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New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

December 31, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

New Year's Eve sensory tray dinner invitation with metallic loose parts little learners will love to have a pretend party with.
New Year's Eve sensory tray dinner invitation with metallic loose parts little learners will love to have a pretend party with.

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This New Year’s Eve sensory tray is full of party vibes. It is an inviting loose parts tray to offer at a New Year’s Eve event, or on the first day of class in January. The dinner-themed play invitation is currently ready for my preschoolers to explore when they are back at school next week. I’m excited to see how they use it!

The featured tray is called a “tuff tray”, or “active world tray.” In our country (Canada) they are available to order online at Scholar’s Choice.

My active world tuff tray is a recent addition to my stock of early learning resources, and I love using it.

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Supplies To Collect

New Year's Eve sensory play tray with a party theme.

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To recreate this tray, pick a set of disposable paper New Year’s party plates. Use the colors in the plates to guide the color scheme for the loose parts in the active world tray. My plates are gold, silver, black and white, with metallic touches. I use gold and silver metallic accessories for the tray.

Loose parts to include:

  • round placemat
  • disposable cups and cutlery
  • gift boxes
  • serving bowls and spoons
  • tongs
  • star-shaped containers
  • strips of bead garland
  • buttons
  • play coins
  • small bells
  • large ornament bells
  • present ornaments
  • balls cut from garland
  • tiny trophies

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The New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

Gather loose parts that you have available. Arrange them as a dinner invitation.

New Year's Eve tuff tray filled with dinner-themed loose parts little learners will love to party with.

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Serving containers in a variety of sizes and shapes add appeal and provide options for manipulating loose parts.

Bells are a welcome addition to any sensory activity. There are large bell ornaments and small jingling bells in the tray, offering a musical component.

The featured gift boxes are clear and contain tiny trophies and ornaments. Little learners can explore them and change up the contents. Gold or silver gift boxes would work wonderfully too.

New Year's Eve sensory tray featuring dinnerware, gift boxes, and metallic loose parts.

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Space Kitchen Activity Tray

To extend the sensory experience, switch out the New Year’s dinner plates for tin pie plate ones. The activity tray will become a space-themed play invitation!

Cut metallic bead garland and necklaces make the perfect loose parts for an outer space spaghetti pretend play meal.

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Other active world tray ideas:

Fall Sensory Play

Spider Theme Activities

Christmas Village Tuff Tray

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New Year's Eve sensory tray dinner-themed loose parts little learners will love to have a pretend party with.

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More New Year’s Activities:

New Year’s All Gold Sensory Activity

New Year’s Countdown Activities

New Year’s Crafts

New Year’s Sensory Tray

New Year’s Art and Math Activities

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[Read more…] about New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

Filed Under: New Year's, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Happy New Year, holiday, loose parts, New Year's Eve, party, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

New Year’s All Gold Sensory Activity

December 30, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An inviting New Year's all gold sensory bowl filled with shiny items little learners will love to explore.
An inviting New Year's all gold sensory bowl filled with shiny items little learners will love to explore.

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This New Year’s all gold sensory activity is filled with … you guessed it…all gold loose parts! It’s one I’ve been wanting to put together for a while and finally did. Whether the loose parts are organized in a bin or tray, this activity is one your little learners will love to take part in.

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Gold And New Year’s

Glittery, metallic gold is a popular color for New Year’s celebrations. And it usually plays a big part in Christmas festivities too.

Gold is considered a symbol of wealth. But in addition to monetary wealth, the rich color also represents a wealth of experience, knowledge, and love. And who doesn’t wish for all these things, especially at the beginning of a new year?

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Follow me on Pinterest for more New Year’s ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

New Year's all gold sensory bin loose parts tray for little learners to explore.

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Gather the following supplies in metallic gold:

  • tiny trophies
  • small present and drum decorations
  • play coins
  • assorted buttons
  • miniature ornaments
  • bows
  • jingle bells
  • strands cut from beaded necklaces
  • tongs
  • spoons
  • cups

It’s easy to find these items during the holiday season. And I’m sure you will be able to think of even more things to add.

New Year's all gold sensory activity loose parts tray.

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“All Gold” Sensory Bin

A large clear plastic salad bowl makes a good bin for this sensory setup. But a plastic square or rectangular container works fine too.

A rich New Year's all gold sensory activity featuring shiny metallic loose parts for little learners to explore.

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No base ingredient is needed for this eye-appealing activity. Just throw a mix of metallic gold loose parts in your container of choice. Then set it out on a table with golden cups, tongs, and spoons for your little learners to explore.

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All Gold Sensory Tray

If you only have a small supply of golden items, why not use a serving tray. Your little charges will be happy to dive in and investigate the shiny “treasures” in the tray.

A sparkling New Year's all gold sensory tray filled with metallic items for little learners to explore.

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New Year's metallic gold sensory bin loose parts tray.

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Aside from being associated with New Year’s events, gold is an alluring color all in itself. And this is my primary reason for putting together this glamourous play invitation.

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What would you add to this sensory activity? Share in a comment below.

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More New Year’s Activities

New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

New Year’s Countdown Activities

New Year’s Crafts

New Year’s Sensory Tray

New Year’s Art and Math Activities

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[Read more…] about New Year’s All Gold Sensory Activity

Filed Under: New Year's, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Happy New Year, holiday, loose parts, New Year's Eve, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

CD Case Christmas Craft

December 24, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky 2 Comments

Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. A fun craft for the whole family to do.
Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. A fun craft for the whole family to do.

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An empty or used empty CD case can be turned into a beautiful art or craft project. There are many creative ideas to try. For this blog post, I’m choosing to feature a CD case Christmas craft.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more creative ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for this seasonal craft:

  • clear CD jewel case
  • thin unpainted wood holiday decoration
  • festive cardstock
  • acrylic craft paint
  • scissors
  • ruler
  • glue stick
  • white glue or glue gun
  • craft bits: pony beads, holiday confetti, garland strips, sequins, punched paper snowflakes

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Assembling The CD Case Christmas Craft

Steps to making a CD case Christmas craft. An all-ages craft the whole family can do.

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Carefully remove the tray from a clear CD case.

Trim the cardstock pattern of choice to the size of the case.

With the case open, use a glue stick to adhere the cut cardstock to the bottom right section.

Paint a thin holiday-themed wood decoration with acrylic paint and let it dry. The paint and decoration can easily be found at dollar stores.

Note: Acrylic paint dries quickly and comes in a large variety of colors. It’s so fun to use!

Glue the painted wood shape to the cardstock.

Add craft bits of choice.

Close the case snugly.

Make this easy and fun holiday-themed CD craft today!

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Display on a shelf or wall in the classroom or your home.

Tips: The craft bits can be glued down so they are stationary or left movable.

These holiday-themed CD case crafts are a lot of fun to make. Have the whole family create one!

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These charming CD case Christmas crafts are perfect for displaying during the holiday season.

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If desired, add a clear seal to keep the CD case closed.

You may wish to make this CD case Christmas craft in a variety of holiday and winter themes. The craft lends itself to being showcased in groups.

Make this cozy CD case Christmas craft in a variety of festive color schemes. An all-ages family craft.

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Of course, little learners can get in on making this creative craft. The activity could be a cooperative one for a parent/teacher/caregiver and child.

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CD Case Christmas Blocks

Instead of displaying the crafted CD jewel cases, include them on a table with blocks for little learners to use in construction play. This is an idea I look forward to exploring in the future.

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Make this winter-themed snowman CD case craft today! It's easy and fun to do.

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[Read more…] about CD Case Christmas Craft

Filed Under: art, block play, Christmas, crafts, display, preschool, sensory, winter Tagged With: Christmas crafts, crafts, holiday, reindeer, snowflakes, snowmen

Christmas Sheep Craft

December 23, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Christmas sheep craft is fun for the whole family to make. Download the free printable for this craft.
This Christmas sheep craft is fun for the whole family to make. Download the free printable for this craft.

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This adorable Christmas sheep craft offers all the fun that dressing in “crazy Christmas clothing” does. It is inspired by a charming cartoon posted on Facebook by Farm Rescue. A free printable is downloadable below to make the craft easy to make.

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Christmas Sheep Craft Supplies

Gather the following craft supplies in holiday colors for this craft:

  • pom poms
  • bows
  • garland
  • pipe cleaners
  • foam Christmas shapes
  • gem stickers
  • stars
  • snowflakes
  • buttons
  • fade-resistant construction paper

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Making The Sheep Craft

invite little learners to make this colorful Christmas sweater-inspired sheep craft.

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Draw a sheep on white cardstock or download one of the printables below. Cut it out. Then snip off the head.

Downloadable template for a Christmas sheep craft.

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Sheep Printable 1Download

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Downloadable template for a Christmas sheep craft.

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Sheep Printable 2Download

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Trace and cut out a slightly larger version of the wooly body from colored construction paper.

Use a glue stick to adhere the colored piece over the top of the white body.

Then glue the head back on.

Invite your little learner to add festive decorations to the sheep using white glue or a glue stick.

Make this festive sheep craft to add some fun to the holiday season.

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Make this adorable festive sheep craft with easy to gather supplies.

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Make this crazy Christmas sheep craft with holiday craft supplies. Free printable included.

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Variation Of The Craft

For an easier version of the craft, download and make a copy of the sheep printable. Have your little learner color it and add Christmas sticker accents.

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This craft is fun for the whole family to do. Why not invite everyone to make one. You could have a contest and pick the winner of the “craziest Christmas sheep craft.”

Make this Christmas sweater-inspired sheep craft in a bunch of colors!

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[Read more…] about Christmas Sheep Craft

Filed Under: art, Christmas, crafts, preschool Tagged With: Christmas craft, holiday, paper crafts, printables, sheep

Mother’s Day Floral Craft

April 29, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Mother's Day floral papercraft featuring mint-themed scrapbooking supplies. This is a gorgeous all-ages craft for mothers and grandmothers.

Themed scrapbook paper and punches are often my “go-to” for an early learner Mother’s Day floral papercraft with a WOW factor. Mint-themed supplies take center stage in this timely crafting project.

Mother's Day keepsake craft featuring mint themed punched paper shapes. An all-ages project bound to make any mother or grandmother feel special.

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Mother’s Day is an annual holiday held on the second Sunday in May in Canada and the United States. It is a time to make mothers and grandmothers feel special and appreciate their positive impact on families and society. This minty floral craft can be saved for when it is Mother’s Day where you live or can be given as a keepsake anytime.

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Mother’s Day Floral Papercraft Preparation

Gather together:

  • 12-inch x 12-inch mint-themed cardstock paper
  • 10-inch white doily
  • felt pen
  • glue stick or glue tape
  • flower, heart, and butterfly paper punches
  • mint-hued cardstock in complementary colors
  • accent cardstock paper
  • sticker jewels or pearls
  • tiny bag
  • mint candies
Mother's Day Craft supplies.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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Making The Mother’s Day Papercraft

Paper punch flowers, butterflies, and hearts from mint-themed cardstock. Patterned papers and complementary colors add a nice dose of contrast.

Add sticker gems or pearls to the flowers and butterflies.

Write the words: “Mom – You were mint for me.” on the middle of the doily.

Glue the doily on the center of the 12-inch x 12-inch cardstock paper.

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Mother's Day craft featuring mint themed punched paper shapes.

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Invite your early learner to use a glue stick to add hearts, butterflies, and flowers to the edge of the doily. Offering nine shapes works well, as it allows the doily edge to shine too.

Note: This project can be adjusted for a grandmother by writing the words “Grandma – You were mint for me.” on the doily.

Attach a pouch with mints and the craft is ready to make a mother or grandmother feel special.

Mother's Day keepsake craft featuring mint themed punched paper shapes. An all-ages project bound to make any mother or grandmother feel special.

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The minty floral theme also shines in a paper plate wreath.

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To introduce a simple version of the craft, download this template for little learners to decorate. Paper shapes could be glued to the rim of the white circle or anywhere on the page. A bow and packet of after-dinner mints work with the printable too.

Mint-themed template to decorate for a Mother's day craft. A perfect printable for little learners to embellish and give to their moms. A packet of after-dinner mints would be the perfect finishing touch.

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Mint Mother’s Day TemplateDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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[Read more…] about Mother’s Day Floral Craft

Filed Under: art, Mother's Day Tagged With: gifts, holiday

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

March 3, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

St. Patrick's Day sensory table inspired by the city of Chicago, USA. Green and shamrock themed loose parts invite sensory play opportunities.
St. Patrick's Day sensory table inspired by the city of Chicago, USA. Green and shamrock themed loose parts invite sensory play opportunities.

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This St. Patrick’s Day water play sensory table is inspired by the city of Chicago’s tradition of turning the river water green as part of their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. 

The tradition of coloring the water vibrant green in Chicago became an annual event in 1962, but the origins of this practice started much earlier. A green substance was used to test the river water for pollution in the early 1900s and continued in the following years. People liked seeing the change in color, and in 1962 the practice was implemented for St. Patrick’s Day. In 1966 the powder used became a more environmentally friendly vegetable dye.

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How The Water Turns Green

Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union 130 members turn the water bright green. The recipe is secret: an orange powder is spread on the water and mysteriously turns green when mixed in. The river water becomes fluorescent green for a stretch in the center of the city. Plumbers using a few boats carry out the procedure. One or more boats spread the powder on the water. Another boat mixes the powder in.

Bottles of orange powder, clear water and green water. It is a mystery how Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union 130 use orange powder to turn the water green at the annual St. Patrick's Day festivities..

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Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Activities

The river water in Chicago is turned green to coincide with a large St. Patrick’s Day parade that is held on the Saturday closest to the holiday. Irish dancers and kilted musicians playing bagpipes are feature performers in the parade. Many spectators gather around the shore or on one of the downtown bridges to watch the parade and view the brilliant green water.

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Other events held in Chicago to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:

  • Iconic buildings, monuments, and streets are lit in green.
  • Cruises are offered near the green river water.
  • Irish bands give performances.
  • Events are held featuring Irish music, dance, and storytelling.
  • Irish refreshments are served.
  • Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity for people to get together to have a good time and to recognize what the Irish have done for their city.

For current St. Patrick’s Day activities in Chicago, click here.

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St. Patrick’s Day Water Table

Water table filled with green and gold St. Patrick's Day-themed loose parts.

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This St. Patrick’s Day-themed water table has plenty of green items and a few gold ones and will offer your early learner a variety of sensory and sorting experiences.

Items in the sensory table include:

  • green and gold coins
  • marbles and buttons
  • ping pong balls
  • large plastic shamrocks
  • foam shamrocks
  • ice cube shamrocks
  • bracelets
  • small drinking glasses
  • leprechaun hats
  • cut necklace pieces
  • foam dice
  • storage containers
  • trays
  • scoops

Some of the above items can be exchanged for sailors and boats.

Toy boats on green water filled with St. Patrick's Day-themed loose parts offer a rich sensory play experience.

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As an alternative, skip the green food coloring and add bubbles for your early learner to experience some foamy play.

St. Patrick's day themed water table featuring green and gold items with bubbles added.

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[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

Filed Under: sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: holiday, loose parts, multicultural, water play

Chinese Valentine’s Day Activities

February 2, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Chinese Valentine's Day celebration activities. Art, reading, math, light table and block play. These activities are perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.
Chinese Valentine's Day celebration activities. Art, reading, math, light table and block play. These activities are perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.

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On the weekend of August 25 and 26, 2017, Chinese Valentine’s Day was celebrated at the Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Center, located in downtown Edmonton.  This traditional Valentine’s Day celebration dates back to the 1800s in China and is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, in late August.

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The Legend Of Zhi Nu And Niu Lang

The celebration is based on a story of a Chinese heavenly being named Zhi Nu, the seventh daughter of The Queen of Heaven, and a mortal cow herder named Niu Lang.  Zhi Nu comes down to earth and admires how hardworking Niu Lang is.  They marry and have two children, a boy and a girl.  Zhi Nu is a skilled weaver and Niu Lang continues to work in the fields.

The Queen of Heaven soon notices that Zhi Nu is missing, and commands the army to bring her back up to heaven.  Niu Lang and the children try to follow, but the Queen of Heaven creates a silver river (called the Milky Way) to keep them apart.  Afterward, Niu Lang and his children live on the star Altair, and Zhi Nu lives on the star Vega.  They are extremely sad to be parted from one another.  A flock of magpies notices and decide to help by creating a bridge over the Milky Way with their bodies.  This allows Zhi Nu and Nui Lang to spend time together.  The Queen of Heaven sees how happy they are to be reunited, and decides that Zhi Nu and Nui Lang can meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

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A display featuring characters inspired by The Legend Of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang. Chinese Valentine's Day celebrations are based on this story.
A display featuring Zhi Nu and Niu Lang.

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Chinese Festival Resources

This story is based on a selection found in the book Celebrating Chinese Festivals, a Collection of Holiday Tales, Poems, and Activities by Sanmu Tang.  There are a few different versions of the story and they vary slightly.

For more history, facts, and ideas about Chinese Valentine’s Day view the post by chinahighlights.com: “How To Celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day.“

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My Visit To The Chinese Valentine’s Day Weekend Celebration

Elaborate Chinese Valentine's Day display at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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My visit to the cultural center was on Sunday afternoon, August 27.  I saw an elaborate display showing figures and objects that had meaning to the story of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang.  When the tale was shared with me, I was impressed with values such as being hardworking (in fieldwork), being skilled and creative (in weaving), and showing loyalty (to family).  The inclusion of astronomy, art, and great character traits made this a rich story.

The afternoon event saw a mingling of seniors, parents, and children.  Children were invited to decorate an umbrella and a fan.  Intricate beadwork completed by seniors was on display.  Everyone was served refreshments.

Bead work projects on display at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Lanterns and decorated umbrellas at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Activities Inspired By Chinese Valentine’s Day

Umbrella Decorating

Purchase an economical umbrella and sticker gems and jewel rhinestones. Invite early learners to decorate the umbrella.  The stickers may need to be secured with hot glue later so they stay on longer. 

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Umbrella decorating. Sticker gems and rhinestones adorn the umbrella. This project is inspired by an activity at a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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Oriental Block Play

Offer preschoolers Oriental blocks and game pieces.  The play center can include a Great Wall of China picture backdrop.

Oriental block play with game chip accessories set against a backdrop featuring the Great Wall of China. An activity perfect for a Chinese multicultural theme.

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Fruit Matching And Sorting

Set out transparent ice cube fruit shapes and sorting trays on a light table for children to organize. Clear egg cartons are the trays used here.

Fruit sorting at a light table. Math and sensory activity inspired by a Chinese Valentine's Day celebration.

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In addition to being part of a Chinese Valentine’s Day Celebration, the Legend Of Zhi Nu and Niu Lang and these activities can be included in a Chinese multicultural theme.

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[Read more…] about Chinese Valentine’s Day Activities

Filed Under: art, Chinese Valentine's Day, Math, pretend play, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: block play, holiday, literacy, multicultural

Valentine’s Day Process Art

January 18, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky 2 Comments

Valentine's Day process art with an ice cube and powder paint technique. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

Early learners love process art. They delight in exploring art materials and are not usually concerned about the finished product. Often the messier the project, the better! Here is a simple ice cube and powder paint activity your child will love to investigate.

Valentine's Day process art with an ice cube and powder paint technique. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

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This Valentine’s Day process art activity employs red and purple colors. Adding llama and heart ice cubes gives the project a South American flair. The painting activity transitions from a Winter to a Valentine’s Day theme.

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Valentine’s Day Process Art Supplies

  • llama and heart ice cube tray
  • shaker of red powder paint
  • shaker of purple powder paint
  • red glitter shaker
  • purple glitter shaker
  • 12-inch x 16-inch multipurpose art paper
  • plate
  • spoon

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Valentine's Day process art supplies for an ice cube and powder paint technique. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

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Ice Cube and Powder Paint Process Art

Freeze water in the llama and heart ice cube tray.

Take the ice cubes out of the tray and place them on a plate.

Set out the paper, powder paint shakers, glitter shakers, ice cubes, and spoon.

Optional: Shapes or a word can be drawn on the paper with a crayon. Then the project will have a crayon resist element.

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Valentine's Day process art with an ice cube and powder paint technique. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

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Invite your child to shake powder paint on the paper, and spread it around with ice cubes. Your child can use a spoon to move the ice cubes or use hands for an added sensory experience.

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Valentine's Day process art invitation to paint using powdered colors. Llama shaped ice cubes give the project a South American flair. An art project suitable for all ages.

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If the paper is very wet, some watery color can be dabbed off with a scrunched-up napkin. This technique adds texture and depth to the project.

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Ice cube and powder paint technique. If the paper is very wet, some watery color can be dabbed off with a scrunched-up napkin. This adds texture and depth to the project.

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Invite your child to sprinkle on red and purple glitter for a finishing touch.

The picture can be left as is, or cut into a large heart shape when dry.

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A heart shape cut from a completed ice cube and powder paint process art picture. This Valentine's Day activity is suitable for all ages.

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This completed art piece looks like an exploding volcano on a mountain. It would sizzle as a backdrop for a few painted or drawn dinosaurs.

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This completed ice cube and powder paint process art picture looks like an exploding volcano on a mountain. It would sizzle as a backdrop for a few painted dinosaurs.

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A Valentine’s theme word or saying can be added.

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The word "Love" added to a heart shape cut from a completed ice cube and powder painted picture. This Valentine's Day process art activity is suitable for all ages.

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The words "Be KInd" added to a heart shape cut from a completed ice cube and powder painted picture. This Valentine's Day process art activity is suitable for all ages.

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All ice cube shapes would work wonderfully with this activity. Themed ice cubes add interest to an “of the moment” topic.

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[Read more…] about Valentine’s Day Process Art

Filed Under: art, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: holiday, process art

New Year’s Sensory Tray

January 14, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

New Year's sensory tray with gold and silver pieces. Two watch heads are the highlights. This tray offers math, language and sensory opportunities for learning.

This New Year’s sensory tray shines bright with gold and silver accents. Two watch heads are the highlight of the bin, and children treasure finding them.

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New Year's sensory tray with gold and silver pieces. Two watch heads are the highlights. This tray offers math, language and sensory opportunities for learning.

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The collection of pieces below is all gold with a few silver parts added in. The musical instruments are black, only because the gold finish wore off in previous play! The alphabet letters are cut from “Happy New Year” necklaces.

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Gold and silver supplies to use in a New Year's sensory tray. Opportunity to sort and count pieces and make sets. Invitation to spell the wish "Happy New Year."

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The base ingredient is parboiled rice, as its yellow hue complements the gold tone of the bin. The ingredients are showcased in a silver metal square-shaped tray.

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A square-shaped silver metal tray is perfect for showcasing the gold and silver pieces in this New Year's sensory play center.

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Items In The New Year’s Sensory Tray:

  • parboiled rice
  • antique watch heads set to 12:00
  • tube confetti
  • confetti party hats and stars
  • sequins
  • foil pieces
  • tiny balls
  • beads
  • pom poms
  • bead garland strips
  • tinsel
  • bells
  • musical instruments
  • alphabet letters that spell the wish “Happy New Year”
  • star dessert cups
  • spoons

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Safari Toob musical instruments would be a stand out in this tray.

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Activities To Extend Exploration

Your early learner will enjoy sifting through the sensory tray and filling the star dessert cups with treasures.  A few prompts will extend learning opportunities.

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New Year's sensory tray with gold and silver pieces. Two antique watch heads are the highlights. This tray offers math, language and sensory opportunities for learning.

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Search And Find Challenges

Challenge your child to…

  • find letter H, Y, etc.
  • collect five pom poms
  • shake bells in cupped hands to make music
  • search for watch heads
  • find three silver stars and two gold stars
  • add musical instruments to a star dessert cup

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Spelling “Happy New Year”

Cut necklaces into “HAPPY NEW YEAR” sections. Ask your little one to find the letters that make up the New Year’s greeting. 

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New Year's sensory tray with an invitation to spell the wish "Happy New Year". This tray offers sensory, math and language opportunities for learning.

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The gold and silver pieces are not precious metals, but this New Year’s sensory tray has a rich feel that is sure to be inviting.

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To create a similar tray, keep an eye out for baubles to recycle from Christmas events or gift openings. As an alternative, you can put together a bright, colorful bin as seen at rubberbootsandelfshoes.

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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 Countdown Activities

New Year’s Art and Math Activities

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[Read more…] about New Year’s Sensory Tray

Filed Under: literacy, Math, New Year's, sensory Tagged With: Happy New Year, holiday, New Year's Eve, rice bin, sensory bin

Happy New Year Art And Math Activities

December 30, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Ring in the new year and decade with easy, no fuss art activities that double up as math exercises. Early learners count down from 10 to one and work with the numbers in 2020 while doing art activities with paint, glue, adhesive jewels and collage items.

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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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[Read more…] about Happy New Year Art And Math Activities

Filed Under: art, literacy, Math, New Year's Tagged With: fine motor activity, Happy New Year, holiday, New Year's Eve

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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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