• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

  • About Me
  • Sensory Play
  • Holidays
  • Places
  • Picture Book Themes
  • Growing Things
  • Ocean
  • Contact Me

playdough

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

March 16, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day playdough tray will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.
This St. Patrick's Day playdough tray will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

It’s nice to have a new clump of playdough for every theme, and this recipe is my pick for St. Patrick’s Day. It is an easy-to-make, no-cook playdough that keeps well. In this post, the dough is showcased in a St. Patrick’s Day playdough tray.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

________

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Recipe

Shamrock leaves add interest to a St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation. Two homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

The white playdough in this post is a fantastic homemade no-cook variety. I discovered the recipe for it on The Artful Parent website. The green and yellow playdough varieties featured are a result of minor tweaks to the recipe.

For the deep green playdough, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon green gel food color
  • 1/4 teaspoon glycerin (optional)
  • 1 cup boiling water

In a large metal bowl, measure the dry ingredients and mix them together.

Make a well in the center and add the oil, gel food color, and glycerin.

Boil water in a kettle and immediately add the liquid to the dry ingredients.

Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are combined.

Let it sit for a bit until it firms up into a dough.

If the mixture is still a bit goopy after you have given it a few minutes to thicken, add a little more flour and stir again.

When cooled, knead the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a sealed bag.

Three different colors of playdough are featured in a St. Patrick's Day playdough tray for early learners to explore.

_______

To make the vivid yellow playdough, substitute yellow gel color for the green.

Glycerin is optional in the recipe but adds a little shine to the playdough.

Note: I’ve made the plain white no-cook playdough recipe several times, and never had to add more flour. But adding a little more flour at the end worked well for me this time when including gel food color in the recipe.

_______

The St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Set out this fun St. Patrick's day playdough tray for your little learners to explore. Three different colors of playdough are featured.

_______

Collected for this fun playdough invitation are:

  • rainbow, shamrock, and leprechaun hat erasers
  • green buttons
  • metallic and wooden shamrocks
  • small shamrocks and gold coins
  • gold beads
  • green necklace garland
  • shamrock cookie cutters
These St. Patrick's Day-themed loose parts are perfect for a playdough tray or a sensory play experience.

_______

All the shiny loose parts, from the large shamrocks to the tiny coins, are cut from St. Patrick’s Day necklaces.

Themed erasers are always a great addition to a playdough tray, as are a variety of buttons.

Setting the playdough and loose parts on a party tray is an eye-appealing way to offer the St. Patrick’s Day playdough invitation.

Set out this fun St. Patrick's day playdough tray for your little learners to explore. Three different colors of playdough are featured.

_______

If you have a shamrock plant available, snip off a few leaves to add to each participant’s playdough experience.

Shamrock leaves add interest to a St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation. Two homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

More St. Patrick’s Day Activities

Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Shamrock Rolling Pin Art

Scissor Skill Shamrock Collage

St. Patrick’s Day Sheep Craft

St. Patrick’s Day Painted Shamrock

Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

Leprechaun Sensory Jar

St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Sensory Bin

St. Patrick’s Day Jewelry Bin

Leprechaun Sensory Play

St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Tray

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

St. Patrick’s Day Activities

_______

This St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, St. Patrick's Day, themes Tagged With: loose parts, playdough, shamrocks, St. Patrick's Day

Shamrock Leaf Print Art

March 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

How to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art with sprigs from an Oxalis Regnelli plant. An easy-to-do all-ages art project.
How to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art with sprigs from an Oxalis Regnelli plant. An easy-to-do all-ages art project.

_______

Shamrock leaf print art is an activity I’ve wanted to try for a few years now, and this spring I carved out time for it. The art project is easy and enjoyable to do, and I am sure you will like it too.

A good time to try this leaf print art activity is around St. Patrick’s Day, as shamrock plants are plentiful in stores then. The compound leaves on the plant look like the shamrock symbol that the country of Ireland is known for. Irish people think shamrocks represent good luck, and they are prominent in clothing, decorations, and tableware during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

An Oxalis Regnelli shamrock plant with compound leaves composed of three triangular leaflets.

_______

The shamrock plant I found is called Oxalis Regnellii, which comes from Africa and some parts of the Americas. It has delicate leaves with three triangle-shaped leaflets. The leaves fold up neatly on overcast days and anytime it is dark, and open up when they are exposed to sunlight. The tiny, white, long-stemmed flowers have five petals.

A tiny white flower on an Oxalis Regnellii plant.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this nature-based art project:

  • shamrock plant
  • green and purple acrylic or tempera paint
  • paint pots
  • paintbrushes
  • purple and green pencil crayons
  • all-purpose art paper
  • green and purple construction paper
  • newspaper or manila paper
  • magnifying glasses

_______

Making The Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Before using the shamrock leaves for printmaking, give participants a chance to study the plant. Offer magnifying glasses to view the leaves and dainty flowers with yellow stamens. Set the plant out in a sunny place and then put it in a dark area to see how its leaves fold down and spread out depending on how much sunlight the plant is getting.

To prepare the art activity, snip a few leaves off the plant to use for making paint prints.

Steps to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art. This is an easy-to-do all-ages nature art project

_______

Next, lay down newspaper sheets or a large piece of manilla paper for participants to work on.

Then add an art station with a sheet of all-purpose art paper, leaf sprig, paintbrush, and green acrylic paint for each participant. My paper size is an 11-inch x 14-inch inch sheet cut in half, creating a 7-inch x 11-inch piece to work on.

Note: Non-toxic tempera paint is a good choice for young children taking part in the activity.

Afterward, invite participants to brush the tops of the leaflets on their sprig thoroughly with green paint, flip the leaf over, and carefully press the painted sides down on the paper.  Have them gently rub their fingers over the leaflets and pat the edges down to transfer as much paint to the paper as possible.

Beautiful shamrock leaf print art with leaves from the Oxalis Regnelli plant. This is a nature art project that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

_______

Then ask everyone to slowly lift their leaf off the paper canvas and repaint it to make more leaf prints. The shamrock leaves are delicate, but when handled gently they can be used a few times. If someone’s leaf tears, offer a new sprig to use.

When the paint prints are dry, ask participants to use a pencil crayon to add stems to the leaves.

As a finishing touch, mount each shamrock leaf print art project on a similar-colored construction paper background.

_______

Making Purple Shamrock Leaf Print Art

A purple shamrock, called Oxalis Triangularis, has similarly shaped leaves and flowers as the Oxalis Regnallii. This purple shamrock showcases deep purple, dark-edged leaves that respond to darkness and light in the same way.

With purple acrylic or tempera paint, let participants create shamrock prints just as they were made in green.

Beautiful shamrock leaf print art with leaves from the Oxalis Regnelli plant. This is a nature art project that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

_______

If there are any leaves left on the plant after the printmaking activity is done, add them to a playdough activity. Or have someone without pets take the plant home to care for.

Note: All Oxalis plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and grazing animals such as horses and must be kept out of their reach. These plants are slightly toxic to humans. Make sure to supervise all shamrock leaf activities closely so that no one ingests the leaves.

How to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art with sprigs from an Oxalis Regnelli plant. An easy-to-do all-ages art project.

_______

Related:

Horse Chestnut Leaf Art Activities

Maple Leaf Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Filed Under: art, playdough, preschool, science, sensory, spring, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: art, leaf prints, leaves, printmaking, shamrocks, St. Patrick's Day

Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

January 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

_______

This orange-scented playdough invitation introduces early learners to scents and colors that work with current festivities. The activity is a good fit for Christmas and carries over to Lunar New Year celebrations.

_______

Oranges And Christmas

Oranges have been part of Christmas traditions for many years. Here are some ways they were incorporated into the festive holiday season in times past:

  • In pioneer days, oranges were rare. As such, they were prized stocking stuffers.
  • Sliced oranges were used in natural decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, and tree ornaments.
  • Oranges were made into deliciously scented clove-studded pomanders that were displayed in Christmas décor afterward.
Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

_______

Today, oranges are still popular in Christmas decorating projects. And people are encouraged to eat the nutrient-rich, vitamin C-packed fruit to ward off a cold or flu.

_______

Oranges And The Lunar New Year

Mandarin oranges, preferably with a stem and a few leaves attached, are given as gifts and used in decorating during Lunar New Year celebrations. They symbolize happiness, good luck, wealth, longevity, and fertility.

Mandarin oranges with stems and leaves attached indicate freshness and represent wishes for long life and fertility in Chinese New Year celebrations.

_______

Spices such as star anise, cloves, and cinnamon are native to parts of Asia. And these three spices are also part of Chinese five spice powder, a spice used to season many Asian dishes.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Orange-Scented Playdough Recipe

The orange jello in this recipe gives the dough a lovely citrus scent and a bright orange color.

For the playdough, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 3 oz / 85-gram packages of orange jello powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil

    _______

    How To Make Orange-Scented Playdough

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

    _______

    To make this soft, cooked playdough recipe, add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

    Stir in two 3 oz/85 gram packages of orange jello powder into two cups of boiled water. Then stir in 2 tablespoons oil.

    Add the fruity liquid to the dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Place the dough on a cutting board.

    Knead when cool and add one more tablespoon of oil.

    Wrap the playdough in saran wrap and place it in a sealed plastic bag to store it.

    _______

    The Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

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

    _______

    For a traditional vibe, offer the orange playdough on a tray with the following:

    • cinnamon sticks
    • star anise pods
    • whole cloves
    • ribbon
    • mandarin orange leaves and stems
    • tree sprigs
    • pine cones

    The star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grated orange rind add additional scents for children to experience when using the playdough supplies. They contribute to the cultural vibes of the play invitation.

    Tip: Show a few samples of pomanders and Christmas decorations using dried oranges before offering this playdough invitation to inspire creativity. Or display a miniature orange tree and/or oranges with stems and leaves attached for early learners to observe.

    _____

    Adding Grated Orange Rind

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

    _______

    To extend this aromatic playdough experience, sprinkle grated orange rind near each participant’s work area. The crumbled, scented rind gives early learners a chance to incorporate a new texture into their creations.

    _______

    Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation Benefits

    This orange-scented playdough invitation has many educational benefits. When using the playdough and accompanying supplies, early learners develop finger strength, important for being able to hold a pencil and use scissors. And eye-hand coordination is enhanced through making playdough creations.

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

    _______

    Below are suggestions to extend the learning potential of this playdough experience:

    Language Development

    Label spices and discuss their colors and shapes:

    Highlight that star anise pods look like stars, whole cloves are shaped like nails, and cinnamon sticks look like tiny rolled logs.

    Smell and describe the following scents:

    • the strong, sweet, licorice smell of star anise.
    • the fragrant, sweet smell of cinnamon sticks.
    • the strong, powerful smell of whole cloves.

    Math Skills

    Count cloves and star anise pods.

    Count the points on star anise. There are usually six to eight points.

    Discuss pairs: In parts of Asia, a pair of oranges is given to newlywed couples as a symbol of luck and fertility.

    Creativity

    Design oranges and pomanders from playdough and spices.

    Incorporate natural materials in playdough designs.

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

    _______

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

    _______

    Related:

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Christmas Playdough

    Gingerbread Playdough

    _______

    [Read more…] about Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

    Filed Under: Chinese New Year, Christmas, playdough, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Christmas, loose parts, playdough, scented playdough

    Gingerbread Playdough

    December 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This gingerbread playdough tray is filled with festive loose parts. The spicy playdough recipe is easy to make and little hands can help.
    This gingerbread playdough tray is filled with festive loose parts. The spicy playdough recipe is easy to make and little hands can help.

    _______

    Christmas playdough recipes are all about the smells, and this gingerbread playdough is no exception. The fragrant recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require cooking or using boiling water. This makes it perfect for early learners to help make, and they can participate from start to finish.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    The Playdough Ingredients

    This scented gingerbread playdough requires no cooking or boiling water. Invite early learners to help make it from start to finish and can experience all the aromatic smells.

    _______

    Gather the following for this homemade gingerbread-scented dough:

    • 1 cup flour
    • ½ cup salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • ½ cup water

    _______

    How To Make Gingerbread Playdough

    This homemade scented gingerbread playdough and the festive loose parts are ready to be explored by little learners.

    _______

    Measure all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Invite early learners to help.

    Mix the spicy mixture into a dough, and knead it thoroughly. The kneading helps strengthen little helpers’ hand and finger muscles.

    Four spices in addition to salt are included in the dough. Allowing your little helpers to smell each one is a rich sensory opportunity.

    The spices add color to this all-natural playdough, so no additional color is needed.

    Another plus for this homemade playdough is that it can be used in a play invitation as soon as it has been made. It doesn’t need cool down time like a cooked playdough or recipe that uses boiling water would.

    This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to be enough for a group of children.

    _______

    Gingerbread Playdough Invitation

    After helping make the playdough, little learners will love using it to mold and decorate gingerbread houses and people. Offer loose parts in a party tray for a spicy playdough invitation.

    There are many opportunities to be creative with the festive loose parts in this spicy gingerbread playdough invitation your children will love.

    _______

    The loose parts in the tray above are:

    • gingerbread house and people cookie cutters
    • gingerbread ornaments
    • cut sparkly pipe cleaners and pompoms
    • cut rick rack and straws
    • buttons
    • candy cane and gingerbread erasers
    • bows
    • bead garland
    • wiggly eyes

    _______

    In this next tray, gingerbread house shapes, felt gingerbread people, beads, and rubber peppermint lollipops are included in the mix.

    There are many opportunities to be creative with the festive loose parts in this spicy gingerbread playdough invitation your children will love.

    _______

    Gingerbread Playdough Invitation Benefits

    This heavenly-scented playdough invitation offers many benefits:

    • Exercising creativity by decorating pretend cookies.
    • Language development by using playdough cutouts to retell gingerbread stories or develop new ones.
    • Gaining hand and finger strength by rolling, pressing, and kneading dough, and decorating it with loose parts.
    • Role-playing working in a pretend bakery and baking cookies in a play oven.

    Tip: A small box with a rack placed inside makes an easy DIY oven for pretend play.

    A cardboard box with a rack set inside makes a terrific play oven to bake gingerbread playdough cookies and muffins.

    _______

    How To Store Gingerbread Playdough

    This amazing gingerbread-scented dough is not sticky, rolls out just fine, and works well with cookie cutters.

    To store it, wrap it in saran wrap and place it in an airtight container. Doing this will keep it nice and moist. To my delight, the playdough is even easier to work with when you pull it out for additional play.

    _______

    More Christmas Playdough Recipes:

    Christmas Playdough

    Chocolate Mint Playdough

    _______

    [Read more…] about Gingerbread Playdough

    Filed Under: Christmas, playdough, preschool, sensory Tagged With: gingerbread, playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray

    Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Skulls, bones, and spiders are non-threatening in this glam skeleton playdough tray, ready for early learners to explore.
    Skulls, bones, and spiders are non-threatening in this glam skeleton playdough tray, ready for early learners to explore.

    _______

    For the longest while I stayed away from featuring skeletons in activities for little learners. But you wouldn’t know it by all the posts about them on this blog. That’s because in recent years I’ve seen so many glam skeletons in home décor, inspiring a host of ways to showcase them in fun, non-threatening ways. This glam skeleton playdough tray is my latest bone-filled play invitation. It is an extension of a post I did last week about an elegant skeleton sensory bin.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Supplies To Gather

    Silver and gold loose parts complement the neutral palette in this glam skeleton-themed playdough invitation.

    _______

    The same loose parts used in the skeleton-themed sensory bin work wonderfully in a playdough party tray:

    • skeletons
    • skulls
    • bones
    • spider figurines
    • pearl beads
    • gem leaves
    • bead jewelry strands
    • crown hair combs
    • mini pumpkins
    • bells

    _______

    The Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    This playdough tray can be offered with a basic playdough recipe or one that is colored. Black and white playdough contrast each other in the tray below. There are links to the dough recipes further on in the post.

    A skeleton sits atop black and white playdough in this inviting party tray. Other loose parts include pumpkins, spiders, skulls, and bones.

    _______

    This next tray features white playdough made with my go-to basic playdough recipe.

    Silver and gold loose parts complement the neutral palette in this glam skeleton-themed playdough invitation.

    _______

    Although there’s a whole lotta glam in the sensory tray, an ornate mirror adds just a little more.

    A mirror adds elegance to this glam skeleton playdough invitation early learners will be excited to explore.

    _______

    The loose parts spark the imagination and children can use them to make unique designs. They make interesting prints in the dough.

    _______

    Playdough Recipes

    Find the recipes for the playdough here:

    Black Playdough Recipe (from the blog “Left Brain Craft Brain.”)

    This black playdough was featured in my “White Lilacs And Black Playdough” blog post a few months ago. Believe it or not, the playdough is still pliable.

    Basic Playdough Recipe

    The basic playdough recipe can be made in a big batch to use with a group of children.

    _______

    Four different ways to feature skeleton-themed loose parts in sensory play. Black and white playdough recipes are included.

    _______

    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

    _______

    [Read more…] about Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    Filed Under: autumn, fall, playdough, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: loose parts, my body, playdough, skeletons

    Watermelon Playdough Tray

    August 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Put together this scented watermelon playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.
    Put together this scented watermelon playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

    _______

    What better time to set out a watermelon playdough tray than on a hot summer day like today? The tray features an easy-to-make scented playdough recipe using Kool-Aid. So if you are experiencing a heat wave like we are, you can use some of the Kool-Aid in a cold, refreshing drink, and save the rest for the playdough recipe.

    _______

    Scented Playdough Recipe

    A deliciously watermelon scented playdough recipe you will want to try. It's perfect for a summer day or any day!

    _______

    This playdough recipe is soft, pliable, and lasts a long time. Gather the following ingredients:

    • 500 ml / 2 cups flour
    • 250 ml / 1 cup salt
    • 20 ml / 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
    • 450 ml water (almost 2 cups)
    • 45 ml / 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 48 ml bottle of watermelon-flavored concentrated liquid Kool-Aid

    To make the scented dough, follow the steps below:

    Measure the first three ingredients into a sturdy pot and mix them together.

    Add two tablespoons vegetable oil and a 48 ml bottle of liquid watermelon Kool-Aid concentrate into a 500 ml / 2 cup measuring container.

    Add enough water to make 500 ml / 2 cups of liquid and stir.

    Pour the mixed liquids into the pot of dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat the mixture on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Place the dough on a cutting board.

    Knead when cool, adding one more tablespoon of oil.

    Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag until ready to use.

    _______

    Put together this watermelon playdough loose parts tray in minutes. It includes homemade playdough recipes you'll want to try.

    _______

    To inspire watermelon-themed designs in a play invitation, you can add:

    •  a white basic playdough recipe.
    • a basic playdough recipe colored with green food coloring.

    Note: If you are making playdough for one or two children, this recipe can be halved. Then you will have enough Kool-Aid left to make a watermelon-flavored drink.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    The Watermelon Playdough Tray

    Put together this watermelon theme playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

    _______

    Red, white, pink, black, and green loose parts work well with watermelon playdough. In the tray are pop poms, pebble and diamond-shaped gems, and buttons. Green and red spotted rubber frogs are included because they fit the color scheme! Watermelon slice cookie cutters complete the tray.

    When setting up this playdough invitation, you could add black beans to represent watermelon seeds.

    _______

    A deliciously watermelon scented playdough recipe you will want to try. It's perfect for a summer day or any day!

    _______

    Related: Scented Moon Playdough

    _______

    [Read more…] about Watermelon Playdough Tray

    Filed Under: playdough, preschool, sensory, summer Tagged With: playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, watermelon

    Scented Moon Playdough

    July 29, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.
    Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.

    _______

    This scented moon playdough is the result of a color and flavor mixing science experiment with jello powder. Can you guess which flavors of jello were used?

    _______

    The Scented Moon Playdough Recipe

    Your child will love to explore space with this moon playdough tray. The homemade playdough is amazing!

    _______

    To make a big batch of this steely gray playdough that matches the color of the moon, gather the following supplies:

    • 3 cups flour
    • 1 ½ cups salt
    • 6 teaspoons cream of tartar
    • 1 85-gram package of lime jello powder
    • 2 85-gram packages of grape jello powder
    • 3 cups water
    • 3 tablespoons oil

    Add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

    Boil the water and stir in all three packages of jello powder.

    Then stir in two tablespoons of oil.

    Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat the pot on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook the mixture until it is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Scoop the dough onto a cutting board.

    Knead when cool, adding one tablespoon more oil.

    Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag.

    Note: The liquid in the pot is very black at first, but when mixed thoroughly with the dry ingredients, the result is gray playdough!

    _______

    Scented Moon Playdough Invitation

    Your child will love to explore space with this moon playdough tray. The homemade playdough is amazing!

    _______

    Set out the moon playdough in a compartment tray with the following supplies:

    • star-shaped reusable ice cubes and cookie cutters
    • glow in the dark moon, stars, and stones
    • gray and tan gems and rocks
    • loose parts such as baby bottle collars, buttons, hair ties, and wooden circles
    • space vehicles and lunar rovers
    • astronaut figurines

    After the playdough has been used a time or two, sprinkle silver glitter and/or foil stars on the dough to extend interest in the play invitation.

    This super fun moon playdough is perfect for your space exploration theme. Children participate in a science experiment when they help make the homemade dough.

    _______

    Note: This gray scented playdough has a blended grape and lime scent. When I introduced the dough to my preschoolers, I wasn’t sure what they would think. Overall the children felt it smelled pretty nice.

    _______

    Colored Light And Moon Playdough

    Our moon is mostly hued in lighter and darker grays. But from the earth, we see the moon shine due to reflected sunlight. To us, it often looks bright yellow.

    The full moon, which we see once a month, can appear in different colors and sizes. This is due to its position in the sky, the particles in the atmosphere, the amount of air pollution, and the current season.

    To see the full moon in a variety of colors, check out a post titled “Colors Of The Moon” by Nasa Science. It features an amazing photo showing different colors our rocky satellite has been viewed and photographed by one astrologer in Italy.

    In the home or classroom, a color-changing light is fun to use to illuminate the moon playdough so that it shines in different hues.

    Add colored light to the moon playdough invitation as you discuss the colors the moon shines as it reflects light from the sun.

    _______

    My featured light shines red, green, purple, blue, and white. Since the moon has been photographed in tones of red, blue, and purple, this lighting isn’t a stretch. Green is a popular color for depicting aliens, and some moon rocks with a green tinge have been discovered. And so the green lighting works too!

    _______

    Playdough Dwarf Planets

    This scented grey playdough also works as a follow-up activity to a discussion about dwarf planets. These small planets are far away, super icy, and take many years to orbit the sun. Some dwarf planets are:

    • Pluto: Recently reclassified, it shines red and grey in space and has one big moon named Charon.
    • Ceres: This dwarf planet is grey and dotted with craters.
    • Haumea:  A grey and egg-shaped dwarf planet with two moons.
    • Eris: This round dwarf planet takes a half-century to orbit the sun. it is far, far away and has one tiny moon.

    _______

    Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    [Read more…] about Scented Moon Playdough

    Filed Under: playdough, preschool, science, space Tagged With: astronauts, playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, spaceships

    White Lilacs And Black Playdough

    June 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Try this unexpected combination of white lilacs and black playdough. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.
    Try this unexpected white lilac and black playdough combination. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

    _______

    When I first decided to make black playdough, it was for a space theme. And lilacs were going to be used in a sensory play tub. Some white lilacs did end up in a sensory tub along with a generous supply of purple ones, and I used black playdough for the space theme as planned. But I also discovered that white lilacs and black playdough make an interesting and unexpected combination.

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    For the black playdough in this post, I use a recipe featured in a blog post by Left Brain Craft Brain. It is easy to make, and produces super black playdough!

    _______

    White Lilacs And Black Playdough Tray

    Set up this unexpected white lilac and black playdough tray. Striking creations will surely be the result.

    _______

    The supplies gathered for this effortless playdough tray are:

    • white lilac sprigs
    • clear gems
    • transparent hair ties
    • reusable transparent star ice cubes
    • white pony beads
    • wired white leaves
    • flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutters
    • scissors
    • rolling pin

    Set out on a serving tray with compartments, the supplies make for an aromatic play invitation.

    The lilac sprigs can be snipped and kneaded into the playdough.

    Loose parts and tiny lilac petals are available to embellish playdough shapes.

    The flower, insect, and butterfly cookie cutters are unexpected and result in striking creations.

    White lilac and black playdough creations using flower, butterfly, and bug coolie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

    _______

    Black playdough and white lilacs make the perfect combination for a dynamic playdough invitation.

    _______

    Alternatively. the lilac and black playdough work wonderfully for a space theme. Star-shaped gems and reusable ice cubes, grey painted rocks, white pony beads, clear acrylic gems, and an astronaut and spaceship are included in the play invitation below.

    A sure-to-please space playdough setup.

    _______

    Black And White Playdough Tray

    Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

    _______

    If you decide to forgo using lilacs, black playdough works well on its own with white and transparent loose parts and cookie cutters. Gathered for the tray above are:

    • striped black and white straws
    • white buttons
    • black and white game pieces
    • bottle caps
    • baby bottle lids
    • white beads
    • pizza lid box stands
    • flower, butterfly, and bug cookie cutters
    An striking black and white playdough theme with flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutter shapes.

    _______

    Spider, bat, and skeleton loose parts are also a good fit for this playdough.

    _______

    A sure-to-please outer space playdough setup.

    _______

    Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

    _______

    [Read more…] about White Lilacs And Black Playdough

    Filed Under: playdough, preschool, sensory, space, spring, summer Tagged With: butterflies, flowers, insects, loose parts, playdough, sensory play, space

    Easter Playdough Tray

    April 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.
    A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.

    _______

    After a long winter season, the pastel colors of the Easter/spring season are so welcome. And there’s plenty of them in this inviting Easter playdough tray.

    For seasonal celebrations, I usually resort to making homemade playdough. I’ve got plenty of favorite recipes, and the doughs can be made in big batches. This makes it easy for a group of children to play with playdough at the same time.

    But the ready-made playdough available in stores around Easter comes in so many beautiful pastel shades. The packages I found have six vibrant colors! Aside from being attractive, they offer a huge savings in preparation time. And so it’s totally worth it to purchase a few sets to accommodate a class of students or party gathering.

    Pretty spring-themed playdough colors early learners will love.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Easter Playdough Tray

    Colorful bunnies in all shapes and sizes are the highlight of this super fun Easter/Spring playdough tray.

    _______

    A large circular party tray makes a great base for this playdough invitation, as it looks festive and can hold plenty of loose parts. On this tray are:

    • playdough in spring colors
    • plastic Easter eggs
    • bendable bunnies
    • hanging bunnies (think “Barrel Of Monkeys” game)
    • egg-shaped gems
    • bunny, lamb, chick, carrot, and egg cookie cutters
    • rubber Easter egg and bunny rings
    • mini duck and bunny erasers
    • spring stir sticks
    Colorful bunnies in all shapes and sizes are the highlight of this super fun Easter playdough tray.

    _______

    A compartment tray also makes a handy container for the playdough and accessories.

    This compartment tray is perfect for holding Easter-themed playdough and loose parts.

    _______

    Extending The Play Experience

    After participants have had a chance to explore the playdough and loose parts, invite them to add spring sprinkles to their creations. This is an easy way to extend the sensory experience and add an additional seasonal touch.

    Spring-themed candy sprinkles add the perfect finishing touch to this cheery playdough invitation.

    _______

    Note: If your little charges want to taste a few sprinkles, make sure the playdough offered is taste-safe.

    _______

    Do you have a favorite spring playdough recipe? Share in a comment below.

    _______

    A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.

    _______

    Related: Edible Playdough Pumpkins

                  Winter Playdough Recipe

    _______

    [Read more…] about Easter Playdough Tray

    Filed Under: Easter, party, playdough, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, playdough, spring

    Unicorn Playdough Tray

    April 5, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Set up this magical unicorn playdough tray early learners will love. The best homemade playdough recipes are featured.
    Set up this magical unicorn playdough tray early learners will love. The best homemade playdough recipes are featured.

    _______

    Elegant, majestic unicorns provide endless inspiration for clothing, art, cooking, and early learning activities. The single-horned mythical creatures make an appealing subject for a unicorn playdough tray. This pastel and gold-infused tray will surely add a dose of magic to your child’s day!

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Supplies To Collect

    Gather the following supplies for this fantasy playdough tray:

    • unicorn figurines
    • star and unicorn cookie cutters
    • unicorn table confetti
    • miniature wood forest and princess shapes
    • pastel round gems
    • gold rocks
    • white compartment tray
    • neutral and pastel playdough

    _______

    Unicorn Playdough Play Tray

    Set up this unicorn theme playdough tray in minutes. The best playdough recipes are featured.

    _______

    Make a fresh batch of playdough, or use the dough you have on hand. I feature two shades I previously used in a Valentine’s Day playdough tray, and my basic, go-to recipe. These recipes are also included in this post.

    Place the unicorn-themed loose parts in a compartment tray, positioning the playdough in the center.

    Set the playdough invitation on a table along with rolling pins and other modeling tools for children to enjoy. Watch the magical play unfold.

    The best playdough recipes are featured in this fun fantasy unicorn playdough invitation.

    _______

    Note: Other loose parts that could be added to this unicorn playdough tray are glitter, a star wand, unicorn hair, flowers, cupcake decorations, pom poms, pipe cleaners, bead garland strips, rainbows, and Easter grass.

    Set up this unicorn theme playdough tray in minutes. The best playdough recipes are featured.

    _______

    Basic Playdough Recipe

    My go-to basic playdough recipe has the following ingredients:

    • 2 cups flour
    • 1 cup salt
    • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
    • 2 cups water
    • 3 tablespoons oil

    Add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix together.

    Stir two tablespoons of oil into two cups of water.

    Add the water and oil to the dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat the pot on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Scoop the dough onto a cutting board.

    Knead when cool, adding one tablespoon more oil.

    Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag.

    The best playdough recipes are featured in this magical unicorn playdough invitation.

    _______

    Jello Playdough

    To make deep, pinkish-red strawberry playdough, boil the water and stir in two 85 gram packages of strawberry jello powder. Next, mix in two tablespoons of oil. Add the hot-colored water mixture to the dry ingredients in a pot as above, and finish making the recipe the same way.

    To make the pastel blue playdough, use one 85 gram package of blueberry jello.

    _______

    Set up this magical unicorn playdough tray early learners will love. The best homemade playdough recipes are featured.

    _______

    Have something special you would add to this unicorn playdough tray? Share in a comment below.

    _______

    Related: Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

    _______

    [Read more…] about Unicorn Playdough Tray

    Filed Under: playdough, preschool, pretend play, spring, unicorns Tagged With: playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, unicorns

    • Go to page 1
    • Go to page 2
    • Go to page 3
    • Go to Next Page »

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    Instagram

    puttingtheprettyin.preschool

    St.Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray #StPatrick’s D St.Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray
#StPatrick’s Day #HappyStPatricksDay #playdoughtray #sensorydough #playdough #handson #tactileplay #preschoolactivity #homeschoolpreschool #Edmontonblogger #Canadianblogger #Canadianteacher #teacherblogger #celebratetoday #green #yellow #homemadeplaydough #playdoughfun #greenandgold #kindergarten #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape #StPa St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

#StPatricksDay #shamrocks #pretendplay #dramaticplay #playkitchen #preschoolactivities #kindergartenactivities StPatricksDaydecor #earlylearning #playideas #tablescapes #tablescapestyling #StPatrickstheme #StPatricksDayparty #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    Easy Setup Polar Bear Small World Easy Setup Polar Bear Small World
    Beautiful spray paint snowflake silhouettes for an Beautiful spray paint snowflake silhouettes for anyone who is having a snowy last week of February like we are. 😊. #snowflakesilhoettes #snowflakes #snowflakeart #spraypaint #spraypaintart #spraypaintartist #foodcoloring #prek #kindergarten #littleartist #outdooractivities #outdoorart #easyart #colorfulart #colofulartwork
    Penguin-Themed Pretend Play Tablescape Penguin-Themed Pretend Play Tablescape
    A little sunburst heart art activity using skin to A little sunburst heart art activity using skin tone pencil crayons. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #heartart #sunburst #pencilcrayonart #ValentinesDayart #blackhistorymonth #valentines #earlylearning #preschoolart #kindergartenart #artclass #artclassroom #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #pencilcrayons #skintones #skintone #artsupplies
    A dessert restaurant dramatic play center perfect A dessert restaurant dramatic play center perfect for Valentine’s Day.
    Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin
    Chinese Lunar New Year Sensory Tub Chinese Lunar New Year Sensory Tub
    Chinese New Year DIY Decorating Chinese New Year DIY Decorating
    Chinese New Year Sensory Bin Chinese New Year Sensory Bin
    Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest to smal Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest to small world play. ❄️❄️❄️

#treasureblocks #blockplay #wintertheme #penguin #penguins #polarbear #polarbears #northern #northernCanada #Antarctica #looseparts #loosepartsplay #winterplay #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    This craft is popular on my Pinterest account righ This craft is popular on my Pinterest account right now. Link in profile leads to the New Year’s Craft blog post post with ideas for crafts and free printables to download.  #NewYears #NewYearsEve #newyearsactivities #newyearscrafts #2023 #ringinthenewyear #newyearcountdown #handprintcraft #newyear2023 #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #freeprintables #preschoolprintables
    Have a few candy canes around? Try this super easy Have a few candy canes around? Try this super easy candy cane science experiment.  #candycanes #scienceexperiment #candyscience #Christmasactivitiesforkids #kidsscience #kidsscienceexperiments #candycanetree #treeart #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolscienceexperiment
    These trees make a simple but showy last minute ar These trees make a simple but showy last minute art project.  #Christmastrees #Christmastreedecorating #treepaintings #treeart #treeartwork #easyart #prettytrees #monochromaticart #monochromaticpainting #kindergartenart #preschoolart #littleartist #littleartists #funwithpaint #pastelcolors #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    A spicy gingerbread playdough lets children experi A spicy gingerbread playdough lets children experience all the smells. This  no cook recipe let’s early learners help from start to finish. Recipe is on the blog. Link in profile leads to the post.  #gingerbread #gingerbreadplaydough #homemadeplaydough #loosepartsplay #Christmasplaydough #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #handsonplay #gingerbreadcookies #gingerbreaddecorating
    Five festive Christmas sensory bins perfect for ho Five festive Christmas sensory bins perfect for holiday celebrations! Link in profile leads to the blog posts. 🎄🎁 🎄🎁🎄 #ricebins #Christmassensoryplay #Christmasplay #earlylearning #Christmaspartyideas #December #playislearning #playideas #playideasforkids #holidayvibes #Christmasvibes #Christmastime #prek #kindergarten #kindergartenclassroom #kindergartenactivities #prekclassroom #handsonlearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    Nine ideas for CD Case Christmas crafts that doubl Nine ideas for CD Case Christmas crafts that double up as blocks for block play. Link in profile leads to the blog post. 🎄⛄️🦌

#CDcaseart #DIYblocks #Christmascrafts #snowmancrafts #Christmastrees #treeart #Christmasbling #creativecrafts #snowmen #reindeer #Christmascrafting #craftsforkids #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #teacherofig #instateacher #prekteacher #eyfsideas #earlylearning
    Remembrance Day everyday object printed poppy beca Remembrance Day everyday object printed poppy because “We Remember.”

#RemembranceDay #weremember #WeRememberThem #poppyart #printmaking #printmakingart #easyart #funart #meaningfulart #preschoolart #kindergartenart #artforkids #keepingkidsbusy #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon? They are featured in creative snacks in this watermelon-themed video. Link in profile leads to the blogpost.  #creativesnacks #watermelonsnacks #funsnacks #easysnacks #healthysnacks #watermelon #sunflowers #fruitskewers #popsicles #watermelonpopsicles #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolsnacks #teacherofig #iteachprek #iteach
    Load More Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe Via Email

    Recent Posts

    • Bunny Rice Bin March 26, 2023
    • Ombre Bunny Art March 25, 2023
    • St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray March 16, 2023
    • St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play March 15, 2023
    • St. Patrick’s Day Light Table March 14, 2023
    • Shamrock Leaf Print Art March 12, 2023
    • Squeegee Painting Heart Art March 10, 2023
    • Salad Spinner Heart Art February 27, 2023
    • Eye Dropper Heart Art February 26, 2023
    • Polar Bear Small World February 22, 2023

    Categories

    Topics

    block play bunnies Chinese New Year Christmas Christmas craft Christmas tree colors dramatic play Easter eggs fall flowers Happy New Year hearts holiday jewelry keepsakes leaves leprechauns light table loose parts New Year's Eve painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables process art pumpkins rice bin scented playdough science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks skeletons spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers tablescapes Valentine's Day water play

    Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in