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science

Candy Cane Tree Experiment

December 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This mini candy cane tree experiment is a must-try. Just three supplies are needed for the simple science activity everyone will love.

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This candy cane tree experiment is easy to set up and is sure to be a conversation piece. It works well as a Christmas science activity, and also fits a forest theme.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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For this simple science experiment, gather the following four supplies:

  • package of mini candy canes
  • one round striped candy
  • large flat white or cream-colored plate
  • flask of warm water

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    The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

    Design a tree on a plate with mini candy canes. Pour water into the plate and watch what happens. Your audience will be wowed!

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    To perform this showy science experiment, start by arranging mini candy canes on a plate in a Christmas/coniferous tree design. The colorful and fruity candy canes above were a great find at a Dollar Store.

    Next, set a round candy on top of the tree to be the tree topper.

    Then fill a flask with warm water.

    Carefully set the plate with the tree design on a table.

    Now the experiment is ready to be performed. Invite participants to gather around the candy tree. Slowly pour water from the flask into the plate and invite everyone to watch what happens. It’s that simple!

    Participants will be wowed at how the colors in the candy canes quickly spread through the water, making beautiful designs.

    Watch the colors explode from the candy cane tree in this super simple science experiment everyone will love.

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    Color changes will be instant. Over time the colors and their intensity will change.

    Watch the colors move and change in this super simple science experiment everyone will love. The activity is a must-try.

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    Note: This tree-shaped experiment can be done with standard-sized candy canes in a large ridged serving tray.

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    The Science Behind The Candy Cane Tree Experiment

    The candy canes are made of sugar. The water breaks the sugar molecules apart. Then the food colors move through the water from areas of higher sugar concentration (near the candy) to areas with less sugar (the center and rim of the tray.) When the sugar concentration is the same in all areas, the colors stop moving.

    Water temperature is a variant in this experiment. Sugar dissolves more quickly in warm water, and food coloring moves at a faster pace.

    Candy Cane Color Experiment Variations

    Watch the stunning color changes in this super simple mini candy cane science experiment. Try it today!

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    You can forgo making a tree shape with the candy canes, and spread a few around a plate instead. The color movement is just as interesting in this more basic version.

    Watch beautiful colors emerge in this super simple science experiment with a serious WOW factor. Just thee supplies are needed to perform the experiment.

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    Watch beautiful colors emerge in this super simple science experiment with a serious WOW factor. Just thee supplies are needed to perform the experiment.

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    And if you have been following my blog for a while, you may have discovered that I have done a few other candy/candy cane color experiments. Here are more variations:

    Candy Cane Science Experiment

    Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

    Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

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    This mini candy cane color experiment is a must-try. Just three supplies are needed for the simple science activity everyone will love.

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    [Read more…] about Candy Cane Tree Experiment

    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, science, sensory, trees Tagged With: candy canes, Christmas tree, science experiment, trees

    Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Gather

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

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

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

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    The Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Playdough Recipes

    Find the recipes for the playdough here:

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

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

    Basic Playdough Recipe

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

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

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    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

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

    Light Table Leaf Exploration

    October 29, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This light table leaf exploration activity takes nature indoors, It is easy and economical to set up, and has many learning opportunities.
    This light table leaf exploration activity takes nature indoors, It is easy and economical to set up, and has many learning opportunities.

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    One of the nicest places to observe colors and shapes in fall leaves is on the light table. Early learners get the chance to investigate natural materials indoors. The leaves get illuminated and their stripes, spots, and beautiful colors become even more noticeable. And best of all, there are a lot of learning possibilities in this light table leaf exploration activity.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Fall leaf matching on the light table is easy with silhouettes drawn on overhead transparencies.

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    Gather the following supplies for this low-prep, economical nature play invitation:

    • leaves in different colors, shapes, textures, and sizes
    • overhead transparencies
    • black permanent marker
    • “leaf” word strip
    • transparent alphabet letters
    • magnifying glasses
    • artificial flowers in vases

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    Light Table Leaf Exploration

    To collect the leaves, take your little charges on a nature walk. Give everyone a bag and ask each participant to find leaves in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

    Back at home or in class, set some of the leaves on a light table for the children to view. Invite everyone to explore, sort, and arrange the foliage.

    Extra leaves can be placed in an indoor DIY mud kitchen or added to a sensory tub.

    Include magnifying glasses for early learners to see leaf veins and midribs clearly.

    Fall leaves look extra pretty on the light table. And this leafy center has many learning opportunities.

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    Place a word strip with the word “leaf” on the table, and include transparent alphabet letters. Encourage children to say and spell the word.

    Fall flower sprigs in vases add ambiance to the center.

    Exploring leaves is super fun on the light table. Magnifying glasses and the word "leaf" add learning possibilities to the center.

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    Overhead Transparency Leaf Silhouettes

    Trace some of the leaves onto overhead transparencies using a black permanent marker. Invite your early learners to match the light-enhanced leaves to their silhouettes.

    Leaf matching on the light table is easy with silhouettes drawn on overhead transparencies.

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    Light Table Leaf Exploration Benefits

    This simple sensory activity has so many learning opportunities. Here are some possibilities this leaf light table setup offers:

    • recognizing leaf colors
    • counting and sorting leaves
    • shape matching
    • ordering leaves by size
    • alphabet letter identification
    • learning to make and spell a word
    • discussing leaf midribs and veins
    • creating designs with leaves
    Fall leaf matching on the light table is easy with silhouettes drawn on overhead transparencies.

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    Related: Eyedropper Leaf Art

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    Filed Under: display, fall, light table, literacy, Math, preschool, science, sensory, trees Tagged With: leaves, light table, sensory play

    Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

    October 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Gold and silver loose parts add elegance to this glam skeleton sensory bin. They make skulls and skeletons inviting to explore.

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    Fall is such a great time to spot seasonal home décor in stores, as it is very plentiful. And one of my favorite things to do is to translate a seasonal trend into an “of the moment” sensory bin. This fall I’m particularly drawn to the beautifully adorned skeletons in wall art, decorations, and tableware. And this theme works well in a glam skeleton sensory bin guaranteed to catch the attention of little learners.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Skeleton-themed loose parts tray for early learners to explore. Gold and silver accessories add glamour to the tray.

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    The color scheme for this elegant sensory bin is silver, gold, cream, and white. Loose parts gathered for the bin are:

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

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    The Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

    A large square metal serving tray is a good fit for this sensory activity. Brown, white, or gold rice provides a good base. My bin features glutinous rice… I love its super white hue.

    To prepare this glamorous sensory invitation, pour a layer of rice into a tub or tray. Then spread gem diamonds and leaves, bead strands and pearl beads, bells, bones, and pumpkins over the rice. Add skeletons. spiders and crown-adorned skulls as a finishing touch.

    An oh-so-glam skeleton-themed rice bin featuring gold and silver loose parts. A non-threatening way for little learners to explore the skeleton.

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    Setting the loose parts in a smaller metal tray without adding rice is a no-fuss alternate way to offer this sensory activity.

    An easy-to-set-up glamourous sensory tub for early learners featuring skulls and skeletons, and gold and silver loose parts.

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    And placing a mirror on a stand at the back of the bin adds a double dose of glam.

    An ornate mirror adds a double dose of glam to a skeleton-themed rice sensory bin your little learners are sure to love.

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    Offering skulls, skeletons, and bones in a sensory bin filled with pretty loose parts is a non-threatening and inviting way for little learners to explore the human skeleton.

    Glam up a skeleton-themed rice bin with gold and silver loose parts. Miniature pumpkins and pearl beads complete the bin.

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    Black Light Skeleton Sensory Bin

    Since there are many white or cream-colored pieces in this bin, it’s fun to extend sensory learning by observing if any of them light up under a black light. Surprisingly, a few gem leaves glow the most when the bin is placed in a dark room under a black light.

    Find out what loose parts glow under a black light with this fun glam skeleton rice bin.

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    Note: To find out more about what glows under a black light, view my blog post “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation.“

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    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

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    Filed Under: autumn, fall, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: black light, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, skeletons, spiders

    Glow In The Dark Pumpkin Art

    October 26, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Quick and easy glow-in-the-dark pumpkin art with highlighter markers, paper, and a black light. Free printable to download on the blog.
    Quick and easy glow-in-the-dark pumpkin art with highlighter markers, paper, and a black light. Free printable to download on the blog.

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    This glow-in-the-dark pumpkin art is easy and fun to do. It’s an all-ages art activity the whole family can participate in, and looks stunning displayed in a dark room with a black light. Mounted on a neon-colored paper background, the pumpkin art project displays nicely in daylight too.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Supplies for making neon pumpkin art to use with a black light and take home afterward.

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    Just a few supplies make this arty activity come to life. To get it ready, gather the following:

    • highlighter markers in a variety of colors
    • white cardstock paper
    • pumpkin template
    • pencil
    • scissors
    • neon green pipe cleaners
    • masking tape
    • small table
    • black light
    Glow-in-the-dark pumpkin art with white cardstock paper, highlighter markers, and neon pipe cleaners. A stunning art project the whole family can do.

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    The Glow in the Dark Pumpkin Art Activity

    To prepare this activity, cut out pumpkins and leaves from white cardstock. Feel free to download the template below.

    A free pumpkin template to download for glow-in-the-dark art activities.

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    Pumpkin PatternDownload

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    Then, set out a container with highlighter markers along with a paper pumpkin and leaf for each participant.

    Next, invite everyone to color their pumpkin and leaf. Leaving some parts white is fine because it glows in the dark too.

    Afterward, wrap neon green pipe cleaners around a pencil, and fasten one around the stem of each pumpkin.

    Then set a small table against a wall in a room that can be made totally dark and place a black light on it.

    Next, tape the pumpkins and leaves to the wall above the table.

    This highlighter marker pumpkin art enhanced with a black light looks stunning in daylight too.

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    Finally, invite artists into the room to admire their displayed art in daylight with the black light turned on. Then turn off the room lights. Participants are sure to be wowed by how beautiful their highlighter-decorated pumpkins look under ultraviolet light.

    Quick and easy black light pumpkin art with highlighter markers, paper, and a black light. Free printable to download on the blog.

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    Note: For an explanation of how black light and highlighters interact with each other, view my blog post “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation.”

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    Black light pumpkin art with white cardstock paper, highlighter markers, and neon pipe cleaners. A stunning art project the whole family can do.

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    When this art project is ready to send home, mount it on a complementary-colored neon paper background.

    Neon pumpkin art for use with a black light, Afterward, mount it on neon paper to take home and display.

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    [Read more…] about Glow In The Dark Pumpkin Art

    Filed Under: art, autumn, display, fall, preschool, science Tagged With: black light, glow art, pumpkins

    Color Magic Milk Experiment

    October 8, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Try this mesmerizing color magic milk experiment today! A maple leaf frame adds an artistic twist to the kitchen science experiment.
    Try this mesmerizing color magic milk experiment today! A maple leaf frame adds an artistic twist to the kitchen science experiment.

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    Have you ever done the color magic milk experiment? It is quick and easy to do, and participants are always in awe of the results. In this version, I add artistic flair by giving the experiment a leafy twist.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Just a few supplies are needed for this simple but stunning kitchen science experiment. Gather the following:

    • 2 liters milk  
    • red, yellow, and blue food coloring
    • dish detergent
    • large round serving tray
    • maple leaf frame (optional)

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    The Color Magic Milk Experiment

    Effortlessly perform this color magic milk experiment in four easy steps. A maple leaf frame enhances the kitchen science experiment.

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    To do this experiment, start by pouring a layer of milk into a food tray. Using homo milk is recommended, but 1% and 2% will also work.

    Note: Outdated milk is a great choice for this experiment.

    Next, float a maple leaf frame on the milk. (My frame is a cardboard cutout purchased at a dollar store.)

    Note: The leaf-themed frame adds interest to the experiment, but is not necessary for it to work.

    Then drip yellow, red, and blue food coloring inside the frame.

    This next step is where the magic happens… Squirt a drop of dish detergent onto each pool of colors. Watch the colors instantly race to the edge of the frame, swirling around as they go.

    After the initial color burst, check back after ten minutes and you will see a variety of hues slowly starting to fill in the maple leaf shape.

    Watch the color magically spread around the maple leaf frame in this kitchen science experiment.

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    At this point, you can add a little more food coloring and a tiny bit of dish detergent for more color play.

    The colors slowly fill out the maple leaf frame in this color magic milk experiment with an artistic twist.

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    View this maple leaf color magic science experiment as a video.

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    The Science Behind This Color Experiment

    Although milk is made of mostly water, it also contains fat and protein. These are both sensitive to changes in the milk. When dish soap is added to the tray, it breaks up the surface tension of the milk and is attracted to the fat molecules. The fat molecules try to scurry away but end up bonded with the soap molecules. The movement of the food coloring makes this process visible. As more and more soap and fat molecules bond, the color movement slows down and eventually stops.

    Since the fat content in milk is super important in this experiment, homo milk works the best. But 2% and 1% milk (which I often have handy) also show stunning results.

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    Try this mesmerizing color magic milk experiment today! A maple leaf frame adds an artistic twist to the kitchen science experiment.

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    Related: Color Explosion Science Experiment

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    Filed Under: autumn, fall, preschool, science, sensory, trees Tagged With: color, leaves, science experiment

    Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

    September 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This black light "words of affirmation" glow art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.
    This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

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    Words are powerful, and they can be super uplifting to early learners. At the beginning of the school year, supportive, self-esteem-building words help students get off to a good start. A creative and oh-so-easy way to introduce them is by inviting little learners to use highlighters to color around positive ones printed in heart shapes. Afterward, the fancied-up words can be viewed and discussed in a “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation” language and science activity.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    For this confidence-boosting glow art activity, gather the following supplies:

    • chisel-tipped highlighters in a variety of colors
    • white cardstock paper
    • black felt marker
    • scissors
    • tape
    • portable black light fluorescent tube and holder
    • small coffee table

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    Glow Word Art

    First, draw heart shapes on white cardstock paper with a black felt marker, and add a word of affirmation to each one. Or design the project digitally. The words chosen for my art project are:

    • creative
    • friendly
    • kind
    • brave
    • helpful
    • teachable
    • awesome
    • unique
    • cherished
    Steps to perform a black light "words of affirmation" glow art activity. The art project is perfect for the beginning of the year, the end of the year, or anytime in between.

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    Next, invite little learners to decorate a word heart with highlighter markers, and then cut their hearts out. Leaving some parts of the designs uncolored is fine, as white will glow too.

    Note: Highlighter ink is a tiny bit toxic, but using it is not considered a health risk. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths and/or coloring on themselves, it is advisable to choose another art medium for this activity.

    When decorated, tape the embellished hearts to a wall in a room that can be made totally dark.

    Afterward, place a fluorescent tube black light on a small table next to the art wall, and turn it on.

    Then invite everyone to the room to view the art with all lights on. Discuss how the words apply to your little learners.

    This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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    Lastly, make the room dark and leave just the black light on. Students will be wowed by the glowing, worded hearts.

    This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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    Safety Tip: Tell children that they should only be near a black light for a short period of time. Prolonged exposure may lead to eye and skin damage.

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    Discussing The Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

    Here are some ideas for discussing decorated word hearts with the children:

    • Assure early learners that they are brave in coming to school and meeting new friends.
    • Affirm the specialness of each child by saying they are “unique, awesome, and cherished.”
    • Compliment students for being creative and teachable.
    • Highlight that being “friendly, helpful, and kind” are ways to work as a team and get along with each other.
    This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

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    The Science Behind Black Light

    Black lights are designed to block out visible light and emit invisible, ultraviolet (UV-A) light. They illuminate natural and man-made materials that contain phosphors. Phosphors convert the energy in UV radiation to visible light by re-emitting it at a different wavelength, one that our eyes can see.

    The dyes from highlighter pens contain phosphors. When highlighter art is positioned in a dark room near a black light, it glows.

    This black light character trait art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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    Glowing Names

    Instead of focussing on words of affirmation, invite your little learners to color around their names with highlighters. This is also a terrific beginning of the year activity. And it works well at the end of the school term to remind children that they have been valued members of the class.

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    Related: Scented Moon Playdough

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    Filed Under: art, display, fall, friends, literacy, preschool, science Tagged With: art, black light, light, science experiment, self-esteem

    Salt And Glue Moon Art

    August 8, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Try this stunning salt and glue moon art activity. It's a process art project that displays well. Ten moon facts are included in the post.
    Try this stunning salt and glue moon art activity. It's a process art project that displays well. Ten moon facts are included in the post.

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    This salt and glue moon art activity is a simple way to create a realistic moon in its natural colors. It’s easy for little learners to do, and looks showy when displayed.

    To help set the tone for the art activity, here are ten fun facts about the moon’s surface to share.

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    Ten Moon Facts

    • The moon usually appears bright whitish, silvery gray, or pale yellow. This is because its surface is illuminated by the sun.
    • Close up, the moon is colored in shades of gray, with a little bit of black and white. There are tinges of orange, blue, or green in some parts.
    • The moon is rocky and bumpy.
    • There are light and dark areas on it’s surface.
    • The dark areas are huge craters filled primarily with basalt lava that has cooled and formed smooth, dark plains. Much of the lava is rich in magnesium and iron, which is the reason for the dark color.
    • The lighter areas are highlands with mountains and many craters. The highlands are low in iron and rich in calcium, giving them a lighter color.
    • There are volcanic domes and shield volcanoes, as well as channel-like depressions on the moon.
    • The moon is covered in a thin layer of moon dust, which is a dark grey color.
    • There are traces of water in the form of water ice at the moon’s poles. Water molecules have recently been discovered on the sunlit side of the moon.
    • From earth, we always see the same side of the moon.
    An easy-to-do moon art activity with a salt and glue technique. The art project looks stunning on display.

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    Powerful telescopes, space probes that orbit or land on the moon, spacecraft that circle the moon, and robotic rovers are some ways the moon is regularly explored. Twelve astronauts have had the chance to walk on the moon and see it up close.

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    Moon Art Supplies

    Just a few supplies are needed for this striking moon art project:

    • 8 ½ inch x 11- inch gray cardstock paper
    • 12 x 12-inch black cardstock paper
    • white glue
    • glue paddles
    • disposable plates
    • table salt
    • small bowls or paint cups
    • spray adhesive
    • hot glue gun

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    The Salt And Glue Moon Art Process

    To prepare for the activity, cut circles about 8 ½ inches in diameter from gray cardstock.

    Next, set up a station for each child participating with a

    • gray cardstock paper circle
    • small bowl of salt and a teaspoon
    • container of white glue and glue paddle
    • disposable plate
    Stunning moon art made with a salt and glue art technique. Teach facts about the moon while doing this process art activity.

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    Invite little learners to drizzle white glue on their circle-shaped paper.

    Then have them sprinkle salt from a teaspoon over the glue, and shake excess salt onto their disposable plate.

    Let the art projects dry overnight.

    An easy-to-do moon art activity with a salt and glue technique. The art project looks stunning on display.

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    To help preserve the moon art, spray each salted circle with adhesive spray. Hairspray works fine for this task too.

    When thoroughly dry, adhere each paper moon to a black cardstock or construction paper background using a hot glue gun.

    Display the stunning art projects on a bulletin board or wall. They will look amazing!

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Little learners may have their own thoughts about the art they are creating. One of my students pretended he was making “The North Pole.” This led to a discussion about who was on Santa’s nice and naughty list!

    Another student asked if he could taste the salt. After saying it was ok to taste a little of it, we discussed that it is a good choice to ask if it is safe to taste an art supply before doing it. We also talked about how there is a lot of salt in many playdough recipes, but we only use a little bit to season food.

    Try this stunning salt and glue moon art activity. It's a process art project that displays well. Ten moon facts are included in the post.

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    Related: Scented Moon Playdough

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    Filed Under: art, display, preschool, science, space Tagged With: moon, process art

    Painting Striped And Spotted Sharks

    August 1, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Painting striped and spotted sharks are an easy way for early learners to incorporate simple design elements into the art process. Tiger and leopard shark facts are included.

    Painting striped and spotted sharks is an effective way for young children to incorporate simple design elements into the art process. And tiger and leopard sharks are the perfect subjects to encourage early learners to paint stripes and spots. These sharks are especially interesting because of their unique coloring.

    Painting striped and spotted sharks are an easy way for early learners to incorporate simple design elements into the art process. Tiger and leopard shark facts are included.

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    It is common knowledge that early learners just love, love, love to mix colors when painting. They never seem to tire of mixing paints.  Oh so quickly, they will swirl paint around to make a mediocre brown or another dull hue, and be left with muddied paints to work with.

    As they get a little older, I like to encourage children to try something a little more challenging. I say, “Try this challenge on your first painting. Then on your next ones you can paint any which way you like.” This is usually effective. Sometimes little learners choose to make a second or even a third painted piece. Other times they are ready to move on to another activity in the classroom after the first one.

    With these shark painting activities, children are challenged to keep colors somewhat separate and add stripes and spots to their paintings.

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    Painting Striped Tiger Sharks

    Tiger sharks provide inspiration for painting stripes on fish art projects.

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    To prepare for the art activity, draw and cut large tiger sharks from 12 x 18-inch paper. Manila or construction paper works well.

    Then set out tempera paint colors of choice. The paint palette can feature a variety of colors, or monochromatic ones, such as black, gray, and white.

    Next, add a paintbrush and paper towel section to each participant’s station.

    To introduce the painting activity, read a picture book featuring different kinds of sharks. 

    Next, focus on tiger sharks. Show pictures of them from books and/or online sources, and share interesting facts. The information further on in this post may be helpful.

    Invite early learners to decorate their sharks, making sure to add some stripes to them. Encourage them to dab excess paint on a paper towel when switching paint colors.

    Ten fun facts about tiger sharks. These fascinating sharks inspire little artists to paint stripes.

    _______

    10 Tiger Shark Facts

    • Tiger sharks are the fourth largest shark. Only the whale shark, basking shark, and great white shark are bigger.
    • These striking sharks have spots and vertical lines on the sides of their bodies, similar to the stripes on land tigers. The markings fade over time.
    • Their striped grey coloring camouflages the sneaky sharks in the water.
    • Preferring warmer waters, the large sharks live near coasts in tropical and subtropical areas around the world.
    • Tiger sharks have excellent eyesight and hearing and are slow-moving swimmers.
    • Not fussy about prey, the nocturnal hunters will eat almost anything whole, even garbage!
    • The food they commonly eat is invertebrates, other fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and seals.
    • Their broad jaws and strong, sharp, serrated teeth help them cut through their prey.
    • The orca whale is the only predator of tiger sharks.
    • Being very curious, these sharks will come close to humans and occasionally bite them.
    • Shark babies, called pups, hatch from individual eggs inside the mother’s body and are born live. There is an average of 30 – 35 pups per litter.

    _______

    Tiger sharks provide inspiration for painting stripes on fish art projects.

    _______

    Painting Spotted Leopard Sharks

    With this second painting activity, draw and cut out leopard sharks from oversized sheets of sturdy paper.

    Introduce little learners to the spotted sharks by showing pictures of them and sharing facts. Interesting leopard facts are listed below.

    Invite participants to paint their sharks, adding spots to them.

    Leopard sharks provide inspiration for painting spots on fish art projects.

    _______

    10 Leopard Shark Facts

    • Leopard sharks are smaller than tiger sharks, but also live near the shore.
    • The sharks live year-round in the Pacific Ocean from Oregon to the Gulf Of California.
    • The dark spots on their backs have a likeness to those of real leopards.
    • The narrow-headed mid-sized sharks have three pointed teeth that are good for smashing food.
    • The spotted sharks hunt on the bottom of the ocean at night.
    • Favorite prey is crabs, fish eggs, shrimp, clams, octopus, and fish. The sharks sometimes eat other small sharks.
    • Leopard sharks are active, strong swimmers, but will sink when not moving.
    • Being shy and skittish, they often hide before humans can spot them.
    • Like tiger sharks, leopard shark pups are born live after hatching from egg capsules in the mother’s uterus.
    • Loss of habitat is the biggest threat to leopard sharks.

    _______

    Painting stripes and spots on sharks are an easy way for early learners to incorporate simple design elements into the art process. Tiger and leopard shark facts are included.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    More Ways To Create With Spots

    In addition to brush-painted spots, eye-catching spots can be added to an art piece by:

    • fingerpainting
    • using dot markers
    • adhering circle stickers
    • gluing on paper circles

    _______

    Artist Yayoi Kusama

    A famous artist who often uses circles/spots in her art is Yayoi Kusama. Her “obliteration room” collaborative projects are especially amazing!

    _______

    Related: Watermelon-Inspired Banner Craft

    _______

    [Read more…] about Painting Striped And Spotted Sharks

    Filed Under: art, ocean, preschool, science Tagged With: painting, sharks

    Pool Noodle Building Blocks

    July 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Pool noodle building blocks are fantastic in the block corner or as loose parts. This is a STEAM activity you will want to try.

    _______

    Over a year ago, I purchased interlocking foam pool noodles, planning to pull them out one day as a boredom buster. This year they finally made their debut, as pool noodle building blocks!

    Pool noodle building blocks are fantastic in the block corner or as loose parts. This is a STEAM activity you will want to try.

    _______

    Before introducing the pool noodles, I trimmed them into various lengths with a sharp knife on a cutting board. The cut pieces ranged from thin slices to much longer ones. A few sections were sliced in half lengthwise.

    Then I loaded the connectable foam noodle loose parts into large bins and set them out in a block corner. I wasn’t sure how early learners would react to them. Would they find them interesting to build with? Would the novelty of the construction activity wear off after a few days?

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Pool Noodle Block Play

    The first day the cut swim noodles were out I demonstrated how to slide them together. Children responded well and began creating structures.

    The light, flexible blocks far surpassed my expectations as a building toy. Every day, early learners regularly picked them up and made something new. Here are some things they created with the noodles:

    • large sculptures
    • barricades
    • spaceships
    • an elevator
    • a castle

    The hollow foam blocks stayed out for a few months. Over time, I added a few other types and colors of noodles to the play area in order to provide more choice. The new pieces were not interlocking but added interest, and early learners used them to enhance the creations they made.

    Pool noodle building blocks are fantastic in the block corner or as loose parts. This is a STEAM activity you will want to try.

    _______

    More Play With Pool Noodle Building Blocks

    To my delight, children repurposed the different kinds of pool noodles in other play activities. They used individual pieces as:

    • candles on a table in a play restaurant
    • a bun for a sausage
    • food fried up in a pan
    • a telescope

    And at times, other classroom building materials were added to pool noodle structures.

    Set out these light, transportable, foam noodle building blocks for your early learners to build with and add to for STEAM fun.

    _______

    As loose parts, the pool noodles were used innovatively and creatively by early learners. I loved seeing the inventions made, and always responded enthusiastically.

    _______

    Pool noodles are inexpensive, light, and easy to move around and store. They work fabulously as creative building pieces and loose parts for construction and dramatic play centers.

    _______

    Related: Build A Christmas Tree STEAM Activity

    _______

    [Read more…] about Pool Noodle Building Blocks

    Filed Under: block play, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, science Tagged With: block play, dramatic play, pool noodles, 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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    Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are encouraged to set up lemonade stands (supplies are provided) and raise money for a local children’s hospital.
A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

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    Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
    Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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    Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of sparkle and shine.  #playdoughfun #sensoryplayideas #playbasedlearning #keepingkidsbusy #learnandplay #loosepartsplay #invitationtoplay #preschooler #preschoolfun #spaceexploration #spaceships #earlyeducation #eyfsideas
    An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
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