Putting the Pretty In Preschool - Page 7 of 8 - Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Activities With Sunflowers

August 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Read more…]

Dinosaur And Sweet Potato Vine Activities

July 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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.

When the sweet potato vines had grown and poured over their pots, I snipped a few leaves off the plants to feature the activities below.

Dinosaur Themed Small World

Sweet potato vine leaves in a dinosaur-themed sensory tub. Rocks, twigs, plastic and marble eggs, and blue water complete the scene.

Small world scene with dinosaurs, rocks, twig, plastic eggs, marbles, blue water, and sweet potato vine leaves.

Painted Leaf T-Rex Footprints

An invitation to make leaf prints shaped like dinosaur footprints with silver and bronze paints and sweet potato vine leaves.

[Read more…]

Superhero Activities

May 28, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

As everyone can attest, Superhero activities are hugely engaging for children. Superheroes are also a topic I was hesitant to plan a full theme around for many years. I was afraid that the children’s excitement level would go up, and never return to a manageable rate.

One year I decided a generic Superhero theme could be feasible as the last one of the school term. I thought the children might get riled up, but I would be sending them home for the summer afterward!

The Superhero activities were a hit and turned out to be perfectly manageable. Dress up props were available in the gymnasium, where loud noises and running were the norms. A number of books read in the classroom highlighted good character traits of Superheroes. Puzzles, manipulative toys, and sensory trays rounded out the play choices.

Edmonton Comic And Entertainment Expo

Last Fall I attended the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo because it looked so fun! I also hoped to get some more ideas for my Superhero theme. The multitude of booths showcasing art, toys, outfits, and much more offered loads of inspiration. And I visualized a Superhero theme working for our next Father/Preschooler evening (held this past March.)

Pictures of booths and merchandise set up at a Comic And Entertainment Expo.

Father/Preschooler Night Superhero Activities

The Father/Preschooler evening started out with a potluck supper. Open-ended toys were available for guests to explore, with Superhero figures added in.

Superhero sensory tray with loose parts. — Superhero Sensory Tray

[Read more…]

Mother’s Day Crafts And Gifts

April 30, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Mother's Day paper crafts with jewelry and decorative key chain accents. Art ideas all children can do.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and every mom deserves to be treated special. Here is an easy Mother’s Day craft that is bound to hit the mark. A key chain or brooch makes a lovely addition as a gift.

Supplies used:

Flower and butterfly paper punches

Craft paper with cream, gold, and silver tones

Gold and silver metallic bead stickers

White pearl and silver jewel stickers

Butterfly adhesive shapes

Template with the word MOM

Decorative silver key chains

Glue stick

Preparing The Mother’s Day Craft

Create a template with the word MOM on it or download my template. This template is for personal or one classroom use only.

Mothers-Day-TemplateDownload

Paper punch small flowers and butterflies from patterned paper with complementary tones.

Add on sticker beads.

Decorate the word "mom" with gorgeous paper butterflies and flowers. This craft is suitable for all ages, and works great for Mother's Day or word review.

Making The Mother’s Day Craft

Have children use a glue stick to attach butterflies and flowers, or just butterflies to the lines of the letters that spell the word “mom.”

Add a brooch or key chain gift to the finished picture.

Mother's Day collage craft with flowers and butterflies glued on to the word 'Mom.' A starfish keychain is fastened on as a gift. This craft is suitable for all ages.

[Read more…]

Spring Bunny Canvas Art

April 20, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

The birds are chirping, and there is excitement in the air. Everyone seems to have a skip in their step. I think it is because spring has come early to our city and… it’s the Easter long weekend!

Here’s an easy spring bunny art activity that will add some hop to the skip, and be sure to keep everyone’s good mood up.

Spring Bunny Canvas Art

A few simple supplies are all that’s needed for this activity:

White canvas panel (12-inch x 18-inch)

Non-toxic paint dot markers

Colored cardstock

Bunny template

Scissors

The “How To”

Trace a bunny on colored cardstock in a size that leaves room to paint dab around it on the canvas board. I sized the bunny to fit just inside the edges of an 8 x 11 ½ piece of paper.

Cut out the cardstock bunny and place it in the middle of the canvas board.

Choose your favorite dot marker colors.

Dab paint dots around the bunny template.

Let the canvas dry.

Dot markers used to paint around a bunny template on canvas. An easy art activity suitable for all ages.

[Read more…]

Saving Green Sea Turtles

April 10, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Green sea turtle activities for early learners. Sensory bin, small world, art and dramatic play for preschool and kindergarten children.

One in a thousand baby green sea turtles lives to become an adult. Sea turtles face many challenges in trying to survive. Here’s how they get their start in life.

At night, baby green sea turtles scurry to the ocean from the deep hole they dig out of. They hatch from eggs deposited by their mother (also at night) on a sandy beach above the high tide line. The small, white eggs are buried in a blanket of sand to keep them warm and hide them from predators. The eggs are left alone to incubate for 50 -70 days.

The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the turtles. Warmer eggs become males; cooler eggs become females. Both males and females can dig out of the same nest, because the temperature can vary in different parts of it.

The hatchlings hurry to the ocean in the dark when it is less likely that they will be eaten by crabs or shore birds like gulls or herons. Most babies do not make it to the ocean. Even if they safely make it to the water, they could be eaten by birds hovering above the waves or predatory fish lingering close to shore.

Sea turtle hatchlings scurry to the ocean at night.

Green Sea Turtle Life Stages

Young green sea turtles spend the first three to five years of their lives in deeper waters. They are carnivores, eating fish eggs, molluscs, jellyfish, worms, sponges, algae, crustaceans and small invertebrates.

Adults green sea turtles spend most of their time in shallow coastal waters with lush seagrass beds. They are herbivores, relying on food such as sea grasses and algae. Adults are at home in coral reefs, salt marshes and near shore grass beds. In these habitats they have lots of food and protection from predators and rough ocean waves.

Sea turtle life stages small world in a clear drawer tray.

Conservation of Green Sea Turtles

Green sea turtles are endangered. They face a high risk of extinction in the wild. The turtles are protected by law in most countries. Many countries also protect their nesting areas.

Some threats green sea turtles face:

Loss of nesting areas due to real estate development in coastal areas.
Poaching: There is illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells. The skin is used for shoes, belts, and bags. The meat is used to make exotic dishes like turtle soup. Turtle oil is used for cosmetics.
Plastic and other marine debris

Help Keep Green Sea Turtles Alive

We can help green sea turtles stay alive! We can:

read books about green sea turtles and how to help them survive.
limit the use of plastic and recycle the plastic we use.
buy sustainably harvested, ocean-friendly seafood.
support organizations that help protect green sea turtles and their habitats.
share social media posts about sea turtles and efforts to protect them.

People who live close to a sea turtle nesting area can:

join a beach clean up.
volunteer for a turtle watch night shift.
turn off porch lights at night.
refrain from using flashlights or making bonfires during nesting season.

Porch lights, flashlights, and bonfires disorient hatchlings. They can head away from the ocean instead of towards it.

Green Sea Turtle Activities

Green Sea Turtle Small World

[Read more…]

St. Patrick’s Day Activities

March 12, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

It’s March, but there is still lots of snow outside in Edmonton. St. Patrick’s Day activities and the green color they surround us with are so welcome. Here are three centers my class is currently playing in.

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tray

Items included in this sensory tray:

spinach rice vermicelli noodles (broken up)
green bowls, sieves, and scoops
green buttons, beads and bead garland
shamrock and leprechaun shaped erasers
green coins
leprechaun mini hats
shamrock ice cubes

St. Patrick's Day rice noodle tray with leprechaun hats, green sieves, utensils and loose parts.

The green vermicelli noodles are a great find, as they are “ready-made” for this activity.

Green rice vermicelli noodles for sensory play.

St. Patrick’s Day Play Kitchen

Pretend play is hands down one of children’s favorite activities to do. When effort is put into adding details to a play kitchen, children respond with delight.

St. Patrick's Day house center dramatic play accessories. Tableware, play food, jewelry, coins, and decorations are included.

[Read more…]

Igloo “Glamping” Pretend Play

March 10, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky 1 Comment

It’s been said that you should buy beautiful things you are drawn to, even if you are not sure how they will fit into your decorating color scheme or wardrobe collection.

When I purchased a narwhal themed sequin pillow, I wasn’t sure how I would use it in preschool play. I loved seeing color and shape change sequins in children’s clothing, and thought a sensory item like this would be nice to explore in the classroom.

Then I saw some “Glamping” pretend play posts on social media and knew this pillow would be perfect for an igloo “glamping” pretend play center.

Arctic dramatic play center with polar animals and glam accessories.

Igloo “Glamping” Center Accessories

To set up a glammed up igloo pretend play center, collect the following:

Pop up igloo
Fur rabbit skin
Narwhal themed sequin pillow
Bird puppet
Toy flashlight
Water bottle
Drinking glasses
Food bowl and spoon
Fishing box and reel
Paper fish
Camping chair
Stuffed snowy owl
Polar bear puppet
Toque, hat, and mittens

Glam igloo dramatic play center with polar themed accessories.

[Read more…]

World Book Day Story Book Feature: Just Itzy

March 6, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

World Book Day Just Itzy storybook theme. Spider sensory and small world activities for young children.

World Book Day is held every year on the first Thursday in March. It is a celebration of authors, illustrators, and books. And it is most of all a celebration of reading.

The impact of the picture book “Just Itzy” spanning my preschool storytime, a teacher aide’s home, and three children and their classrooms makes the story worthy of a shout out for World Book Day.

The “Just Itzy” Story

“Just Itzy” is written by Lana Krumwiede and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli. This story was one of the many books about spiders I chose last Fall in gathering resources for a Spider theme. It is an entertaining read about a spider named Itzy Bitzy and his first day of school. In the story, Itzy wants to catch his lunch instead of taking a lunch box that had been packed for him. In learning to make a spider web to trap food he becomes part of the nursery rhymes “Little Miss Muffet”, “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly”, and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” By the end of the tale, Itzy builds a successful spider web AND rescues his big brother Gutzy who had been teasing him about his “smallness.”

The Story’s Reach

My class enjoyed the story. The teacher aide liked “Just Itzy” so much she borrowed the book from a library for her three children. After numerous readings at home, the story was further enjoyed at her children’s school:

Both grade school children took the book to school to show it to their teachers and classmates.
One teacher had the teacher aide’s child read the book to the class.
The teacher in the kindergarten class ordered the book, and it fit in perfectly with the Fantasy Theme the students were working on.

The teacher aide said that for weeks afterward, their family would add humor to their day by chanting “Keep your eye on the fly,” a saying Itzy’s “spindergarten” teacher taught the class about never giving up.

“Just Itzy” Story Centers

Spider Small World

Spider themed small world with translucent pipe builders, spiders, a fly, flowers, and a spider web on a patch of grass.

[Read more…]

Hawaiian Party

March 3, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Here’s a Hawaiian Party that works for all ages. We did it with a group of seniors, preschool children and their parents. It was dreamed up because this school year our preschool classes were invited to visit a seniors home to socialize with the residents. February was a great month to show some kindness, so we planned our visit then.

Hawaiian Holiday Theme

Hawaiian Holiday was the theme of choice. Our city was in the middle of a cold-weather spell, so the thinking was “If we can’t be in Hawaii, (where we would ALL rather be), then let’s bring Hawaii to us.”

Our preschool brought food and activities for the visit.

As seniors, preschool children and preschool parents entered the social room at the home, music from the CD “Golden Hits Of Hawaii” wafted through the air. (This is a favorite CD of Hawaiian music, and we’ve played it at school on some of our coldest days. The music lifts our spirits every time.)

As everyone chose a spot to sit, they were invited to make a paper lei.

Paper Hawaiian lei party craft suitable for all ages.

Next, our school group performed some action songs for seniors and parents. Songs from Dr. Jean Sing Along Read Along books and CDs were our choice. (Dr. Jean has many singing and learning activities available on her website and her YouTube Channel.)

Hawaiian Party Food

Then refreshments were served. Hawaiian themed paper plates were passed out.

Little muffins with parasols for decoration were offered.

Muffins decorated with parasols for a Hawaiian party snack.

[Read more…]