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dramatic play

Winter Wonderland Pretend Play

January 25, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball accessories for little learners to explore.
A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball accessories for little learners to explore.

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Catching fluttery snowflakes on mittens, building a humungous snowman, and having a splattering snowball fight are all activities little learners gleefully participate in outside. This inviting kids’ winter wonderland pretend play tablescape takes snowflake, snowmen, and snowball activities indoors for further snow-themed exploration.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Kids’ Winter Wonderland Pretend Play Supplies

Let your little learners explore a sparkly Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowmen, snowflake, and snowball accessories.

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For this cozy pretend play setup, I feature snowmen, snowball, and snowflake accessories from the supplies I have available. Craft bits and other loose parts feature prominently in the resulting collection.

Items in the winter tablescape:

  • snowman-themed tablecloth, dinner plates, cups, baking dish, oven mitts, cookie tin, and bottle
  • snowflake erasers
  • foam snowflakes
  • snowflakes cut from garland
  • blue and clear gem snowflakes
  • snowflake serving utensils, cupcake liners, and tin
  • large and small styrofoam balls
  • round winter-themed gems
  • cookie sheet
  • muffin tin
  • plastic forks and spoons
  • play food buns
  • Winter Wonderland sign

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Setting Up The Winter Tablescape

Changing up the decor in our play kitchen is one of my favorite things to do. And little learners always eagerly dive into each new setup.

When it's cold and chilly outside little learners can explore snowmen, snowflakes, and snowballs indoors in a Winter Wonderland play tablescape.

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For this kids’ winter wonderland tablescape, a fabric snowman-themed tablecloth is a base.

The buns are the only real play food on the table.

A variety of loose parts add a dose of glam, and little learners can imagine them to be any number of foods. For instance, the foam snowflakes make good cookies to bake in the play oven. The large foam craft balls can be reimagined as snowball cookies.

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland play tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball decor for little learners to explore.

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And the smaller loose parts displayed in the snowman baking tin and scattered around the table could be candy.

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland pretend play setup with snowman, snowflake, and snowball play kitchen decor for little learners to explore.

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A polar animal theme would work fabulously for winter wonderland pretend play too. Here’s a super fun penguin-themed tablescape by birdsparty.com.

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Related:

Winter Playdough Recipe

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Igloo Camping Pretend Play

Polar Bear Small World

Winter Sensory Trays

Painting Ice and Snow

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

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[Read more…] about Winter Wonderland Pretend Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, winter Tagged With: loose parts, pretend play, snowflakes, snowmen, tablescapes

Chinese New Year Pretend Play

January 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Little learners will love to explore this Chinese New Year tablescape set up filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts.

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This Chinese New Year pretend play invitation features Asian artifacts and decorations. Little learners will love exploring the unique items and will learn about Asian culture.

Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is an important celebration held in late January or early February in China. Many other East Asian countries, as well as Chinese people around the world, celebrate the holiday too.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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Chinese New Year Pretend Play Supplies

A Chinese New Year tablescape filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts for little learners to explore.

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The following red and gold Asian-themed supplies are featured in the pretend play tablescape:

  • wicker decorations and hat
  • gold serving bowl
  • chopsticks
  • red bowls
  • gold glitter cups
  • tiny cups with calligraphy
  • candy decorations
  • fish ornament
    • play food fish
    • gold garland “noodles”
    • game chip “play food”
    • tin ornament candies
    • coin purse
    • money envelopes
    • small tins
    • vase with artificial cherry blossom branch
    • gold coins
    • lion string puppet
    • fabric ornaments with tassels
    • plaque with Chinese calligraphy
    • red tablecloth

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    Chinese New Year Pretend Play

    A Chinese New Year tablescape filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts for little learners to explore.

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    In setting up the dinner table play invitation, I used artifacts collected long ago, supplies available in stores around Chinese New Year, and red and gold loose parts.

    Bowls and chopsticks are important pieces, as they are commonly found in Asian tableware.

    Fish is a traditional New Year’s dish and is equated with an increase in prosperity.

    The gold bead garland strips represent longevity noodles: long, uncut noodles that symbolize a long life.

    A coin purse and money envelopes are ready for coins to be added.

    And a lion string puppet is poised for the lion dance.

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    Little learners will love to explore this Chinese New Year tablescape set up filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts.

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    More Chinese New Year Play Inspiration

    This pretend play invitation is bound to engage little learners. For more Chinese New Year play ideas or to host a vibrant party, view the blog post “How To Throw A Stellar Lunar New Year Party” by So Fort Worth It. The post showcases a host of decorating and activity ideas that can be adapted for little learners.

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    Related:

    Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

    Chinese New Year (Year Of The Rabbit) Rice Bin

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    [Read more…] about Chinese New Year Pretend Play

    Filed Under: Chinese New Year, dramatic play, New Year's, party, preschool, pretend play Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, tablescapes

    Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

    January 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Winter-themed treasure blocks your little learners will be excited to play with. The blocks add beauty and interest to small world activities.
    Winter-themed treasure blocks your little learners will be excited to play with. The blocks add beauty and interest to small world activities.

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    Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest and beauty to any block play activity. Pick a winter color palette, scrounge around for loose parts in your chosen hues, and add them to the blocks. It’s that easy!

    Treasure blocks are a fairly recent addition to my block collection, and I love adding seasonal supplies to them. There are eight see-through blocks in different sizes and shapes in the featured set, allowing various kinds of loose parts to be displayed. I highly recommend getting a set. They are so versatile.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more winter activity ideas.

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    Winter-Themed Supplies To Collect

    An online search reveals a variety of beautiful winter color combinations. For this post, I use loose parts in silver, white, cream, and shades of blue.

    Winter-themed loose parts to use in treasure blocks or art activities.

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    Here’s what’s in the blocks:

    • blue, silver, and white pom poms
    • turquoise snowflake gems
    • white and shades of blue round gems
    • clear and shades of blue ice rock crystals
    • silver and teal metallic snowflake confetti
    • white paper punched snowflakes
    • cream and shades of blue potpourri
    • snowflake and snowman erasers

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    Winter-Themed Treasure Block Activities

    These winter-themed treasure blocks pair well with polar animals. Offer the blocks on a table along with animal figurines such as polar bears, seals, arctic foxes, narwhals, and walruses.

    Pair these winter-themed treasure blocks with polar animals and additional loose parts.

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    Or go extreme south, and set out the blocks with penguin figurines.

    These winter-themed treasure blocks make the perfect backdrop for a pair of penguins.

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    After using the blocks in setups with polar animals, I look forward to pairing them with “Disney Frozen” sets.

    Do you have a favorite way to use treasure blocks? Share below.

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    More Winter Activities

    Winter Playdough Recipe

    Snowman Sensory Play

    Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

    Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

    Igloo Camping Pretend Play

    Polar Bear Small World

    Winter Sensory Trays

    Painting Ice and Snow

    Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

    Ice Drum Musical Instruments

    Frozen-Inspired Shadow Box

    Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

    Kid’s Winter Wonderland Play Tablescape

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    [Read more…] about Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

    Filed Under: block play, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: block play, loose parts, penguins, polar bears, small worlds

    Christmas Village Tuff Tray

    December 22, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    An inviting, snowy pioneer Christmas village tuff tray filled with people participating in outdoor winter activities.
    An inviting, snowy pioneer Christmas village tuff tray filled with people participating in outdoor winter activities.

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    This Christmas Village tuff tray is filled with people figurines participating in outdoor activities. It’s the perfect winter play invitation to include in holiday celebrations.

    A tuff tray is a sturdy, portable tray that can be used on a table, on the floor, or outside on the ground. Although it stores easily, it can also be set on a stand. I recently purchased a tuff tray online at Education Station, and love using it for this snowy activity.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A winter-themed pioneer village tuff tray filled with people participating in outdoor winter activities during the Christmas season.

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    For the holiday tuff tray set up, gather the following:

    • wooden train tracks and train
    • wooden vehicles
    • silver and white placemats
    • tin foil disposable lid
    • snowflake window cling sheet
    • gem snowflakes
    • Christmas village-themed gift boxes
    • winter-themed people and animal figurines
    • miniature village signpost, mailbox, light post, fence, bench, and tree props

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    Setting Up The Christmas Village Tuff Tray

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    Place a large, round silver placemat in the center of the tray to represent a skating rink. Or add a circle cut from tin foil.

    Lay wooden train tracks around the circular placemat.

    Set in another snowy or icy area by trimming a white or silver rectangular placemat into a curved shape.

    Add a round tin foil or white cardstock disposable container lid to suggest a third outdoor play space.

    Then arrange the gift box buildings around the edge of the tray. These can easily be found at a dollar store.

    Cut out large window cling snowflakes, leaving the backs on. Set them in open areas in the tray.

    Next, put winter-themed people figurines and miniature village props on and around the “snow” and “ice.”

    Generously sprinkle in gem snowflakes.

    Finally, set a wooden train on the track. Or add community helper vehicles.

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    Your little learners will be excited to investigate this Christmas Village tuff tray. If some of the figurines and props you choose to use are breakable, they need to be used carefully by little ones. The holiday play invitation must be supervised by an adult at all times!

    This tuff tray setup is non-messy, so can easily be added to a session where there are ample other activity choices.

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    [Read more…] about Christmas Village Tuff Tray

    Filed Under: Christmas, display, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: Christmas, sensory tray, tuff tray

    Spider Theme Activities

    October 31, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Spider theme activities little learners will love. Art, Math, dramatic play, and gymnasium play ideas are featured.
    Spider theme activities little learners will love. Art, Math, dramatic play, and gymnasium play ideas are featured.

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    For years I have been collecting supplies for spider theme activities. And fall is the best time to add to the theme, as spider décor and toys are everywhere in stores.

    But I’ve been hesitant to do a whole theme about these little crawlers. That might involve just too many spiders for some children’s comfort!

    This fall I decided to introduce just a few spidery things in the classroom, and touch on the theme a little more than usual. I added spider activities sequentially over a two-week period. It didn’t hurt that a family on the route to preschool positioned a humungous spider on top of their home, with a web that extended from rooftop to ground. I’m sure this helped break the topic in!

    An oversized spider decoration.

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    Here are some spider theme activities we completed. They would work well for the children in your life too.

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    Spider Mask

    Easily transform into a spider with this easy papercraft mask.

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    First, we decorated a spider mask. I used a wooden puppet as a template and traced it on pieces of black cardstock. I cut out enough spider masks for each child to have one and then glued on little orange hats. Each preschooler glammed up a mask with sticker gems. Afterward, I punched holes on each side of the masks and attached 18-inch pieces of thin elastic cord. The activity went over well, and children were happy to pose for pictures wearing their masks.

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    Spidery Dramatic Play

    Oh so fun spider-themed accessories for the play kitchen.

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    Next, I added a few spider décor pieces to a pumpkin store and play kitchen. The items were a hit with everyone, and both centers were popular play areas for the children.

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    Spiders and Spouts Sensory Tray

    An Itsy Bitsy Spider inspired construction and sensory tray little learners will love.

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    The following week I added a “Spiders And Spouts” sensory tray, inspired by the Itsy Bitsy Spider sensory tub blog post by Rubber Boots And Elf Shoes.

    For the tray, I selected tubes from a sports net, a musical instrument set, a marble run toy, and a construction set. I added paper webs, spiders in many sizes, and bug viewers.

    We followed up the sensory play with Itsy Bitsy Spider nursery rhyme picture books. Some favorites were:

    • The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Joe Rhatigan
    • Pete The Cat And The Itsy Bitsy Spider by James Dean
    • The Eensy-Weensy Spider by Mary Ann Hoberman

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    Other Good Spider Books

    We also squeezed in the storybooks “Aranea: A Story About A Spider” by Jenny Wagner, and “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle.

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    Spider Math Tray

    Once the children thoroughly explored the spiders and spouts tray, it was turned into a Math center where students could roll a dice and put the correct number of spiders on a paper web. They could also add in tiny ants as prey.

    Bring on the math with spiders and dice counting game.

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    Spider Web Printable

    Feel free to download this printable for use in a sensory or math center.

    Downloadable spider web printable for math, sensory, and art activities.

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    Spider Web PrintableDownload

    This printable is for personal or one classroom use only.

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    Gross Motor Activities

    Finally, we had spoon races with spiders, and used bouncy spider balls in our gymnasium. Playing with the bouncy balls was definitely the favorite activity of the children.

    Easy to play spider and spoon game.

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    Spider balls to get little learners moving.

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    Throughout the spider theme, I stressed that all the spiders in the classroom were “play spiders” and “spider pets.” I assured the children that we would continue to rescue real spiders and set them outside.

    All in all, the preschoolers embraced the spider theme activities and were not intimidated. As the theme wound down, two little girls insisted that some play spiders should be companions for sleeping baby dolls!

    More spidery activities are featured in the blog post: World Book Day Theme: Just Itzy

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    Related:

    Green Huntsman Spider Facts and Activities

    Ladybug Wand Craft

    Spin Painting Butterflies

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    [Read more…] about Spider Theme Activities

    Filed Under: autumn, book theme, crafts, dramatic play, fall, literacy, Math, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: dramatic play, paper crafts, sensory tray, spiders

    Flower Theme Activities

    November 8, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Flower theme art, sensory, and pretend play activities. Early learners will love the winged creatures (dragons, unicorns, and an angel) featured in the theme.
    Flower theme art, sensory, and pretend play activities. Early learners will love the winged creatures (dragons, unicorns, and an angel) featured in the theme.

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    Last spring I picked up two voluminous begonia plants that had large wing-shaped leaves. One plant was called “dragon wing begonia,” and the other was a double pink-flowered variety with similar wing-like leaves. The vigorous plants inspired dragon and flower theme activities for early learners, and angel and unicorn play.

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    Nonstop Pink Begonia Flower Activities

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    Nonstop pink begonia still blooming after Canadian Thanksgiving Day.
    Nonstop Pink Begonia

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    Begonia “Through The Seasons” Sensory Tray

    Around Canadian Thanksgiving Day, the nonstop pink begonia was still blooming profusely. At the same time collecting pine cones was on my list of tasks to do. By the end of the week, snow was in the forecast. Our area didn’t get snow, but many places in our province did. The mingling of elements of summer, fall, and winter in that week was the inspiration for this sensory tray for little learners. Included are flower leaves and blooms, pine cones, and cotton ball snow. Rocks, stone eggs, and a show-stopping dragon round out the tray.

    Three seasons sensory tub with pine cones, begonia leaves and flowers, and cotton ball snow. A dragon and stone eggs complete the tub

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    Flower Angel

    Puffy begonia flowers and leaves arranged in an angel craft are a pretty way to highlight the blooms of the plant. The angel can be a table decoration and conversation piece during snack or lunchtime.

    Nonstop pink begonia still blooming after Canadian Thanksgiving Day.

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    Flower angel made with nonstop pink begonia blooms.

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    Mud Kitchen Sensory Table

    A piece of cardboard with stove elements drawn on with a black permanent felt pen and crayon works magnificently for flower-themed “indoor mud kitchen” play. Set it out on a table with flowers, leaves, spoons, and a mortar and pestle. Or offer the blooms and accessories outdoors for kitchen play.

    Flower-themed indoor mud kitchen. Nonstop pink begonia leaves and flowers, mortar and pestle, pots and pans, and a cardboard stove top complete the play invitation.
    Cardboard Stove Top

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    Flower Petals And Playdough

    Offer the leaves and flower petals with scented playdough for your little ones to use.

    Coconut and strawberry playdough with nonstop pink begonia leaves and flower petals.

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    Unicorn Water Play

    Float begonia leaves and flowers in turquoise colored water in a tub filled with rubber unicorns and pink and white loose parts. The items in this inviting sensory tub are:

    • begonia leaves and flowers
    • ice cube flowers and fish
    • shells
    • pearl gems
    • buttons
    • rubber unicorns
    Unicorn and nonstop pink begonia sensory tub. Gem pearls, fish and flower ice cubes, shells, and buttons are part of the water tub.

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    Related: Sunflower Unicorn

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    Dragon Wing Begonia Flower Activities

    Dragon wing begonia plant.
    Dragon Wing Begonia

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    When I saw the plant named “dragon wing begonia,” I knew it was destined for early childhood play. Here are two inviting activities this plant can shine in.

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    Castle-Themed Sensory Tray

    Begonia leaves and flowers, rocks, and stone eggs are included in this flower-inspired tray for little ones. A dragon, king, and princess figurine offer serious play potential in the tray.

    Castle-themed sensory bin with a dragon, king, princess, and dragon wing begonia leaves and flowers.

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    Cardboard Dragon Craft

    Dragon wing begonia leaves are the wings in this painted cardboard dragon craft. Flowers accent the mythical creature.

    Cardboard dragon with dragon wing begonia wings and flower accents.

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    Note: 

    Begonia plants are not poisonous to people. But the plants are toxic to dogs and cats and should be kept in pots out of their reach.

    Children require supervision while participating in the activities shown in this post. When play is finished, they should wash their hands with soap and water.

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    These flower theme activities work well when frost threatens and the growing season is over. They allow early learners to explore the low-maintenance, show-stopping plants with loose parts in art and sensory play.

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    [Read more…] about Flower Theme Activities

    Filed Under: art, dramatic play, gardening, playdough, preschool, pretend play, science, sensory Tagged With: dragons, flowers, sensory bin, sensory play, unicorns

    Apple Theme Activities

    August 8, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Apple themed art, sensory and baking ideas for early learners.
    Apple themed art, sensory and baking ideas for early learners.

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    Apples are a handy educational resource. Whether these fruits are picked from a tree, given by a neighbor, or purchased from a store, they shine in early learning projects. Read on for engaging apple theme activities, and projects inspired by them.

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    Apple Toothpick Sculptures

    Slice up green, red, and yellow apples into small pieces. Dip the chunks in lemon juice to prevent browning, and pile them on a tray. Add toothpicks.

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    Invitation to build an apple chunk and toothpick sculpture. Green, red, and yellow apples are used in this construction challenge.

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    Early learners enjoy the challenge of creating a structure with toothpicks and apple pieces. They can work by themselves or collaborate with an adult or child.

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    Apple chunk and toothpick sculpture. Yello, green, and red apples are used to make a colorful structure.

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    Apple chunk and toothpick sculpture. Yello, green, and red apples are used to make a colorful structure.

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    Paint Chip Apple Art

    Cut apples, stems, and leaves from green, yellow, and red-themed paint chips. Invite your little learners to glue the shapes to a neutral background using a glue stick. The ombre color schemes in paint chips are so attractive in art.

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    Paint chip apple collage art

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    Rodin Inspired Painted Apples

    Early learners love the opportunity to paint fruits or vegetables. The primary colors used for these crab apples are inspired by an Auguste Rodin painting. Gold glitter sprinkled on top adds glam.

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    Apples painted in primary colors and sprinkled with glitter. This art activity is inspired by an apple painting by Auguste Rodin.

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    Apple Prints

    Slice apples in half in two different ways:

    • vertically from the stem down
    • horizontally in the middle of the apple

    Children enjoy seeing the star-shaped center of the horizontally cut apples.

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    Apple print set up with apple halves, black and metallic tempera paints, and gold glitter.

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    Offer tempera paints on trays in traditional or unexpected colors. Ask your little learners to dip apple halves in each paint color and press them on a large piece of sturdy art paper. Featured below are black and metallic gold apple prints, with gold glitter sprinkled on for a finishing touch.

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    Black and metallic gold apple prints with gold glitter for the finishing touch.

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    Apple Fruit Stand

    Keep a lookout for apple-themed play props at Dollar stores and art supply stores. Before long you will have a nice supply of accessories for an apple fruit stand.

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    Apple Pie

    Use ready-made pie crust dough and apple pie filling to make it easy for your little learners to help bake an apple pie.

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    An early learner can easily help make this apple pie. It is made with a premade pie crust and apple pie filling.

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    Bird And Apple Small World

    Apples aren’t only tasty food for people. Many animals, including birds, love them too. This small world is an invitation for early learners to play with rocks, logs, leaves, apples, and bird figurines.

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    Small world with apples, bird figurines, tree blocks, rocks, and leaves.

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    There are so many apple theme activities available to choose from. And because they are plentiful in fall, they are a popular topic to introduce at the beginning of a new school term. For more apple exploration ideas, check my Pinterest board “Apple Activities For Kids.”

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    What is your favorite apple activity? Share in a comment below.

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    More Apple Activities

    Watercolor Apples With Markers

    Apple Print Activities

    Apple Playdough Tray

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    [Read more…] about Apple Theme Activities

    Filed Under: apples, art, autumn, dramatic play, sensory Tagged With: back to school, fall, fruit

    Skeleton Preschool Theme

    October 28, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Non-scary preschool theme featuring art, math, science, manipulative and dramatic play activities.
    Non-scary preschool theme featuring art, math, science, manipulative and dramatic play activities.

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    Skeleton preschool theme? It’s only something I considered doing recently. In the latter part of October, my activities usually focus on pumpkins…bright orange, happy ones! My preschoolers are encouraged to dress up in non-scary costumes. Skeletons are not on the list to plan a theme around for my little students.

    But I couldn’t help notice a glammed-up skull one fall day. Inspired by its beauty, my thoughts turned to “Yes, I can introduce some skeleton activities, and do it in a way that is non-threatening to preschoolers.”

    Glam skull pillow.
    My Skeleton Theme Inspiration

    A focus for fall purchases became skeletons of all kinds. They were not hard to find … or expensive. Here’s what I bought and here’s what to do.

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    Introducing The Preschool Skeleton Theme

    COLLECT:

    books about human bodies

    X-rays of body parts

    ADD:

    light table or a DIY lightbox (plastic tub with led lights)

    Books featuring human bodies with detailed pictures of skeletons.

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    Set out a variety of books featuring human bodies and skeletons.

    Display x-rays of human bones on a light table.

    View x-rays on a lid covered, clear plastic tub with led lights inside.

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    Led string lights inserted in a covered, clear tub can serve as a DIY lightbox.

    A lid covered clear plastic tub with led lights inside works as a small light table.

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    Stress that our bodies have skeletons and bones in them.

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    Felt Skeleton Activities

    THE FINDS:

    • felt skeleton (without bones)
    • felt, hinged skeletons (with bones)
    • cardboard skeleton (with bones)
    • toy bones

    ADD:

    • Q-Tips
    • paper fasteners

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    ACTIVITY ONE: Add Bones To A Skeleton

    Cut a few Q-Tips in half, and others into thirds. Leave some whole. Let children add toy and Q-Tip bones to the felt skeleton, using the cardboard one as an example.

    Felt skeleton decorated with plastic and Q-Tip bones. A cardboard skeleton serves as a model.

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    ACTIVITY TWO: Skeleton Poses

    Take turns moving a hinged, felt skeleton in different ways. Discuss what it might be feeling and communicating.

    Adorable skeletons with movable limbs put in poses to create different expressions.

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    ACTIVITY THREE: Put A Skeleton Back Together

    Take apart the sections of a hinged, felt skeleton. Offer paper fasteners and invite children to put it back together, using the other skeleton as a model. This activity is great for enhancing fine motor skills.

    A felt skeleton unhinged. Paper fasteners and a model skeleton aide in helping children put the skeleton back together.

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    Plastic Skeleton Activities

    THE FINDS:

    • three large, plastic hinged skeletons
    • pet costumes
    • adult fingerless gloves
    • children’s gloves and socks
    • beaded jewelry strands
    • stuffed animal
    • candy bag

    ADD:

    • sticker gems and pearls
    • large roll of paper
    • felt pens

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    ACTIVITY ONE: Compare Height With A Skeleton

    Decorate one skeleton with sticker and pearl gems to “glam it up.”. Add some jewelry strands. Hang the skeleton on a wall with the caption: “ARE YOU TALLER THAN THIS SKELETON?”

    Invite children to stand next to the skeleton. Measure and record who is taller.

    A decorative wall decor skeleton hung on a wall. Invitation for children to compare their height with the skeleton.

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    Take a picture of each child next to the skeleton for a unique photo op.

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    ACTIVITY TWO: Dress The Skeleton

    Set out a skeleton along with clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Invite children to dress the skeleton, offering help as needed.

    Large, plastic skeleton dressed up in seasonal clothes.

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    ACTIVITY THREE: Traced Body With Skeleton

    Trace each child’s body on a large section of paper cut from a roll. Take a hinged skeleton apart and set the bones near the body tracings. Encourage children to add bones.

    Body tracing with skeleton bones added.

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    Jumbo Skull Activities

    THE FIND:

    jumbo felt skull

    ADD:

    • calendar pictures of animal heads
    • 12 x 18 pieces of paper
    • pastel crayons

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    ACTIVITY ONE: Guess The Animal

    Slide the skull over each calendar animal head picture and ask children to “Guess The Animal.”

    Guess The Animal activity using an oversized felt skull and calendar pictures of animal heads.

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    ACTIVITY TWO: Trace The Skull

    Place the skull on a table along with large pieces of paper and pastel crayons. Encourage children to trace and decorate the skull.

    Traced skull activity using a large piece of paper, jumbo felt skull, and padstel crayons.

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    ACTIVITY THREE: Jumbo Mask Photo Op

    Take pictures of children holding the skull as a “jumbo mask.” The wall skeleton can be part of the backdrop.

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    Glitter Skull Math Activities

    THE FIND:

    two tree branches decorated with metallic skulls 

    ADD:

    plastic, rubber, or wooden numbers

    _______

    ACTIVITY ONE: Make Patterns

    Take the skulls off the tree branches. (The branches can be saved for other activities.)

    Glitter skulls cut from a decorative tree branch.

    _______

    Have children make patterns with them.

    Glitter skulls used for counting, sorting, and patterning activities.

    _______

    ACTIVITY TWO: Count And Sort Skulls

    Set out the skulls, and numbers 1 – 9. Invite children to count them and add the correct number. Encourage skull sorting.

    _______

    Neon Skull Activities

    THE FIND:

    neon skeleton party favors

    _______

    ACTIVITY ONE: Sort And Match Skeletons

    Have children sort and match skeletons according to their color.

    _______

    ACTIVITY TWO: Make Patterns

    Invite children to make patterns with the neon skeletons.

    Neon plastic skeleton party favors are perfect for making patterns.

    _______

    Skull Printable

    Download this cute skull printable that features basic shapes. Discuss the shapes. Invite children to glam it up with their favorite art medium and sticker gems and pearls.

    Skull activity sheet suitable for all ages for cutting, coloring, painting, collage and decorating.

    _______

    Download the skull printable here. (This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.)

    Skull PrintableDownload

    _______

    My “go-to” activities for late October are still pumpkins. But I’m sticking a few skeleton preschool theme activities in with the mix!

    _______

    How do you feel about doing a Skeleton preschool theme with young children?

    Are there some activities you would choose? Are there others you would stay away from?

    Are there new activities you can suggest? Share below!

    _______

    [Read more…] about Skeleton Preschool Theme

    Filed Under: art, dramatic play, Math, science Tagged With: skeletons, skulls

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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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