Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

sensory

Bunny Rice Bin

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Usher in spring in fashion with this bunny rice bin. A long-legged bunny and green and white eggs and loose parts are in the bin.

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We’re ready for spring, and this bunny rice bin is definitely helping to usher it in. The green and white seasonal color scheme is inspired by beautiful bunny-themed eggs discovered on a shopping run.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This spring bunny loose parts tray features green and white bunnies, eggs, and loose parts.

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For this calming rice bin, gather the following supplies:

  • stuffed Easter bunny
  • decorative Easter eggs
  • Easter basket
  • shredded Easter grass
  • bunny erasers
  • marbles
  • container caps
  • transparent triangles
  • bendable bunny figurine
  • Easter grass
  • glutinous rice
  • bus tub

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The Bunny Rice Bin

The bin of choice is a white bus tub. It is large enough to fit a variety of contents and is suitable for 2-3 children to use at once.

The base for this bin is white glutinous rice. It is my absolute favorite base because it showcases the supplies in a bin so well.

The sensory bin theme is inspired by decorative green and white eggs snapped up at a dollar store on a routine shopping run.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

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It took a little while to find a matching stuffed bunny, but eventually, I discovered a unique one at another dollar store. The sprawling bunny adds character to the bin.

Green paper Easter grass adds texture to the glutinous rice base.

An Easter basket, bendable bunny, and bunny erasers all in green come from my Easter theme storage tub.

And green transparent triangles, marbles, and container caps picked from my loose parts collection round out the supplies in the bin.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

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Any color scheme will work wonderfully for this bunny rice bin. Selecting two or three feature colors for the bin makes setting it up that much more fun.

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More Bunny Activities

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

Silhouette Bunny Art

Spring Bunny Canvas Art

Bunny Rolling Pin Art

Bunny Candy Art

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St. Patrick’s Day Light Table

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This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

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Setting up activities for the light table is one of my favorite things to do, and the light table is a well-loved center in our classroom. A perfect center for March, this St. Patrick’s Day light table setup is full of captivating loose parts for early learners to explore.

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Supplies Collected

This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

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The following transparent loose parts are gathered for this very green light table center:

  • light-up rubber bear
  • bear figurine
  • shamrocks
  • numbers
  • stir sticks
  • tiny cups
  • gem animal figurines
  • reusable shamrock ice cubes
  • shamrock serving tray
  • pebble-shaped gems
  • light-up shamrock necklaces
  • pair of party eyeglasses
  • construction toy
This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

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A vase with artificial flowers, a leprechaun figurine, and a pair of St. Patrick’s Day glasses round out the supplies on the table.

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The St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Center

This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

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For this light-illuminated center, I started off by checking my St. Patrick’s Day supplies for green transparent objects. These have been collected over the years from Dollar stores and party supply stores.

Next, I scrounged through my tub of green loose parts for interesting things to add, selecting the light-up bear, transparent pebbles and stir sticks.

Then I looked through my light table supplies and gathered mostly green and a few yellow transparent objects, such as a bear figurine, transparent construction toys, numbers, and tiny animal figurines.

An opportunity to sort shamrocks on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with green transparent loose parts.

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An opportunity to sort green loose parts on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with transparent treasures to explore.

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Finally, on a recent trip to a dollar store I purchased two light-up necklaces. I included them after little learners had a week to explore the center, offering my little charges new items that continued their interest in this St. Patrick’s Day activity.

A green shamrock light-up necklace is a highlight in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

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A green shamrock light-up necklace and pair of glasses are highlights in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

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View this center as a St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Video.

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More Light Table Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Tray

Canada Day Light Table

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[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day Light Table

Shamrock Leaf Print Art

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How to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art with sprigs from an Oxalis Regnelli plant. An easy-to-do all-ages art project.

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Shamrock leaf print art is an activity I’ve wanted to try for a few years now, and this spring I carved out time for it. The art project is easy and enjoyable to do, and I am sure you will like it too.

A good time to try this leaf print art activity is around St. Patrick’s Day, as shamrock plants are plentiful in stores then. The compound leaves on the plant look like the shamrock symbol that the country of Ireland is known for. Irish people think shamrocks represent good luck, and they are prominent in clothing, decorations, and tableware during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

An Oxalis Regnelli shamrock plant with compound leaves composed of three triangular leaflets.

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The shamrock plant I found is called Oxalis Regnellii, which comes from Africa and some parts of the Americas. It has delicate leaves with three triangle-shaped leaflets. The leaves fold up neatly on overcast days and anytime it is dark, and open up when they are exposed to sunlight. The tiny, white, long-stemmed flowers have five petals.

A tiny white flower on an Oxalis Regnellii plant.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this nature-based art project:

  • shamrock plant
  • green and purple acrylic or tempera paint
  • paint pots
  • paintbrushes
  • purple and green pencil crayons
  • all-purpose art paper
  • green and purple construction paper
  • newspaper or manila paper
  • magnifying glasses

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Making The Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Before using the shamrock leaves for printmaking, give participants a chance to study the plant. Offer magnifying glasses to view the leaves and dainty flowers with yellow stamens. Set the plant out in a sunny place and then put it in a dark area to see how its leaves fold down and spread out depending on how much sunlight the plant is getting.

To prepare the art activity, snip a few leaves off the plant to use for making paint prints.

Steps to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art. This is an easy-to-do all-ages nature art project

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Next, lay down newspaper sheets or a large piece of manilla paper for participants to work on.

Then add an art station with a sheet of all-purpose art paper, leaf sprig, paintbrush, and green acrylic paint for each participant. My paper size is an 11-inch x 14-inch inch sheet cut in half, creating a 7-inch x 11-inch piece to work on.

Note: Non-toxic tempera paint is a good choice for young children taking part in the activity.

Afterward, invite participants to brush the tops of the leaflets on their sprig thoroughly with green paint, flip the leaf over, and carefully press the painted sides down on the paper.  Have them gently rub their fingers over the leaflets and pat the edges down to transfer as much paint to the paper as possible.

Beautiful shamrock leaf print art with leaves from the Oxalis Regnelli plant. This is a nature art project that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

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Then ask everyone to slowly lift their leaf off the paper canvas and repaint it to make more leaf prints. The shamrock leaves are delicate, but when handled gently they can be used a few times. If someone’s leaf tears, offer a new sprig to use.

When the paint prints are dry, ask participants to use a pencil crayon to add stems to the leaves.

As a finishing touch, mount each shamrock leaf print art project on a similar-colored construction paper background.

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Making Purple Shamrock Leaf Print Art

A purple shamrock, called Oxalis Triangularis, has similarly shaped leaves and flowers as the Oxalis Regnallii. This purple shamrock showcases deep purple, dark-edged leaves that respond to darkness and light in the same way.

A purple shamrock plant with compound leaves composed of three triangular leaflets.

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With purple acrylic or tempera paint, let participants create shamrock prints just as they were made in green.

Beautiful shamrock leaf print art with leaves from the Oxalis Regnelli plant. This is a nature art project that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

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If there are any leaves left on the plant after the printmaking activity is done, add them to a playdough activity. Or have someone without pets take the plant home to care for.

Note: All Oxalis plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and grazing animals such as horses and must be kept out of their reach. These plants are slightly toxic to humans. Make sure to supervise all shamrock leaf activities closely so that no one ingests the leaves.

How to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art with sprigs from an Oxalis Regnelli plant. An easy-to-do all-ages art project.

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More Shamrock-themed Activities:

Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

St. Patrick’s Day Painted Shamrock

Shamrock Rolling Pin Art

Scissor Skill Shamrock Collage

[Read more…] about Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Polar Bear Small World

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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

Loose Part Jewelry Heart

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An invitation to create a loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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Do you have some costume jewelry you no longer wear? Have you picked up vintage jewelry at a garage sale or second-hand store? It will be perfect for this beautiful loose-part jewelry heart invitation to create.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

An invitation to create a gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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For this easy-to-set-up transient heart art activity, gather the following supplies:

  • large wooden canvas frame
  • wood heart plaque
  • vintage costume jewelry
  • small containers

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The Loose Part Jewelry Heart Play Invitation

An invitation to create a loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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To prepare this gorgeous loose part play invitation, first, select a large wooden canvas frame. My frame is approximately 12 inches wide and 16 inches long.

Flip the frame over and use the backside.

Note: A serving tray or an art frame with the back removed also work well for this activity.

Next, put a wood heart plaque inside the frame.

Then cut costume jewelry into pieces suitable for loose part play. Make sure there are no rough edges on the jewelry.

Place the jewelry bits into small containers and set them in the corners of the canvas frame. Add more jewelry pieces around the frame if available.

Finally, set the canvas frame on a table and invite little learners to take turns decorating the heart with jewelry treasures.

A gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart created with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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Benefits Of Loose Parts Play

In this loose part jewelry heart play invitation, early learners get to:

  • engage in open-ended play
  • practice sorting, counting, and color matching
  • strengthen finger muscles by moving and arranging jewelry pieces
  • experience beautiful objects with different colors and textures
  • create unique patterns and designs
  • focus on a task and be mindful
  • develop higher thinking skills

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A gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart created with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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More Loose Part Heart Decorating

On another day, offer this loose part heart invitation to create with polished agate slices and precious rocks and gemstones.

A gorgeous loose-part precious rock heart created with polished agate slices. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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An invitation to create a loose-part precious rock heart with polished agate slices. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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A gorgeous loose-part precious rock heart created with polished agate slices. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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Related:

Jewelry Sensory Tray

St. Patrick’s Jewelry Sensory Bin

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[Read more…] about Loose Part Jewelry Heart

Snowman Theme Color Experiment

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Try this magic creamer color experiment using half-and-half coffee cream. An easy-to-do science experiment with stunning results.

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It’s been a while back, but I promised to try the always-fun magic milk experiment with homo milk or cream. So here’s a post about a magic creamer snowman theme color experiment.

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Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This is a crowd-pleasing science experiment.

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Supplies Collected

Collected in this winter-themed version is:

  • snowman cake pan
  • half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer
  • red, yellow, and blue food coloring
  • liquid dish soap

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The Snowman Theme Color Experiment

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This easy-to-do science experiment is sure to be a topic for conversation.

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To perform this easy science experiment, pour a layer of half and half (10% milk fat) creamer into a cake pan or small bin. My pick for this experiment is a snowman cake pan. It is medium-sized and fits the amount of liquid I have on hand.

Note: Half and half cream is equal parts whole milk and light cream. It isn’t near as creamy as whipping cream but is creamier than the milk I’ve featured in past experiments. It is commonly used as a coffee creamer.

Next, add drops of red, yellow, and blue food coloring around the pan.

Then add drops of liquid dish soap onto some of the food coloring patches. The colors will immediately swirl around and make new color designs.

Close up, the color changes look super stunning.

A close-up view of the immerging designs created in a magic creamer color experiment. This easy science experiment is a crowd-pleaser.

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After the color movement slows down, check back occasionally and you will see new color patterns immerge. The color designs will keep changing for at least half an hour.

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This easy-to-do science experiment is sure to be a topic for conversation.

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At this time, try adding a few more drops of food coloring. I try to make a snowman face and buttons.

Add more dish detergent drops and watch the colors move and change again.

Try this magic creamer color experiment using half-and-half coffee cream. An easy-to-do science experiment with stunning results.

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Interpreting This Color-Changing Science Experiment

Although half-and-half (10% milk fat) creamer is made of a significant amount of water, it also contains fat and protein. These are both sensitive to changes in the liquid. When dish soap is added to the pan, it breaks up the surface tension of the half-and-half liquid and is attracted to the fat molecules. The fat molecules try to scurry away but end up bonding 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.

Watch the colors swirl and change in this stunning magic creamer color experiment. This is a crowd-pleasing science experiment.

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Fat content in the half-and-half creamy liquid is super important in this science experiment.

The colors in the half-and-half coffee creamer experiment move at a slightly slower rate than 2% or 1 % milk, both of which I’ve tried successfully before. All three liquids show stunning color-swirling results.

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Related:

Color Explosion Science Experiment

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[Read more…] about Snowman Theme Color Experiment

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory 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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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

    Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

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    A fun honeycomb cereal necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice. An all-ages craft.

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    Honeycomb cereal is tasty to eat, but is also super fun to use in a craft activity. In this post, the craft idea is honeycomb cereal necklace lacing.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Honeycomb Cereal “Snowflake” Necklace

    With its six sides, each honeycomb makes a nice “snowflake.” And having holes, the cereal is perfect for lacing a “snowflake” necklace.

    A thin lacing cord works best for threading honeycomb. In fact, the thinner the cord the better.

    Older children may enjoy the challenge of lacing each honeycomb down one side and up the other. And they can make a game of it by seeing who can string the most honeycomb cereal in the shortest amount of time.

    For younger children, it’s best to suggest lacing through the center hole.

    A fun and tasty lacing honeycomb cereal activity for little learners.

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    Some honeycomb pieces have holes that are too small to thread lacing cord through, so they are perfect for snacking on.

    Stretching the cord while working may break a few, but again, the honeycomb bits are just another excuse for snacking on the tasty morsels!

    After some practice, this first string of honeycomb is ready to be tied as a necklace.

    A fun honeycomb cereal "snowflake" necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

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    More Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

    Naturally, it’s hard to stop after lacing just one string of honeycomb cereal. Here’s a pink version for Valentine’s Day.

    A fun honeycomb necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

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    And below is a version for a bumblebee theme, the most natural fit for honeycomb cereal.

    A fun honeycomb cereal necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice. An all-ages craft

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    Finally, since the lacing cord comes in Easter colors and I have a few jube bunnies hanging around, the chewy treats are included in a necklace craft photo.

    A fun honeycomb cereal necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice. An all-ages craft

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    Lacing honeycomb cereal is a perfect opportunity to practice eye-hand coordination and fine motor control while casually snacking on the flavorful cereal.

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    A fun bee theme honeycomb cereal necklace lacing activity that is great for fine motor control and eye-hand coordination practice.

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    Related:

    Bunny Candy Art

    Silhouette Easter Bunnies

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    [Read more…] about Honeycomb Cereal Necklace Lacing

    Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

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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

    Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

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    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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