• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Winter
  • Chinese New Year
  • Blog
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Contact Me
  • Easter Activities

Pink Shirt Day Necklace Craft

February 20, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

While paging through a small book with elephant facts, I realized that elephants are a glowing symbol of kindness. And since kindness is a theme of Pink Shirt Day, this Pink Shirt Day necklace craft was one of my activities for last year’s annual anti-bullying day.

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is held on the last Wednesday in February every year in many countries. It originated in Canada in 2007 when a boy was teased in school for wearing a pink shirt. In response, two other boys bought a host of pink shirts and gave them to classmates. The rosy t-shirts symbolized anti-bullying, and since then many people have worn pink shirts on Pink Shirt Day. Last year more than 110 countries celebrated the anti-bullying themed day.

Elephants Are Kind

Elephants are a symbol of kindness. They are super smart creatures and seem to have feelings similar to ours. They exchange hugs with their heads and trunks. They spread their ears wide when walking with their young, making sure they shield them from danger. They help other elephants who are sad, sick, or hurt.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies to Collect

Along with pink shirts, a pink elephant necklace craft to symbolize kindness makes a great addition to Pink Shirt Day activities. To assemble the simple elephant necklace, collect the following:

  • pink craft foam sheet or cardstock
  • elephant template
  • adhesive gem stickers
  • necklace cord
  • scissors and pencil
  • hole punch

_______

Pink Shirt Day Necklace Craft Directions


_______

To make this kindness craft, start by tracing and cutting an elephant from pink cardstock or a sheet of pink craft foam.

Next, cut off a 26-inch strip (or longer) from the elastic necklace cord.

Then punch a hole in the upper middle of the elephant.

Loop the cord through the hole.

Then decorate the elephant with adhesive sticker gems.

Finally, securely tie the ends of the necklace cord, adjusting the length of the cord if necessary.

_______

Elephant Facts Printable

_______

To complement the kindness elephant necklace craft, here is a free printable to download. At preschool, I sent the handout home with the jewelry craft.

Elephant Facts PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

_______

My preschoolers loved this necklace craft and were eager to wear it. One little boy wore his necklace many days during the remainder of the school year. Will you give this craft a try?

_______

Related: Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play

_______

[Read more…] about Pink Shirt Day Necklace Craft

Filed Under: animals, character, crafts, preschool, science Tagged With: elephants, jewelry, Pink Shirt Day

Origami Heart Valentines

February 9, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away! If you need a festive paper craft with plenty of charm, consider having your little charges make origami heart valentines. The simple craft is showcased in two different designs so everyone can experience success.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

Gather the following supplies for this Valentine’s Day paper craft:

  • origami paper
  • craft ribbon
  • metallic confetti
  • yarn
  • lace
  • buttons
  • white cardstock
  • markers
  • glue stick
  • white glue or a glue gun

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

_______

Making the Origami Hearts

The first thing to do is select paper for this craft. You can use origami paper which comes in a square shape. Or pick out any kind of colored paper and cut off the ends if necessary to make squares.

There are two basic ways to paper fold a square into a heart. The first design is the easiest to create and is the best one for little learners to try. Here is a link to an excellent blog post by green kid crafts with clear instructions for making it.

Easy Origami Heart

This paper folded heart is the bigger of the two. If using a 6-inch x 6-inch paper square, the finished paper heart is 4 inches wide and 3 ½ inches tall.

_______

Once children master the first origami heart, they may wish to try a second method of paper folding a heart. An easy-to-follow YouTube video by EZOrigami shows how to make a beautiful heart with a few more paper folds.

Origami Heart (Folding Instructions)

The finished paper heart is compact and keeps its shape nicely. It is a little smaller than the first design. When using 6-inch x 6-inch origami paper, the heart is 3 inches wide and 2 ½ inches tall.

_______

Decorating the Origami Heart Valentines

_______

Once the origami hearts are completely formed, they are ready to be decorated to become valentines. Craft supply scraps are perfect for decorating since you only need a few bits and baubles to fancy up the hearts.

Use white glue, a glue stick, or a glue gun to

  • fashion string and craft ribbons into bows and adhere them to the hearts.
  • add bits of lace or metallic confetti to the paper folded shapes.
  • add paper-punched shapes or buttons to the crafted hearts.
  • use markers to write messages and adhere them to the hearts.

______

The decorated origami hearts make sweet valentines, but can also be used in garlands and mobiles. And they make pretty bookmarks or gift toppers.

_______

_______

More Valentine’s Day Crafts

Woolly Sheep Valentine’s Day Craft

Dinosaur Valentine Craft

Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

Ladybug Wand Craft

Valentine’s Day Owl Craft

_______

[Read more…] about Origami Heart Valentines

Filed Under: art, crafts, preschool, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, origami, paper crafts, Valentine's Day

Reptile Pet Store Center

February 7, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

A reptile pet store is an engaging dramatic play center young children heartedly embrace. It gently introduces children to scaly, cold-blooded wild animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles. The animal-themed center offers many educational benefits.

_______

Reptile Pet Store Center Supplies

_______

The following supplies are included in this simple reptile dramatic play center:

  • snake figurines
  • turtle figurines
  • lizard figurines
  • crocodile figurines
  • animal carrying cases
  • storage trays
  • cash register
  • gold coin play money
  • grocery stand play set
  • storage shelf

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Reptile Pet Store Center

This super fun reptile pet store dramatic play center is quick and easy to set up.

A grocery stand play set is the feature piece of furniture. It holds the cash register, a tray of gold coins, and bins with snakes and lizards.

_______

A see-through shelf holds storage trays with snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles.

Animal carrying cases and a tray with frogs and insects (reptile pet food) are also on the shelf.

Signs on the wall show animals featured in the pet store and a price list.

_______

Benefits of the Reptile Pet Store Play Center

This reptile pet store center gives young children opportunities to:

  • sort reptiles by type, size, or color
  • count animals and play coins
  • name colors of the reptiles
  • learn about foods snakes, turtles, and lizards eat
  • take turns being a shop worker and a customer

Books with information about reptile characteristics, habitats, and life cycles would complement this exotic pet-filled dramatic play center nicely.

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Pet Store Center

Filed Under: dramatic play, pets, preschool, pretend play, reptiles, science Tagged With: dramatic play, lizards, pretend play, snakes, turtles

Paper Chain Snake Craft

January 29, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This paper chain snake craft is a perfect hands-on creative activity. It helps young children develop fine motor skills, recognize colors, practice measurement, and make patterns. The activity suits a reptile, jungle, or Chinese New Year “Year of the Snake” theme.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following basic supplies you probably already have on hand to make this slithery chain-link friend:

  • light cardstock paper
  • ruler and pencil
  • wiggly eyes
  • scissors
  • tape
  • glue stick
  • glue gun

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Steps to Make a Paper Chain Snake Craft

_______

To start making a paper chain snake select a sturdy paper in two or more colors. Construction paper or light cardstock is a good choice because it isn’t too heavy to curve into a loop and holds up well for display.

_______

Next, cut the paper into strips. To make the strips the same-sized width and length, use a pencil and ruler to draw light lines on the paper first. My strips are about 1 ¼ inch wide and 8 ½ inches long. You can make yours shorter and thinner or longer and wider depending on how big you would like the snake to be.

Afterward, form a loop with one paper strip and tape or glue the ends together.

Then add the next link by threading a paper strip through the first loop. Form it into a loop and tape or glue the ends together.

Keep adding paper strips in the same way to make the chain the desired snake body length.

Then draw and cut out a snake head and tail from cardstock. Fold both pieces in half leaving a little section in the middle.

_______

Afterward, draw a forked tongue on a contrasting color of cardstock and glue it to the bottom of the snake head.

Then glue two wiggly eyes to the head.

Finally, use a glue gun to affix the head to one end of the paper chain snake body and tail to the other.

_______

Inspired By Chinese Culture

The paper chain snakes in this blog post are inspired by colors spotted in Chinese festivals and artwork. Turquoise, orange, and yellow are hues seen in lion dance performances.

Blue and white color schemes are popular in Chinese ceramics, with flower motifs being common. So as a finishing touch, this next snake is embellished with paper-punched flowers.

________

Red and white decorations are feature colors in Chinese New Year celebrations. Red symbolizes celebration and white provides a nice contrast. White paper flowers enhance the snake below too.

_______

This Chinese New Year signifies “The Year of the Snake“, and the snake craft fits in well with the theme.

_______

Benefits of The Paper Chain Snake Craft

This slithery snake craft has many benefits for young children. It helps them

  • develop fine motor control and finger muscle strength as they tape or glue paper strips into loops.
  • recognize colors and make patterns.
  • observe and/or help use a glue gun.

The snakes can be measured with a string or a long ruler. They make great pretend pets for little learners.

_______

_______

More Activities With Snakes

Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Black Playdough Snakes

Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

String Painting Snake Art

_______

_______

You may also like:

Unicorn Playdough Tray

Set up this magical unicorn playdough tray early learners will love. The best homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

Teacup and Peony Sensory Tray

This beautiful teacup and peony sensory tray allows for practice with scissors skills and eye-hand coordination. Peony facts are included.

_______

Don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest or your favorite social media channel. Sharing is caring!

_______

© Annette Kaminsky January 29, 2025

_______

Filed Under: art, Chinese New Year, crafts, Math, preschool, reptiles Tagged With: color, Lunar New Year, paper crafts, snakes

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

January 26, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

A smiling cat is popular in Lunar New Year décor. This cheerful cat decoration originated in Japan and is an ornament displayed all year round there. In Japanese it is called “maneki-neko”, meaning “beckoning cat”. The joy-filled cat has become popular in Chinese New Year celebrations, often called “Lucky Cat.” This Lucky Cat sensory bin incorporates the festive feline in a super fun early learning tactile activity.

_______

Lucky Cat Sensory Bin Supplies

_______

This playful Lunar New Year sensory bin contains the following supplies:

  • dyed chickpeas
  • Lucky Cat stuffed animal
  • miniature cat figurines
  • toy cat balls with bells
  • star-shaped snack cup and spoon
  • gold coins
  • gold bells
  • serving tray

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Many of my Lunar New Year sensory bins have a rice base. Rice fits the theme perfectly as it is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, often eaten at all three meals.

_______

Chickpea-based sensory bins are also a favorite. Chickpea dishes and snacks have become more popular in China in recent years. Most importantly, chickpeas are easy to dye red, a common Lunar New Year color. This Lucky Cat sensory bin features rows of chickpeas dyed in a few gorgeous colors for added beauty.

Note: To find out how to dye chickpeas view the blog post Unicorn Theme Sensory Play.

The joyful jingly Lucky Cat stuffie is the highlight of the bin. The cute character is the motivation for putting the sensory invitation together.

_______

Miniature cat figurines give more opportunities for more feline exploration.

Toy cat balls with bells are an unexpected sensory and musical addition.

Gold coins and bells fit the Lunar New Year theme, and are a standard go-to.

A star-shaped snack cup and spoon give opportunities for scooping and pouring.

_______

All the supplies are showcased in a round serving tray for one or two children to explore.

This Lucky Cat sensory bin is bound to be a hit with your little charges.

_______

More Lunar New Year Activities

Chinese New Year Dragon Craft

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

_______

Dragon Necklace Craft

Chinese New Year Sensory Play

Chinese Money Tree Activities

Easy to do, creative Chinese money tree activities that give early learners a chance to use shiny gold coins and loose parts in art and sensory play while learning about a world-renowned celebration.

_______

Chinese New Year Pretend Play

Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

_______

Chinese New Year Dragon Craft

Chinese Zodiac Sensory Bins

_______

[Read more…] about Lucky Cat Sensory Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory, themes Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Easy DIY Black Playdough

January 25, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This easy DIY black playdough is sleek, shiny, and oh-so-easy to make. The no-cook recipe pairs perfectly with a snake theme as it is super stretchy. Using it this month also works well with Lunar New Year “Year of the Snake“ activities.

_______

Easy DIY Black Playdough Ingredients

Gather the following supplies for this black playdough recipe:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp black gel icing color
  • ½ tsp glycerin
  • large bowl
  • measuring cup
  • mixing spoon

_______

Making the No-Cook Black Playdough

This black playdough recipe can be made quickly. Here are the instructions:

  • Add two cups of flour to a serving bowl.
  • Pour in 1 cup of salt.
  • Add 1 cup of water.
  • Measure in 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • Drop in 1 tsp black gel icing color.
  • Add ½ tsp glycerin.
  • Stir all the ingredients together with a mixing spoon until it becomes thick. Then take the playdough out of the bowl and knead it thoroughly.

_______

_______

The nice thing about this playdough is that you can play around with the ingredients and it will turn out just fine. If the dough is a little dry, add in a tiny bit more water, glycerin, or oil. If it is a little moist, add a small amount of flour. Kneading the ingredients thoroughly makes it moldable.

If the playdough looks more grey than black measure in more black gel icing color. Note: The playdough will get a little darker over time so it doesn’t need to look all-black immediately.

For additional shine, add a teaspoon more glycerin.

_______

Little hands will look greenish after making and using the playdough because of the intense black gel color. The gel color is edible, and hands should be their normal hue again after a few washes.

This easy DIY black playdough recipe is super shiny and has a lot of stretch. It becomes a little like slime when reused…how fun!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Year of the Snake Playdough Invitation

_______

The homemade black playdough recipe makes a great 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) or a reptile-themed activity. Add white beads, small wiggly eyes, and cardstock paper forked tongues. Then invite participants to create beautiful black and white snakes.

_______

Reusing the Black Playdough

This show-stopping black playdough can be used a few times. When finished playing with it, store it in saran wrap and put it in a sealed container. Place the dough in the fridge if you wish. Keep a little oil and flour on hand to mix in when you pull the shiny black playdough out a second and third time. The dough may be a little moist but will soon be pliable when the two ingredients are kneaded in.

_______

No Cook Versus Cooked Playdough Recipes

Cooked playdough is long-lasting if stored properly. It is delightful to use, and I love its properties.

When making cooked playdough, take note of the following:

  • You need a stove to heat up the recipe, or a kettle to heat water.
  • Most cooked recipes use cream of tartar, a rather expensive ingredient.
  • The recipe must be made carefully according to the instructions, or it will be too sticky or dry.
  • It is hard to fix the dough when it is too sticky…I haven’t had much luck with that!

But I love cooked playdough and have made it many times. It is a great choice if you are making a batch ahead of time.

_______

In the last while I’ve tried more no-cook playdough recipes, selecting ones that do not use boiling water. This is because:

  • It is easy to include children in making the playdough as there is no need to worry about burns from a hot mixture or stove. And children love helping!
  • If the ingredients in a recipe are tweaked the playdough will still usually turn out fine. Thorough kneading is key for this.
  • The recipes do not usually need cream of tartar, which is an additional cost and may not be an ingredient you have on hand.

_______

[Read more…] about Easy DIY Black Playdough

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, playdough, preschool, reptiles, sensory Tagged With: Lunar New Year, playdough, snakes

Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

January 19, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Every January since I started this blog, making a sensory bin with the zodiac animal of the year’s Chinese New Year celebration has been a tradition. The 2025 zodiac animal is a snake, and it was super fun including snakes in a Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration starts on January 29, and the date marks the beginning of a Year of the Snake. The slithering reptile is the sixth of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, coming after the dragon and before the horse. People born in a Year of the Snake are thought to be intelligent, passionate, intuitive, diligent, creative, competent, and wise.

_______

Chinese New Year 2025 Sensory Bin Supplies

Early learners absolutely love sensory activities and get a sampling of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration by exploring this red and gold chickpea bin with a few color-coordinating snakes set in.

The following supplies are in the festive bin:

  • dried chickpeas
  • gold play coins
  • ingot bowl
  • gold garland bits
  • red dessert cups and spoons
  • gold bells
  • gold buttons
  • snake figurines

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Dried chickpeas dyed in various amounts of red acrylic paint are the base for this simple Lunar New Year bin. For easy instructions detailing how to dye chickpeas, view my blogpost “Chinese New Year Sensory Play. “

A food service bus tub holds the chickpeas and other supplies nicely and allows two or three children to investigate the bin together.

A pair of nesting ingot bowls with oval lids was a new find, and I chose the smaller one for the bin. Its unique boat shape and shiny gold finish add interest.

Fun facts: In ancient Chinese culture, ingot bowls were made of gold or silver, and were used as currency. Today they symbolize wealth and hope for prosperity. The glamourous bowls are displayed in festival décor and are sometimes filled with candy, chocolate, or fruit.

_______

Gold play coins, buttons, bells, and garland bits are loose parts that complement the New Year’s theme.

Red snack cups and spoons give opportunities to scoop and pour, always a favorite activity of young children.

Various-sized red and yellow snake figurines are highlights of the Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin. Children love to use them in hands-on investigative activities.

_______

More Chinese Zodiac Sensory Bins

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin

Year Of The Dragon Sensory Bins

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, New Year's, preschool, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, Chinese New Year, sensory bin, snakes

Gnome Christmas Stocking Craft

December 23, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

It’s all about the beard in this cozy gnome Christmas stocking craft. It is so easy to make and super cute to display. Make one (or two or three) to include in your holiday decorating scheme.

Gnomes are lovable, little mythical creatures with large noses and pointed hats. They are super popular in home décor. I love seeing them displayed in stores when I’m out and about around town. Tailored for every holiday season, they come in all sorts of colors and designs. The cheeky, whimsical characters provide endless inspiration for simple crafts to make.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this charming gnome craft:

  • construction or cardstock paper
  • thick yarn
  • thin ribbon
  • large pom pom
  • craft punches
  • double-sided tape
  • scissors and pencil
  • glue stick and glue gun

_______

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

The Gnome Christmas Stocking Craft

To make this gnome Christmas stocking craft, start by picking out two complementary colors of cardstock or construction paper.

Next, draw on and cut out a Christmas stocking from an 8 ½ inch x 11-inch sheet of construction paper.
Then draw and cut out a cuff from paper in a coordinating color.

_______

Afterward, line the top of the paper stocking with double-sided tape, adding more small pieces to the center.

Next, select white or cream-colored yarn and loop it on the stocking, pressing the yarn onto the double-sided tape. Thick, fluffy yarn works well for this craft.

Then stick on a large light brown pom pom nose.

Secure the cuff to the top of the stocking with hot glue, and add a small loop to one of the upper edges for hanging.

Finally, glue on one or more foam or paper-punched holiday shapes to give the stocking extra flair.

_______

Once you’ve crafted one cozy character, you just might want to make more! This gnome Christmas stocking craft would make a fun family or classroom activity with everyone designing their own. The festive yarn and paper gnomes would display beautifully on a garland.

_______

Related:
Heart Doily Gnome Valentines
St. Patrick’s Day Gnome Craft

_______

More Christmas Arts and Crafts

Click on the pictures below for more Christmas art and crafts ideas.

Washi Tape Christmas Pots
Sparkly Painted Christmas Trees
Christmas Sweater Sheep Craft
Octopus Bell Christmas Craft
Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments
Paper Airplane Christmas Craft
Christmas Turtle Craft
Elegant Angel Christmas Craft
Squish Painted Christmas Dove
Pretty Angel Christmas Craft
Christmas CD Craft
Monochromatic Christmas Trees

_______

[Read more…] about Gnome Christmas Stocking Craft

Filed Under: art, Christmas, crafts, preschool Tagged With: gnomes, paper crafts

Paper Bag Grinch Craft

December 22, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This cute and colorful paper bag Grinch craft doubles up as an aromatic Christmas present to give to someone special over the holiday season.

It’s tradition for me to visit a nearby greenhouse during the holiday season to view the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The trees all have gorgeous, coordinated decorations that complement each other in color and theme. The decorations are the inspiration for crafts to make. At the end of my visit, I pick out a lemon cypress plant to take home and often select other items to purchase.
.
Lemon cypress plants look like miniature Christmas trees and are often decorated with tiny ornaments as a space-saving holiday sensory activity. They have light green feathery foliage that grows in a cone shape. When the leaves are rubbed or crushed, they smell like lemon. The tip of the lemon grass plant reminds me of the tuft of hair on Dr. Seuss’s storybook character “The Grinch.” That’s why they are paired in this paper bag craft and gift.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Collect the following supplies for this Grinchy green and yellow craft:

  • lemon cypress plant
  • paper lunch bags
  • green and yellow tempera paint
  • paint pot and brush
  • yellow and black construction paper
  • red and black markers
  • scissors and pencil
  • glue stick and tape
  • yarn and single hole punch
  • waterproof tablecloth

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

The Paper Bag Grinch Craft


To make this paper bag Grinch craft, start by pouring light green or neon green tempera paint into a paint pot.

_______

Next, set out the paint, paintbrush, and a paper bag on a table covered with a waterproof tablecloth.
Paint one side of the bag and let it dry. Paint the other three sides, allowing the paint to dry on each side before continuing. The drying process may take a few hours.

Note: An alternative is to stand the bag on the art table and place a few sheets of crumpled scrap paper inside. Paint a thin layer of tempera all over the bag and let it dry. Then remove the inserted paper.

When the painted lunch bag is dry, fold it into its original shape.

Then cut two large almond-shaped eyes from yellow construction paper and line the outside edges with a black marker.

Cut small circles from black sturdy paper and glue them to the yellow eyes.

Afterward, thoroughly add glue to the back of the crafted eyes with a glue stick, and affix the peepers to the bag in a slanted position.

_______

Next, use the black marker to draw a small nose and a deep curved mouth on the bag.

Then draw eyelashes around the eyes and give the paper bag face slanted eyebrows.

Cut a small rectangle from yellow construction paper and write the words “Merry Grinchmas” on it with a red marker.

Next, punch a hole in the edge of the paper greeting and tie on a section of yarn.

Finally, tape the yarn inside the tip of the bag and carefully set in a small potted lemon cypress plant.

_______

Variation of the Paper Bag Grinch Craft

_______

To simplify this festive craft, use a bright green crayon to color the bag instead of painting it. The green hue will not be as bright as the painted version but the craft will be just as delightful.

_______

This lemon cypress plant-filled paper bag Grinch craft would make a cute gift from a child to a parent or grandparent. Who will you give your Grinch craft to?

Merry Grinchmas!!!

More Christmas Art and Crafts

Click on the pictures below for more Christmas art and craft projects.

Washi Tape Christmas Pots
Sparkly Painted Christmas Trees
Christmas Sweater Sheep Craft
Octopus Bell Christmas Craft
Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments
Paper Airplane Christmas Craft
Christmas Turtle Craft
Elegant Angel Christmas Craft
Squish Painted Christmas Dove
Pretty Angel Christmas Craft
Christmas CD Craft
Monochromatic Christmas Trees

_______

[Read more…] about Paper Bag Grinch Craft

Filed Under: art, book theme, Christmas, crafts, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: Christmas craft, Christmas tree, Dr. Seuss, gardening, paper bag crafts

Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

December 21, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

In this Grinch Christmas Oobleck bin, a well-known Christmas storybook theme and a favorite sensory activity are paired together.

The goopy sensory bin is inspired by the storybook “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss. The popular picture book features a tall, long-fingered grumpy beast called “The Grinch’ who lives by himself up on a hill above the town of Whoville. Old Grinch absolutely hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve he disguises himself as “Santy Claus” by wearing a makeshift red and white costume. He ties one “reindeer” antler to his faithful dog Max’s head and has him pull a sled down to Whoville. The grouchy Grinch steals all the Whos Christmas decorations, presents, and festive food. He even scoops up the log for the fireplace from each home.

While ready to push the sled full of festive items over the tip of Mt. Crumpit early Christmas morning, the Grinch is surprised by the sound he hates the most…the singing of the Whos standing together holding hands. He realizes he hasn’t stopped Christmas at all. After thinking for a few hours, his heart softens and he decides to return all the Christmas items he took. He joins in the Christmas festivities in Whoville and even carves the “the roast beast”, a food he dislikes a lot.

_______

To get familiar with or revisit this story, view Book In Bed’s delightful, colorful animated read aloud version: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

_______

Supplies Collected

_______

For the super fun, educational holiday sensory bin, the following supplies were gathered:

  • cornstarch
  • water
  • neon green food coloring
  • measuring cup
  • tablespoons
  • Grinch disposable snack cups
  • Christmas tree shape container
  • present shape container
  • ornament-shaped bells
  • candy cane ornaments
  • large tweezers
  • sensory bin

_______

Making The Grinch Christmas Oobleck

For this tactile sensory activity, first choose a bin. I use a saucer sled. It’s bright color matches the season, and it is large enough to easily hold the Oobleck and the supplies.

_______

Next, make the grinchy green Oobleck. Use a tablespoon or your hands to mix two cups of cornstarch with one cup of water. Add a little more water if needed. Then blend in a few drops of neon green food coloring. The goopy mixture is the right consistency if it becomes a ball when you close your hand around it but transforms to a liquid that slowly drops off when you open up your hand.

_______

The Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

This festive sensory bin is well-loved by children and adults.

Start of by inviting particpants to help mix the Oobleck and investigate its properties. They will eagerly accept your invitation!

_______

Once everyone has had a chance to explore the green goop, add picture book-themed items inspired by the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” to the bin. I include:

  • a Christmas tree shape container, a clear present shape container, and Grinch disposable snack cups to drop Oobleck into.
  • festive accessories such as candy cane and ornament-shaped bells.
  • tablespoons and children’s play tweezers to help explore the Oobleck and pick up supplies in the bin.

_______

How Oobleck Got Its Name

Way back when I was training to be an early childhood worker, this sensory recipe was introduced as goop. More recently, I’ve discovered that it has been given the name Oobleck. Interestingly, the name is inspired by another Dr. Seuss children’s book titled “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” The Oobleck in the story is green too!

_______

The Science Behind Oobleck

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, so it does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity. This is because depending on the force applied, it changes from a liquid to a solid, or from a solid to a liquid.

In the mixture, cornstarch is suspended in water and does not dissolve. When you apply force such as closing your hand and squeezing a blob of it, it acts like a solid. The cornstarch bits align and interlock under pressure. But when you stop the force by opening your hand, the goop becomes a liquid. The cornstarch bits flow freely off your hand along with the water.

Oobleck is a fascinating sensory material. Making and exploring its properties is a popular science activity, and it’s one of my favorites. Have you tried making Oobleck?

_______

_______

More Science Activities

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Color Explosion Science Experiment

Reptile Egg Science

Felt Marker Chromatography Experiment

_______

[Read more…] about Grinch Christmas Oobleck Bin

Filed Under: Christmas, literacy, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: picture books, sensory bin, sensory play

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 36
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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!

Subscribe Via Email

Recent Posts

  • Salt and Ice Science Experiment May 20, 2025
  • Airplane Rice Sensory Bin May 16, 2025
  • Salt Painting Planet Art May 3, 2025
  • Spring Bunny Sensory Bin April 19, 2025
  • Tin Foil Egg Printing April 17, 2025
  • Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin April 15, 2025
  • Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center March 25, 2025
  • Easter Store Dramatic Play Center March 23, 2025
  • Origami Heart Wreath February 28, 2025
  • Black History Month Mixed Media Art February 26, 2025

Categories

Topics

block play bunnies butterflies Chinese New Year Christmas Christmas craft color colors dramatic play Easter flowers hearts holiday jewelry leaves leprechauns light table loose parts painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables printmaking process art pumpkins rice bin scented playdough science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks skeletons snakes snowflakes spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers tablescapes trees Valentine's Day water play

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in