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Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

January 29, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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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

An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based 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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This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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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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Related:

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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Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: llamas, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year DIY Ball Ornaments

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

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To make these sparkly decorations, you need:

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

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

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

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

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Chinese New Year DIY Tableware

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Related:

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

Dragon Necklace Craft

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

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

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

January 20, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Sensory Tub Supplies

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

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

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

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The Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The play food fish stands for togetherness and plentifulness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

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

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

December 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.
This easy Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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With Santa on many children’s minds right now it’s the perfect time to set out a simple Santa Claus sensory bin.

This fun sensory activity is inspired by two Santa ornaments I was gifted this Christmas season. After receiving the ornaments, I realized I had enough supplies to make a no-fuss Santa bin. The bin is a great example of how just a few themed items can provide an interesting sensory invitation.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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Here are the supplies I gathered for the festive bin:

  • Santa train engine cookie tin
  • Santa ornament
  • knitted Scandinavian multicultural dolls
  • fillable Santa ball ornament
  • jingle bell garland
  • peppermint candy erasers
  • Santa and Santa hat erasers
  • wooden ladle

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    The Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    This easy Santa sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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    This jovial sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. The chickpeas are colored with various amounts of red acrylic craft paint. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

    Note: As an alternative to using chickpeas for the base, white rice works well too.

    The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use.

    The Santa train engine cookie tin was a happy find last year. I previously featured it in a blog post titled “Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin.”

    The Santa ornament fits perfectly in the train engine. I checked to make sure it has no rough edges before offering it in the bin. A small plush Santa is a good fit too.

    A fillable Santa Claus ornament and other dollar store supplies make for an inviting chickpea-based sensory bin.

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    The fillable Santa ball comes apart, and each half holds lots of chickpeas and loose parts.

    The Scandinavian knitted dolls are cut from a Christmas garland. They make fun helpers for Santa!

    Dollar stores carry metallic jingle bell garlands. Cut into strips, the garland becomes musical loose parts for the bin.

    Peppermint and Santa-themed erasers add interest. They are great for counting and sorting practice.

    A wooden ladle is useful for filling the Santa train and ball ornament with chickpeas, erasers, and garland. When using one, early learners get practice with eye-hand coordination.

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    Making Your Own Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Would you like to make a Santa Claus-themed sensory bin? You probably have a few interesting supplies already on hand to include. Then add a few dollar store finds. It’s that simple!

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    More Santa-Themed Activities:

    • Santa Claus Playdough Tray
    • Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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    [Read more…] about Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, Santa Claus, sensory bin, sensory play

    Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    December 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.
    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    This gingerbread sensory bin is quick and easy to set up. Most of the supplies in the bin are dollar store finds, so the activity is low-cost. So why not set it up for your little learners this holiday season?

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A super fun gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    The gingerbread-themed supplies gathered for the bin are:

    • cookie cutters
    • cookie tin
    • ice cube tray
    • gingerbread people ornaments and game pieces
    • gingerbread house and candy cane ornaments

    Also in the bin are:

    • bell garland strips
    • peppermint erasers

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    The Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    An easy-to-put-together gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    This gingerbread-themed sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post titled “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

    Note: You can skip coloring the chickpeas and use undyed ones instead. They are the same color as gingerbread cookies!

    The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use at a time.

    The cookie tin, ice cube tray, ornaments, garland, and erasers are from dollar stores. You would be able to find cookie cutters there too.

    This sensory bin is a great follow-up activity to reading gingerbread character stories and doing songs and fingerplays about gingerbread people.

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    Other Supplies For The Gingerbread Bin

    There are endless supplies that work in this bin. Other supplies that could be added are:

    • large gingerbread cookie cutters
    • gingerbread people erasers
    • wiggly eyes
    • pompoms
    • buttons
    • rickrack strips
    • cookie jar

    Whatever the supplies, this cheery gingerbread sensory bin is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners!

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    Related:

    Gingerbread Playdough

    Scissor Skill Gingerbread Man Craft

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    [Read more…] about Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread man, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

    Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

    November 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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    Supplies In The Thanksgiving Tablescape

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

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

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

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    Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Related:

    Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

    Pumpkin Play Tablescape

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    [Read more…] about Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

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

    Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

    October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies Collected

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

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

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

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    The Fall Tablescape Pretend Play Setup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    View this Fall Play Tablescape as a video.

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    Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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    [Read more…] about Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

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

    Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

    October 21, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

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

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

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

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    Setting Up The Pumpkin Tablescape

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Finally, add serving spoons to the play tablescape.

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

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

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

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    View this Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play Center as a video.

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    Related: Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

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    [Read more…] about Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

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

    DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

    October 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Portable Mud Kitchen Supplies

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

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

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

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    The DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

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

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

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

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

    Add small wire shelves (available at dollar stores).

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

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

    It’s that simple!

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    More Mud Kitchen Play

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

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

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

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    Related: Fall Sensory Play

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    [Read more…] about DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

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

    Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

    September 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

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

    Here’s what’s in my flower stand:

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

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    The Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

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

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

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

    _______

    Learning Through Play Possibilities

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

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

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

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

    _______

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

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

    _______

    Related: Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

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    [Read more…] about Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

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

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    Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky. I am a preschool teacher who loves to share easy and fun early learning activities. Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to stay awhile!

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    Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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