Putting The Pretty In Preschool – Page 72 – Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

Build A Christmas Tree STEAM Activity

December 15, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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:

Challenge children to build a tree similar to a template or photo, and offer the materials in an open-ended way another day.
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

December 10, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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.

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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

November 19, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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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

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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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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.

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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.

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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 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

October 28, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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.

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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

October 24, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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 12^th 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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