Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

sensory

Leprechaun Goop Sensory Bin

by Leave a Comment

_______

Have you ever heard of goop? It is made with cornstarch and water and can act both as a liquid and a solid. It is the perfect sensory base to trap or untrap leprechauns in this leprechaun goop sensory bin.

_______

Leprechaun Goop Supplies

Gather the following supplies for this super slimy goop-based bin:

  • cornstarch
  • water
  • green food coloring
  • bus tub or saucer sled
  • spoon for stirring
  • leprechaun figurines
  • craft foam shamrocks
  • reusable ice cube shamrocks
  • green ping pong balls
  • green and gold play coins
  • shamrock necklace pieces
  • washable tablecloth

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

Making the Leprechaun Goop Sensory Bin

Goop is made from two taste-safe ingredients: water and cornstarch. It can be thicker or thinner, depending on how much water you add.

_______

To prepare the goop, select a bin for the activity. I feature a round saucer sled, but a regular bus tub would work fine. Set the bin on a table covered with a washable tablecloth.

Next, pour two large containers of cornstarch into the bin.

Then fill one of the containers with water and add green food coloring.

Pour the colored water over the goop and carefully stir the mixture with a spoon. You may wish to add a little more water until you get the consistency of a thick slime.

_______

When the mixture is stirred, set in leprechaun figurines.

Add foam shamrocks, reusable ice cube shamrocks, green ping pong balls, green and gold play coins, and strings cut from shamrock-themed garland to the bin.

_______

The Leprechaun Sensory Bin

Children of all ages love exploring a goop sensory bin. The goop is sticky so participants can have fun trapping and untrapping leprechauns in it along with using the other supplies.

_______

Keep a tub of water and a hand towel close by so it is easy to wash up after participants use the sensory bin.

_______

For variety, add a gel window cling leprechaun or a leprechaun hat and legs to the bin instead of the figurines.

_______

This activity looks pretty messy, but splotches of goop on the table and floor are easy to sweep up or wipe away with soapy water and a cloth.

_______

Properties of Goop

With a thicker batch of goop, it is fun to explore its ability to turn from a liquid to a solid and vice versa. Left at room temperature the mixture is a liquid. When the goop is squeezed in a hand it becomes a solid. And when fingers are unfurled, the goop becomes a liquid again. How cool!

_______

More St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bins

St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

Leprechaun Sensory Play

_______

[Read more…] about Leprechaun Goop Sensory Bin

Barbie Inspired Dramatic Play

by Leave a Comment

_______

Barbie dolls were a favorite toy to play with in my childhood days, and my daughter loved them equally as much. I especially enjoyed dressing the dolls up in all kinds of gorgeous clothing, and styling their hair different ways. When the recent Barbie: The Movie came out I was into the pink hues just as much as the set designers were. And after stumbling across a beautiful Barbie-themed display room at our local Ikea store, I was totally down for creating a Barbie-inspired dramatic play set up for my little learners. As you might expect, it has lots of pink.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies In The Dramatic Play Set Up

_______

The following supplies are in the Barbie-inspired dramatic play set up:

  • pink plates, cups, trays, and dessert bowls
  • pink tea set
  • sliced pink pool noodles
  • painted pink egg flat, egg flat lid, and cup holder
  • pink curlers and heart-shaped cookie cutters
  • pink felt hearts and reusable ice cubes
  • gold tree decorations
  • gold buttons and bead strands
  • black and white box
  • black and white scrabble pieces
  • gold, pink, black, and white pom poms
  • white plush snowballs, play eggs, and cotton balls
  • pink tablecloth
  • vase of flowers

_______

The Barbie Inspired Dramatic Play Tablescape

_______

The overall color scheme for this Barbie-inspired dramatic play center is pink, with loose parts in black, white, and gold. The supplies are set up as a play tablescape but could be spread out on shelves and/or play kitchen appliances.

It is easy to find pink-themed tableware suitable for little learners to play with, and there is plenty of it in this center.

_______

Although I wondered if I needed any more pink hues, I decided to follow up my idea of having a few little learners paint a four-slot disposable cup holder and an egg carton flat and lid in a bright pink hue. I was glad I did because the results were stunning.

Note: White tempera paint mixed with a little red makes a pretty pink color.

The egg flat works for holding large black pom poms and play eggs.

_______

The egg flat lid makes a perfect tray for loose parts reimagined as play food.

_______

The four-compartment cup holder contains drink cups or white plush imaginary muffins or snow cones nicely.

_______

Little learners love using loose parts, and I enjoy seeing their creativity in playing with them. The black, white, pink, and gold loose parts in this table set up help create the unique color scheme.

_______

Adding Barbie dolls and Barbie-themed décor would be the perfect addition in this pink-infused dramatic play tablescape.

_______

Related:

Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play

_______

[Read more…] about Barbie Inspired Dramatic Play

Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play

by Leave a Comment

_______

This Pink Shirt Day dramatic play theme is all about the pink. It was inspired by the glorious pink-infused Barbieland set in the recent Barbie film. I am debuting it for Pink Shirt Day, commonly observed in February or May each year.

Pink Shirt Day is a global movement celebrated by more than 100 countries worldwide. The initiative draws attention to the issue of bullying. It is a reminder to be kind and respectful to other people, whether you are at home, at school, at a workplace, or online.

In addition to inviting children and adults to wear a pink shirt, the dramatic play setup further emphasizes the meaning of the color pink on Pink Shirt Day.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Pink-themed Dramatic Play Supplies

_______

The following supplies are in this pretend play set up with a whole lotta pink accessories and loose parts:

  • “Be Kind” place card and stand
  • fish, flower, and cube-shaped reusable ice cubes
  • pom poms in various shades of pink
  • pool noodle slices
  • miniature tea set
  • ice cube tray
  • art caddy
  • fillable eggs
  • curlers
  • buttons
  • heart-shaped game pieces, erasers, and cookie cutters
  • disposable plates, cups, and cutlery
  • food serving containers and tongs
  • dessert cups and spoons
  • disposable cup holder and egg carton top
  • tablecloth
  • vase with artificial flowers

_______

The Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play Invitation

In this rosy dramatic play center, a variety of loose parts complement pink-themed plates, cutlery, serving containers, and a miniature tea set. The supplies come in shades such as pastel pink, hot pink, magenta, and fuchsia.

_______

A place card with the words “Be Kind” describes the dramatic play theme and provides a literacy opportunity.

_______

A four-compartment disposable cup holder painted in a glorious pink hue holds cups or larger loose parts.

_______

An inverted square egg carton lid also painted pink makes a nice-sized serving tray for cookie cutters and cut bun-shaped pool noodle pretend play food.

Note: A little red tempera paint mixed in with white produces a gorgeous pink hue. Painting the cardboard recyclable pieces is a fun activity for children to participate in either individually or as a small group.

_______

Cutlery and disposable ice cubes are contained nicely in a small art caddy.

Heart-shaped game pieces, cookie cutters, and erasers add to the kindness theme.

_______

Buttons, curlers, thinly sliced pool noodles, and an ice cube holder round out the supplies in the dramatic play center.

The accessories and loose parts in this super fun pink-themed play invitation offer opportunities for fine motor development, sorting, labeling shades of color, and imaginative play.

_______

_______

Variation of the Pink-themed Dramatic Play Set Up

With a few pink pieces exchanged for black, gold, and white-themed loose parts, the Pink Shirt Day dramatic play set up easily transitions to an eye-catching Barbie-inspired play kitchen theme. Since it is awards season for Barbie: The Movie, the tweaked play invitation fits perfectly.

_______

[Read more…] about Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play

Alphabet and Number Matching Games

by Leave a Comment

_______

Children love a little creativity thrown into daily tasks, and wholeheartedly embrace these alphabet and number-matching games with clothespins and a heart. Along with offering fine motor practice, the activities promote literacy and math skills.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies to Collect

These alphabet and number-matching games are perfect for a Valentine’s Day theme and can be used any time of the year. Just the following few supplies are needed for the heart-themed clothespin activities:

  • spring-loaded clothespins
  • large foam heart
  • small foam or paper hearts
  • heart doilies and sticker hearts
  • white glue and glue paddle
  • hot glue gun
  • black permanent marker

_______

_______

Preparing and Offering the Clothespin Activities

To prepare these heart-filled alphabet and number matching activities, select a large foam heart. Or cut one out from a generously sized piece of foam. I feature a pink heart for the activity, but any color heart would work fine.

Then choose spring-loaded clothespins to use. Old-fashioned wooden clothespins are up to the task. They are readily available for purchase at dollar stores, along with other kinds.

Invite little learners to clip clothespins onto the heart for valuable practice in developing finger strength and eye-hand coordination. Pass the heart around a circle during group time to give your little charges practice in turn-taking and sharing. As the children are passing around the heart, you could sing the following song to the tune of “Skip To My Lou My Darling.”

We’re passing the heart and adding a clothespin.  

We’re passing the heart and adding a clothespin.

We’re passing the heart and adding a clothespin.

We’re turn-taking with our friends.

_______

Alphabet Matching Heart Game

_______

To give this valuable fine motor activity more mileage, write capital alphabet letters around the edge of the large foam heart using a black permanent marker. Then write capital or lowercase letters on small foam or paper hearts, and affix them to clothespins with white glue or a hot glue gun. Add a heart doily and/or heart-shaped stickers for decoration if desired. Invite little learners to match letters as they clip clothespins to the heart.

_______

Number Matching Heart Game

_______

For even more learning potential, flip the heart over and write numbers around the edge. You can go with numbers 1 to 10, or add numbers up to 25 if the foam heart is large enough. Then write the same numbers on small foam or paper hearts and affix them to spring-loaded clothespins. This time ask your early learners to match numbers when clipping clothespins on the heart.

_______

Benefits of Fine Motor Activities

As mentioned above, fine motor activities such as these alphabet and number matching games promote eye-hand coordination and finger strength. Practice using clothespins strengthens the pincer grasp. This is important for self-help skills such as buttoning, tying, and zipping, and for coloring, cutting, and using tools. They are great prewriting exercises.

_______

More Pinch Grasp Activities

View a blog post by The OT Toolbox for detailed information on the pinch grasp and more clothespin pinch grasp exercises.

_______

More Heart-themed Activities

Squeegee Painting Heart Art

Salad Spinner Heart Art

Eye Dropper Painting Heart Art

Jewelry Heart Loose Parts Play

Celebrate Diversity Heart Art

Earth Day Heart Art

Heart-Shaped Dissolving Candy Science Experiment

_______

[Read more…] about Alphabet and Number Matching Games

Valentine’s Day Jewelry on the Light Table

by Leave a Comment

_______

The giving and receiving of jewelry around Valentine’s Day is a common tradition. Who doesn’t feel special receiving a new sparkling, jewel-toned necklace, bracelet, or ring? Trying on Valentine’s Day jewelry on the light table gives little learners a chance to feel that specialness and explore the glittering accessories in a new way.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Light Table Valentine’s Day Supplies

_______

The following supplies were gathered for this charming light table play invitation:

  • clear acrylic jewelry chest
  • clear acrylic compartment trays
  • mirror and stand
  • transparent purple, pink, and red necklaces, bracelets, and rings
  • heart-themed play sunglasses
  • transparent tic tac toe game
  • reusable heart-shaped ice cubes
  • acrylic heart gems

_______

_______

The Valentine’s Day Jewelry Play Invitation

Play jewelry is a welcome addition to any dress-up center, but has a moment to shine extra brightly in a light table play invitation.

The clear acrylic jewelry chest was a recent happy find and is super fun to use. Jewelry displayed in clear compartment trays works just as well.

_______

A large mirror set on a stand reflects the supplies beautifully and invites children to view themselves all jeweled up. Choosing a non-breakable mirror is recommended.

Play sunglasses add to the possible looks.

_______

Heart-themed loose parts provide additional items to explore and encourage children to think in creative ways. Early learners can practice labeling, counting, and sorting them.

Having a variety of materials on the light table allows children to play side by side, offering opportunities for socialization. Two to four children can play in the center at one time.

_______

The color scheme for this Valentine’s Day jewelry on the light table play invitation is purple, pink, and red. Any color combination would work wonderfully for the illuminating, accessory-filled center.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

_______

More Valentine’s Day Activities

Valentine’s Day Heart Art

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

Woolly Valentine’s Day Crafts

Valentine’s Day Process Art

Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

Squeegee Painting Heart Art

Valentine’s Day Water Play

Valentine’s Day Gingerbread Cookies

Valentine’s Day Musical Instruments

Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

Valentine’s Day Playdough Activities

Llama-inspired Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin

Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

Eye Dropper Heart Art

_______

[Read more…] about Valentine’s Day Jewelry on the Light Table

Chinese New Year Sensory Bins

by Leave a Comment

_______

Here are three Chinese New Year sensory bins to help celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. The zodiac animal assigned to the new year is a dragon, and the imaginary winged beast is featured in all the bins.

______

Dragon and Noodle Sensory Bin

This first Chinese New Year sensory bin has a noodle base. Noodles are a common ingredient in Asian dishes.

_______

The supplies in the bin are:

  • red envelope
  • gold play coins
  • red bowl and chopsticks
  • red and gold dragon figurines
  • stuffed fish
  • gold and red buttons
  • red tassels
  • red beads and bead garland

_______

_______

Dyed Chickpea and Dragon Sensory Bin

This second Lunar New Year sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base.

_______

The chickpeas are dyed in various amounts of red acrylic paint. Some have been left uncolored. To learn how to dye chickpeas, view my blog post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

Just a few supplies complement this simple sensory bin:

  • gold Asian play coins
  • round game pieces
  • gold stars cut from garland
  • red and gold bead garland cut into strips
  • large diamond-shaped acrylic gems
  • gold buttons
  • plush dragon
  • star-shaped bowl
  • training chopsticks

_______

_______

Chinese New Year Wood Dragon Bin

This third sensory bin hones in on the fact that it is not just the year of the dragon, but more specifically, a wood dragon. The white glutinous rice-based bin is calming compared to the two previous bright and bold bins. Green and white supplies and woodland elements are prevalent in the sensory play invitation.

_______

The Chinese New Year Wood Dragon bin contents are:

  • orange tree sprig
  • green and gold ornament
  • artificial green leaves
  • small logs
  • tree branch slices
  • tiny tin
  • gold play coins
  • ornamental rock
  • training chopsticks
  • green dragon figurine

_______

_______

Enjoy celebrating the Chinese New Year with one or more of these dragon-themed sensory bins.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Related:

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Bins

Polar Scene Snow Painting

by Leave a Comment

_______

This polar scene snow painting activity was a last minute set up after a group discussion about igloos and the possibility of making one. We just happened to have a lot of snow in our city that week, so it was a good fit. Save this idea for the next time you have snow…the art and sensory activity is sure to be a hit.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

Supplies to Collect

Just the following few supplies are needed for this polar scene snow painting activity:

  • sensory tray
  • bus tub
  • large bowl
  • polar animal figurines
  • ice cubes or acrylic ice cubes
  • snow
  • paint pots and paintbrushes
  • neon food coloring or liquid food colors
  • stage light (optional)

_______

Polar Scene Snow Painting

_______

To set up this snowy sensory set up, the first thing to do is to select a sensory tray. For this activity, I picked a large active world tray. It is gernously-sized, and has room for six to eight children to paint at a time. For three to four children, a smaller tray or bin would work just fine.

Next, fill a bus tub or similar-sized utility box with snow and pour it into the bin.

Afterward, pack a salad bowl-sized metal bowl full of snow and let it sit for a few minutes.

Then tip the bowl over in the center of the snow-filled tray to create an igloo. Pack more snow around the dome if necessary to ensure a rounded shape.

Dig a little hole in one part of the igloo to become an entrance.

Then add ice cubes or acrylic ice cubes around the snow house.

_______

Next, generously squirt neon food colors such as green, pink, and purple into paint pots half-filled with water. Add a paintbrush to each pot.

Note: The food color choices are inspired by hues displayed in northern lights, which frequently flood the arctic skies and illuminate the land.

Finally, invite your little charges to paint the igloo and snow.

_______

To extend this transient art invitation and add ambiance, set up a stage light and position it to shine on the igloo and animal figurines while the children are participating in the polar scene snow painting activity.

_______

Children may wish to paint the animal figurines during the art and sensory experience. The paint washes off easily with a little soap and water.

_______

More Northern Lights-inspired Activities

Igloo “Glamping” Pretend Play

Polar Bear Small World

Northern Lights Squish Painting

_______

[Read more…] about Polar Scene Snow Painting

Paint Pour Ice Cake Sensory Play

by Leave a Comment

_______

Drip cakes are a popular trend at the moment. After seeing a fascinating drip cake-decorating video online, I thought it would be fun to try a similar technique with tempera paint and a three-tier ice cake. It turned out to be a paint pour ice cake sensory play invitation, and the icy activity was a huge success. I highly recommend giving it a try.

It is winter in my part of the world right now, and this paint pour sensory activity fits the season. But it would work any time of the year indoors or outdoors using of-the-moment seasonal colors.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

To set up a paint pour ice cake sensory activity, gather the following supplies:

  • sensory tub
  • small square coffee table
  • waterproof tablecloth
  • tarp
  • round food storage containers in various sizes
  • a variety of ice cube trays
  • tempera paints in turquoise, pink, light purple, and white hues
  • small soda or water bottles
  • shovels
  • toy dinosaurs

_______

Setting Up The Paint Pour Ice Cake Activity

This sensory invitation is easy from start to finish. The first thing to do is collect round food storage containers and gather all the ice cube trays you can find. Freeze water in them outdoors on a cold day or in a freezer to make ice. This will take about 24 to 48 hours.

_______

Next, pour tempera paint in turquoise, pink, light purple, and white hues into clear bottles with narrow spouts. Small milk or soda bottles are perfect for this activity. Mix a little water into the paint colors to make them easy to pour.

Then cover an area of the floor with a tarp or large round waterproof tablecloth and set down a small coffee table.

Cover the table with a waterproof tablecloth and place a sensory tub on it. For the featured activity, I used an inexpensive saucer sled. It is just the right size to fit four to six little learners around it. An active world tray would be a fine alternative.

_______

When the ice shapes are frozen, stack the large cylindrical ones into a three-tier cake in the middle of the tub. Spread ice cubes in various sizes and shapes around the ice cake.

_______

Paint Pour Ice Cake Sensory Play

_______

When the ice cake sensory play invitation is all set up, invite little learners to gather around.

_______

Have your little charges take turns pouring paint from a bottle on top of the cake. The children will be enthralled by the dripping hues.

_______

After all the paint has been poured, include shovels and dinosaurs in the tub for added sensory play opportunities.

_______

The paint colors will eventually tone down and blend, allowing little learners to experience a color-changing science experiment.

_______

More Winter Sensory Play Activities

Polar Animal Sensory Play

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Winter Playdough Recipe

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

LLama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Snowy Owl Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Paint Pour Ice Cake Sensory Play

Snowflake Cafe Dramatic Play

by Leave a Comment

_______

The weather is super snowy and cold in my part of the world right now, and this Snowflake Café dramatic play center fits right in. The center incorporates many loose parts, which little learners love to use in imaginative ways.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Snowflake Restaurant Supplies

_______

The following supplies are in the snowflake café set up:

  • acrylic snowflakes and gems
  • white styrofoam balls
  • felt, foam, and wooden snowflakes
  • ice cream play food
  • iridescent bead necklaces
  • snowflake-themed bells
  • metal trays, cookie pans, and muffin tray
  • frosted disposable goblets
  • disposable plates
  • clear spoons and forks
  • play coffee machine and cups
  • play money
  • restaurant signs and menu items
  • table and chairs with a vase of flowers

_______

The Snowflake Cafe

_______

The color scheme for the winter-themed Snowflake Café dramatic play center is blue, white, silver, and gold.

Snowflakes in various sizes and materials make up a large part of the play food. In checking my supplies and scouring stores in our area I found them in felt, foam, acrylic, and wood.

_______

The wooden snowflakes are painted with gold, silver, or shades of blue acrylic craft paint to match the color scheme.

_______

Including play spaghetti in my dramatic play centers is so fun. In the café iridescent necklaces cut into strips are the noodles, and small snowflake-themed bells are the meatballs.

_______

Styrofoam balls are snow cupcakes or muffins.

_______

Disposable frosted goblets and silver trays add elegance to the center.

_______

Little learners love to mix and match supplies in the snowflake café and use their imagination to decide what play food the loose parts will be. They relish in preparing food, serving it to customers, and handling play money.

_______

Variation Of The Snowflake Cafe

Below, the loose parts and clear tableware in the Snowflake Cafe along with a few additional supplies set the tone for an inviting dining experience on the light table.

_______

Related:

Winter Pretend Play Tablescape

Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play

_______

[Read more…] about Snowflake Cafe Dramatic Play

Snowy Owl Sensory Bin

by Leave a Comment

_______

This snowy owl sensory bin is a fun way to teach about predators and prey and can be set up in minutes. There are plenty of mice in the hide-and-seek bin, but there’s nothing to be afraid of in this winter play invitation.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Snowy Owls and Mice

Snowy owls live in polar regions, but some make their way further south. The majestic birds have excellent vision and exceptional hearing ability and can detect mice and other rodents traveling through tunnels beneath snow in winter. Hunting by day or night, they can dive through the snow, grab a mouse with their talons, and then swallow it whole.

_______

Snowy Owl Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

Just a few supplies are in this cheeky snowy owl sensory bin:

  • cotton balls
  • paper towel rolls
  • toy mice
  • owl figurine
  • rocks
  • small logs

_______

The Snowy Owl Sensory Bin

A round saucer sled works well as a bin for this winter white sensory activity. It is big enough to hold a variety of supplies, but small enough to be easy to fill.

_______

A large snowy owl figurine is the main character in the bin. A stuffed animal owl would be an awesome alternative.

Cotton balls spread out in the bin represent snow.

Paper towel rolls cut to shorter lengths or left whole serve as tunnels. The paper rolls signify how mice dig tunnels in the snow and travel through them to find food on the ground to eat during the snowy months. The scurrying mice also use them to get to their underground burrows.

Mice come in a variety of colors, such as white, brown, or grey. In this sensory setup, steel grey rubber mice are the snowy owl prey.

_______

Many snowy owls live far north above the tree line and never see a tree during their lifetime. Some snowy owls venture further south, still choosing open areas to live in. Perched on a high vantage post such as a tree or fencepost, they scan the surrounding area for prey such as mice to eat. Thus a few rocks and logs are added to this second sensory bin.

_______

Snowy Owl Sensory Bin Learning Opportunities

_______

This snowy owl sensory bin play invitation is perfect for learning facts about snowy owls and mice, and learning about predators and prey. Discussing hard and soft, long and short, and heavy and light items facilitates language. Practice in counting mice and developing eye-hand coordination when taking mice in and out of their tunnels are other educational benefits.

_______

More Polar Animal Activities

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Igloo Camping Pretend Play

Polar Bear Small World

Winter Sensory Trays

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Snowy Owl Sensory Bin