower shape
  • flower erasers and reusable ice cubes
  • flower-themed silicone baking molds
  • plastic vases
  • watering cans
  • gardening gloves
  • play money
  • flower stand sign
  • signs with plant quotes

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The Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

The flower branches are set out in small decorative garbage cans. They look appealing when organized in individual or analogous colors.

Color sorting artificial flowers in a flower stand dramatic play center is a good way to learn about colors.

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There is no harm in setting out the sprigs randomly. Little learners will eagerly rearrange the blooms in ways that suit them.

These artificial flowers can be arranged by color in a flower stand dramatic play center.

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Other supplies are arranged on a shelf and/or table. This user-friendly shelf on casters houses supplies superbly and is perfect for dramatic play centers.

Flower stand accessories are housed perfectly on a shelf with casters.

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Flower-theme silicone baking cups with different colored inserts are great for developing eye-hand coordination and for discussing colors. In this center, they are repurposed as mini-interchangeable puzzles!

Flower-themed layered baking cups make great mini-puzzles for a flower stand dramatic play center

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Flower-shaped pool noodles cut into thin slices make pretend play “cookies.”

Sliced flower-themed pool noodles make great "cookies" for a flower stand dramatic play center.

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Tip: Slice a pool noodle section into one to two-inch wide flower-shaped treats on a cutting board with a sharp kitchen knife.

Succulents, a last-minute find, add variety and texture to the flower choices. Their smaller size makes them easy for little learners to handle and move around. My preschoolers loved them, so I will definitely be adding more over time.

Artificial succulents are just the right size for little hands and add texture and interest to a flower stand dramatic play center.

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A flower stand sign and quotes about blooms add opportunities to engage with print.

A fower-themed sign and quotes add a literacy component to a flower stand dramatic play center,

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Click here to view the Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center as a video.

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Learning Through Play Possibilities

There is a lot of learning through play potential in this flower stand dramatic play center. The center has opportunities for:

  • discussing job titles such as florist, cashier, and delivery truck driver.
  • taking turns to be a customer.
  • recognizing colors of flowers and accessories.
  • counting supplies and coins, sorting flowers by color, and discussing large and small bouquets.
  • experiencing and handling beautiful, aesthetically pleasing things.

A flower-themed cardmaking station would be an awesome center to go along with this flower stand. Little learners would be thrilled to make cards for the store.

A card-making center compliments a flower stand dramatic play center.

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And wouldn’t a flower stand be wonderful in bright, warm fall colors? My flower stand is transitioning to an autumn-themed one next week!

Setting up a flower stand in fall colors is a good way to celebrate the autumn season.

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Related: Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

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[Read more…] about Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: dramatic play, gardening, preschool, pretend play, spring, summer Tagged With: dramatic play, fall, flowers, pretend play

Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

August 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.
Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are invited to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for a local children’s hospital. All supplies are included, so it is easy for them to do. A lemonade stand dramatic play center is a fun way to extend this lemony theme at home or in the classroom.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Spring and summer are the best seasons to find lemony tableware and home décor items. And collecting fruity, yellow play pieces to stock the stand is so refreshing!

It's refreshing and fun to gather props for a lemonade stand dramatic play center.

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Included in my lemonade stand are:

  • artificial lemons in different sizes
  • rubber lemon counters
  • lemon branches in vases
  • plastic beverage dispenser
  • yellow plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
  • lemon-themed spatula, tableware, placemat, potholder, and tea towel
  • green and yellow rainbow erasers and apple sauce screw-top lids
  • transparent pebble gem “ice cubes”
  • citrus juicer
  • menu
  • signs with lemon quotes
  • play money

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The Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

The supplies for this lemonade stand can be spread around shelves and tables. A wooden food stand makes a great centerpiece for the play center.

Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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The menu includes lemonade and lemon pie, and loose part treats such as lemon cookies, candies, and donuts. And there are lemons in a variety of sizes available for purchase.

Home décor pieces such as lemon branches in vases, a tea towel, an ice cube tray, and lemon-themed tableware are also for sale. Lemonade quotes add ambiance to the center.

A lemonade stand dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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A table and chairs set up near the lemonade stand offer early learners a chance to hang around and pretend to sip lemonade and eat play food.

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Click here to view a video of the Lemonade Stand.

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A lemonade stand and dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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This lemonade stand dramatic play center goes hand and hand with the lemon-inspired play kitchen featured in an earlier post. The supplies used here easily transfer over to a play kitchen.

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National Lemonade Day

National Lemonade Day is celebrated in early May and/or late August in many areas of North America. Children and teens are encouraged to participate in setting up a lemonade stand as an entrepreneurial venture. In doing this, they get practice in goal-setting, working as a team, handling money, and engaging with the community. Next time you see a pop-up lemonade stand, be sure to stop by and purchase a glass of the refreshing citrus drink!

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Related:  Apple Stand Dramatic Play Center

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[Read more…] about Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: desserts, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: food stand, lemonade stand, lemons, loose parts, pretend play

Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

August 27, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.
This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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Watermelon is a sweet, juicy fruit chock-full of vitamins and health benefits. All parts of watermelon contain nutrients. Filled with 92% water, the large, low-calorie melon is an effective thirst quencher on hot days. And it just happens to make a colorful, cheery, theme for a watermelon dramatic play center!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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Summer is the best time to collect supplies for a watermelon dramatic play center. The watermelon theme is easy to find in picnic and outdoor living tableware and décor.

Loose parts in complementary colors add interest and extend play possibilities.

Here’s what I included in the play center:

  • watermelon cups, plates, and bowls
  • red cutlery
  • green and red serving spoons
  • red flowers in a vase
  • pink, red, green, black, and white pompoms, buttons, and gems
  • pictures of watermelon slices
  • fans with a watermelon theme
  • checkered red and white placemat
  • watermelon-themed tea towel
  • red and green rubber frogs

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The Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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The watermelon-themed supplies are arranged in a tablescape here but can be placed on appliances, furniture, and shelves in your play kitchen. They will instantly transform the area into a vibrant role-playing space, bound to be inviting to your little charges.

Reusable shopping bags have lots of learning potential and can be incorporated into centers. Here, watermelon slices cut from a bag make economical and eye-appealing play food. They add artistic flare.

Watermelon slices cut from a reusable bag make excellent play food for a dramatic play center.

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Loose parts can be transferred from jars to tableware, and little learners will think of many ways to incorporate them into their play.

Keeping an eye out for themed accessories when shopping helps you find items that add interest to a pretend play center. Watermelon fans fit the bill!

A themed fan and button loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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These rubber frogs are included because they are red and green! My little learners had fun reimagining them as cupcakes and candy.

Rubber fogs and gem loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black set in an almond-shaped watermelon bowl add a soft touch.

Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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Watermelon accessories add a burst of color to the play kitchen, welcome any time of the year. Try this fruity dramatic play theme in late winter or early Spring. When outdoor colors are drab, the bold palette is sure to be a mood booster.

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A juicy, watermelon theme pretend play center your little learners will love. Loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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Related: Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: dramatic play, gardening, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: loose parts, sensory play, watermelon

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

August 4, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.
A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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This spring I started collecting lemon-themed supplies before the weather got warmer and the snow finally melted for good. It was refreshing just to look at the growing tub of yellow-infused accessories. A lemonade stand dramatic play center was one goal for the purchases. The other intent was to set up a lemon-inspired play kitchen, which is featured in this post.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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No store is off limits for collecting supplies that are useful in children’s activities. Keeping an eye out for economical items on usual shopping runs often leads to spotting the perfect accessories for pretend play. Collected for the lemon-themed play kitchen are:

  • lemon play food in smaller and larger sizes
  • play food lemon pie
  • lemon counters
  • jar with green and yellow rainbow erasers
  • jar with apple sauce screw-top caps
  • lemon-themed tea towel, pot holder, spatula, and serving bowls
  • yellow disposable cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
  • yellow accented paper plates
  • clear drinking cups
  • clear plastic beverage dispenser
  • citrus juicer
  • artificial lemon branch in a vase

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Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen Activities

It’s exciting for early learners to discover lemon-themed dramatic play props set out for them. They can be attractively arranged in a play kitchen on a low table and/or shelving units. The youngsters will happily pick up and use the supplies in their own way.

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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Just a few of the lemony accessories listed above will spark interest and add a pop of color to the play kitchen.

An artificial lemon branch makes a great centerpiece displayed in an unbreakable vase.

Including loose parts in complementary hues such as yellow and green apple sauce caps and rainbow erasers is great for igniting children’s imaginations. It gives little learners a chance to use recycled items in innovative ways.

This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

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These lemon-themed dramatic play props can be set out any time of the year. And they coordinate wonderfully with National Lemonade Day, which is commonly observed in early May and/or late August.

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This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

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Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, spring, summer Tagged With: lemons, play kitchen, pretend play, tablescapes

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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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Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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