holiday

Mother’s Day Craft

April 29, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Themed scrapbook paper and punches are often my “go-to” for an early learner Mother’s Day craft with 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.

Mother’s Day is an annual holiday held 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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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.

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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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.

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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Valentine’s Day Process Art

January 18, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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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New Year’s Sensory Tray

January 14, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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.

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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St. Patrick’s Day Activities

March 12, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

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Chinese New Year Sensory Bin

January 29, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

The Chinese New Year officially begins on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and it will be the Year of the Pig. The pig is the 12th and last zodiac animal. Some ancient storied explanations are:

The pig was the last to arrive at an important meeting because he slept in.
A wolf destroyed the pig’s house so he had to rebuild it before he could get to the meeting.
The pig stopped to enjoy a feast while taking part in a race. He resumed the race but not surprisingly came in last.
Being pretty pudgy, the pig moved the slowest in the race.

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