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Easter Transient Art

April 17, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set out these adorable, party-ready Easter transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

Here are three easy Easter transient art activities using egg, chick, and bunny designs as a base. They’ll add color and style to any Easter or spring theme.

Set out these adorable, party-ready Easter transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

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What Is Transient Art?

Transient art is non-permanent art using craft materials and/or loose parts. It is open-ended and process-oriented. The art can be designed and redesigned by the same child, or by different children. It allows children to be creative in a non-threatening environment.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for these Easter transient art activities:

  • wood canvas boards
  • wall art frames
  • undecorated wood bunny, chick, and egg plaques
  • circle, flower, and butterfly paper punches
  • turquoise, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple cardstock paper
  • 12-inch x 18-inch yellow, pink, and blue construction paper
  • glue stick
  • scissors
  • pencil

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The Easter Transient Art Process

Adorable, party-ready bunny and egg transient art activities using easy-to-find supplies. The activities also work for a spring theme.

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First, select inexpensive unfinished wood plaques with an Easter or spring theme. The bunny, egg, and chick plaques featured here were purchased at a Dollar store. I was originally looking for just a bunny, but was excited to happen upon all three designs!

Next, pick wooden canvas boards and/or wall art frames that are slightly bigger than the plaques.

Then cut 12-inch x 18-inch construction paper in colors of choice to fit inside the frames or canvas board backs.

Punch out flowers and butterflies from spring-colored cardstock. Punch circles and glue contrasting colored ones to the flower centers.

Lastly, set the plaques on a table in frames or canvases, and add the paper punched shapes.

Set up this Easter egg transient art invitation for your child today! An easy, non-threatening spring activity.

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Invite children to pick an egg, chick, or bunny design to decorate with paper shapes.

Oh, so pretty spring chick transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty Easter bunny transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty Easter egg transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Tips:

  • For an economical alternative, a homemade cardstock frame can be used instead of the canvas board or art frames.
  • And die cut, foam, and felt craft supply butterflies and flowers can be substituted for paper punched ones.

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Permanent Art Projects

After children have had a chance to create transient art projects, they may wish to complete a finished work. White glue could be used to adhere the flowers and butterflies to the plaques. Or you could offer cardstock bunnies, chicks, and eggs as templates.

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Oh, so pretty Easter chick transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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Oh, so pretty spring bunny transient art activity using easy-to-find supplies. A permanent artwork can also be created.

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[Read more…] about Easter Transient Art

Filed Under: art, crafts, Easter, preschool, spring Tagged With: bunnies, chicks, Easter, eggs, flowers, spring, transient art

Ocean Sensory Activities

March 31, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Ocean Sensory Activity Supplies

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

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

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

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Ocean Rice Bin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ocean Water Tub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ocean Playdough Tray

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

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

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

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Playdough Recipes

The marbled playdough was repurposed from a winter playdough recipe,

A scented jello playdough recipe makes lovely turquoise dough.

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

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

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[Read more…] about Ocean Sensory Activities

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

Floating Egg Science Experiment

March 25, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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

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Supplies To Collect

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

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

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Performing The Floating Egg Science Experiment

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

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

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

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

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

Pour 1½ cups water into two jars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Related: Reptile Egg Science Experiment

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The Science Behind This Experiment

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

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

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Floating Egg Experiment Extensions

This floating egg experiment could be extended by:

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

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[Read more…] about Floating Egg Science Experiment

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

Easter Sensory Tub

April 6, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Easter sensory tub with water as a base. Bunnies, eggs, and Easter baskets are the theme of the tub.
Easter sensory tub with water as a base. Bunnies, eggs, and Easter baskets are the theme of the tub.

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With so many craft supplies and basket fillers available to purchase, a colorful Easter sensory tub is easy to put together.  Easter bunnies have taken over this water-based sensory table.  I hope they get back to work soon to finish delivering their Easter eggs!

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Easter sensory items in the water table:

  • plastic eggs (various sizes)
  • egg holders
  • egg-shaped gems
  • salad tweezers/clamps
  • Easter-themed erasers and cookie cutters
  • bendable bunnies (various sizes)
  • plastic bunny candy cups
  • Easter baskets
  • food coloring of choice

Neon green food coloring is used in this activity.  I’ve used pink, purple or yellow food coloring in the past.

Easter sensory tub with water as a base. Bunnies, eggs, and Easter baskets are the theme of the tub.

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Do you have a suggestion for something I could add to this Easter sensory tub?  I’d love to hear about it.

For more activities, check my Pinterest Board Easter.

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[Read more…] about Easter Sensory Tub

Filed Under: Easter, sensory Tagged With: bunnies, eggs, water play

Reptile Egg Science

September 10, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Reptile egg science activities. Make a rubbery reptile egg and use turtle and snake figurines with egg matching play mats.
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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[Read more…] about Reptile Egg Science

Filed Under: preschool, reptiles, science, sensory Tagged With: eggs, experiment, snakes, turtles

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Hi, I'm Annette Kaminsky. I am a preschool teacher who loves to share easy and fun early learning activities. Thanks for visiting my blog. Feel free to stay awhile!

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Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon? They are featured in creative snacks in this watermelon-themed video. Link in profile leads to the blogpost.  #creativesnacks #watermelonsnacks #funsnacks #easysnacks #healthysnacks #watermelon #sunflowers #fruitskewers #popsicles #watermelonpopsicles #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolsnacks #teacherofig #iteachprek #iteach
This “words of affirmation” glow art activity This “words of affirmation” glow art activity is perfect for the beginning or end of the school year, or anytime in between. Details are on the blog…click link in profile. 
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An easy art activity for “International Talk Lik An easy art activity for “International Talk Like A Pirate Day”, celebrated on September 19 each year. A pirate theme is excellent for encouraging speaking and socialization. That’s perfect for this time of year, when many children are starting school. Link in profile leads to the blogpost with two free printables.  #socialdevelopment #startingschool #pirates #piratetheme #freeprintable #freeprintables #scissorskills #earlylearning #creepyart #creepyartwork #kidsart #kidsartwork #easyart #funart #finemotorskills #prekart #prekactivity #kindergartenactivity
Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut leaf. This and more leaf art projects are on the blog. Link in profile. 🌿🌿🌿 #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #leaf #fallleaves #painting #pastels #reliefart #classroomart #kindergartenart #preschoolart #artclass #artclasses #fallart #September #funart
Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are encouraged to set up lemonade stands (supplies are provided) and raise money for a local children’s hospital.
A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

🍋🍋🍋

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Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic play invitation. 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉
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When you are collecting school supplies, save some When you are collecting school supplies, save some school for light table experimentation. Details are on the blog. Click the link in profile. 

#playinvitation #lighttable #schoolsupplies #explorecolor #explorelight #lightplay #recycledplay #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #seajellies #jellyfish #fish #geometricshapes #gems #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of sparkle and shine.  #playdoughfun #sensoryplayideas #playbasedlearning #keepingkidsbusy #learnandplay #loosepartsplay #invitationtoplay #preschooler #preschoolfun #spaceexploration #spaceships #earlyeducation #eyfsideas
An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
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