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Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

November 18, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make these glorious, corn syrup paint sunflowers using a taste-safe, homemade, two-ingredient recipe. Download and use the free template.
Make these glorious, corn syrup paint sunflowers using a taste-safe, homemade, two-ingredient recipe. Download and use the free template.

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If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you can probably tell that I like both sunflowers and corn syrup paint a lot. I regularly post sunflower activity ideas and frequently feature corn syrup paint art. These corn syrup paint sunflowers perfectly showcase the beauty and appeal of this shiny, glossy paint. Prepare to be wowed!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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This shiny, corn syrup paint sunflower art project is easy-to-do and looks gorgeous displayed. A free sunflower template is available to download.

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Supplies To Collect

For this easy-to-do, pretty painting activity, gather the following supplies:

  • white corn syrup
  • blue, red, and yellow food coloring
  • sunflower seeds
  • baby food jars
  • paintbrushes
  • teaspoons
  • 8 ½ x 11-inch white cardstock paper
  • green construction paper
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • glue gun
  • pencil
  • sunflower template
  • plastic tablecloth

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Making The Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

There is always white corn syrup in my art supply collection, as I love using it in painting activities. But you can substitute light corn syrup instead.

Steps to make glorious, corn syrup paint sunflowers using a taste-safe, homemade, two-ingredient recipe. Download and use the free template for this art project.

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First, pour the corn syrup into three baby food jars, or paint containers you have handy. Add a few drops of red, yellow, and blue food coloring to one jar and mix it with a teaspoon to make a shade of brown. Add a few drops of yellow to another and stir. Mix red and yellow colors into a third container to make orange.

Note: The more food coloring drops you add, the darker each hue will be.

Next, trace and cut leaves and stems from green construction paper.

Afterward, cut cardstock sunflowers from a template. Feel free to download and use the sunflower template included in this post.

Download this sunflower template to make gorgeous corn syrup art.

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Sunflower PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Then set out the paper sunflowers, brown paint, and seeds on a table covered with a plastic tablecloth. Invite participants to paint the circular middle of their sunflower brown, and press in seeds.

Next, set out the yellow and orange paints and brushes. Ask everyone to paint the petals of their sunflower. They’ll love using this bright, slick, translucent paint.

Gorgeous, glossy sunflower art made with a taste-safe, two-ingredient homemade paint recipe. This art project looks stunning when displayed.

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As soon as the artists are finished, move each decorated sunflower onto an 8 ½ x 11-inch white cardstock background, or a cardstock color of choice.  Adhere it with a glue gun. Then with a gluestick or glue gun, add a green paper stem and leaf.

The corn syrup paint is thick and sticky, and completed sunflower art projects should be left to dry for a few days.

Gorgeous, glossy sunflower art made with a taste-safe, two-ingredient homemade paint recipe. This art project looks stunning when displayed.

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Displaying The Corn Syrup Sunflower Art

These syrupy sunflowers have a shiny, firm finish when dry, and look beautiful displayed. The art is somewhat transient, as the paint will melt and drip in hot, humid conditions. But I have had a piece on display for over a year and it is still looking fabulous.

This shiny, corn syrup paint art project is easy to do and looks gorgeous displayed. It's an all-ages art activity everyone will love to try.

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More Corn Syrup Paint Art

As mentioned earlier, I feature lots of corn syrup paint activities on this blog. You may be interested in:

Textured Octopus Craft

Sea Star Art

Sea Turtle Hatchling Art

Painted Turtle And Lizard

Spooky Hands Craft

Sunflower Heart Craft

All these art projects yield gorgeous results.

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[Read more…] about Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

Filed Under: art, autumn, fall, gardening, preschool, summer Tagged With: corn syrup painting, painting, sunflowers

Fun Ways To Serve Watermelon

September 29, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Four ways to serve watermelon that make snack time more fun. Orange, yellow, and traditional red watermelon varieties are featured.
Four ways to serve watermelon that make snack time more fun. Orange, yellow, and traditional red watermelon varieties are featured.

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Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon, or white? I decided to locate and taste some of these lesser-known varieties this fall. And with a few different colors at my fingertips, I put together four fun ways to serve watermelon.

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Ten Watermelon Facts

  • Watermelon is a sweet and juicy fruit.
  • Africa is the country it is believed to have been discovered.
  • Pink or red-fleshed watermelon is commonly found in stores.
  • Some watermelons have orange, yellow, or white flesh.
  • Containing 92% water, this cheery fruit helps people stay hydrated.
  • The large fruit is high in vitamins A, B, and C, and contains antioxidants.
  • The seeds of this thirst-quencher are nutritious too.
  • Watermelon is fat-free and low in calories.
  • A long growing season and lots of sunshine are needed to garden this fruit.
  • Watermelon is a popular snack for hot days and picnics.

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Four Fun Ways To Serve Watermelon

Four ways to serve watermelon that make snack time more fun. Orange, yellow, and traditional red watermelon varieties are featured.

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Without any fancy recipes, you can serve watermelon in ways that add creativity and fun to snack and meal times. Including a variety of melon flesh hues will add interest and sensory opportunities, and the different colors are bound to be a conversation piece.

Note: Seedless watermelon varieties are used in this post. Orange, yellow, and red kinds are featured.

Below are four ways to serve watermelon that make snack time more fun.

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Watermelon Skewers

Fruity watermelon skewers using orange, yellow, and red watermelon add fun and sensory opportunities to snack time.

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For an easy way to add novelty to a snack, cut different colors of watermelon into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto wooden skewers. The small chunks don’t have to be perfectly cubed to work. And although the yellow and orange pieces look like pineapple and cantaloupe, they are actually chunks of orange and yellow watermelon.

While snackers eat the fruit, discuss the color and taste of each kind. I found that my purchased yellow and orange watermelon tasted quite similar to red. And my taste-testers were fine with each color.

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Watermelon Popsicles

Juicy watermelon popsicles using orange, yellow, and red watermelon add fun and sensory opportunities to snack time.

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Watermelon is often served in triangular shapes, which works well for popsicles. After cutting the triangles, use a knife to make a slit in the rind of each piece. Next, push in stick handles.

Then freeze the watermelon triangles overnight in a single layer to turn them into popsicles. Or skip the freezing part and serve them immediately.

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Watermelon Suns

Three colors of watermelon are featured in these juicy suns. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries fill in the centers.

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For this eye-appealing watermelon snack version, berries are added to the mix.

To make the juicy suns, first cut the watermelons into triangle shapes.

Next, lay slices of each watermelon color on a dinner plate in a circular design, leaving room in the middle for berries.

Then add blueberries or raspberries to the center of each plate.

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Watermelon Sunflowers

Large square serving trays work well for creating watermelon sunflowers.

To create them, start off with the same design as the watermelon suns.

Then add a different colored watermelon leaf, and a stem made with skin-covered rind pieces.

Make this sunflower-shaped snack with yellow and orange watermelon and raspberries. Add strawberries and blueberries for garnish.

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On the tray above, yellow watermelon serves as the sunflower petals. The leaf is a slice of orange watermelon, and raspberries are the “seeds.” Blueberries and strawberries complete the tray.

Make this sunflower-shaped snack with orange and yellow watermelon and raspberries. Add strawberries and blueberries for garnish.

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On this second tray, the sunflower has orange petals and a yellow watermelon leaf.

Create a juicy sunflower with red watermelon petals, a yellow watermelon leaf, and a blueberry seed center.

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Traditional red watermelon is featured in this third design. The leaf is yellow watermelon. Blueberries are the “seeds.”

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Purchasing Watermelon Varieties

Red watermelon is easy to spot in grocery stores. Orange, yellow, and white varieties are harder to locate, and will likely be more expensive. I was able to find the yellow watermelon in a tray of precut slices and purchased the orange one whole. Tasting a white watermelon is on my list to do next summer!

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Watermelon Recipes

Ready to add more flavor and variety to your watermelon snacks? Check out the recipes in the blog post “45+ Watermelon Recipes” by Country Living.

And how about some watermelon pizza, featured on Mom On Time Out?

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Related: Watermelon Playdough Tray

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[Read more…] about Fun Ways To Serve Watermelon

Filed Under: Food Art, gardening, preschool, summer Tagged With: food art, snacks, sunflowers, watermelon

Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

September 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this flower stand dramatic play center in minutes. The colorful center can be changed throughout the year to match the current season.
Set up this flower stand dramatic play center in minutes. The colorful center can be changed throughout the year to match the current season.

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A flower stand dramatic play center can be set up in minutes and will be a colorful, inviting place for your little learners to play. It was this summer’s dramatic play center at my preschool, and absolutely everyone enjoyed it. In addition to making a great spring or summer pretend play area, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Dollar stores are an excellent resource for stocking a flower stand pretend play center, as they often have a good selection of artificial flowers at a low price. Keeping an eye out for flower theme supplies on regular shopping runs will lead to discovering interesting accessories to add to the stand.

Here’s what’s in my flower stand:

  • a variety of artificial flower branches
  • small decorative garbage cans
  • flower-themed plates, bowls, and ice cube trays
  • pool noodles flower slices
  • flowery gift bags
  • bulletin board slabs in a flower shape
  • flower erasers and reusable ice cubes
  • flower-themed silicone baking molds
  • plastic vases
  • watering cans
  • gardening gloves
  • play money
  • flower stand sign
  • signs with plant quotes

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The Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

The flower branches are set out in small decorative garbage cans. They look appealing when organized in individual or analogous colors.

Color sorting artificial flowers in a flower stand dramatic play center is a good way to learn about colors.

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There is no harm in setting out the sprigs randomly. Little learners will eagerly rearrange the blooms in ways that suit them.

These artificial flowers can be arranged by color in a flower stand dramatic play center.

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Other supplies are arranged on a shelf and/or table. This user-friendly shelf on casters houses supplies superbly and is perfect for dramatic play centers.

Flower stand accessories are housed perfectly on a shelf with casters.

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Flower-theme silicone baking cups with different colored inserts are great for developing eye-hand coordination and for discussing colors. In this center, they are repurposed as mini-interchangeable puzzles!

Flower-themed layered baking cups make great mini-puzzles for a flower stand dramatic play center

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Flower-shaped pool noodles cut into thin slices make pretend play “cookies.”

Sliced flower-themed pool noodles make great "cookies" for a flower stand dramatic play center.

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Tip: Slice a pool noodle section into one to two-inch wide flower-shaped treats on a cutting board with a sharp kitchen knife.

Succulents, a last-minute find, add variety and texture to the flower choices. Their smaller size makes them easy for little learners to handle and move around. My preschoolers loved them, so I will definitely be adding more over time.

Artificial succulents are just the right size for little hands and add texture and interest to a flower stand dramatic play center.

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A flower stand sign and quotes about blooms add opportunities to engage with print.

A fower-themed sign and quotes add a literacy component to a flower stand dramatic play center,

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Click here to view the Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center as a video.

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Learning Through Play Possibilities

There is a lot of learning through play potential in this flower stand dramatic play center. The center has opportunities for:

  • discussing job titles such as florist, cashier, and delivery truck driver.
  • taking turns to be a customer.
  • recognizing colors of flowers and accessories.
  • counting supplies and coins, sorting flowers by color, and discussing large and small bouquets.
  • experiencing and handling beautiful, aesthetically pleasing things.

A flower-themed cardmaking station would be an awesome center to go along with this flower stand. Little learners would be thrilled to make cards for the store.

A card-making center compliments a flower stand dramatic play center.

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And wouldn’t a flower stand be wonderful in bright, warm fall colors? My flower stand is transitioning to an autumn-themed one next week!

Setting up a flower stand in fall colors is a good way to celebrate the autumn season.

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Related: Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

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[Read more…] about Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: dramatic play, gardening, preschool, pretend play, spring, summer Tagged With: dramatic play, fall, flowers, pretend play

Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

August 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.
Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are invited to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for a local children’s hospital. All supplies are included, so it is easy for them to do. A lemonade stand dramatic play center is a fun way to extend this lemony theme at home or in the classroom.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Spring and summer are the best seasons to find lemony tableware and home décor items. And collecting fruity, yellow play pieces to stock the stand is so refreshing!

It's refreshing and fun to gather props for a lemonade stand dramatic play center.

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Included in my lemonade stand are:

  • artificial lemons in different sizes
  • rubber lemon counters
  • lemon branches in vases
  • plastic beverage dispenser
  • yellow plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
  • lemon-themed spatula, tableware, placemat, potholder, and tea towel
  • green and yellow rainbow erasers and apple sauce screw-top lids
  • transparent pebble gem “ice cubes”
  • citrus juicer
  • menu
  • signs with lemon quotes
  • play money

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The Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

The supplies for this lemonade stand can be spread around shelves and tables. A wooden food stand makes a great centerpiece for the play center.

Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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The menu includes lemonade and lemon pie, and loose part treats such as lemon cookies, candies, and donuts. And there are lemons in a variety of sizes available for purchase.

Home décor pieces such as lemon branches in vases, a tea towel, an ice cube tray, and lemon-themed tableware are also for sale. Lemonade quotes add ambiance to the center.

A lemonade stand dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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A table and chairs set up near the lemonade stand offer early learners a chance to hang around and pretend to sip lemonade and eat play food.

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Click here to view a video of the Lemonade Stand.

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A lemonade stand and dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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This lemonade stand dramatic play center goes hand and hand with the lemon-inspired play kitchen featured in an earlier post. The supplies used here easily transfer over to a play kitchen.

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National Lemonade Day

National Lemonade Day is celebrated in early May and/or late August in many areas of North America. Children and teens are encouraged to participate in setting up a lemonade stand as an entrepreneurial venture. In doing this, they get practice in goal-setting, working as a team, handling money, and engaging with the community. Next time you see a pop-up lemonade stand, be sure to stop by and purchase a glass of the refreshing citrus drink!

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Related:  Apple Stand Dramatic Play Center

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[Read more…] about Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: desserts, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: food stand, lemonade stand, lemons, loose parts, pretend play

Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

August 27, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.
This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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Watermelon is a sweet, juicy fruit chock-full of vitamins and health benefits. All parts of watermelon contain nutrients. Filled with 92% water, the large, low-calorie melon is an effective thirst quencher on hot days. And it just happens to make a colorful, cheery, theme for a watermelon dramatic play center!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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Summer is the best time to collect supplies for a watermelon dramatic play center. The watermelon theme is easy to find in picnic and outdoor living tableware and décor.

Loose parts in complementary colors add interest and extend play possibilities.

Here’s what I included in the play center:

  • watermelon cups, plates, and bowls
  • red cutlery
  • green and red serving spoons
  • red flowers in a vase
  • pink, red, green, black, and white pompoms, buttons, and gems
  • pictures of watermelon slices
  • fans with a watermelon theme
  • checkered red and white placemat
  • watermelon-themed tea towel
  • red and green rubber frogs

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The Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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The watermelon-themed supplies are arranged in a tablescape here but can be placed on appliances, furniture, and shelves in your play kitchen. They will instantly transform the area into a vibrant role-playing space, bound to be inviting to your little charges.

Reusable shopping bags have lots of learning potential and can be incorporated into centers. Here, watermelon slices cut from a bag make economical and eye-appealing play food. They add artistic flare.

Watermelon slices cut from a reusable bag make excellent play food for a dramatic play center.

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Loose parts can be transferred from jars to tableware, and little learners will think of many ways to incorporate them into their play.

Keeping an eye out for themed accessories when shopping helps you find items that add interest to a pretend play center. Watermelon fans fit the bill!

A themed fan and button loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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These rubber frogs are included because they are red and green! My little learners had fun reimagining them as cupcakes and candy.

Rubber fogs and gem loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black set in an almond-shaped watermelon bowl add a soft touch.

Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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Watermelon accessories add a burst of color to the play kitchen, welcome any time of the year. Try this fruity dramatic play theme in late winter or early Spring. When outdoor colors are drab, the bold palette is sure to be a mood booster.

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A juicy, watermelon theme pretend play center your little learners will love. Loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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Related: Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

Filed Under: dramatic play, gardening, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: loose parts, sensory play, watermelon

Bubble Wand Painting Activity

August 22, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This bubble wand painting activity gives early learners a fun new way to spread paint on paper or canvas. It is process art at its best!

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Variety is the spice of life, and this is so true with painting activities. Although paintbrushes are most commonly used to spread paint on canvasses, little learners delight in experimenting with other tools. Offering this bubble wand painting activity gives them an exciting new way to do just that!

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this super fun art activity:

  • jumbo bubble wands and trays
  • tempera paint colors of choice
  • 12-inch x 18-inch art paper or canvas
  • plastic tarp or table cover

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Bubble Wand Painting Process

Painting with bubble wands is a fun way to experiment with unique tools for spreading paint. Follow these steps for the process art activity.

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For this activity, pour tempera paint into bubble wand trays, or use trays that are just larger than the wands.

Tip: Tempera paint can be a little dark when used straight from the bottle. Lighten and brighten hues by mixing in a little white and/or yellow paint.

Next, cover a large table with a plastic table cover or tarp.

Then set out big sheets of art paper or canvasses, along with the paint trays. For this project, I feature a budget-friendly stretched canvas purchased at a dollar store.

Have each participant dip a bubble wand in paint, and press it onto the canvas. If the wand is used as a fly swatter, the paint will splatter, adding to the fun.

Repeat the process using additional bubble wands, trays, and paint colors.

It's easy to fill a canvas with a bubble wand painting technique. Give this all-ages super fun art project a try!

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Note: This is a messy activity! Make sure participants wear play clothes and a painting apron, and that your art station can accommodate splattering paint. As an alternative, offer the painting activity outside.

If only a few bubble wand sets are available, have little learners take turns doing this painting activity. Wash the bubble wands and trays before adding each new color.

Big sheets of paper or canvases can seem overwhelming to little learners, but the jumbo bubble wands make painting on a large canvas easy to do.

It's easy to fill a canvas with a bubble wand painting technique. Give this all-ages super fun art project. a try!

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Related: Printmaking With Apples

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[Read more…] about Bubble Wand Painting Activity

Filed Under: art, preschool, summer Tagged With: bubble wand painting, painting, process art

Watermelon Playdough Tray

August 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Put together this scented watermelon playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.
Put together this scented watermelon playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

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What better time to set out a watermelon playdough tray than on a hot summer day like today? The tray features an easy-to-make scented playdough recipe using Kool-Aid. So if you are experiencing a heat wave like we are, you can use some of the Kool-Aid in a cold, refreshing drink, and save the rest for the playdough recipe.

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Scented Playdough Recipe

A deliciously watermelon scented playdough recipe you will want to try. It's perfect for a summer day or any day!

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This playdough recipe is soft, pliable, and lasts a long time. Gather the following ingredients:

  • 500 ml / 2 cups flour
  • 250 ml / 1 cup salt
  • 20 ml / 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 450 ml water (almost 2 cups)
  • 45 ml / 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 48 ml bottle of watermelon-flavored concentrated liquid Kool-Aid

To make the scented dough, follow the steps below:

Measure the first three ingredients into a sturdy pot and mix them together.

Add two tablespoons vegetable oil and a 48 ml bottle of liquid watermelon Kool-Aid concentrate into a 500 ml / 2 cup measuring container.

Add enough water to make 500 ml / 2 cups of liquid and stir.

Pour the mixed liquids into the pot of dry ingredients and combine.

Heat the mixture on the stove on medium heat.

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

Place the dough on a cutting board.

Knead when cool, adding one more tablespoon of oil.

Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag until ready to use.

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Put together this watermelon playdough loose parts tray in minutes. It includes homemade playdough recipes you'll want to try.

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To inspire watermelon-themed designs in a play invitation, you can add:

  •  a white basic playdough recipe.
  • a basic playdough recipe colored with green food coloring.

Note: If you are making playdough for one or two children, this recipe can be halved. Then you will have enough Kool-Aid left to make a watermelon-flavored drink.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Watermelon Playdough Tray

Put together this watermelon theme playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

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Red, white, pink, black, and green loose parts work well with watermelon playdough. In the tray are pop poms, pebble and diamond-shaped gems, and buttons. Green and red spotted rubber frogs are included because they fit the color scheme! Watermelon slice cookie cutters complete the tray.

When setting up this playdough invitation, you could add black beans to represent watermelon seeds.

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A deliciously watermelon scented playdough recipe you will want to try. It's perfect for a summer day or any day!

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Related: Scented Moon Playdough

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[Read more…] about Watermelon Playdough Tray

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, sensory, summer Tagged With: playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, watermelon

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

August 4, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.
A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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This spring I started collecting lemon-themed supplies before the weather got warmer and the snow finally melted for good. It was refreshing just to look at the growing tub of yellow-infused accessories. A lemonade stand dramatic play center was one goal for the purchases. The other intent was to set up a lemon-inspired play kitchen, which is featured in this post.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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No store is off limits for collecting supplies that are useful in children’s activities. Keeping an eye out for economical items on usual shopping runs often leads to spotting the perfect accessories for pretend play. Collected for the lemon-themed play kitchen are:

  • lemon play food in smaller and larger sizes
  • play food lemon pie
  • lemon counters
  • jar with green and yellow rainbow erasers
  • jar with apple sauce screw-top caps
  • lemon-themed tea towel, pot holder, spatula, and serving bowls
  • yellow disposable cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
  • yellow accented paper plates
  • clear drinking cups
  • clear plastic beverage dispenser
  • citrus juicer
  • artificial lemon branch in a vase

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Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen Activities

It’s exciting for early learners to discover lemon-themed dramatic play props set out for them. They can be attractively arranged in a play kitchen on a low table and/or shelving units. The youngsters will happily pick up and use the supplies in their own way.

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

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Just a few of the lemony accessories listed above will spark interest and add a pop of color to the play kitchen.

An artificial lemon branch makes a great centerpiece displayed in an unbreakable vase.

Including loose parts in complementary hues such as yellow and green apple sauce caps and rainbow erasers is great for igniting children’s imaginations. It gives little learners a chance to use recycled items in innovative ways.

This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

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These lemon-themed dramatic play props can be set out any time of the year. And they coordinate wonderfully with National Lemonade Day, which is commonly observed in early May and/or late August.

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This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

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Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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[Read more…] about Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, spring, summer Tagged With: lemons, play kitchen, pretend play, tablescapes

Watermelon-Inspired Banner Craft

July 31, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this easy watermelon-inspired banner craft today! A perfect summer craft for a day you are short on preparation time.

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Summers are short in our part of the world! And so at this time of the year, we savor every moment of the season. This watermelon-inspired banner craft loaded with stripes expresses an appreciation of warm summer days perfectly. It is easy for little learners to create, and requires very little preparation time.

Stripes always make a statement, whether in art, fashion, or home décor. Early learners get practice drawing horizontal ones in this fruit-inspired craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for the watermelon-inspired banner:

  • broad line markers in shades of green, red, pink, and black
  • 8 ½ x 11-inch white cardstock paper
  • black adhesive gems
  • green yarn
  • wiggly eyes
  • scissors
  • ruler
  • single hole punch
  • white glue
  • glue paddle

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Making The Watermelon-Inspired Banner Craft

Celebrate the summer season with a low prep, easy-to-make watermelon-inspired banner craft. This is an all-ages papercraft.

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This watermelon-inspired banner requires minimal preparation. The craft is great to introduce on a day you are short on time.

Just give each child participating a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11-inch white cardstock paper and broad line markers in shades of green, red, and pink.

Then, demonstrate how to draw horizontal stripes in green hues on the top of the paper, and red and pink ones on the rest. The lines do not need to be perfectly straight.

Celebrate the summer season with a low prep, easy-to-make watermelon-inspired banner craft. This is an all-ages papercraft.

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After everyone has added stripes to their paper base, write a word or saying on each piece of art using a black felt pen. Word choices on the featured art projects are:

  • Hello Summer
  • Sweet Summer
  • Happy Summer
  • Aloha

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Choose one of the following three ways to finish the bottom of the hanging banner craft:

  • Have children cut a triangle shape from the bottom edge to make a pennant design.
  • Have children cut a fringe on the bottom using scissors.
  • Help children punch holes on the bottom and thread through a green yarn fringe.

As a finishing touch, invite little learners to add adhesive gem “watermelon seeds” to their craft.

Embrace the summer season with this low prep, easy-to-make watermelon-inspired banner craft. This is an all-ages papercraft.

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Happy Summer Banner Craft

For the “Happy Summer” banner theme, invite early learners to add two wiggly eyes with white craft glue after drawing the stripes. Then have them draw on a smile with a black broad line marker. A few black adhesive gems can be added afterward.

Embrace the summer season with this low prep, easy-to-make watermelon-inspired banner craft. This is an all-ages papercraft.

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This striped watermelon-inspired banner craft adds color and style to any area when displayed, and makes a celebratory summer decoration.

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Make this easy watermelon-inspired banner craft today! A perfect summer craft for a day you are short on preparation time.

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Related:  Three Black History Month Crafts

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[Read more…] about Watermelon-Inspired Banner Craft

Filed Under: art, crafts, preschool, summer Tagged With: papercrafts, watermelon

Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

July 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.
A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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This taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin is refreshing in the heat of the summer and would brighten up a cool fall or icy winter day. Any time of the year, it is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners. They’ll especially love the lemonade ice cubes in the bin!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for this colorful and tasty sensory bin:

  • tray or tub
  • lemons
  • strawberries
  • can of frozen lemonade
  • ice cube trays
  • red and yellow food coloring
  • plastic glass and bowl
  • large spoon
  • kitchen tongs
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • plastic tablecloth

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Preparing The Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

Steps to easily put together a colorful, refreshing strawberry lemonade sensory bin.

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To prepare this oh-so-easy lemonade sensory bin, do the following:

First, mix a container of frozen lemonade with water according to the package directions.

Next, pour lemonade into a variety of ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

Just before playtime, wash the lemons and strawberries. Cut strawberries into halves and slices, and lemons into halves, quarters, and slices.

Then cover the table the sensory bin will be set on with a plastic tablecloth.

Pour a layer of cool water into a container the size of a food service tub. A smaller tub or tray will work fine for one child to play in.

Note: If more than one child is participating in the activity, offer an individual lemonade sensory bin to each child.

Next, set in a non-breakable cup and bowl, kitchen tongs, and a large spoon.

A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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Afterward, sprinkle in cut lemons and strawberries.

Lastly, add lemonade ice cubes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Note: Smaller ice cubes are easier and safer for little learners to taste. Larger ones are easier to see in the bin.

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Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin Exploration

You may wish to offer this bin with just lemon slices and lemonade ice cubes first.

Lemons and lemonade ice cubes are the highlight of this easy-to-put-together taste-safe sensory tray.

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Strawberries can be sprinkled into the bin at the start, or put in a little later to add interest and sensory exploration possibilities.

Turning the water into a shade of coral by squirting in a few drops of red and yellow food coloring further adds to the learning through play experience.

Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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Benefits Of The Lemonade Sensory Play

Your little learners have the opportunity to use all of their senses in this taste-safe bin. They can…

  • taste sweet and sour foods
  • feel cold, sticky, and smooth food parts
  • smell the refreshing scent of strawberries and lemons
  • hear the foods splash into cups and be stirred into bowls
  • see the colorful lemons and strawberries, and subtle ice cubes

Lots of interesting conversation naturally occurs while children explore their lemonade sensory bin, enhancing language.

Developing eye-hand coordination while scooping and pouring and exercising fine motor control by squeezing lemons and using kitchen tongs are also benefits. And when the color of the water is changed, little learners experience science!

Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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Lemonade Recipes

Interested in trying some new lemonade recipes, or discovering more additives for a lemonade sensory bin? Check out this excellent post “The Twelve Best Lemonade Recipes” by gypsyplate.com.

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Related: Strawberry Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin

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[Read more…] about Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: lemonade, lemons, sensory bin, sensory tray, strawberries

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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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Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon? They are featured in creative snacks in this watermelon-themed video. Link in profile leads to the blogpost.  #creativesnacks #watermelonsnacks #funsnacks #easysnacks #healthysnacks #watermelon #sunflowers #fruitskewers #popsicles #watermelonpopsicles #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolsnacks #teacherofig #iteachprek #iteach
This “words of affirmation” glow art activity This “words of affirmation” glow art activity is perfect for the beginning or end of the school year, or anytime in between. Details are on the blog…click link in profile. 
🌟☀️🌟. #glowart #blacklightart #neon #glowinthedark #watchwhathappens #blacklight #uvlight #artandliteracy #prek #kindergarten #prekart #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tryit #howto
An easy art activity for “International Talk Lik An easy art activity for “International Talk Like A Pirate Day”, celebrated on September 19 each year. A pirate theme is excellent for encouraging speaking and socialization. That’s perfect for this time of year, when many children are starting school. Link in profile leads to the blogpost with two free printables.  #socialdevelopment #startingschool #pirates #piratetheme #freeprintable #freeprintables #scissorskills #earlylearning #creepyart #creepyartwork #kidsart #kidsartwork #easyart #funart #finemotorskills #prekart #prekactivity #kindergartenactivity
Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut leaf. This and more leaf art projects are on the blog. Link in profile. 🌿🌿🌿 #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #leaf #fallleaves #painting #pastels #reliefart #classroomart #kindergartenart #preschoolart #artclass #artclasses #fallart #September #funart
Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are encouraged to set up lemonade stands (supplies are provided) and raise money for a local children’s hospital.
A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

🍋🍋🍋

#lemonadestand #dramaticplay #pretendplay #earlylearning #makelemonade #lemonade #kidpreneur #kidpreneurs #kidsplay #keepingkidsbusy #socialplay #roleplay #prekteachers #prekteachersofinstagram #creativeplay
Flower Stand dramatic play center! 🌸🌺🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼 #flowerstand #flowers #flowerboquet #playcenter  #pretendplay #floraldesign #floraldesigns #flowershop #kidsplay #earlyplay #creativeplayideas #activesummer #playislearning #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #prek #instateachers #teacherofig #playsetup
Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic play invitation. 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉
#dramatic play #playkitchen #watermelon #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #playislearning #colorful #itsthelittlethings #Sundayvibes #summerday #playinvitation #pretendplay #tistheseason #prek #kindergarten #prekteacher #teacherblogger #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
When you are collecting school supplies, save some When you are collecting school supplies, save some school for light table experimentation. Details are on the blog. Click the link in profile. 

#playinvitation #lighttable #schoolsupplies #explorecolor #explorelight #lightplay #recycledplay #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #seajellies #jellyfish #fish #geometricshapes #gems #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

#lemonade #lemonadetableacape #lemons #playfood #prekfun #kindergartenactivities #prescoolactivities  #dramaticplay #pretendplay #summertheme #preschoolthemes #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #kidsplay #earlylearning #earlylearning101 #tablescapes #tablescapestyle
Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of sparkle and shine.  #playdoughfun #sensoryplayideas #playbasedlearning #keepingkidsbusy #learnandplay #loosepartsplay #invitationtoplay #preschooler #preschoolfun #spaceexploration #spaceships #earlyeducation #eyfsideas
An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
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#watermelon #watermelontheme #watermelons #bannerdesign #papercraft #papercrafts #easycrafts #easycraftsforkids #summercrafts #craftingfun #aloha #sweetsummer #happysummer #sundaycrafts #sundayvibes #kidscrafts101
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