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pretend play

Polar Bear Small World

February 22, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A professional stage light adds ambiance to this inviting northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.
A professional stage light adds ambiance to this inviting northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.

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Two of the most majestic things to see in the Arctic are polar bears and northern lights. It is not uncommon to spot them depicted together in far north artworks. A memory of an award-winning painting of polar bears trekking across a snowy landscape lit up by northern lights is what inspired this lighted polar bear small world.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This polar bear small world is inspired by northern lights, which are often visible in Arctic skies at night.

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To set up a mesmerizing polar bear small world, gather together the following supplies:

  • polar bear figurines
  • LED stage light
  • white pompoms
  • acrylic snowflakes
  • clear acrylic ice cubes
  • silver placemat
  • turquoise placemat
  • toy igloo, ice floe, tent, and snow vehicle
  • white tablecloth
  • scissors

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The Polar Bear Small World

A professional stage light adds interest to this northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.

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To put together this polar bear-themed small world, start by covering a table with a white tablecloth to create a “snowy” base.

Next, add placemats to represent ice and water. A silver placemat suggests ice. A turquoise placemat trimmed with scissors becomes “a body of water.”

Then set up a LED stage light at one end of the table.

Afterward, add polar bear figurines, pompom “snowballs,” acrylic snowflakes, and clear ice cubes.

If available, include arctic toys such as an igloo, ice floe, research tent, and snow vehicle. These will add imaginary play possibilities to the small world.

Finally, turn on the LED stage light to illuminate the scene. You can set the stage light to one color, or have it project alternating colors such as green, blue, red, and purple.

A professional stage light adds interest to this northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.

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For a stunning art activity and facts about northern lights, view the blog post “Northern Lights Squish Painting.”

To learn facts about polar bears and other arctic animals, visit the blog post “Arctic Animal Sensory Trays.”

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A professional stage light adds ambiance to this inviting northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.

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Related:

Winter Playdough Recipe

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Igloo Camping Pretend Play

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Winter Sensory Trays

Painting Ice and Snow

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Winter Wreath Craft

Frozen-Inspired Shadow Box

Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Play Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Polar Bear Small World

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, science, sensory, winter Tagged With: light, northern lights, polar bears, small worlds

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

February 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This simple and pretty Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.
This simple and pretty Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.

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Early learners absolutely love dramatic play and eagerly embrace new seasonal accessories in a play kitchen. Here’s a heart-filled Valentine’s Day Pretend Play tablescape your little charges will be excited to explore.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Lots of hearts and red and white loose parts make this Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape fun to play in.

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The following economical supplies were gathered for this seasonal play tablescape:

  • valentine-themed cups and disposable plates
  • heart-shaped measuring spoons, serving plate, and silicone mold
  • heart-themed ice cube tray, spatula, canister, and a small tin
  • cookie pan and valentine’s muffin tin
  • purple, red, and magenta craft foam hearts
  • red, white, and black stuffed felt hearts
  • large red and white pompom balls
  • valentine erasers
  • red gem hearts
  • white pearl beads
  • metallic red beads
  • vase with red hearts and white flowers
  • white tablecloth

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The Valentine’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

A super fun Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape with lots of heart-themed accessories.

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Dollar stores are a handy place to find many of the supplies featured in this tablescape.

Foam craft hearts and stuffed felt hearts make great “cookies.”

Loose parts such as valentine erasers, gem hearts, and pearl and metallic beads allow early learners to exercise their imagination.

Lots of hearts and red and white loose parts make this Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape fun to play in.

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These Valentine’s Day-themed supplies can be set up as a tablescape or spread around play kitchen appliances and shelves.

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More Valentine’s Day Play Tablescape Ideas

Heart-themed accessories take center stage in this Valentine's Day dramatic play invitation.

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In this next Valentine’s Day tablescape, heart-themed plates, bowls. and cookie cutters are included, as well as sunglasses and a purse.

Heart-shaped reusable ice cubes, a Valentine’s-themed tea towel and oven mitt, and cupcake play food would also make great additions to a Valentine’s Day pretend play tablescape.

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This simple and pretty Valentine's Day dramatic play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.

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Related:

Valentine’s Day Store

Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

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[Read more…] about Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, Valentine's Day Tagged With: dramatic play, hearts, loose parts, play food, pretend play

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

February 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.
An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

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You may have noticed a pair of adorable llama ornaments in a winter sensory bin a few posts back. With their pastel pink blankets, these woolly animals are easily repurposed in a llama-inspired valentine sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Loose parts for an adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base.

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The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun blue, pink, and white valentine sensory bin:

  • two non-breakable llama ornaments
  • storage container in a heart shape
  • peg family
  • pink heart necklace strips
  • blue and pink gemstones
  • heart-themed cookie cutters
  • valentine-themed heart erasers
  • blue foam hearts
  • pastel pink and blue pompoms
  • pink spatula
  • heart-shaped measuring spoon
  • “U-R Great” treat basket

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    The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    A cute Valentine's Day rice sensory bin inspired by llamas. There are lots of fun loose parts to explore in the bin.

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    White glutinous rice is the base for this pretty bin. It is a go-to sensory bin base because of its bright white color.

    As in the llama-inspired winter sensory tub, the bin is a white food bus bin, also a common item in my sensory activities.

    The llama ornaments are foam-based, so are suitable for early learners to handle and explore. Thqt being said, all sensory activities for little ones should be closely supervised by a caregiver.

    Heart necklaces cut in strips make attractive loose parts.

    A heart-shaped storage container is a happy Dollar Store find and matches the color theme of the bin.

    The pink heart-shaped measuring spoon offers little learners a chance to scoop and pour.

    A little wooden peg family is accented with blue, pink, and silver acrylic paint.

    The valentine-shaped basket has a positive message.

    Blue and/or pink foam hearts, cookie cutters, and pompoms round out the loose parts in the bin.

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    An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

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    Llama Facts

    Llamas are popular in art and home décor. Llama-themed arty goods can be scooped up in any season of the year. Here are Ten Fast Llama Facts about these appealing animals.

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    Related:

    Valentine’s Day Water Play

    Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

    Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

    Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

    Valentine’s Day Process Art

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    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, loose parts, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

    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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    Related Posts:

    Arctic Animal Facts And Sensory Trays

    Penguin Small World

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    [Read more…] about Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

    Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: dramatic play, penguins, pretend play

    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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    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

    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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    Related:

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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    More Christmas Activities

    Christmas Peppermint Sensory Bin

    Christmas Village Tuff Tray

    Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

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

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    Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Chocolate Mint Playdough

    Plaid-themed Christmas Rice Bin

    Lemon-scented Christmas Playdough

    Easy S’mores Bars

    Make this easy, three-ingredient s'mores bars recipe that takes a classic campfire treat indoors. Serve surrounded by festive decor at Christmas time.

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    Christmas Tree Decorating Center

    Christmas Sensory Play

    Handprint Angel Christmas Keepsake

    Llama Christmas Sensory Bin

    Llama themed sensory bin inspired by the picture book 'Llama, Llama Holiday Drama' by Anna Dewdney.
      [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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      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

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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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