Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Happy New Year Art And Math Activities

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In a few days, we will celebrate the beginning of a new year. If you are looking for no-fuss activities for your child to start the year with these simple art and math projects fit the bill. Offer them at home or save them for the first days back at school in January.

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Related: 2025 New Year’s Crafts

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2025 New Year Keepsake Supplies

For this first craft, gather the following supplies:

  • golden glitter cardstock
  • tan cardstock
  • 8 ½ x 11-inch cream cardstock
  • gold sequins, stars, balls, and confetti
  • gold glitter
  • gold glitter glue
  • glue paddle
  • collage containers
  • pencil
  • scissors
  • metallic gold felt pen
  • glue stick
  • glue gun

The 2025 New Year Keepsake Craft

Trace your child’s hand on a piece of tan cardstock, or let your child do the tracing.

Help your child cut out the hand.

Add gold glitter glue and collage items to small containers.

Set the collage items, glue, glue paddle, and paper hand on a table.

Decorate handprints with glitter glue and gold stars, sequins, confetti, and glitter. A collage activity for all ages.

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Invite your child to glam up the hand with gold-colored collage items.

Sprinkle on gold glitter and confetti at the end for an added dose of glitz.

Let the handprint dry.

Cut a pair of number two shapes and one number five shape from golden glitter cardstock.

On cream-colored cardstock, help your child use a glue stick to tack on a number two, the decorated paper hand, another number two, and the number 5. Reinforce the shapes with a glue gun if needed.

Add the words “Here I Come” underneath the number 2025 with a metallic gold felt pen.

Glitter paper and gold collage items are front and center in this 2020 handprint art activity. An easy to make New Year's keepsake suitable for children of all ages.

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To introduce a simple version of this art project, trace and cut out a couple of number twos, a number five, and a hand from white cardstock. Let your child color the paper hand and numbers, and glue them onto a contrasting background. 

Feel free to download this template to use for the numbers.

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2025 Here I Come Gold PrintableDownload

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For more 2025 templates, view my blog post “New Year’s Crafts.”

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New Year Countdown Fireworks Picture

This second activity gives practice in number recognition and counting down from 10 to 1. It does double duty as an art activity.

Supplies Needed:

  • Happy New Year printable (download below)
  • scissors
  • three toilet paper rolls
  • magenta, yellow, and light blue tempera paint
  • small plates or lids
  • paintbrushes
New Year's Countdown template to use for art and math activities with young children. Invitation to add paint print fireworks, count down from 10 t0 1 and match numbers.

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Download this “Happy New Year” printable on 11-inch by 17-inch paper, or 8 ½ x 11-inch paper.

Happy New Year PrintableDownload

This printable was created in PicMonkey and is for individual and one classroom use only.

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Paper Roll Firework Paint Project Set-Up

For this second New Year’s activity, cut fringes into one end of three toilet paper rolls.

Bend the fringes on each paper roll outward.

Pour magenta, yellow, and light blue paint into small plates or lids.

Set the paints, paper rolls, and paper on a table covered with a waterproof tablecloth.

Ring in the new year with your early learners by introducing an activity to make toilet roll and paint fireworks. Use the Happy New Year printable to count down from 10 to 1.

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Ask your child to dip the fringed end of each paper roll into a color of paint and make a firework print on the printable.

Encourage your child to add more prints in each paint color to the page.

Tip: Try this on a practice sheet first.

Practice making paint print fireworks on a piece of scrap paper before making prints on the Happy New Year printable.

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For more control, paint the fringed ends with a brush instead of dipping them in paint.

Toilet paper roll firework paint prints. For added control, paint the fringes of the paper roll and press onto the Happy New Year printable to create fireworks.

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A paper roll and paint art activity to ring in the new year with. Introduce this activity with your early learners using this Happy New Year printable. Incorporate math by having children count down from 10 to 1 and match numbers by adding numerical stickers.

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To incorporate number recognition and matching practice, ask your child to cover the numbers 10 to 1 with numerical stickers.

A paper roll and paint art activity to ring in the new year with. Introduce this activity with your early learners using this Happy New Year printable. Incorporate math by having children count down from 10 to 1 and match numbers by adding numerical stickers.

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These two art and math activities are sure to help your child start the new year off on a positive note. I hope 2025 will be fabulous for you and your loved ones!

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More New Year’s Activities

New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

New Year’s All Gold Sensory Activity

New Year’s Crafts

New Year’s Sensory Tray

New Year’s Countdown Activities

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Handprint Angel Christmas Keepsake

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Handprint Angel Christmas craft with silver metallic leaf wings. An easy to make keepsake craft that all children can do.

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There are so many adorable handprint crafts, and the choices for Christmas are incredible. One of my favorites is a handprint angel. It is a cute craft that doubles as an adorable keepsake. It is also a piece of cake to make and can be whipped up at the last minute.

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Supplies To Collect

  • white tempera paint
  • pie plate or small tray
  • grey fade-resistant cardstock
  • cream colored fade-resistant cardstock
  • grey-based patterned 8 ½ x 11-inch cardstock
  • stem with silver metallic leaves
  • circle tracer (juice lid size)
  • pencil
  • children’s scissors
  • craft scissors
  • glue stick
  • glue gun
  • silver glitter

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Making The Handprint Angel

This craft can be done independently by older children, or as an adult-child collaborative project with preschoolers.

Cut individual metallic leaves from the leaf stem with a pair of craft scissors.

A metallic silver leaf stem.

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Silver metallic leaves cut from a stem.

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Have your child make a handprint with white paint on grey cardstock.

Invitation to make a handprint with white paint on grey paper.

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When dry, cut out the handprint or have your child do so.

Invite your child to trace a circle onto cream-colored cardstock and cut it out.

Invitation to trace and cut a circle for the face of a handprint angel.

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Ask your child to draw a face on the circle with a pencil.

Help your child glue the handprint, face, and metallic leaf wings onto grey-based patterned cardstock to create an angel. Use a glue gun to help secure the wings.

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Have your child make an oval swirl on top of the angel’s head for a halo.

Invitation to swirl an oval shape above the angel's head with a glue stick for a halo.

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Invite your child to shake silver glitter over the glue swirl.

Invitation to add a silver glitter halo to a handprint angel.

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Handprint Angel Holiday Greeting

If you like, a favorite holiday greeting can be added to the craft for a finishing touch.

Handprint angel craft with the caption "Merry Christmas." An easy to make keepsake all children can create.

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Feel free to download this printable and use one of the holiday greetings for your craft.

Printable with the seasonal greetings "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays." This printable coordinates with the Handprint Angel Christmas keepsake.

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Holiday Greeting PrintableDownload

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A handprint angel craft with the caption "Merry Christmas." An easy to make keepsake all children can create.

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This handprint angel picture is made in white, cream, silver, and grey tones. The inspiration was a stem of metallic silver leaves found at a local dollar store. Traditional Christmas colors or your favorite color scheme would work wonderfully for this keepsake.

Handprint angel craft with the caption "Merry Christmas." An easy to make keepsake all children can create.

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For an exquisite Seashell Angel Christmas Ornament craft, view the tutorial at hellowonderful.co.

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[Read more…] about Handprint Angel Christmas Keepsake

Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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Super fun Santa's beard scissor skill activity. Scissor use tips and guidelines are included.

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This Santa’s beard scissor activity is a fun way to introduce cutting practice. The combination of a favorite activity (using scissors) and a well-loved character (Santa Claus) is a win-win. Snipping the beard strands adds a challenge, as yarn is more difficult to cut than paper.

By participating in cutting activities, early learners grow in their physical development. They get practice in bilateral coordination: using hands and fingers on both sides of the body at the same time to do two different things. Hand muscles are strengthened. And eye-hand coordination (being able to cut with one hand while following the movement of scissors with the eyes) is improved.

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Setting Up The Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

Materials needed:

  • threadable Santa head wall décor
  • white yarn
  • 30-cm / 12-inch ruler
  • children’s scissors
  • white duct tape

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Preparing The Scissor Activity

Cut yarn into 60-cm / 24-inch strips using a standard ruler as a guide.

Cut strips of yarn in 60-cm/24-inch sections to string through Santa head wall decor. A scissor practice activity for young children.

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Thread yarn through Santa’s chin to enhance his beard.

Repurpose Santa Head Wall Decor as a scissor skill activity. String white yarn to enhance Santa's beard and prepare it for cutting.

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Repurposed wall decor Santa with enhanced yarn beard for cutting. A super fun scissor skill activity for young children.

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Add a layer of white duct tape at the back to stabilize the yarn.

Back view of Santa Head Wall Decor. A strip of white duct tape stabilizes the threaded yarn beard extensions. A scissor activity for young children.

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Place the Santa head on a table with a pair of children’s scissors for an invitation to trim his beard.

An invitation to trim Santa's beard with repurposed wall decor. A scissor skill activity for young children.

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Tip: Santa can be placed sideways on a table. Then children can hold a section of Santa’s beard with their nondominant helping hand and cut the beard in the direction away from their body with their dominant cutting hand.

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Choosing Scissors

Scissors offered should have blunt edges. Fiskars children’s scissors are highly regarded by teachers.

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Scissor Use Technique

  • Thumbs on each hand point up.
  • The thumb in the cutting hand goes in the small hole of the scissors.
  • The middle and index finger go in the larger hole. The ring and pinky finger curl under the scissors into the palm.
  • Elbows are positioned near the ribs.
  • Scissors are held at least 8 inches from the face and pointed away from the body.
  • The non-dominant “helping hand” holds the paper and moves it during the cutting process.

Tip: To help children remember to keep their thumb up, place two googly “crocodile eyes” on top of the scissors. Encourage children to “snap like a crocodile opening and closing his mouth.”

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Santa head wall decor repurposed as a beard trimming scissor activity for young children. The white yarn is threaded through Santa's chin to add beard extensions perfect for cutting.

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Guidelines For Using Scissors

Young children need supervision when using scissors. These guidelines are helpful to discuss with them:

  • Cut only paper or the assigned cutting materials.
  • Do not cut your own or others’ hair, lips, fingers, or clothes.
  • Do not cut toys.
  • No running with scissors.
  • When walking with scissors, hold the scissors closed and pointing down. (The need for walking with scissors should be minimized.)

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Scissor Skill Progression

Using scissors is challenging for early learners. With plenty of practice, cutting will improve and get less messy. Scissor skills are not fully developed until children are six years old.

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Alternatives To Using Santa Head Wall Decor

A yarn-bearded Santa can be crafted from a paper plate. Or a Santa to embellish can be cut from a Christmas card or gift bag.

Invitation to trim gift bag Santa's beard.

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A “Trim The Beard Paper Plate Santa” activity is featured on kidscraftroom.com .

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A Santa’s beard scissor activity can be offered before Christmas, so Santa can be “Christmas Eve ready.” Or it can be set out after Christmas Day…because then Santa finally has time for self-care!

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Build A Christmas Tree STEAM Activity

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Invitation to build a Christmas tree from clear plastic serving trays, plates, and cups, A family STEAM activity with many opportunities for learning.

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This “Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM activity offers a unique opportunity to incorporate construction, lights, and Christmas decorations in an engaging way. Materials needed are readily available and easy to collect. In the process of building a tree and decorating it, young children progress in many areas of development.

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Supplies To Collect

  • clear plastic plates, cups, and serving trays
  • clear plastic lids (if needed to complete the size range)
  • Individual lights
  • nonbreakable Christmas decorations
  • picture/template of the completed project

The serving trays and plates should be of different sizes. I added one clear plastic lid because I could not find the size needed in a plate or tray.

Plastic serving trays, plates, lid and cups to use as a Christmas tower tree building prompt. A family STEAM activity with many possibilities for learning.

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Christmas bell decorations and garland add sensory appeal to this activity.

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Stage the “Build A Christmas Tree” Activity

Set out the construction materials and Christmas decorations on a table with ample space.

Display a picture of the completed project. (A picture can be downloaded further down the post.)

Challenge children to build a tree and decorate it. Offer help as requested or needed.

A snack tray works well as the largest and bottom piece, as decorations can be stored on it.

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“Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM Learning Possibilities

Building a stacked tree offers many opportunities for learning. Here is a list of developmental areas and growth possibilities for each one using this construction activity.

Math

  • Practice ordering sizes from smallest to largest.
  • Match sizes and shapes.
  • Learn about height, length, measurement, symmetry, and balance.
  • Count layers on the tree.

Science

  • Learn cause and effect when putting heavier and lighter decorations on higher or lower parts of the tree.
  • See the results of adding lights to different parts of the tree.

Fine And Gross Motor Control

  • Develop eye-hand coordination in placing decorations in just the right spot.

Language Development

  • Name objects.
  • Describe decorations as heavy, light, hard, soft, fluffy, metallic, bright red, rough, or smooth.

Creative Development

  • Create a unique tree by choosing from many kinds of trimmings and lights.

Sensory Exploration

  • Feel different textures and notice smells.
  • Observe seasonal colors and shapes.
  • Hear the jingling sound of bells.

Social Development

  • Learn to co-operate when building the tree with other children.
  • Enhance friendships when working together as a team.

Self Esteem Enhancement

  • Gain a sense of satisfaction in building and decorating a unique tree by oneself or with friends.
  • Opportunity to make choices.

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Learning Possibilities Download

Download this list of learning possibilities to use as a handout for teachers, caregivers or parents.

Build-A-Tree-Learning-PossibilitiesDownload

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A decorated tower tree using clear plastic plates, serving trays, and cups. A STEAM activity for young learners.

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This activity is perfect for an adult and children to work on. The stacked tree is challenging to make, and early learners may appreciate some grown-up assistance. And adults can offer decorating challenges to extend the learning experience, ie.

  • Can you make a tree shape with these circles and cups?
  • Can you put all the pompoms on?
  • Can you find a spot for the acorns?
  • Can you put two bells on the tree?
  • Can you put heavier pieces on the bottom tray?
  • Can you put a pom pom on each side of a circle shape?

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Reproducing A Design From A Template Or Photo

Studies show that reproducing a design from a template or photo enhances mathematical skills and brain development. This is a more structured kind of construction play. However, it’s perfectly okay to offer these materials in two ways:

  1. Challenge children to build a tree similar to a template or photo, and offer the materials in an open-ended way another day.
  2. Offer materials in an open-ended way first, and challenge children to build a template design as a follow-up activity.
Model of a tower themed Christmas tree for children to use as a template. Free printable for download.

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Download a picture to use as a pattern here.

Christmas Tree ModelDownload

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This “Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM activity can be offered on a tabletop, or placed on a light table. It can be set in the room at different places over a period of days or moved around by the children. The accessories can be saved for other light/light table activities.

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For more Christmas tree-building ideas, view a post on the website Left Brain Craft Brain.

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Llama Christmas Sensory Bin

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This post was edited on December 12, 2022.

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Llama themed sensory bin inspired by the picture book "Llama, Llama Holiday Drama" by Anna Dewdney.

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A llama Christmas sensory bin is sure to captivate your little learners. It’s a superb way to give children access to the rich colors and textures of the Christmas season.

This festive bin is inspired by the storybook “Llama Llama Holiday Drama,” written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. In the picture book, little Llama becomes overwhelmed helping his mama with holiday preparations. There are so many things to do, and the wait for Christmas seems much too long. Amid the busy, bustling season, Mama Llama takes time to stop and snuggle with Llama Llama, saying that “having each other is the true gift” at Christmas.

Llama Llama’s pre-Christmas experience is one that children can relate to. And parents and caregivers get a gentle reminder to slow down and spend some snuggle time with the “littles” in their lives.

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Llama Christmas Sensory Bin Supplies

With adorable llama-themed Christmas decorations readily available, a llama-inspired bin is easy to put together. Purchase a few nonbreakable llama ornaments, and add Christmas-themed sensory items in colors that complement them.

Llama themed sensory bin inspired by the picture book 'Llama, Llama Holiday Drama' by Anna Dewdney.

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This sensory tub includes

  • brown rice
  • llama Christmas decorations (cut from a garland)
  • small gift boxes
  • felt Christmas tree decoration
  • gingerbread decoration
  • mini Christmas cookie cutters
  • sparkle pom poms
  • bows
  • bells
  • metallic snowflakes
  • metallic trees

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A llama-themed sensory bin offers young children a chance to play with festive contemporary decorations along with well-loved staples.

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What’s your current theme for Christmas decorating? Is a color scheme or favorite type of ornament taking center stage? Drop a comment below.

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To view a read-aloud version of the picture book “Llama, Llama Holiday Drama”, click here.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Activities

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Ugly Christmas sweater activities for young children and their families. Art, sensory, playdough, games, and cookie making.

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The Ugly Christmas Sweater trend has resurfaced, and for a few years I couldn’t figure it out. Having a passion for fashion, I didn’t understand why anyone would want to wear a tacky sweater. Until…I read that people host Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, often to raise funds for charity. Then I saw purpose and humor in them.

Aside from wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, the trend shines in some easy to introduce early learning activities the whole family can participate in.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Sensory Bin

This rice bin includes

  • Christmas sweater tins
  • metallic and gem snowflakes
  • metallic and gem stars
  • gem light bulbs
  • bead garland strands
  • bows
  • pom poms
Ugly Christmas sweater sensory bin.

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Invitation To Decorate An Ugly Christmas Sweater

Craft sweaters from large pieces of paper and glue them to 12 by 12-inch squares of cardstock. Set out a tray with Christmas decorations and supplies for children to decorate the sweaters with.

Christmas decoration themed loose parts tray to design a Christmas sweater.

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The tray includes

  • bows
  • pom poms
  • miniature presents
  • bead garland strands
  • gem light bulbs
  • fabric stars
  • metallic stars and snowflakes
  • miniature Christmas trees

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Invitation to decorate a Christmas sweater with festive loose parts.

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Invitation to decorate a Christmas sweater with festive loose parts.

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This can be a reusable activity, or pieces can be glued on the sweaters for art to display.

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Sweater Cookie Baking And Decorating

Bake your favorite butter cookie recipe using a sweater cookie cutter to shape the dough. Or purchase a kit with premade cookies and icing. The creativity shown in decorating the treats will draw smiles from everyone.

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Playdough Center

Set out playdough, a sweater cookie cutter, and items for embellishing. Mini Christmas buttons enhance the playdough creations below. Ribbon, gems, pom poms, beads, and sequins work well for this activity.

Ugly Christmas sweater playdough center.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Tracing And Decorating Center

A station with a sweater tracer felt pens, stickers, gems, colored paper, and other craft supplies allows children to design their own ugly Christmas sweater.

Christmas sweater tracing and decorating center.

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Memory And Matching Games

A Christmas sweater placemat is perfect for matching or memory games.

Ugly Christmas sweater placemat matching game.

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Ugly Christmas sweater memory game.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Relay Race

Divide children into two teams. Have children on each team take turns running to a station with hats, scarves, and mittens. Children pick up a hat, scarf, or pair of mitts to wear “to keep warm”, and run back to their team.

Stay warm station with sign and winter accessories.

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More Activities

For more activities, view a post on child-friendly Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Games at thespruce.com.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Trivia

1. Ugly Christmas sweaters became popular in the 1980s, and were sold under the name “Jingle Bell Sweaters.” They made a showy statement when worn by television or movie comedic actors.

2. They rose in popularity in the early 2000s when people began having “Ugly Sweater Parties”.  Events are often held in support of charities.

3. The city of Vancouver, Canada claims to be the birthplace of the “Ugly Sweater Party.” The first one was held in December 2002. An annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party has been held at the Commodore Ballroom in this vibrant city every December since. It is a festive event for the Make A Wish Foundation Of Canada, a charity that grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

4. There are Ugly Sweater Runs. People run/walk a course that averages around five km long. At pit stops, they can get hot chocolate, coffee, a hat, mittens, etc. to help them stay warm and finish the race. Funds are raised from these walks for various charities.

5. A National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, started in 2011, is celebrated on the third Friday of December. People can wear their ugly Christmas attire to work and school, and the day often has a festive, holiday feel.

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Ugly Christmas sweater decorating station.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Books

These two books are available online from booksellers and are lighthearted reads with lots of tips for including Ugly Christmas Sweaters in holiday festivities.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide To Getting Your Ugly On by Brian Miller, Adam Paulson and Kevin Wool.

This book has tips for throwing an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and features pictures and humorous descriptions of some of the craziest ugly Christmas sweaters ever worn. The section on different personas people take on at ugly sweater Christmas Parties is especially entertaining!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party: Christmas Crafts, Recipes, Activities by Brandy and Matt Shay.

A colorful, entertaining book filled with ideas for hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. The book showcases patterns for making ugly Christmas sweaters, ponchos, shoes, legwarmers, headbands, and a Christmas tree dress.

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Ugly Christmas sweaters add humor, color, and creativity to the busy Christmas season. Their inclusion into festive parties and fundraisers for charities has me on board. Christmas is definitely better with ugly Christmas sweaters!

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How do you feel about ugly Christmas sweaters? Will you be wearing one this Christmas season?

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Skeleton Preschool Theme

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

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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.

But I couldn’t help notice a glammed-up skull one fall day. 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.”

Glam skull pillow.
My Skeleton Theme Inspiration

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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Introducing The Preschool Skeleton Theme

COLLECT:

books about human bodies

X-rays of body parts

ADD:

light table or a DIY lightbox (plastic tub with led lights)

Books featuring human bodies with detailed pictures of skeletons.

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Set out a variety of books featuring human bodies and skeletons.

Display x-rays of human bones on a light table.

View x-rays on a lid covered, clear plastic tub with led lights inside.

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Led string lights inserted in a covered, clear tub can serve as a DIY lightbox.

A lid covered clear plastic tub with led lights inside works as a small light table.

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Stress that our bodies have skeletons and bones in them.

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Felt Skeleton Activities

THE FINDS:

  • felt skeleton (without bones)
  • felt, hinged skeletons (with bones)
  • cardboard skeleton (with bones)
  • toy bones

ADD:

  • Q-Tips
  • paper fasteners

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ACTIVITY ONE: Add Bones To A Skeleton

Cut a few Q-Tips in half, and others into thirds. Leave some whole. Let children add toy and Q-Tip bones to the felt skeleton, using the cardboard one as an example.

Felt skeleton decorated with plastic and Q-Tip bones. A cardboard skeleton serves as a model.

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ACTIVITY TWO: Skeleton Poses

Take turns moving a hinged, felt skeleton in different ways. Discuss what it might be feeling and communicating.

Adorable skeletons with movable limbs put in poses to create different expressions.

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ACTIVITY THREE: Put A Skeleton Back Together

Take apart the sections of a hinged, felt skeleton. Offer paper fasteners and invite children to put it back together, using the other skeleton as a model. This activity is great for enhancing fine motor skills.

A felt skeleton unhinged. Paper fasteners and a model skeleton aide in helping children put the skeleton back together.

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Plastic Skeleton Activities

THE FINDS:

  • three large, plastic hinged skeletons
  • pet costumes
  • adult fingerless gloves
  • children’s gloves and socks
  • beaded jewelry strands
  • stuffed animal
  • candy bag

ADD:

  • sticker gems and pearls
  • large roll of paper
  • felt pens

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ACTIVITY ONE: Compare Height With A Skeleton

Decorate one skeleton with sticker and pearl gems to “glam it up.”. Add some jewelry strands. Hang the skeleton on a wall with the caption: “ARE YOU TALLER THAN THIS SKELETON?”

Invite children to stand next to the skeleton. Measure and record who is taller.

A decorative wall decor skeleton hung on a wall. Invitation for children to compare their height with the skeleton.

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Take a picture of each child next to the skeleton for a unique photo op.

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ACTIVITY TWO: Dress The Skeleton

Set out a skeleton along with clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Invite children to dress the skeleton, offering help as needed.

Large, plastic skeleton dressed up in seasonal clothes.

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ACTIVITY THREE: Traced Body With Skeleton

Trace each child’s body on a large section of paper cut from a roll. Take a hinged skeleton apart and set the bones near the body tracings. Encourage children to add bones.

Body tracing with skeleton bones added.

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Jumbo Skull Activities

THE FIND:

jumbo felt skull

ADD:

  • calendar pictures of animal heads
  • 12 x 18 pieces of paper
  • pastel crayons

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ACTIVITY ONE: Guess The Animal

Slide the skull over each calendar animal head picture and ask children to “Guess The Animal.”

Guess The Animal activity using an oversized felt skull and calendar pictures of animal heads.

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ACTIVITY TWO: Trace The Skull

Place the skull on a table along with large pieces of paper and pastel crayons. Encourage children to trace and decorate the skull.

Traced skull activity using a large piece of paper, jumbo felt skull, and padstel crayons.

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ACTIVITY THREE: Jumbo Mask Photo Op

Take pictures of children holding the skull as a “jumbo mask.” The wall skeleton can be part of the backdrop.

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Glitter Skull Math Activities

THE FIND:

two tree branches decorated with metallic skulls 

ADD:

plastic, rubber, or wooden numbers

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ACTIVITY ONE: Make Patterns

Take the skulls off the tree branches. (The branches can be saved for other activities.)

Glitter skulls cut from a decorative tree branch.

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Have children make patterns with them.

Glitter skulls used for counting, sorting, and patterning activities.

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ACTIVITY TWO: Count And Sort Skulls

Set out the skulls, and numbers 1 – 9. Invite children to count them and add the correct number. Encourage skull sorting.

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Neon Skull Activities

THE FIND:

neon skeleton party favors

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ACTIVITY ONE: Sort And Match Skeletons

Have children sort and match skeletons according to their color.

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ACTIVITY TWO: Make Patterns

Invite children to make patterns with the neon skeletons.

Neon plastic skeleton party favors are perfect for making patterns.

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Skull Printable

Download this cute skull printable that features basic shapes. Discuss the shapes. Invite children to glam it up with their favorite art medium and sticker gems and pearls.

Skull activity sheet suitable for all ages for cutting, coloring, painting, collage and decorating.

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Download the skull printable here. (This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.)

Skull PrintableDownload

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My “go-to” activities for late October are still pumpkins. But I’m sticking a few skeleton preschool theme activities in with the mix!

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How do you feel about doing a Skeleton preschool theme with young children?

Are there some activities you would choose? Are there others you would stay away from?

Are there new activities you can suggest? Share below!

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Ninja Theme Facts And Activities

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This ninja theme draws inspiration from the picture book “Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap”, written and illustrated by J. C. Phillipps. The book 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.

Ninja theme featuring sensory, small world, art, large motor, and pretend play activities. Ninja facts and picture book inspiration included.

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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.

Back at Summer Moon School For Young Ninjas, he comes up with a plan inspired by Master Zutsu’s mentoring. With help from his fellow ninja students, his fans are detoured so he can nap. His stuffed panda is along for the adventure.

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“Wink” Inspired Ninja Activities

Cherry Blossom Tree Small World

Offer children accessories to create a small world on a decorative cloth-covered table with

  • Wooden tree blocks
  • Pink flower blossoms
  • Pink and white gems
  • Ninja figurines
  • “Safari Toob” panda bears
  • Paper folded Japanese home
Cherry blossom tree small world with pink flowers, gems, and panda and ninja figurines.

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Cherry blossom tree book-inspired small world with pink flowers, gems, and panda and ninja figurines.

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For the ninjas, take apart Wall Crawlers, available at dollar stores. Remove the jelly-like insides, glue the upper and lower body parts together with a hot glue gun, and glue in pipe cleaner hands and feet.

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Ninja Dress Up

Collect ninja-themed props for dramatic play and photos ops. Include

  • Ninja masks  (Dollar Tree)
  • Throwing stars (Dollar Tree)
  • Ninja vests  (Dollar Tree)
  • Foam swords  (Dollar Store)
  • A stepping stool to stand on and pose
Ninja themed masks, vests, throwing stars, and foam swords for pretend play.

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Pretend Play Printable

Download this free printable to inspire ninja-themed pretend play. It works best printed on cardstock paper.

The mask can be cut out and decorated with crayons or felt pens. It can also be traced onto and cut from colored paper. Attach an elastic string so the mask can be worn.

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Ninja Mask PrintableDownload

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World Landmark Geography Center

Create a center inspired by Wink’s circus performer travels and his sleeping area at home.

Display pictures from around the world on a wall above a table. Add a rice sensory bin with:

  • Safari Toob “Around The World” landmark figures
  • Ninja figurine
  • Panda bear figurine
  • Loose parts  (gems, beads. bells, and shells)   
Ninja book-inspired rice sensory bin featuring Safari Toob "Around The World" figurines.

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Tree Placemat

Set out ninja figurines, panda bears, pink gems, and a tree placemat so children can create a cherry tree garden scene.

Ninja-themed loose parts tray with panda bears, ninja figurines, and pink and white gems.

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Tree placemat scene invitation to create with pink gems and ninja and panda bear figurines.

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A similar scene works with eraser figurines and gems.

Ninja themed placemat scene with gems and eraser figurines.

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Other Book-Themed Accessories

Keep your eye out for accessories that complement a ninja theme.

Story accessories to compliment the picture book "Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap" by J. C. Phillipps.

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A Little Ninja History

Ninjas …

  • were spies/warriors active from the 12th century to the early 1600s.
  • were specially trained. Their skills were handed down from father to son, and from teacher to a small group of trainees.
  • were exceptional students. Only top students were picked for training in schools.
  • were extremely physically fit.
  • were skilled at using swords and throwing discs.
  • were good at keeping secrets. To this day little is known about their training.
  • were great actors. They pretended to be someone else in their daily lives and were good at making surprise attacks.

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“Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Nap” is a follow-up story to the delightful picture book “Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed.” To view a video of the first book read by author J. C. Phillipps, click here.

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To see how to make a toilet roll ninja craft featured on the website www.kidsactivities.com, click here.

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Reptile Egg Science

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

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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.

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Make A Reptile Egg

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. 

A container of cider vinegar and an egg.

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Supplies Needed:

  • one unshelled, boiled egg
  • 1 ½ cups / 375 ml cups of cider vinegar
  • clear 2 cup / 500 ml jar
  • tablespoon
  • dessert plate

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Boil the egg and let it cool. Ask children to describe the color and feel the hardness of the egg.

Place the unshelled, boiled egg in a jar of cider vinegar.  Discuss the color of the liquid…yellow, red, and orange are words children might use for the hue. I suggest the word amber.

Put the jar in the fridge.

A boiled egg immersed in a jar half-filled with cider vinegar.

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After a couple of days, take the jar with the egg out of the fridge and have everyone view it. The cider vinegar will look a little foamy.

Scoop the egg out of the jar, place it on a dessert plate, and invite children to feel it. The egg will be tinged with brown residue. Ask children to describe the texture, which has turned rubbery.

A boiled egg taken out of cider vinegar after two days.

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New Discovery

The above egg is the result of the second time I tried this experiment! The first egg I used was not boiled, as I forgot to do it! I left the unshelled egg (in a jar of cider vinegar) in the fridge for two weeks before noticing it!  When I finally took it out, it had a neat visual appeal. The outside of the uncooked egg felt rubbery, just as the boiled one did. When I poked it, soft insides spilled out. It was a happy accident that led to a new discovery!

An unboiled egg after being immersed in cider vinegar for two weeks.
Forgotten Reptile Egg

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An unboiled egg placed in cider vinegar for two weeks, then pricked with a fork to show the soft inside.
Forgotten Reptile Egg Insides

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Reptile Egg Science Printable

Extend the Science experiment by setting out this printable with reptile egg shapes to decorate and cut, or use as a play mat for matching turtle and snake figurines.

Reptile egg shapes printable to color and cut. Or invite children to place snakes and turtles in the circle, oval and oblong-shaped eggs.

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Match snakes and turtles to their corresponding egg shapes.

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Reptile Egg Shapes Free PrintableDownload

(This printable was created in PicMonkey and is for personal or one classroom use only.)

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Do you have a favorite experiment to do with eggs? I’d love to hear about it!

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To view a video showing a snake hatching from an egg on the DK website, click here.

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Activities With Sunflowers

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

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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.

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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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Start seeds indoors near a sunlit window, or under a grow light. After the last frost, transplant the tiny plants to pots or add them to a garden plot. In areas with long growing seasons, plant the seeds in gardens or containers outdoors immediately.

Sunflowers need a sunny location to flourish. They require regular watering but can tolerate some drought. Plants in pots may need to be transplanted to larger ones when they grow bigger.

For more information about growing sunflowers, view this post from Gardener’s Path.

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Sunflower Activities For Young Children

Invite young children to help plant and grow sunflowers. The frequent changes in growth offer many opportunities for investigation. Include mature sunflower parts in art and sensory activities.

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Printmaking With Sunflowers

Set out red, blue, green and yellow tempera paint colors along with brushes, sunflower heads, and leaves. Have children paint the flowers and leaves and press them on a large piece of paper.

Supplies for making paint prints with sunflower parts.

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Let the paintings dry.

Paint prints with sunflowers. Tempera paint and primary colors used with leaves and heads of sunflowers. This is an all-ages activity.

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Paint prints with sunflowers. Tempera paint and primary colors used with leaves and heads of sunflowers. This is an all-ages activity.

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Paint prints with sunflowers. Tempera paint and primary colors used with leaves and heads of sunflowers. This is an all-ages activity.

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Also read: Butterfly Sunflower Papercraft

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Sunflowers And Playdough

Offer a circular party tray with playdough and sunflower parts for children to use. The one below includes

  • seeds
  • petals
  • leaves
  • stems
  • flower heads
  • seed packages

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Discovery Tub With Sunflowers And Bugs

Set out a shallow tub for children to explore that contains

  • sunflower parts
  • insects
  • magnifying glass
  • a pair of binoculars

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Sensory tray with sunflower heads and leaves, insects, binoculars and a magnifying glass.

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Growing sunflowers and exploring them through activities offers young children valuable nature experiences. And in late summer/early fall, a visit to a sunflower patch or maze makes a terrific field trip or family outing!

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