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Lighted Dinosaur Small World

August 16, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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If there’s one thing I know, young children love playing with animal figurines. And in the realm of animals, dinosaurs are among their favorite. Setting up these fascinating creatures in a lighted dinosaur small world adds interest to their play.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

The following easy-to-find supplies are in the dinosaur small world setup:

dinosaur figurines
artificial grass panels
artificial palm branches
wood slabs
small logs
small rocks
fillable eggs
marbles
blue placemat
sturdy blue paper
table cover
stage light

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The Lighted Dinosaur Small World

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This dinosaur-themed setup works perfectly on a table, or in an active world tray. I chose to decorate the table with a gold table cover. It fits the natural color scheme and works well with a professional stage light.

Artificial grass panels and palm branches provide ample ground cover for the dinosaur figurines.

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Small rocks, logs, and wood slices add nature pieces to the play invitation.

Fillable eggs and marbles are the dinosaur eggs, from which babies can hatch from.

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Curved lines cut from around the edge of a blue placemat or sturdy piece of paper provide a pond and add a dose of color to the scene.

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Shining a professional stage light on the display adds interest and beauty to the play invitation. The idea was inspired a stunning dinosaur display at a local museum.

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More Dinosaur Activities

Dinosaur and Sweet Potato Vine Activities

Dinosaur and Sunflower Sensory Bin

Polar Dinosaur Sensory Play

Dinosaur Valentine Craft

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More Small Worlds

Reptile Active World Tray

Cherry Blossom Tree Small World

Hockey Game Small World

Polar Bear Small World

Christmas Small World on the Light Table

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[Read more…]

Polar Bear Small World

February 22, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Two of the most majestic things to see in the Arctic are polar bears and northern lights. It is not uncommon to spot them depicted together in far north artworks. A memory of an award-winning painting of polar bears trekking across a snowy landscape lit up by northern lights is what inspired this lighted polar bear small world.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This polar bear small world is inspired by northern lights, which are often visible in Arctic skies at night.

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To set up a mesmerizing polar bear small world, gather together the following supplies:

polar bear figurines
LED stage light
white pompoms
acrylic snowflakes
clear acrylic ice cubes
silver placemat
turquoise placemat
toy igloo, ice floe, tent, and snow vehicle
white tablecloth
scissors

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The Polar Bear Small World

A professional stage light adds interest to this northern lights-inspired polar bear small world.

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To put together this polar bear-themed small world, start by covering a table with a white tablecloth to create a “snowy” base.

Next, add placemats to represent ice and water. A silver placemat suggests ice. A turquoise placemat trimmed with scissors becomes “a body of water.”

Then set up a LED stage light at one end of the table.

Afterward, add polar bear figurines, pompom “snowballs,” acrylic snowflakes, and clear ice cubes.

If available, include arctic toys such as an igloo, ice floe, research tent, and snow vehicle. These will add imaginary play possibilities to the small world.

Finally, turn on the LED stage light to illuminate the scene. You can set the stage light to one color, or have it project alternating colors such as green, blue, red, and purple.

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For a stunning art activity and facts about northern lights, view the blog post “Northern Lights Squish Painting.”

To learn facts about polar bears and other arctic animals, visit the blog post “Arctic Animal Sensory Trays.”

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Winter Playdough Recipe

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Igloo Camping Pretend Play

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Winter Sensory Trays

Painting Ice and Snow

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Winter Wreath Craft

Frozen-Inspired Shadow Box

Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Play Tablescape

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[Read more…]

Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

September 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This black light "Words Of Affirmation" Glow Art activity is a must-try. It is a science, art, and language self-esteem-building project.

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Words are powerful, and they can be super uplifting to early learners. At the beginning of the school year, supportive, self-esteem-building words help students get off to a good start. A creative and oh-so-easy way to introduce them is by inviting little learners to use highlighters to color around positive ones printed in heart shapes. Afterward, the fancied-up words can be viewed and discussed in a “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation” language and science activity.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

For this confidence-boosting glow art activity, gather the following supplies:

chisel-tipped highlighters in a variety of colors
white cardstock paper
black felt marker
scissors
tape
portable black light fluorescent tube and holder
small coffee table

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Glow Word Art

First, draw heart shapes on white cardstock paper with a black felt marker, and add a word of affirmation to each one. Or design the project digitally. The words chosen for my art project are:

creative
friendly
kind
brave
helpful
teachable
awesome
unique
cherished

Steps to perform a black light "words of affirmation" glow art activity. The art project is perfect for the beginning of the year, the end of the year, or anytime in between.

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Next, invite little learners to decorate a word heart with highlighter markers, and then cut their hearts out. Leaving some parts of the designs uncolored is fine, as white will glow too.

Note: Highlighter ink is a tiny bit toxic, but using it is not considered a health risk. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths and/or coloring on themselves, it is advisable to choose another art medium for this activity.

When decorated, tape the embellished hearts to a wall in a room that can be made totally dark.

Afterward, place a fluorescent tube black light on a small table next to the art wall, and turn it on.

Then invite everyone to the room to view the art with all lights on. Discuss how the words apply to your little learners.

This "positive words" glow art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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Lastly, make the room dark and leave just the black light on. Students will be wowed by the glowing, worded hearts.

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Safety Tip: Tell children that they should only be near a black light for a short period of time. Prolonged exposure may lead to eye and skin damage.

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Discussing The Glow Art Words Of Affirmation

Here are some ideas for discussing decorated word hearts with the children:

Assure early learners that they are brave in coming to school and meeting new friends.
Affirm the specialness of each child by saying they are “unique, awesome, and cherished.”
Compliment students for being creative and teachable.
Highlight that being “friendly, helpful, and kind” are ways to work as a team and get along with each other.

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The Science Behind Black Light

Black lights are designed to block out visible light and emit invisible, ultraviolet (UV-A) light. They illuminate natural and man-made materials that contain phosphors. Phosphors convert the energy in UV radiation to visible light by re-emitting it at a different wavelength, one that our eyes can see.

The dyes from highlighter pens contain phosphors. When highlighter art is positioned in a dark room near a black light, it glows.

This black light character trait art activity incorporates language and science. It is a confidence-boosting art project perfect for any time of the year.

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Glowing Names

Instead of focussing on words of affirmation, invite your little learners to color around their names with highlighters. This is also a terrific beginning of the year activity. And it works well at the end of the school term to remind children that they have been valued members of the class.

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Related: Scented Moon Playdough

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[Read more…]

Canada Day Sensory Play

June 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This Canada Day sensory play activity is a must to include in a celebration of this annual holiday. It offers early learners the chance to explore Canadian flag-themed loose parts in an unexpected way on a light table or light box. Party supplies are a natural fit, and add pizzaz to the sensory invitation.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Set out Canada Day-themed loose parts on a light table or light box for magical sensory play.

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Gathered for this red and white Canada Day sensory play activity are:

clear compartment tray
clear plastic egg carton
maple leaf frame
small Canadian flag
reusable maple leaf ice cubes
transparent maple leaves
red and clear gems
large red diamond-shaped gems
light-up necklace and glasses

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The Canada Day Sensory Play Invitation

This patriotic sensory play activity shines on a light table or light box. You can also use an economical DIY lightbox as a base. It will work just fine!

A clear compartment tray showcases red and white loose parts collected for exploration.

A maple leaf cut out taken from a hanging decoration makes a nice frame to decorate with loose parts. A rectangular frame can be used too.

A clear egg carton invites sorting activities.

Transparent maple leaves and reusable ice cubes, red diamond-shaped gems, and red and clear gems provide gleaming loose parts for little learners to explore.

Transparent maple leaves and gems are gleaming loose parts in this Canada Day sensory invitation for the light table.

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A small Canadian flag is another great accessory to arrange loose parts on.

Not all the items offered need to be transparent or light-themed. Rubber ducks and story stones add variety and interest.

This Canada Day sensory play invitation for a light table or light box is party-ready. Transparent maple leaves and light-up accessories are the highlights!

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A light-up necklace and pair of glasses add a party vibe to the sensory activity and offer additional ways to investigate light.

Maple leaf and Canadian flag finger projectors would be a fun accessory to include!

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This Canada Day sensory play activity is designed for a light table or light box. But early learners would love to explore the loose parts anywhere in your home or classroom.

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Related:

Canada Day Sensory Bin

Maple Leaf Activities

Butterfly Canada Day Craft

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[Read more…]

St. Patrick’s Light Table Tray

March 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A cheeky leprechaun is the highlight of this low-maintenance, easy-to put together St. Patrick's Day light table tray.

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St. Patrick’s Day accessories lend themselves so well to sensory activities and can be used in many different ways. Keeping an eye out for transparent supplies is the key to making this easy, mess-free St. Patrick’s light table tray.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Transparent gems, gems, and more gems work well for this tray. Select them in different sizes in the colors green, yellow, and brownish gold.

Other supplies to gather are shamrock reusable ice cubes, shamrocks cut from wall decorations, a black pot, a leprechaun figurine, and mini green tongs and drinking cups.

Dot markers and a piece of transparency copy paper come in handy for creating a rainbow.

A clear compartment tray works wonderfully for the bin.

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The St. Patrick’s Light Table Tray

How to put together a St. Patrick's Day sensory tray for the light table.

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First, select a clear compartment tray for the sensory activity.

Next, use dot markers to create a large rainbow on a piece of transparency copy paper. The ink dries rapidly and doesn’t smudge at all. Or draw a rainbow with felt pens on regular copy paper. Afterward, cut the rainbow out and tape it to one end of the tray.

Then add a variety of acrylic gems to the tray.

Set in the shamrock ice cubes and wall decoration pieces.

Lastly, add the drinking cups, salad tongs, pot, and leprechaun. Then set the sensory tray on a light table or light box for early learners to discover.

Children will be excited to sort and rearrange the loose parts in the tray and may spread them all over the lighted surface.

Note: This St. Patrick’s light table tray is low maintenance. It is mess-free and doesn’t require a base ingredient. It works well as an activity on or off the light table.

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Related:

Leprechaun Sensory Jar

Leprechaun Sensory Play

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[Read more…]

Northern Lights Squish Painting

July 22, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Northern lights inspired squish and string painting. Facts about northern lights included. An all-ages art activity to celebrate nature's dazzling light show.

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Northern lights, or auroras, are nature’s majestic light shows sent from the heavens to earth. They are spectacular to view and stunning in photographs or art. A northern lights squish painting project celebrates the vibrancy and uniqueness of this natural light display.

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Ten Facts About Northern Lights

Northern lights are dazzling neon light shows visible in night skies.
Electrically charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the earth’s atmosphere to produce the auroras.
Charged particle collisions with oxygen in the upper atmosphere cause green dominant auroras; collisions with nitrogen in the slightly lower atmosphere cause blue or purple-red auroras.
Northern lights can also showcase pink, blue, orange, or yellow colors.
The dancing lights are seen over 200 nights a year in northern skies.
There are different kinds of northern lights. They can display as arcs, shooting rays, coronas, or patchy and pulsating lights.
Remote northern places with clear, dark nights are optimum aurora viewing locations.
Yellowknife, NWT, and Fairbanks, Alaska are two prime locations for observing northern lights.
The best time to see auroras is from October to May.
Northern lights can occasionally be seen from airplanes, especially on polar flights.

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A squish and string painting art project. An all-ages art activity that is northern lights inspired.

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Northern Lights Squish Painting Art Activity

This art activity is inspired by the colors and shapes of northern lights.

Materials To Collect:

12 x 12 pieces of black fade-resistant construction paper
bright green and magenta tempera paints
paint containers
disposable plate
spoons
long pieces of string or yarn

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Fold 12-inch by 12-inch pieces of black construction paper in half. Set out bright green and magenta tempera paints.

Invitation to paint northern lights with a squish painting technique.

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Invite your child to spoon both paint colors onto the paper.

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Ask your early learner to fold over the paper and rub a hand over it.

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Encourage your child to open the paper and admire the art. It is always exciting to see the designs created.

A finished squish painting art project ready to let dry. An all-ages art activity that is northern lights inspired.

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Offer string to add interest to the art activity.

Invitation to paint northern lights with a squish and string painting technique.

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Ask your little learner to drop magenta paint onto the paper, and lay a string in green paint. Pressing over the string with a spoon is helpful to make sure the string is paint-soaked.

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Next, ask your child to lay the string on the paper in a serpentine shape.

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With one hand lightly on the folded paper, have your child pull out the string slowly and carefully.

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The art will be stunning.

Northern lights inspired squish painting with bright paints and a string. An all-ages art activity,

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View a Northern Lights Squish Painting video tutorial.

Northern lights inspired squish painting art project with bright green and magenta tempera paints. An all-ages activity to celebrate nature's light show,

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Northern Lights Paint Project Variations

The paint colors can be adjusted. A bit of yellow can be added to green paint to add vibrancy, and a drop of white can be added to magenta paint to brighten it.

Paint colors can be varied by introducing turquoise, red, or pink.

A longer string can be used.

Paint can be dripped and paint-soaked string can be applied more than once on each art project.

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Northern lights add ambiance to long, dark, cold northern winters. They add excitement to camping trips or backyard wiener roasts. They are a spectacular subject for art projects.

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Squish and string painting art projects. This is an all-ages art activity that is northern lights inspired.

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