Putting the Pretty In Preschool - Page 3 of 6 - Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Skeleton Preschool Theme

October 28, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Non-scary preschool theme featuring art, math, science, manipulative and dramatic play activities.

Skeleton preschool theme? It’s only something I considered doing recently. In the latter part of October, my activities usually focus on pumpkins…bright orange, happy ones! My preschoolers are encouraged to dress up in non-scary costumes. Skeletons are not on the list to plan a theme around for my little students.

Glam skull pillow. — My Skeleton Theme Inspiration

But I couldn’t help notice a glammed up skull on a shopping trip this fall. Inspired by its beauty, my thoughts turned to “Yes, I can introduce some skeleton activities, and do it in a way that is non-threatening to preschoolers.”

A focus for fall purchases became skeletons of all kinds. They were not hard to find … or expensive. Here’s what I bought and here’s what to do.

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Wink The Ninja Book Theme

October 24, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

The picture book “Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap”, written and illustrated by J. C. Phillipps, is filled with energy, wisdom, and tidbits about Japanese culture. For young children, the story is a captivating read. The illustrations provide inspiration for multicultural story extensions.

Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap picture book theme featuring sensory, small world, art, large motor, and pretend play activities.

In the story, a little ninja named Wink is excited that he is a famous circus performer. But he cannot get in a much-needed nap because his fans follow him everywhere! He walks through a garden of cherry trees, and moves through and hides in different parts of town, but his followers persist.

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Reptile Egg Science

September 10, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Here’s an easy to do Science experiment to transform an unshelled, boiled egg into a rubbery reptile egg! It’s perfect for the classroom or to do with your children at home.

Reptile egg activities. Make a rubbery reptile egg and use turtle and snake figurines with egg theme play mats.

Animal eggs come in different colors, shapes, sizes and shell textures. Bird eggs feel hard. Snakes and many turtles lay soft-shelled eggs with a rubbery feel. Snake eggs are usually oval; turtle eggs are round to slightly oblong.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to download free printables to extend this activity.

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Activities With Sunflowers

August 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Sunflowers are a summer showstopper on a patio or balcony, or in a garden. They make stunning cut flowers. When mature, sunflower parts are ideal for Art, nature, and sensory activities with young children.

Art, nature and sensory activities with a variety of sunflowers and their parts.

Growing Sunflowers

Sunflowers are easy to grow. And there are so many varieties to choose from! Featured below are golden yellow midsized ones (Golden Hedge), rust and yellow sunflowers (Evening Sun) and a fluffy double flower “teddybear” kind.

Sunflowers in different colors, shapes and sizes.

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Dinosaur And Sweet Potato Vine Activities

July 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

One Spring I was greenhouse shopping, and a ledge of sweet potato vines caught my attention. The sales clerk suggested that the leaves looked like dinosaur footprints.
That thought stuck with me, and soon after I picked two uniquely colored sweet potato vines to add contrast to the flowering plants on my deck. I was also eager to use some leaves in dinosaur-themed nature play.

Preschool dinosaur and sweet potato vine sensory, art and nature activities.

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“Oh, The Places I’ll Go” Dr. Seuss Theme

June 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

The storybook “Oh, The Places I’ll Go! By Me, Myself”, written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss is perfect for the last theme of the year and end of term class party! It’s the companion book to the Dr. Seuss title “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”, a popular book for gifting.

Dr. Seuss preschool theme featuring small world, art, language arts, math, and self-esteem building activities.

“Oh, The Places I’ll Go!” is an interactive storybook. It offers many opportunities for discussions and creativity. The topics encourage preschoolers to
-illustrate
-contribute thoughts
-make choices
-learn about resiliency

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