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 2 Comments

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.

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.

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."

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.

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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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.

In a few days, we will celebrate the beginning of a new year … and a new decade. If you are looking for no-fuss activities for your child to start the year off with, these simple art and math projects fit the bill. They can be offered at home or saved for the first days of school in January.

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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.

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tray

Items included in this sensory tray:

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

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

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

Green rice vermicelli noodles for sensory play.

St. Patrick’s Day Play Kitchen

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

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

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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.

Fascinating Facts About Pigs

Although pigs often get associated with being smelly and dirty, they keep quite clean if they are in a temperature-controlled environment. They only roll around in dirt when they get hot, and this is because they cannot sweat.
As far as smarts go, pigs are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. As pets they can figure out how to open a cupboard and can be trained to shake a hoof and roll over.

Predictions For The Year Of The Pig

The Year of the Pig might just be a positive one for everyone! People born in the Pig Year are attributed with an agreeable personality, balanced lifestyle, hardworking nature and enjoyment of life. These qualities are thought to have a positive influence on all people.

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