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Starry Sky Sensory Bin

September 22, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Just as vegetables that come in a variety of colors are always a happy find, so are interestingly colored flowers. These award-winning, starry sky petunias are a new discovery for me, and they caught my attention at a hardware store! Their varying color patterns and space-themed name make them perfect for a starry sky sensory bin.

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Starry Sky Petunias were introduced about eight years ago, and their spectacular speckled white and purple flowers are a reminder of the cosmos. Each individual flower varies in shade of color and placement of white dots and splotches. The super pretty petunia plant is also named Night Sky Petunia and Galaxy Petunia.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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This flower-inspired starry sky sensory bin contains the following loose part supplies:

  • starry sky petunia flowers
  • astronaut figurines
  • toy planets
  • glow in the dark moon and stars
  • toy spaceships in varying designs
  • pink and purple buttons
  • large and small marbles
  • purple and pink tumbled stones
  • turquoise, pink, and purple acrylic gems
  • silver spray painted rocks
  • agate slices

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The Starry Sky Sensory Bin

The supplies in the starry sky sensory bin are offered in two different containers.

This first bin for the sensory play loose parts is a food bus tub. It is super user-friendly and can be set up anywhere. Two or three little learners can play in the tub at the same time.

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Water with a little fluorescent purple food coloring added is the base for the bin. Breathtaking, other-worldly Starry Sky Petunias are the “stars” of the sensory play invitation.

Space-themed toys such as astronaut figurines, spaceships in varying sizes, glow-in-the-dark moon and stars, and toy planets complement the petunias.

Marbles in varying sizes are space rocks or pretend planets.

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Loose parts such as silver spray-painted rocks, agate slices, pink and purple tumbled stones, and acrylic gems add beauty to the bin.

Complementary-colored buttons are a welcome addition to any sensory bin.

This next water-based bin is a round, edged serving tray. It can also be offered anywhere and is suitable for one or two little ones to use at a time. The water level is a little lower, allowing for a large toy spaceship to stand upright in the bin.

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Petunia flowers in any color provide beautiful, cascading blooms all growing season long. Solid pink, purple, or white petunia flowers would also work wonderfully in this starry sky sensory bin.

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[Read more…] about Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Filed Under: autumn, fall, flowers, gardening, preschool, sensory, space, summer Tagged With: flowers, petunias, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, space, spaceships, water play

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

July 18, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.
Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.

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A space restaurant dramatic play center is one of the most fun pretend play activities you can offer your little learners. Loose parts shine in this center, offering a plethora of opportunities for creativity and imagining.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Break out all the metallic silver and gold loose parts you have for this shiny, inviting dramatic play center. The following are ideas for supplies to gather:

Gather a variety of metallic silver and gold loose parts to set up a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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  • aluminum foil pie pans, tart pans, and storage containers
  • silver muffin pans
  • metal pitcher, tongs, bowls, and trays
  • disposable clear stemware, forks, and spoons
  • reusable star-shaped ice cubes
  • gold and silver bead necklaces and garland
  • clear discs
  • gold star-shaped stickers
  • round silver and gold gem stickers
  • metallic silver pipe cleaners
  • juice lids
  • styrofoam balls
  • large silver or gold bells
  • foil alphabet letters and spray centerpiece
  • silver tablecloth
  • glue gun, scissors, and painter’s tape

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The Space Restaurant Dramatic Play Center

In this out-of-this-world pretend play center, the words “Space Restaurant” are tacked on a wall with painter’s tape, and aluminum foil pans and storage containers are displayed beneath it for decoration and ambiance.

SIlver foil letters and aluminum foil containers and pans taped on a wall add ambiance to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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A space-themed dining table is set up by adding a metallic silver tablecloth and a foil spray centerpiece.

Table settings include aluminum pie pan plates and transparent cutlery. Clear, disposable stemware glasses are decorated with gold star stickers to fancy them up.

Gold star stickers positioned on clear stemware add flare to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Dainty teacups are created by gluing metallic silver pipe cleaner handles to aluminum foil tart pans, and then affixing them to metal juice lids.

DIY aluminum foil teacups for a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Shiny, metal serving trays and star-shaped dessert cups add elegance.

Large silver or gold bells make great pretend muffins and add a musical element.

Large silver ingle bells are repurposed as muffins in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Clear discs are repurposed as space pancakes.

Clear discs are repurposed as pancakes in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Pretend play chocolate chip cookies are created by adding round silver and gold gem stickers to juice lids.

Round adhesive gem stickers added to juice lids make great chocolate chip cookies in a space restaurant pretend play center.

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Styrofoam balls are muffins or snowball-themed desserts. They can be painted with silver or gold acrylic paint to add glitz.

Gold and silver bead necklaces cut into strips are spaghetti noodles, and larger bead balls cut from bead garland are the meatballs. The play spaghetti can be stored in a big silver bowl and served with metal tongs.

Metallic silver and gold loose parts make great play food for a space restaurtant dramatic play center.

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More Space-Themed Play

For additional space-themed ambiance, a colored light can be positioned to illuminate the restaurant table.

A professional stage light adds flare in outer space pretend play tablescape set up.

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Early learners may be inspired to add loose parts from other activity centers to the space restaurant. Below, participants included crater-filled yellow “moons” and large diamond crystal gems to the spaghetti play food.

Bead necklace and garland spaghetti with added loose parts make great space restaurant play food.

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The supplies in this post can also be included in a space-themed play kitchen setup.

What would you add to this space restaurant dramatic play center? Share your ideas in a comment below.

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Related:

Space Father’s Day Craft

Scented Moon Playdough

Salt and Glue Moon Art

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

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[Read more…] about Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, space, themes Tagged With: dramatic play, loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, space, spaceships

Outer Space Pretend Play

May 26, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.
Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

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This outer space pretend play tablescape is one of my absolute favorites. It has lots of shiny, metallic pieces that are perfect for an out-in-space dining experience.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

The following supplies work well in this space-themed pretend play tablescape your little astronauts will love:

  • small metallic silver star-shaped dessert bowls
  • juice lids
  • gold and silver adhesive gems
  • large silver bells
  • silver bead garland
  • gold bead necklaces
  • star-shaped reusable ice cubes
  • aluminum foil tart baking cups
  • silver pipe cleaners
  • metal serving bowl
  • silver tongs
  • clear cutlery
  • small silver tray
  • grey muffin tin
  • styrofoam balls
  • clear plastic stemware
  • metallic silver or gold tablecloth
  • metallic spray centerpiece
  • aluminum foil pie pans

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The Space Tablescape Pretend Play Set Up

A shiny, metallic silver and gold color scheme transforms the play kitchen into an outer space pretend play area.

Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

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Aluminum foil tart baking cups glued onto juice lids along with silver pipe cleaner handles make cute space-themed tea cups.

DIY metallic silver tea cups created for an outer space pretend play tablescape for little learners.

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The addition of gold star stickers is an easy way to have stemware fit the outer space theme.

Just add star stickers to transform a goblet into an outer space pretend play accessory.

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Silver-edged clear plastic stemware glasses add elegance to the table display.

A silver-edged goblet with resusable star ice cubes co-ordinates well with a space-themed pretend play tablescape.

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Large silver bells serve as muffins, white styrofoam balls are buns, and aluminum foil pie pans are dinner plates.

Stryfoam balls and large metallic silver bells add interest to an outer space play food table display.

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Gold bead necklaces cut into strips make great pretend spaghetti noodles. Silver balls cut from garland are the meatballs.

Cut metallic bead garland and necklaces make the perfect loose parts for an outer space spaghetti pretend play meal.

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Silver and gold adhesive gems added to juice lids make tasty chocolate chip cookies.

Just add gold and silver gem stickers to juice lids to create outer space chocolate chip pretend play cookies.

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A metallic silver tablecloth, reusable star ice cubes, and a silver bowl, tray, muffin tin, and pair of tongs round out the supplies in this glittery outer space pretend play tablescape.

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Lighted Outer Space Pretend Play

For added flare, include a metallic spray centerpiece and shine a professional stage light on the outer space pretend play tablescape.

A professional stage light adds flare in outer space pretend play tablescape set up.

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Related:

Scented Moon Playdough

Space Father’s Day Craft

Salt and Glue Moon Art

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

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[Read more…] about Outer Space Pretend Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, party, preschool, pretend play, space Tagged With: dramatic play, play food, play kitchen, pretend play

Watercolor Planets With Markers

August 17, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This stunning "watercolor planets with markers" art project is a must-try. It's an all-ages process art activity that displays well.
This stunning "watercolor planets with markers" art project is a must-try. It's an all-ages process art activity that displays well.

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Creating watercolor planets with markers is an easy and satisfying process art activity with stunning results. Your little learners will absolutely love doing it. And if you need a quick, beautiful bulletin board or wall display, this project checks that box.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this art activity:

  • 8-inch diameter paper basket coffee filters
  • water-based markers
  • 12-inch x 12-inch black cardstock paper
  • spray bottle
  • plastic tub
  • hot glue gun

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Creating Watercolor Planets With Markers

First, flatten basket-shaped coffee filters, and set them on a table with water-based markers.

Invite little learners to decorate their paper circles any way they wish.

Steps to create stunning watercolor planets with markers. This all-ages process art looks beautiful displayed together.

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Tip: Offer analogous colors, which are groups of three colors positioned next to each other on the color wheel. Because these colors complement each other, they work well in process art projects.

Create watercolor earth art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.
Planet Earth With Blue and Green Markers

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Create watercolor planet Jupiter art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.
Planet Jupiter With Red, Orange, and Yellow Markers

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Afterward, have everyone take turns wetting their project with a spray bottle filled with water. When doing this, place the decorated circles in a small tub to be sprayed.

Tip: Your little charges may want to soak their circular canvas with lots of water, but just giving the colorful coffee filters a few squirts results in nice art pieces for display.

Next, dry the paper circles on a flat surface covered with a plastic tablecloth or tarp.

Finally, mount the round planets on a 12-inch x 12-inch square piece of black cardstock, or sturdy paper that is 8 ½ x 11 inches in size. Using a hot glue gun works well.

This process art project looks amazing displayed in a group.

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Create watercolor earth art with just markers and water. A quick and easy process art project everyone will love.

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More Watercolor Planet Process Art

Because little learners love the spraying water part of this art activity, invite them to make more colorful planets without restrictions. They may spray the color right out of the circles after decorating them, but they enjoy doing this soooo much. Have them try black or dark green markers. Early learners are sure to be excited about the new colors that will be revealed.

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Related: Earth Day Heart Art

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[Read more…] about Watercolor Planets With Markers

Filed Under: art, display, Earth Day, preschool, space Tagged With: earth craft, Earth Day, painting, planets, process art, space

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

Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Space Father’s Day Craft

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Watercolor Planets With Markers

Outer Space Pretend Play

Earth Day Heart Art

Earth Day Craft

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[Read more…] about Salt And Glue Moon Art

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

Scented Moon Playdough

July 29, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.
Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.

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This scented moon playdough is the result of a color and flavor mixing science experiment with jello powder. Can you guess which flavors of jello were used?

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The Scented Moon Playdough Recipe

Your child will love to explore space with this moon playdough tray. The homemade playdough is amazing!

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To make a big batch of this steely gray playdough that matches the color of the moon, gather the following supplies:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 ½ cups salt
  • 6 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 85-gram package of lime jello powder
  • 2 85-gram packages of grape jello powder
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil

Add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

Boil the water and stir in all three packages of jello powder.

Then stir in two tablespoons of oil.

Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and combine.

Heat the pot on the stove on medium heat.

Stirring frequently, cook the mixture until it is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

Scoop the dough onto a cutting board.

Knead when cool, adding one tablespoon more oil.

Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag.

Note: The liquid in the pot is very black at first, but when mixed thoroughly with the dry ingredients, the result is gray playdough!

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Scented Moon Playdough Invitation

Your child will love to explore space with this moon playdough tray. The homemade playdough is amazing!

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Set out the moon playdough in a compartment tray with the following supplies:

  • star-shaped reusable ice cubes and cookie cutters
  • glow in the dark moon, stars, and stones
  • gray and tan gems and rocks
  • loose parts such as baby bottle collars, buttons, hair ties, and wooden circles
  • space vehicles and lunar rovers
  • astronaut figurines

After the playdough has been used a time or two, sprinkle silver glitter and/or foil stars on the dough to extend interest in the play invitation.

This super fun moon playdough is perfect for your space exploration theme. Children participate in a science experiment when they help make the homemade dough.

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Note: This gray scented playdough has a blended grape and lime scent. When I introduced the dough to my preschoolers, I wasn’t sure what they would think. Overall the children felt it smelled pretty nice.

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Colored Light And Moon Playdough

Our moon is mostly hued in lighter and darker grays. But from the earth, we see the moon shine due to reflected sunlight. To us, it often looks bright yellow.

The full moon, which we see once a month, can appear in different colors and sizes. This is due to its position in the sky, the particles in the atmosphere, the amount of air pollution, and the current season.

To see the full moon in a variety of colors, check out a post titled “Colors Of The Moon” by Nasa Science. It features an amazing photo showing different colors our rocky satellite has been viewed and photographed by one astrologer in Italy.

In the home or classroom, a color-changing light is fun to use to illuminate the moon playdough so that it shines in different hues.

Add colored light to the moon playdough invitation as you discuss the colors the moon shines as it reflects light from the sun.

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My featured light shines red, green, purple, blue, and white. Since the moon has been photographed in tones of red, blue, and purple, this lighting isn’t a stretch. Green is a popular color for depicting aliens, and some moon rocks with a green tinge have been discovered. And so the green lighting works too!

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Playdough Dwarf Planets

This scented grey playdough also works as a follow-up activity to a discussion about dwarf planets. These small planets are far away, super icy, and take many years to orbit the sun. Some dwarf planets are:

  • Pluto: Recently reclassified, it shines red and grey in space and has one big moon named Charon.
  • Ceres: This dwarf planet is grey and dotted with craters.
  • Haumea:  A grey and egg-shaped dwarf planet with two moons.
  • Eris: This round dwarf planet takes a half-century to orbit the sun. it is far, far away and has one tiny moon.

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Try this easy-to-scented moon playdough recipe. Find out which simple ingredients make the moon rock color in this homemade dough.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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[Read more…] about Scented Moon Playdough

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, science, space Tagged With: astronauts, playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, spaceships

Space Father’s Day Craft

June 18, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.
Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.

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If you need a last-minute Father’s Day craft that brings a WOW factor, this Space Father’s Day craft is for you! Your child will love using pompoms in the craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This whole craft can be made in construction paper and/or painted paper, but will look extra special with the following supplies:

  • 12-inch x 12-inch dark blue or black construction paper
  • pompoms in various colors
  • cardstock in white and shades of yellow
  • white glitter cardstock
  • gold glitter cardstock
  • star paper punch
  • scissors
  • white glue
  • glue stick
  • double-sided tape
  • black felt pen
An easy-to-make Father's Day craft. A glittery spaceship and pompom planets are the highlights of the craft.

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Preparing The Craft

First, cut a spaceship from white iridescent cardstock, and “steam” from gold glitter cardstock. Glue together.

Next, with a star paper punch, punch stars from white and yellow cardstock.

Then gather a selection of pompoms in various colors and sizes to represent planets in our solar system.

Add double-sided tape to the back of the spaceship. This will give it a raised look on the craft, helping it stand out.

Finally, write a Father’s Day greeting and the words “You help me soar” with a black felt pen on strips of white cardstock, or use computer-printed messages.

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Making The Space Father’s Day Craft

Make this colorful space Father's Day craft for a special person in your life today! Pompom planets are the highlight of the craft.

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Invite your child to adhere the spaceship to a sheet of dark blue or black 12-inch square cardstock. This size paper gives a nice large canvas to work on.

Add glue to a small food container lid or paper plate. Have your child dip their pompom planets in glue and stick them around the spacecraft on the paper. Your child will love the chance to use soft, fluffy pompoms.

Ask your child to adhere punched stars in the sky with a glue stick.

Glue the Father’s Day greetings to the picture where there is space to do so.

An easy-to-make Father's Day craft. A glittery spaceship and pompom planets are the highlights of the craft.

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This colorful, easy craft can be made for a father or a father figure for Father’s Day. Or it can be adapted to give to a special person any time of the year.

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Related: Super Hero Activities

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[Read more…] about Space Father’s Day Craft

Filed Under: crafts, Father's Day, preschool, sensory, space Tagged With: Father's Day, paper crafts, space

White Lilacs And Black Playdough

June 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Try this unexpected combination of white lilacs and black playdough. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.
Try this unexpected white lilac and black playdough combination. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

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When I first decided to make black playdough, it was for a space theme. And lilacs were going to be used in a sensory play tub. Some white lilacs did end up in a sensory tub along with a generous supply of purple ones, and I used black playdough for the space theme as planned. But I also discovered that white lilacs and black playdough make an interesting and unexpected combination.

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

For the black playdough in this post, I use a recipe featured in a blog post by Left Brain Craft Brain. It is easy to make, and produces super black playdough!

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White Lilacs And Black Playdough Tray

Set up this unexpected white lilac and black playdough tray. Striking creations will surely be the result.

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The supplies gathered for this effortless playdough tray are:

  • white lilac sprigs
  • clear gems
  • transparent hair ties
  • reusable transparent star ice cubes
  • white pony beads
  • wired white leaves
  • flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutters
  • scissors
  • rolling pin

Set out on a serving tray with compartments, the supplies make for an aromatic play invitation.

The lilac sprigs can be snipped and kneaded into the playdough.

Loose parts and tiny lilac petals are available to embellish playdough shapes.

The flower, insect, and butterfly cookie cutters are unexpected and result in striking creations.

White lilac and black playdough creations using flower, butterfly, and bug coolie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

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Black playdough and white lilacs make the perfect combination for a dynamic playdough invitation.

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Alternatively. the lilac and black playdough work wonderfully for a space theme. Star-shaped gems and reusable ice cubes, grey painted rocks, white pony beads, clear acrylic gems, and an astronaut and spaceship are included in the play invitation below.

A sure-to-please space playdough setup.

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Black And White Playdough Tray

Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

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If you decide to forgo using lilacs, black playdough works well on its own with white and transparent loose parts and cookie cutters. Gathered for the tray above are:

  • striped black and white straws
  • white buttons
  • black and white game pieces
  • bottle caps
  • baby bottle lids
  • white beads
  • pizza lid box stands
  • flower, butterfly, and bug cookie cutters
An striking black and white playdough theme with flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutter shapes.

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Spider, bat, and skeleton loose parts are also a good fit for this playdough.

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A sure-to-please outer space playdough setup.

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Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

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[Read more…] about White Lilacs And Black Playdough

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, sensory, space, spring, summer Tagged With: butterflies, flowers, insects, loose parts, playdough, sensory play, space

Earth Day Craft

April 24, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Easy to do, eye-catching earth day craft with green and blue pony beads. The activity works well as a classroom or family creative project.
Easy to do, eye-catching earth day craft with green and blue pony beads. The activity works well as a classroom or family creative project.

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Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1970 and is now observed all over the world every year on April 22. It is a day to appreciate animals, plants, and earth’s majestic landscapes. It is also a time to do activities that show care for our beautiful planet. This beaded earth day craft was our activity of choice this year to recognize earth day. It works well as a cooperative activity at home or in the classroom.

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Supplies To Collect

Supplies to collect in order to make a stunning beaded earth day craft.

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  • pony beads in shades of blue and green
  • thin green yarn
  • scotch tape
  • 8 ½ x 11-inch green cardstock
  • 12 x 12-inch cardstock
  • 8 or 9-inch circular lid or flat disc with an edge
  • glue gun or white glue

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Making the Beaded Earth Day Craft

Tie a pony bead onto one end of a long piece of yarn. Wrap a thin piece of scotch tape around the other end to prevent fraying.

Set the rest of the pony beads on a tray along with the yarn. Have students or family members take turns stringing beads. Or have one child string beads over time.

Invitation to string blue and green pony beads for an earth day craft.

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Next, cut a green cardstock circle to fit just inside a circular cookie tin lid or item with a similar shape. A disc-shaped dog toy turned out to be the perfect size in my stash of supplies!

Fit the circle into the mold. Then starting on the edge, glue down the strung beads in a tight spiral shape with white glue or a glue gun.

After the rim of the circle is beaded, take the cardstock shape out of the mold and tack down the rest of the beads. Trim off extra beaded yarn if necessary.

Steps to complete a beaded earth day craft with green and blue pony beads.

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Mount the bead project onto 12-inch x 12-inch cardstock and display.

An attractive classroom or family earth day craft project with green and blue pony beads.

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You might choose to use the mold as a frame.

Stunning, super easy beaded earth day craft. This piece is framed and ready for display.

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TIPS:

  • Be on the lookout for packages of beads in various shades of one color.
  • If the string of beads isn’t long enough to completely fill in the circle, carefully attach a new piece of yarn with a small piece of scotch tape. Then add more beads.
  • A smaller or thinner bead can be used for the center if a bigger one doesn’t fit.

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Exquisite earth day craft with green and blue pony beads. This easy-to-do activity works well as a classroom or family creative project.

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This earth day craft is inspired by the exquisite bead art of Canadian Métis artist Katherine Boyer. Her beautiful art can be viewed on her website @katherineboyerart.com.

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Earth Day Craft Video Tutorial

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25 Earth Day Activities

Doing an earth day craft is just one way to help little learners or your family honor the conservation-minded special day. Here is a list of 25 activities to choose from:

  • Clean up a park or playground.
  • Pick up litter at the beach.
  • Bike to work or school.
  • Plant a tree.
  • Start a vegetable or flower garden.
  • Compost fruit and vegetable scraps.
  • Plant wildflowers and native plants.
  • Grow plants that attract butterflies, bees, and birds.
  • Learn more about an animal you are afraid of.
  • Read books about animal care.
  • Go on a bug safari.
  • Take care of animals.
  • Invite in an animal specialist guest.
  • Take a field trip to a farm or zoo.
  • Go on a nature walk.
  • Have a nature scavenger hunt.
  • Read books about planet earth.
  • Study a globe or map.
  • Do a science experiment.
  • Discuss the four Rs: reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.
  • Put recyclables in a bin.
  • Visit a recycling center.
  • Create earth crafts using recycled materials.
  • Give away gently used toys.
  • Donate money to a conservation group.

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Of course, earth day activities are appropriate any time of the year. And the beaded earth craft also works beautifully as part of a Night And Day or Space theme.

Easy to do, eye-catching earth craft with green and blue pony beads. The activity works well as a classroom or family creative project.

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[Read more…] about Earth Day Craft

Filed Under: art, display, preschool, space Tagged With: bead art, earth craft, Earth Day

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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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