preschool

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

February 10, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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With so many skin-tone art supplies available to explore, it is easy to provide art activities that celebrate diversity. In this post, I feature three “Celebrate Diversity” heart art projects: one with chalk, another with pencil crayons, and a third with metallic markers. These are all low-prep, low or no-mess art projects everyone can do. To help out, there is a free heart template to download.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Skin Tone Sunburst Heart

A "Celebrate Diversity" sunburst heart art project with skin tone pencil crayons. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity.

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Only a few inexpensive supplies are needed for this mini art project:

set of skin tone pencil crayons
ruler
white cardstock paper
heart template

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Steps to make a "Celebrate Diversity" sunburst heart art project with skin tone pencil crayons. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity

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To start off, cut white cardstock paper into 5-inch or 6-inch squares. With this size of paper, the whole project can be done without having to sharpen the pencil crayons.

Next, use a pencil or pencil crayon to trace around a small heart template in the middle of the square. Feel free to download the template further on in the post for the art project.

Then add lines that extend from the heart to the edge of the paper in a sunburst design.

Tips from a blog post by ARTBAR were helpful in making the sunburst lines that protrude invisibly through the heart from one side of the paper to the opposite one. The technique took me a few tries to get right but the effort is worth it.

Afterward, use pencil crayons in skin-tone hues to color inside the lines.

You may want to trace around the small heart template once again at the end to make sure the heart is defined and stands out.

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Skin Tone Chalk Heart Art

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone sidewalk chalk. An all-ages, stunning art activity.

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For this second art project, gather the following supplies:

8 ½ x 11-inch light blue fadeless construction paper
large and small heart template
skin tone sidewalk chalk
painter’s tape
table cover

First, select a heart tracer that is a little smaller than the construction paper.

Lay the heart on the construction paper and tack it down gently with a piece of painter’s tape.

Next, use sidewalk chalk in various skin tones to color in the area around the heart.

Note: An alternative is to trace the heart first and remove the template before using the chalk sticks.

Afterward, gently smudge the chalk lines in an outward fashion.

If desired, trace a smaller heart in the center of the larger one using one of the chalk hues and color it in.

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A variation of this art activity is to dip the chalk sticks in water before decorating the paper.

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone sidewalk chalk dipped in water. An all-ages, stunning art activity.

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For both chalk activities, it is advisable to lay down newsprint or an old tablecloth first to protect the work surface and make clean-up easier.

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Metallic Marker Concentric Hearts

Make a "Celebrate Diversity" heart art project with skin tone metallic markers. An all-ages, non-messy, stunning art activity.

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Supplies to gather:

8 ½ inch x 11-inch white cardstock paper
metallic markers in skin tones
heart template
scissors

For this third project, start by tracing the large heart template, and then draw smaller hearts inside it with metallic skin tone markers.

If you do not have metallic markers in all the hues, substitute regular ones. I use a regular marker for the black hue.

Note: For little learners, you can offer non-toxic washable markers in skin tones instead of the permanent metallic markers featured in this art activity.

Downloadable Heart Template

Here is a free heart template to download for the art projects featured in this post:

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Heart Art PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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These three heart art projects give participants a chance to celebrate diversity by experimenting with different art media. They are a good fit for Black History Month, a Valentine’s Day theme, or a special time set aside to celebrate diversity.

Do you have questions about any of these art projects? Leave a comment below.

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Black History Month Positive Affirmations

This Black History Month printable set has coloring pages with 18 positive affirmations and 4 editable pages. Many creative patterns inspired by African art are possible, all with basic art supplies. Two bulletin board headers make displaying the stunning finished artwork super easy. Download this easy-to-use printable set at my Etsy Skills N Smiles shop for an everyday low price.

See the blog post Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art for more infomation.

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Three Black History Month Crafts

Celebrate Diversity Butterfly

Black History Month Yarn Art

Celebrate Diversity Paper Craft

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[Read more…]

Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

February 9, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Penguins are well-loved animals and are a popular subject for art activities and sensory bins. Here they get a further notice in a penguin pretend play tablescape.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

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My preschoolers love to discover seasonal loose parts in a dramatic play center. And just a few themed accessories and matching loose parts make for engaging learning through play. Supplies collected for this penguin-themed tablescape are:

crafted foam penguins
penguin coasters and cookie tin
muffin tin and cupcake liners with a penguin theme
mini penguin erasers
penguin ice cube tray
black bowls, baskets, trays, and serving spoon
white spoons and forks
clear cups and faux ice cubes
black and white plaid styrofoam balls
red, black, and white stuffed felt hearts
black and white letter tiles
cotton balls
white buttons and pearl beads
black and white gift box, placemat, and striped straws
play food fish and eggs
penguin themed key chains
white tablecloth

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The Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Even though we have snow in our area well into March most years, penguin-themed supplies are usually only available in fall or early December. If you see them, you buy them because there is no guarantee you will spot them again.

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In this bin, the penguin-themed coasters, cookie tin, and ice cube tray are dollar store finds.

Black bowls, serving spoons, and trays as well as white forks and spoons fit the color scheme.

Mini penguin erasers and penguin-themed cupcake liners add character to the theme.

Crafted foam penguins and stuffed felt hearts make great play cookies.

Penguins eat fish and lay eggs, so fish and egg play food is a good fit.

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A black and white gift box and placemat add design elements. The letter tiles give the opportunity to spell the word “penguin.”

A mound of cotton balls is a reminder of the snowy environment most penguins live in.

The penguin-themed key chains make great dinner party favors.

Black and/or white loose parts such as buttons, straws, pearl beads, and cloth-covered styrofoam balls round out the supplies.

All accessories are set on a white tablecloth.

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This penguin-themed pretend play tablescape is a good example of how a few themed supplies and inexpensive complimentary loose parts offer many dramatic play opportunities.

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Arctic Animal Facts And Sensory Trays

Penguin Small World

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[Read more…]

Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

January 29, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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It’s very common to spot llamas in art looking beautiful in color-coordinated desert scenes, so I’ve always imagined them to be desert-dwelling creatures. But a little research shows that llamas are native to mountainous areas and high plateaus in South America. In fact, due to their thick, warm coats, they are even comfortable in snowy winter weather. So that is why two bluish llama ornaments spotted on sale just after Christmas are the stars of this llama-inspired winter sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Sensory Bin Supplies

Winter-themed loose parts for a llama-inspired winter rice sensory bin.

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This winter-themed bin has the following supplies:

unbreakable llama ornaments
small white styrofoam balls
blue and clear snowflake gems
white and gold snowflakes
blue and clear round gems
snowflake erasers
snowman ice cubes
light pink and blue pompoms
white pompoms
wooden people figurines

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The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

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White glutinous rice is the base for this bin. It is the “snow” in the sensory invitation.

Small styrofoam balls make great “snowballs.”

The blue and white snowflakes are dollar store finds, and the white and gold ones are cut from garlands.

Snowflake erasers and snowmen reusable ice cubes add interest to the bin.

The wooden people are painted in pink, silver, and shades of blue to match the winter theme.

The child-friendly llama ornaments fit in perfectly with their baby blue, white, and soft pink coloring.

White, pink, and blue pompoms represent the decorations llamas are often depicted with. They color-coordinate with the wooly animals.

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Variations Of This Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Below, a curvy wooden block and snack cups and spoons add more play possibilities to the bin.

This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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In this next bin, scarf-adorned alligator ornaments are the stars, and pink pompoms are exchanged for red ones.

An adorable crocodile-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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Ten Fast Llama Facts

Interested in learning a little more about llamas? Here are ten fast facts about them.

Llamas are close relatives to camels but have no hump.

These hardy, sure-footed animals are native to the Andes mountains, comfortable in high altitudes with air low in oxygen.

Long necks and legs, large banana-shaped ears, smallish heads and short tails characterize them. They can grow up to six feet tall.

Grasses, plants, and small shrubs are foods llamas forage on.

Llamas can run fast, which helps them get away from predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, and ocelots.

Llamas have one baby, called a cria.

Able to carry loads ¼ of their weight, llamas make great pack animals. They are useful for wilderness trekking.

Protective of other animals, a lone male llama is sometimes used as a guard for smaller livestock.

Llamas are a source of food and wool.

There are no more of these affectionate, intelligent creatures living in the wild.

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Unbreakable, child-friendly Christmas ornaments transition well from being festive holiday decorations to becoming loose parts for themed play throughout the year. Next, the llamas in this post will be incorporated into a Valentine’s Day sensory bin.

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Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Snowmen Sensory Play

Painting Ice And Snow Activity

Polar Dinosaur Sensory Play

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Recycled Card Mitten Matching

Winter Playdough Recipe

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[Read more…]

Five Black History Month Crafts

January 28, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky 2 Comments

Five gorgeous Black History Month crafts that celebrate diversity. Easy-to-make crafts the whole family can do.

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Black History Month, a time set aside to remember notable black people and their achievements, is just around the corner. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada during the month of February. Here are five Black History Month crafts to help children engage in the celebration.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Celebrate Diversity Butterflies

To make these striking butterflies that represent celebrating diversity, gather the following supplies:

metallic gold and bronze tempera paint
pink, black, and white paint
light pink, black, bronze, and gold glitter
black pipe cleaners and pony beads
white cardstock paper
black cardstock paper
pie tins or disposable plates
white glue
glue gun

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Steps to make a handprint butterfly craft to recognize and celebrate Black History Month.

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Making The Handprint Butterflies

To start off, pour skin-toned tempera paints into pie tins or disposable plates. You may want to add a little white to the black paint to soften its hue.

Have participants dip a hand in a paint color and press it onto white cardstock paper. I use metallic gold and bronze for two of the skin tone shades. Regular tempera paints in these hues would work fine too.

If you have the shades available, sprinkle a similar color glitter onto each handprint.

After the handprints dry and extra glitter is shaken off, cut around the edges.

Next, cut long narrow ovals from black cardstock paper to represent butterfly abdomens.

Bend black pipe cleaners in half and have participants string black beads onto them, leaving a little section open for the butterfly antennae. Twist the pipe cleaners just above the beads to make sure they stay on.

Assembling The Butterflies

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

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Using white glue or a hot glue gun, add black or pink pompoms to the antennae.

Then use white glue or a hot glue gun to affix four handprint “wings” onto each abdomen. The butterflies can be designed in different kinds of color combinations.

Next, glue the beaded pipe cleaners to the butterfly abdomens. Now the “celebrate diversity” butterflies are ready to be displayed!

Make these gorgeous handprint butterfly crafts to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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Celebrate Diversity Yarn Heart

Different shades of skin-toned yarn represent diversity in this textured yarn heart craft.

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

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Supplies to Collect

yarn in a variety of thicknesses and skin tones
8 ½ x 11-inch golden-brown cardstock paper
white glue or hot glue gun
double-sided tape
ruler
scissors
heart template

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Steps to make a gorgeous skin-toned yarn heart craft to recognize Black History Month and celebrate diversity.

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To make this gorgeous yarn heart craft, start by cutting skin-toned yarn into 7 ½ inch strips. Using different thicknesses of yarn adds variety to the craft.

Next, glue the strips of yarn in rows onto a sheet of 8 ½ x 11-inch cardstock using white glue or a glue gun. Leave a small border around the edge of the paper.

Then add pieces of double-sided tape around the edges of the paper.

Afterward, cut a large heart in the center of a second piece of cardstock.

Finally, gently position the cardstock paper with the heart cut out on top of the yarn-covered piece, making sure the double-sided tape adheres to it.

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Kindness Heart Wreath

This kindness heart wreath with cardstock skin-toned hearts and a geometric bow communicates that all lives matter and that everyone should be treated with kindness.

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

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Black History Month Heart Banner

In this craft, skin-toned hearts are used to decorate an attractive, geometric ribbon-edged banner honoring Black History Month.

Black History Month ribbon and skin-toned paper hearts are the highlights of this easy-to-make banner craft.

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Black History Month Ribbon Heart

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

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

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Which one of these five Black History Month crafts will you try? Let me know in a comment below.

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Black History Month Positive Affirmations

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See the blog post Black History Month Positive Affirmations Art for more infomation.

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More Celebrate Diversity Crafts

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

Celebrate Diversity Paper Craft

Black History Month Hair Decorating Art

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[Read more…]

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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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.

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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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Lunar New Year Lantern Craft

Add a festive, cultural touch to your Lunar New Year celebration or Chinese New Year classroom theme in minutes with this beautiful Lunar New Year Lantern craft!

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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…]

preschool

Skin Tone Sunburst Heart

Skin Tone Chalk Heart Art

Metallic Marker Concentric Hearts

Downloadable Heart Template

Black History Month Positive Affirmations

Related:

Supplies Collected

The Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Related Posts:

Sensory Bin Supplies

The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Variations Of This Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Ten Fast Llama Facts

Celebrate Diversity Butterflies

Making The Handprint Butterflies

Assembling The Butterflies

Celebrate Diversity Yarn Heart

Black History Month Positive Affirmations

More Celebrate Diversity Crafts

Chinese New Year DIY Ball Ornaments

Chinese New Year DIY Tableware

Lunar New Year Lantern Craft