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Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

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Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

April 14, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Make this adorable spring bunny wreath craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.
Make this adorable spring bunny paper plate craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Here’s a simple spring bunny wreath craft that’s perfect for the Easter season, but also celebrates spring. Along with a bunny, flowers, and butterflies, it incorporates jelly beans, fitting for National Jelly Bean Day!

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Supplies To Collect

Easy to gather supplies to make an adorable spring bunny wreath craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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For this sweet, floral craft project, gather the following:

  • white paper plate
  • cardstock in spring colors
  • flower, butterfly, and circle paper punches
  • white or tan cardstock
  • pink pompom
  • wiggly eyes
  • needle and thread
  • jelly beans
  • glue stick
  • white glue or glue gun
  • scissors
  • thin black felt pen

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Making The Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

Craft this adorable spring bunny wreath with easy-to-find supplies.

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First, cut the center from a paper plate.

Next, punch flowers, butterflies, and circles from spring-colored cardstock. Using a glue stick, adhere contrasting circle centers to some of the flowers.

Then glue butterflies and flowers around the paper plate rim.

Trace and cut a bunny head from white or tan cardstock. (A white bunny is perfect for Easter, but a grey or brown one will take the craft into spring.) Download this free template if desired.

Download this bunny head template to make a spring bunny wreath craft.

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Bunny Head PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Then draw two curved lines for the bunny mouth, and add whiskers.

Afterward, glue on the wiggly eyes and a pink pompom nose.

Lastly, adhere the paper bunny to the bottom back of the wreath using white glue or a glue gun.

Make this adorable spring bunny paper plate craft with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Adding The Jelly Bean Necklace

For a unique crafting experience, make a colorful and tasty jelly bean necklace for the bunny:

  • Pull a long piece of thread through a sturdy sewing needle.
  • Thread on jelly beans in a pattern of choice, or add them randomly.
  • Tie off the ends of the thread when the necklace is the desired length.
  • String the necklace around the bunny’s neck.
String a jelly bean necklace to wear or use in a craft. A super fun activity with pattern-making possibilities.

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Tip: For young children, the necklace could be prepared in advance. Or little learners could dictate which color jellybeans to thread on a necklace as you make one for them.

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Making this jelly bean necklace was easier than I thought it would be. I was sure that I would poke my fingers more than once. But thankfully I didn’t!

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This paper plate bunny wreath will brighten up any space, The jelly bean necklace is the highlight of the craft.

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This paper plate bunny wreath will brighten up any space, The jelly bean necklace is the highlight of the craft.

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Craft this adorable spring bunny wreath with easy-to-find supplies. A jelly bean necklace is a finishing touch.

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Related: Jelly Bean Theme

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The spring colors in the wreath are so welcome at a time of year when some days are bright and sunny, but others are grey and overcast. And I’m so ready for flowers and butterflies since we’ve had more than our share of snow this year!

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[Read more…] about Spring Bunny Wreath Craft

Filed Under: art, crafts, Easter, preschool, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, flowers, paper crafts, paper plate crafts, spring

Easter Playdough Tray

April 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.
A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.

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After a long winter season, the pastel colors of the Easter/spring season are so welcome. And there’s plenty of them in this inviting Easter playdough tray.

For seasonal celebrations, I usually resort to making homemade playdough. I’ve got plenty of favorite recipes, and the doughs can be made in big batches. This makes it easy for a group of children to play with playdough at the same time.

But the ready-made playdough available in stores around Easter comes in so many beautiful pastel shades. The packages I found have six vibrant colors! Aside from being attractive, they offer a huge savings in preparation time. And so it’s totally worth it to purchase a few sets to accommodate a class of students or party gathering.

Pretty spring-themed playdough colors early learners will love.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Easter Playdough Tray

Colorful bunnies in all shapes and sizes are the highlight of this super fun Easter/Spring playdough tray.

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A large circular party tray makes a great base for this playdough invitation, as it looks festive and can hold plenty of loose parts. On this tray are:

  • playdough in spring colors
  • plastic Easter eggs
  • bendable bunnies
  • hanging bunnies (think “Barrel Of Monkeys” game)
  • egg-shaped gems
  • bunny, lamb, chick, carrot, and egg cookie cutters
  • rubber Easter egg and bunny rings
  • mini duck and bunny erasers
  • spring stir sticks
Colorful bunnies in all shapes and sizes are the highlight of this super fun Easter playdough tray.

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A compartment tray also makes a handy container for the playdough and accessories.

This compartment tray is perfect for holding Easter-themed playdough and loose parts.

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Extending The Play Experience

After participants have had a chance to explore the playdough and loose parts, invite them to add spring sprinkles to their creations. This is an easy way to extend the sensory experience and add an additional seasonal touch.

Spring-themed candy sprinkles add the perfect finishing touch to this cheery playdough invitation.

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Note: If your little charges want to taste a few sprinkles, make sure the playdough offered is taste-safe.

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Do you have a favorite spring playdough recipe? Share in a comment below.

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A colorful Easter playdough tray filled with spring-themed loose parts your little learners will love to explore.

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Related: Edible Playdough Pumpkins

              Winter Playdough Recipe

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[Read more…] about Easter Playdough Tray

Filed Under: Easter, party, playdough, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, playdough, spring

Unicorn Playdough Tray

April 5, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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Elegant, majestic unicorns provide endless inspiration for clothing, art, cooking, and early learning activities. The single-horned mythical creatures make an appealing subject for a unicorn playdough tray. This pastel and gold-infused tray will surely add a dose of magic to your child’s day!

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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 this fantasy playdough tray:

  • unicorn figurines
  • star and unicorn cookie cutters
  • unicorn table confetti
  • miniature wood forest and princess shapes
  • pastel round gems
  • gold rocks
  • white compartment tray
  • neutral and pastel playdough

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Unicorn Playdough Play Tray

Set up this unicorn theme playdough tray in minutes. The best playdough recipes are featured.

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Make a fresh batch of playdough, or use the dough you have on hand. I feature two shades I previously used in a Valentine’s Day playdough tray, and my basic, go-to recipe. These recipes are also included in this post.

Place the unicorn-themed loose parts in a compartment tray, positioning the playdough in the center.

Set the playdough invitation on a table along with rolling pins and other modeling tools for children to enjoy. Watch the magical play unfold.

The best playdough recipes are featured in this fun fantasy unicorn playdough invitation.

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Note: Other loose parts that could be added to this unicorn playdough tray are glitter, a star wand, unicorn hair, flowers, cupcake decorations, pom poms, pipe cleaners, bead garland strips, rainbows, and Easter grass.

Set up this unicorn theme playdough tray in minutes. The best playdough recipes are featured.

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Basic Playdough Recipe

My go-to basic playdough recipe has the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil

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

Stir two tablespoons of oil into two cups of water.

Add the water and oil to the dry ingredients and combine.

Heat the pot on the stove on medium heat.

Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture 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.

The best playdough recipes are featured in this magical unicorn playdough invitation.

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Jello Playdough

To make deep, pinkish-red strawberry playdough, boil the water and stir in two 85 gram packages of strawberry jello powder. Next, mix in two tablespoons of oil. Add the hot-colored water mixture to the dry ingredients in a pot as above, and finish making the recipe the same way.

To make the pastel blue playdough, use one 85 gram package of blueberry jello.

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

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Have something special you would add to this unicorn playdough tray? Share in a comment below.

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Related: Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

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[Read more…] about Unicorn Playdough Tray

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, pretend play, spring, unicorns Tagged With: playdough, scented playdough, sensory tray, unicorns

Earth Day Heart Art

April 2, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

How to do two Earth Day heart art activities using paper towel sheets. Both are super fun process art projects that display beautifully.
How to do two Earth Day heart art activities using paper towel sheets. Both are super fun process art projects that display beautifully.

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Here are two Earth Day heart art activities children of every age will love, love, love to do. As with most of my activities, they use easy-to-find supplies and are inexpensive to make. And best of all, they are open-ended process art projects where every child can succeed, and each result is beautiful.

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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 earthy art activities:

  • white paper towel roll
  • water-based markers
  • green and blue food coloring or liquid watercolors
  • paint pots or baby food jars
  • white cardstock paper
  • scissors
  • pencils
  • eyedroppers or pipettes
  • spray bottle with water
  • glue sticks
  • glue gun
  • plastic tablecloth

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Eyedropper Heart Earth Art

Trace and cut out large hearts from paper towel sheets. It works out well for the center of the hearts to overlap the tear portion of the towels.

How to do an eyedropper heart earth art project using paper towel sheets. It's a super fun process art activity that displays beautifully.

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Mix a few drops of blue food coloring in small jars or paint pots filled with water. Do the same with green.

Set out one paper towel heart and pot of green and blue food coloring on a covered table for each participant, along with eye droppers or pipettes.

Invite participants to drop colored water all over their hearts. They’ll enjoy the way this technique spreads color over the towels.

After having dried, help each child tear the painted paper towel shapes on the tear line.

Have everyone write the words “I Love Earth” on a cardstock strip. A drawn red heart can be substituted for the word “Love.”

Then invite them to glue their top and bottom heart sections with the word strip positioned in the middle to a cardstock sheet of paper slightly bigger than the heart and word design.

How to do an eyedropper heart earth art project using common kitchen supplies. Everyone in the family will enjoy this super fun process art activity.

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How to do an eyedropper heart earth art project using common kitchen supplies. Everyone in the family will enjoy this super fun process art activity.

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Alternately, the hearts can stay as one unsplit shape, and the cardstock strip words can be glued above each heart on the paper.

Make this super fun eyedropper heart Earth Day project today! Everyone in the family will enjoy giving it a try.

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Sprayed Marker Heart Earth Art

Use the same-sized paper towel hearts for this second art project.

How to make a sprayed marker heart earth art project using paper towel sheets. It's a super fun process art activity that displays beautifully.

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Set out a heart and a green and blue water-based marker for each participant on a covered table. Have everyone color most or all of their hearts in patches of green and blue.

Fill a spray bottle with water.

Have participants take turns spraying their hearts with just enough water to wet their designs thoroughly. This is the part everyone will most likely love the most.

Or each child can use a pipette to drop water on their projects, also very satisfying.

Let the decorated, water-applied hearts dry.

Finish the project in one of the same two ways as with the first art activity.

Make this sprayed marker heart earth art project today! It's a super fun process art activity that displays beautifully.

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Related: Coffee Filter Sunflower Craft

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[Read more…] about Earth Day Heart Art

Filed Under: art, Earth Day, preschool Tagged With: Earth Day, eyedropper art, painting, process art

Ocean Sensory Activities

March 31, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.
Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.

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Ocean sensory activities are among the most attractive and calming play invitations one could offer. The serene blue water, neutral sand, crisp shells, and fish that add pops of color are eye-appealing and offer many tactile opportunities.

The inspiration for the sensory activities featured in this post is aquatic Easter eggs, repurposed for three learning through play invitations. I was excited to spot the eggs at a local dollar store.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Ocean Sensory Activity Supplies

The following supplies will work well in all three sensory activities.

  • rocks in various sizes
  • shells
  • marbles
  • set of miniature ocean creature figures
  • set of aquatic plastic Easter eggs

If it is difficult to find ocean creatures or aquatic plastic eggs, using just one of these ocean sets is fine too. An economical alternative to offer is creatures from toy fishing or dive toy sets. Paper fish could also be substituted.

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Ocean Rice Bin

Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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The base for this ocean bin is white glutinous rice. Its light neutral color is a good contrast for loose parts, so it’s often my go-to choice for a rice bin. The bin for this activity is a round serving tray.

Spread the rice in the bin, and set in the rocks, shells, marbles, ocean creatures, and aquatic eggs.

Little learners will enjoy scooping up and pouring the rice, and putting marble “eggs” and mini ocean creatures inside the eggs. They may discover that the fillable eggs become shakers that make soft sounds when rice is added, or loud sounds when marbles or small rocks are inserted.

Take the opportunity to discuss the names of the ocean creatures, and model them in speech.

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Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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Ocean Water Tub

Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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The bin for this activity is a kitchen tub, commonly used in the foodservice industry. I keep a stack of them around for organizing my current theme supplies, and for sensory activities. When offering a sensory invitation for two or three children to explore at the same time, a bin this size works well.

Water with blue food coloring added is the base. But little learners would be more than happy to explore the supplies in clear water.

Add the same supplies to the tub as used in the rice bin. I added marbles here, but also could have included them in the rice.

This water-based activity offers the same learning through play opportunities as the rice bin does, and little learners can experiment with floating and sinking objects.

Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

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Ocean Playdough Tray

Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Good playdough recipes are included in the post.

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For another sensory opportunity, the ocean-themed loose parts can be offered in a playdough tray. Set them out in a large party tray, along with turquoise, marbled or plain dough. Add a few ocean-themed cookie cutters and the playdough invitation is ready to go.

Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

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Playdough Recipes

The marbled playdough was repurposed from a winter playdough recipe,

A scented jello playdough recipe makes lovely turquoise dough.

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Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

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The aquatic Easter eggs are the latest addition to my plastic egg collection. If you spot them, you may want to purchase two sets – one for ocean sensory activities, and another to fill with Easter treats.

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[Read more…] about Ocean Sensory Activities

Filed Under: Easter, ocean, playdough, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: eggs, fish, playdough, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, water play

Painting With Construction Vehicles

March 29, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Your little learners will love this painting with construction vehicles process art activity. They'll get to make muddy tire tracks on paper.
Your little learners will love this painting with construction vehicles process art activity. They'll get to make muddy tire tracks on paper.

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Painting with construction vehicles has to be one of the most fun process art activities there is to do. It is easy, messy, and involves heavy-duty vehicles, so what child wouldn’t dive right in? And the art invitation can be set up in minutes.

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Supplies to Collect

There are just a few supplies to gather for this out of the box art activity:

  • black and brown tempera paint
  • paint pots
  • spoons
  • newspapers or plastic tablecloth
  • 18-inch x 24-inch manila paper
  • toy heavy-duty construction vehicles

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Your little learners will love this messy painting activity. They'll get to make muddy tracks with a toy construction vehicle.

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The Painting With Construction Vehicles Process

First, cover a table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth.

Then give participants a large sheet of sturdy paper. I usually choose manila because it comes in various sizes, holds tempera paint well, and is inexpensive to buy.

Add black and brown tempera paint to pots and insert a spoon into each one.

Allow everyone to use the spoons to scoop up paint and drip blobs of it on their paper.

Then invite them to choose a construction vehicle to “drive” through the paint, making “muddy tracks” as they go. Take the opportunity to discuss the names of the heavy vehicles, and how they help out at a construction site. A good blog post to use as a reference is 16 Types Of Heavy Duty Equipment Used In Construction.

Your little learners will love this construction vehicle process art activity. They'll get to make lots of muddy tracks on paper.

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Tip: Save a set of economical construction vehicles to use for this art project. And repurpose them in other messier activities. For instance, we reuse ours in winter to play in the snow.

Your little learners will love this heavy vehicle process art painting activity. They'll get to make lots of muddy tracks on paper with toy construction vehicles.

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Allow time to help the children wash up after the painting activity is over. And make sure to clean the heavy-duty vehicles in soapy water.

Adding a construction vehicle cut from a magazine or catalog to the dried projects would be a nice finishing touch.

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Variations Of This Construction Vehicle Painting Activity

Try one of these simple variations of this super fun activity:

  • Offer the art invitation on a paper roll spread over a table. Or use a plastic tablecloth as a canvas for the vehicles to make muddy tracks.
  • Substitute primary paint colors (or another color scheme) for black and brown.
  • Use toy cars or recreational trucks instead of construction vehicles.
  • Do this painting activity in an active world tray, either indoors or outside.

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Your little learners will love this messy painting activity. They'll get to make muddy tracks with toy construction vehicles.

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This construction vehicle painting activity is one I introduce to my preschoolers every year, as it is important to me to include messy and fun process art painting opportunities. And it is a hit every single time.

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Related: Painting With Corn Cobs

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[Read more…] about Painting With Construction Vehicles

Filed Under: art, construction vehicles, preschool Tagged With: construction vehicles, painting

Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

March 26, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up attractive unicorn theme sensory play trays using dyed chickpeas as a base. Use acrylic craft paint for an easy dye process.
Set up attractive unicorn theme sensory play trays using dyed chickpeas as a base. Use acrylic craft paint for an easy dye process.

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Dyed chickpeas in pastel shades and gold tones provide the perfect base for these unicorn theme sensory play ideas. Add unicorn figurines and loose parts and you’ll have the perfect setup for fun and engaging sensory play. Read on for instructions on how to easily dye chickpeas in a variety of dreamy colors, and use them as a base for sensory trays.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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How To Dye Chickpeas

A quick and easy way to dye chickpeas is with acrylic craft paint. Acrylic paint comes in every color under the sun and is economical to purchase at Dollar stores. This paint also dries quickly.

How to easily dye chickpeas with acrylic paint for colorful sensory play.

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Gather the following supplies:

  • large bag of dried chickpeas
  • acrylic craft paint in white, gold, turquoise, hot pink, and light pink hues
  • measuring cup
  • tablespoons
  • large sandwich bags
  • disposable plates or trays

Scoop one cup of chickpeas into a large sandwich bag. Add a tablespoon of craft paint. Seal the bag well and knead the chickpeas for a few minutes until they are covered in paint.

Open the bag and set it on a table. After five to ten minutes, pour the chickpeas onto a tray or disposable plate. They will be completely dry in about fifteen more minutes.

How to easily dye chickpeas with acrylic paint for colorful sensory play.

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Repeat the same process for all the colors. In the activities below, I feature hot pink, white, turquoise, gold, and ice pink hues. Other popular choices are pastel shades of yellow, blue, and purple. You can pick colors to complement the unicorn figures and accessories you have available.

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Unicorn Theme Sensory Play Ideas

Dyed chickpeas work beautifully as a base for sensory trays. Spread the chickpeas in rows in a rectangular or square kitchen tray or a white plastic bin.

How to easily dye chickpeas with acrylic paint for colorful unicorn theme sensory play.

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Then add any of the following accessories to the tray:

  • unicorn figurines
  • rainbow and unicorn erasers
  • miniature flower toys
  • metallic gold rocks
  • princess figurine
  • paper unicorn head cutouts
  • tiny unicorn head storage containers

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The tray below features unicorn erasers and rainbows.

How to easily dye chickpeas to use as a base for an eye-appealing unicorn-themed sensory tray.

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In this next tray the erasers are swapped out for toy flowers and princess and unicorn figurines.

Dreamy unicorn-themed dyed chickpeas provide an eye-appealing base for a unicorn sensory tray.

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Your early learners will likely mix the chickpeas together as they sort and sift through the tray.

For renewed interest and extended play, you could change or add sensory supplies.

Set up this attractive unicorn theme sensory play tray using dyed chickpeas as a base. Use acrylic craft paint for an easy dye process.

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What other accessories would work well in a unicorn theme sensory play tray? Share in a comment below.

Dreamy unicorn-themed dyed chickpeas provide an eye-appealing base for a unicorn sensory tray.

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Related: Chinese New Year Sensory Play

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[Read more…] about Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, unicorns Tagged With: dyed chickpeas, sensory play, sensory tray, unicorns

Floating Egg Science Experiment

March 25, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

How to perform a simple floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Decorated eggs add artistic flare to this activity.
How to perform a simple floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Decorated eggs add artistic flare to this activity.

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In a whole range of egg colors with expressive faces drawn on, this floating egg science experiment includes a dose of art and drama. The experiment is simple to do and promises to be a huge hit with your little learners.

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Supplies To Collect

The supplies for this dramatic science experiment are easy to procure, as you probably already have them in your home. Gather the following:

  • eggs
  • salt
  • pitcher of water
  • egg carton
  • two 500 ml glass jars
  • tablespoons
  • egg dipper
  • store-bought egg dying kit
  • black permanent felt pen

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Performing The Floating Egg Science Experiment

Steps to perform a simple floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Drawing and egg coloring are included in this activity.

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With a permanent felt pen, carefully draw chick feet and a worried face on one side of the eggs selected for the experiment. Draw feet and a happy face on the other side of each egg.

Note: Crayons can be used instead to decorate the eggs.

Then dye the eggs in different colors. I use color tablets from a store-bought kit for the eggs, but you could use a home recipe.

Carefully drop the color-dyed eggs back in the egg carton, using an egg dipper if available. Let the eggs dry.

Pour 1½ cups water into two jars.

Add 3 tablespoons salt to one jar, and stir it into the liquid. Add no salt to the other.

Pick a decorated egg to gently drop into the unsalted jar of water. Observe if it floats or sinks. Then scoop the egg out of the liquid and have participants pick the feeling the “chick egg” might be experiencing: (worried, scared.)

Simple and fun floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Egg decorating adds an artistic element to this activity.

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Carefully drop the same egg into the saltwater jar. Observe if the egg now floats or sinks again. Have participants pick the feeling the “chick egg” is probably experiencing: (relief, happiness.)

Simple and fun floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Egg decorating adds an artistic element to this activity.

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Try this science experiment with other colored eggs. Participants may enjoy picking an egg in their favorite color to drop in the jars.

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Related: Reptile Egg Science Experiment

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The Science Behind This Experiment

An egg is denser than water, so it sinks. But when salt is added to water, it increases the density of the liquid. When enough salt is added, a raw egg will float.

How to perform a simple floating egg science experiment with easy-to-gather supplies. Decorated eggs add artistic flare to this activity.

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Floating Egg Experiment Extensions

This floating egg experiment could be extended by:

  • using large and small-sized eggs, and recording how much salt needs to be added to a jar for each one to float.
  • dying the eggs in different methods.
  • reading a picture book about feelings before or after performing the experiment.

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[Read more…] about Floating Egg Science Experiment

Filed Under: art, Easter, literacy, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: eggs, feelings, science experiment, sensory play

Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock

March 17, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Try this simple crayon resist watercolor shamrock activity that explores variety in line, shape, and color.
Try this simple crayon resist watercolor shamrock activity that explores variety in line, shape, and color.

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They say “variety is the spice of life,” and it is certainly true in this art project. The crayon resist watercolor shamrock features variety in line, shape, and color. The project is easy for little learners to do, and is great for language development.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies to Collect

  • 12 inch x 18 inch manila paper
  • crayons in shades of green
  • tempera blocks (paint pucks) in gold and shades of green
  • paint cups
  • paint brushes and pots
  • scissors

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The Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock Process

Cut large shamrocks out of manila paper. (This is a sturdy cream-colored paper that comes in larger sizes and is economical to buy.)

Note: Cardstock or construction paper can be substituted for manila paper.

Use crayons in shades of green to decorate a sample shamrock with dots, lines, and shapes.

Explore variety in line and shape through a crayon resist art technique.

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In my demo, there are wavy and curvy lines and straight ones. There are dots and circles, and stripes and dashes. A heart fills the center.

Show the crayoned shamrock to your little learners, highlighting the variety of lines and shapes.

Invite little learners to draw their own crayon designs on a shamrock.

A tempera block paint set-up for a crayon resist art technique.

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Then have them add watercolors using tempera block paints in yellow and shades of green. Encourage children to rinse their brushes in water between colors.

Draw attention to darker and lighter paint shades. Discuss hues with words such as lime green, apple green, emerald green, and forest green. Use descriptive words that match the paint colors you have available.

Offer this simple crayon resist watercolor shamrock activity that explores variety in line, shape, and color.

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Note: Liquid watercolors or water with food coloring mixed in can be used instead of tempera paint blocks.

After the paintings dry, you could add on an Irish St. Patrick’s Day blessing.

This is a simple two-step art activity that all children can do. A younger child’s paint added scribble drawing looks just as stunning as an older child’s project with more defined lines and shapes. This is especially true if a variety of shades of crayons and paints are used.

Offer this simple crayon resist watercolor shamrock activity that explores variety in line, shape, and color.

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Related: Shamrock Rolling Pin Art

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[Read more…] about Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock

Filed Under: art, literacy, preschool, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: painting, shamrocks, St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

March 16, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day tablescape is filled with green and gold loose parts, perfect for encouraging imaginative play.
This St. Patrick's Day tablescape is filled with green and gold loose parts, perfect for encouraging imaginative play.

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My preschoolers love loose parts. One of the places they especially enjoy using them is in the play kitchen. Lately, unless loose parts are added to the center, they aren’t too impressed. And so for the first few weeks of March. I set up this St. Patrick’s Day tablescape.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Set up this inviting St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green and gold loose parts to spark creative, imaginative play.

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Here are table décor and loose parts to gather for an eye-popping St. Pat’s tablescape. You can go all out in adding accessories or just choose a few items.

  • shamrock-themed plates, cups, napkins, and serving tray
  • green bowls, serving utensils, and ice cube tray
  • orange, green, and yellow cutlery
  • plastic shamrock “coasters”
  • yellow, green, and orange fruit and vegetable play food
  • felt “cookies and pretzels”
  • green buttons, bottlecaps, eggs, and marbles
  • leprechaun hat, rainbow, and shamrock erasers
  • green beads and bead strips cut from garland
  • yellow and green pom poms
  • gold and green coins
  • light up green teddy bear
  • St. Patrick’s Day necklaces and bracelets
  • metallic shamrock table scatter
  • white and green carnations in a plastic jar vase
  • green or orange plastic tablecloth

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The St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

Arrange the table décor and loose parts on toy shelves and in play kitchen appliances. There will be many inviting pieces for early learners to explore and use.

Set up this cheery St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green and gold loose parts and plenty of shamrocks.

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The tablescape above is mostly done in shades of green with a little bit of gold. In the set-up below, an orange tablecloth and green, yellow, and orange produce add color to the play center.

Set up this inviting St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green, yellow, and orange loose parts to spark creative, imaginative play.

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Including a variety of loose parts allows children to use their imagination in dramatic play. Garland strips become green noodles, marbles transform into pickles, and pot of gold erasers are served as popcorn. Other pieces are used to make cake batter for a triple-layer cake. This serves up a whole lotta fun!

As said earlier, it is okay to set out just a few of the above supplies. They will add interest to dramatic play activities, and help your early learners join in on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Set up this cheery St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green, yellow, and orange loose parts and plenty of shamrocks.

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Store

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

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, shamrocks, tablescapes

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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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puttingtheprettyin.preschool

Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as ref Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as refreshing as the pretend play center will be! 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

#lemonadestand #dramaticplaycenter #lemonade #pretendplay #learningisfun #funactivity #playcenter #letsplay #letspretend #playtolearn #foodie #teacherofig #prekteacher
This little bunny is engaging in a little self car This little bunny is engaging in a little self care after a very busy season. Notice the saved jelly beans for the necklace! 🌺🌸🌼🌷💐

#jellybeans #foodcraft #selfcare #flowerart #flowerwreath #papercraft #crafting #springcrafts #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #Saturdayvibes #whimsical #funcraft
Easter greetings! 🐇🦋🐠 #Easter #Eastergre Easter greetings! 🐇🦋🐠

#Easter #Eastergreetings #happyEaster #newlife #spring #transientart #creativeplay #earlylearning #playislearning
Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Easter bin! 
🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳 

#repurpose #repurposed #playideas #playideasforkids #sensorybin #ricebin #oceancreatures #eastereggs #tactileplay #playeveryday #bestideas #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #prekteacher #homeschoollife
I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns the past few weeks. This one’s having a hard time hiding in this St. Patrick’sDay light table tray. Details for the bin are on the blog…click the link in profile to get to it. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️☘️☘️

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayactivities #shamrocks #leprechauns #lighttable #lightplay #lightplayactivities #prek #kindergarten #prekteacher #earlylearning #playtolearn #playingislearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who has been caught in a St. Patrick’s Day sensory jar. ☘️☘️☘️

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayfun #leprechauns #sensoryjars #sensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #prek #March #rainbows #gold #catchaleprechaun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this coming week. We meant to fit it in earlier in the month, but time got away on us. I’m 100% sure they will enjoy making and wearing the craft anyways. Instructions and free template are on the blog. Link in profile leads to the post. 

#dragons #dragoncraft #jewelrycraft #freeprintable #freeprintables #funcraft #colorful #colorfulart #diyjewelry #kidsjewelry #prekteachwr #prekfun #kindergarten #earlylearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that can be put together at the last minute. Link in profile leads the the blogpost. A host of ladybug facts are included. 🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞

#puttingtheprettyinpreschool #ladybugs #ladybugcrafts #crafting #preschoolcrafts #easycrafts #dramaticplay #pretendplay #ValentinesDaycrafts #ValentinesDay2022 #insects #insectsofig
Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is this a good pairing? ❤️❤️❤️

#monsters #monsterlove #ValentinesDay #blockplay #treasureblocks #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #sensoryplay #playisfun #playislearning #kindergarten #preschool #homeschooling #eyfs #treasure #Canadianteacher
Chinese New Year chickpea bin. 2022 will be the “Year Of The Tiger.” Link in profile leads to the blogpost about how to put together this sensory bin. 

#ChineseNewYear #LunarNewYear #sensorybins #chickpeabins #YearOfTheTiger #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tigers #tactileplay #prek #prekteacher #kindergarten #earlylearning #playislearning
Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-t Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-themed treasure blocks. Link in profile leads to a blogpost about these see through fillable blocks. ❄️❄️❄️⛄️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️

#penguins #winteractivities #winterblues #blockplay #treasureblocks #Edmontonmoms #Canadianteacher #Iteach #Iteachtoo #kindergarten #preschool #eyfs #snow #snowmen #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for the recipe. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

#playdoughrecipe #playdough #playdoughfun #winteractivities #snowflakes #snowmen #cookiecutters #sensoryplay #sensoryplayJanuary #prekfun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tactile #tactilelearning
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