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loose parts

St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

March 16, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day tablescape is filled with green and gold loose parts, perfect for encouraging imaginative play.
This St. Patrick's Day tablescape is filled with green and gold loose parts, perfect for encouraging imaginative play.

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My preschoolers love loose parts. One of the places they especially enjoy using them is in the play kitchen. Lately, unless loose parts are added to the center, they aren’t too impressed. And so for the first few weeks of March. I set up this St. Patrick’s Day tablescape.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Set up this inviting St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green and gold loose parts to spark creative, imaginative play.

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Here are table décor and loose parts to gather for an eye-popping St. Pat’s tablescape. You can go all out in adding accessories or just choose a few items.

  • shamrock-themed plates, cups, napkins, and serving tray
  • green bowls, serving utensils, and ice cube tray
  • orange, green, and yellow cutlery
  • plastic shamrock “coasters”
  • yellow, green, and orange fruit and vegetable play food
  • felt “cookies and pretzels”
  • green buttons, bottlecaps, eggs, and marbles
  • leprechaun hat, rainbow, and shamrock erasers
  • green beads and bead strips cut from garland
  • yellow and green pom poms
  • gold and green coins
  • light up green teddy bear
  • St. Patrick’s Day necklaces and bracelets
  • metallic shamrock table scatter
  • white and green carnations in a plastic jar vase
  • green or orange plastic tablecloth

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The St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

Arrange the table décor and loose parts on toy shelves and in play kitchen appliances. There will be many inviting pieces for early learners to explore and use.

Set up this cheery St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green and gold loose parts and plenty of shamrocks.

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The tablescape above is mostly done in shades of green with a little bit of gold. In the set-up below, an orange tablecloth and green, yellow, and orange produce add color to the play center.

Set up this inviting St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green, yellow, and orange loose parts to spark creative, imaginative play.

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Including a variety of loose parts allows children to use their imagination in dramatic play. Garland strips become green noodles, marbles transform into pickles, and pot of gold erasers are served as popcorn. Other pieces are used to make cake batter for a triple-layer cake. This serves up a whole lotta fun!

As said earlier, it is okay to set out just a few of the above supplies. They will add interest to dramatic play activities, and help your early learners join in on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Set up this cheery St. Patrick's Day tablescape that is filled with green, yellow, and orange loose parts and plenty of shamrocks.

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Store

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

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, shamrocks, tablescapes

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.
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.

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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Related:  Transparent Page Divider Activities

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[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Light Table Tray

Filed Under: light table, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: leprechauns, light, light table, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

March 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will love. A low maintenance bin to inspire creativity and imaginative play.
A pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will love. A low maintenance bin to inspire creativity and imaginative play.

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This sparkling pirate treasure sensory bin has loose parts your little mateys will be eager to explore. The low-maintenance bin will spark meaningful discussions and inspire endless creativity. Learning opportunities will naturally happen while children sort through the contents of the bin.

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Supplies To Collect

A treasure trove of loose parts for a pirate theme sesnory bin.

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This treasure-filled bin features the following items:

  • large blue, red, and clear acrylic diamond gems
  • round gems
  • ornamental gold buttons
  • gold medal and coins
  • metallic silver and gold round bead necklace strips
  • large egg-shaped storage containers
  • miniature treasure chests
  • skull shovels

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

The chosen bin for this activity is a red saucer sled, which is inexpensive to buy. It accommodates three or four children at a time.

A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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The skull shovels are part of sand playsets. And the “treasure eggs” are toy storage containers repurposed for this activity.

Loaded into the bin are glistening buttons, coins, metallic bead garland strips, a medal, mini treasure chests, and round and diamond acrylic gems. The loose parts fill the tub, so no sensory base is required.

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Benefits Of This Sensory Bin

It’s always exciting to introduce loose parts to children, and the ones in this pirate treasure sensory bin offer a host of learning opportunities:

  • Describing loose parts (language development)
  • Sorting and counting pieces (math)
  • Placing treasures in eggs and chests (eye-hand coordination, fine motor control)
  • Picking favorite treasures (making choices, noticing beauty)
  • Discussing heavy and light treasure chests and containers (math)
  • Guessing “What’s inside the egg?” (making predictions, show and tell)
A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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The Pirate Treasure Bin In My Classroom

This treasure-filled bin is currently in my preschool classroom, and every day the childrens’ interest in it grows. The red diamonds are imagined as “fire gems”, and the blue ones as “water gems.” The container eggs are described as “power balls”, and the skull shovels are occasionally used as walkie-talkies. Bead garland strips are formed into a heart shape, and a domed button is reimagined as a “snow globe.”

Some children collect a variety of loose parts, and others choose just the coins so they can be rich and buy lots of things!

At times pieces get taken to other play centers, offering additional opportunities for creative thinking.

After a few days of exploring the bin, it is now on the light table, offering “enlightened” opportunities for exploring and sorting.

This pirate treasure sensory bin makes a statement on the light table and inspires many learning opportunities.

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“Arrrrrr” you ready to make this pirate treasure sensory bin? I highly recommend it.

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A gold and gem-filled pirate treasure sensory bin your little mateys will be eager to explore.

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Related:  New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

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[Read more…] about Pirate Treasure Sensory Bin

Filed Under: pirates, preschool, sensory Tagged With: loose parts, pirates, sensory bin, sensory play

St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

March 6, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.
Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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It’s as much fun setting up a sensory bin as watching young children eagerly explore one. And this St. Patrick’s Day woodland bin is no exception! The bin is one of my favorites created so far.

Leprechauns are mythical creatures thought to live in remote, woodland areas. They make shoes and enjoy playing music. The little tricksters especially love gold and hide their treasure in pots in the woods or at the end of the rainbow.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

A few, easy to find items can be gathered for this bin. Included are:

  • brown lentils
  • gold play coins
  • green acrylic gems
  • wood slices
  • yellow and green crinkle paper
  • kraft crinkle paper
  • wooden tree and tiny forest creatures
  • green pot, tongs and spoon
  • gold bells
  • leprechaun leg decoration
  • white cardstock
  • dot markers
  • scissors
  • sensory tub
Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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The St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

First, cut a rainbow shape from a piece of white cardstock. Use dot markers to create a bright, colorful rainbow.

A bright dot marker rainbow to add to a sensory bin,

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Next, bunch up Kraft crinkle paper and add it to one section of the sensory bin of choice. In this post, I feature a white food and tableware storage tub.

Add the yellow and green crinkle paper to another part of the bin.

Tip: Crinkle paper is an economical filler, and can be used again in another sensory activity.

Then pour in a layer of brown lentils to generously cover the rest of the bottom of the bin.

Add the wooden tree and forest creatures.

Then sprinkle in gold coins and bells, wood slices, and green gems.

Drop in the pot, spoon, and tongs.

Finally, set in the leprechaun legs and paper rainbow.

Now the St. Patrick’s Day woodland bin is ready for your little learners to explore!

Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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Note:

  • Most of the supplies in this bin come from Dollar stores, so are economical finds. They get repurposed for other sensory bins, so are worth the investment.
  • The wooden leprechaun legs were taken from a wall plaque. Colored cardstock legs would make an excellent substitution.

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

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Create this easy, engaging St. Patrick's Day woodland bin a sneaky, solitary leprechaun would feel right at home in.

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[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

Filed Under: art, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: forest, leprechauns, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Leprechaun Sensory Jar

March 4, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This leprechaun sensory jar is a great way to incorporate green and gold loose parts in a St. Patrick's Day activity.
This leprechaun sensory jar is a great way to incorporate green and gold loose parts in a St. Patrick's Day activity.

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Leprechauns are notoriously hard to catch, but your little learner will be up to the task by making this leprechaun sensory jar. It has all the loose parts leprechauns love-especially gold!

Leprechauns are small, bearded legendary creatures who live in forests and woodlands. If you capture one of these sneaky, solitary men, he must grant three wishes to be let go again. For more leprechaun facts, visit my blog post “Leprechaun Sensory Play.”

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

To make this leprechaun sensory jar, gather the following loose parts:

  • wide-mouth plastic jar
  • green and yellow crinkle paper
  • rust and green necklaces
  • green beads cut from garland
  • foil shamrocks and pots of gold
  • shamrock, leprechaun hat, rainbow, and pot of gold erasers
  • small gold coins
  • jute twine string
  • leprechaun figurine
A tiny leprechaun is the highlight of this ready-to explore St. Patrick's Day loose parts tray.

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The jar I feature is a container saved from an acrylic gem purchase. A plastic mason jar would work well too.

The leprechaun figurine may take a little time to find (just like legendary ones!) Mine is a plant poke topper. If procuring one is difficult, a leprechaun sticker glued to a popsicle stick will do fine.

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Making The Leprechaun Sensory Jar

Gotcha! The mini trickster is caught in this leprechaun sensory jar.

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Set a clear plastic jar on a table, along with a tray of loose parts.

Invite your little learner to layer loose parts in the jar, saving the leprechaun for last.

Then have your little one tuck the leprechaun in the middle of the jar. Or leave the jar out overnight and secretly add the leprechaun later.

Screw on the lid and wrap jute string around the neck.

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This St. Patrick’s Day sensory jar can be made over and over again. The loose parts can be sorted back into the tray, and then layered back into the jar. Or when complete, the jar can be part of a tablescape and will make a great conversation starter.

This leprechaun sensory jar is a great way to incorporate green and gold loose parts in a St. Patrick's Day activity.

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Activities

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[Read more…] about Leprechaun Sensory Jar

Filed Under: preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: leprechauns, loose parts, sensory play, St. Patrick's Day

Valentine’s Day Water Play

February 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A friendly, bubbly Valentine's Day water play activity your early learners will love to participate in. A quick and easy sensory bin to set up.
A friendly, bubbly Valentine's Day water play activity your early learners will love to participate in. A quick and easy sensory bin to set up.

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A Valentine’s Day water play activity is quick and easy to set up, and supplies are low cost. The activity helps create a festive ambiance on a party day or any day!

The weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day are a good time to visit stores to collect Valentine-themed supplies for all kinds of learning opportunities, including water play. No store is off-limits for gathering hands-on materials.

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Supplies To Collect

Here’s a list of supplies that work well in a Valentine-themed water table or tub. Pick the ones you have handy, or can easily and economically find in a store.

  • alphabet letters that spell the word “LOVE”
  • heart ice cube trays
  • red and pink buttons
  • heart-shaped gems
  • bendy heart people
  • red and pink ducklings
  • valentine erasers
  • pink and red rainbow erasers
  • styrofoam hearts
  • cut striped red and white straws
  • red coins
  • wiggly eye rings
  • heart-shaped measuring cups
  • treat baskets and boxes

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The Valentine’s Day Water Play Activity

Add warm water to a large water table for group sharing, or set out a small white washtub with water for each child. Throw in Valentine’s Day loose parts that you have available.

The tub below has clear water, and the colors and shapes of the supplies can be easily seen and admired in the white bin.

Valentine's Day loose parts that work well in a water play activity, or a tub with a rice or chickpea base.

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After a little while, you could add red food coloring to the water to extend interest.

A fun and friendly Valentine's Day water play activity your early learners will love to participate in. A quick and easy sensory bin to set up.

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Or you could add dish detergent to create bubbles, so fitting for Valentine’s Day activity.

A friendly, bubbly Valentine's Day water play activity your early learners will love to participate in. A quick and easy sensory bin to set up.

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Benefits Of Water Play

Here are some benefits of this water play activity:

  • sorting shapes (math – set making; language development – color recognition)
  • counting shapes (math – counting)
  • comparing shapes to those of other children (language development; paying attention to detail)
  • filling and emptying treat boxes (eye-hand coordination; math/language development – empty/full)
  • noticing how some shapes stick to others (science)
  • recognizing letters of the alphabet (language development – letter recognition)
  • discovering beautiful themed items (creativity)

Water play is an embraced activity any day. For another time, the Valentine-themed supplies could be included in a rice or chickpea sensory tub.

Can you think of supplies to add to my list? Share in a comment below.

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Related: St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

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[Read more…] about Valentine’s Day Water Play

Filed Under: party, preschool, sensory, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play, water play

Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

January 25, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball accessories for little learners to explore.
A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball accessories for little learners to explore.

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Catching fluttery snowflakes on mittens, building a humungous snowman, and having a splattering snowball fight are all activities little learners gleefully participate in outside. This inviting kids’ winter wonderland tablescape takes snowflake, snowmen, and snowball activities indoors for further snow-themed exploration.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape Supplies

Let your little learners explore a sparkly Winter Wonderland tablescape with snowmen, snowflake, and snowball accessories.

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For this cozy pretend play setup, I feature snowmen, snowball, and snowflake accessories from the supplies I have available. Craft bits and other loose parts feature prominently in the resulting collection.

Items in the winter tablescape:

  • snowman-themed tablecloth, dinner plates, cups, baking dish, oven mitts, cookie tin, and bottle
  • snowflake erasers
  • foam snowflakes
  • snowflakes cut from garland
  • blue and clear gem snowflakes
  • snowflake serving utensils, cupcake liners, and tin
  • large and small styrofoam balls
  • round winter-themed gems
  • cookie sheet
  • muffin tin
  • plastic forks and spoons
  • play food buns
  • Winter Wonderland sign

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Setting Up The Tablescape

Changing up the decor in our play kitchen is one of my favorite things to do. And little learners always eagerly dive into each new setup.

When it's cold and chilly outside little learners can explore snowmen, snowflakes, and snowballs indoors in a Winter Wonderland play tablescape.

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For this kids’ winter wonderland tablescape, a fabric snowman-themed tablecloth is a base.

The buns are the only real play food on the table.

A variety of loose parts add a dose of glam, and little learners can imagine them to be any number of foods. For instance, the foam snowflakes make good cookies to bake in the play oven. The large foam craft balls can be reimagined as snowball cookies.

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland play tablescape with snowman, snowflake, and snowball decor for little learners to explore.

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And the smaller loose parts displayed in the snowman baking tin and scattered around the table could be candy.

A sparkly, kids' Winter Wonderland pretend play setup with snowman, snowflake, and snowball play kitchen decor for little learners to explore.

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A polar animal theme would work fabulously for winter pretend play too. Here’s a super fun penguin-themed tablescape by birdsparty.com.

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Related: Chinese New Year Tablescape Play Invitation

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[Read more…] about Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, winter Tagged With: loose parts, pretend play, snowflakes, snowmen, tablescapes

Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

January 20, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Little learners will love to explore this Chinese New Year tablescape set up filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts.

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This Chinese New Year tablescape play invitation features Asian artifacts and decorations. Little learners will love exploring the unique items on the table, learning about Asian culture along the way.

Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is an important celebration held in late January or early February in China. Many other East Asian countries, as well as Chinese people around the world, celebrate the holiday too.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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Chinese New Year Tablescape Supplies

A Chinese New Year tablescape filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts for little learners to explore.

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Here are the Asian-themed supplies featured in the tablescape:

  • wicker decorations and hat
  • gold serving bowl
  • chopsticks
  • red bowls
  • gold glitter cups
  • tiny cups with calligraphy
  • candy decorations
  • fish ornament
  • play food fish
  • gold garland “noodles”
  • game chip “play food”
  • tin ornament candies
  • coin purse
  • money envelopes
  • small tins
  • vase with artificial cherry blossom branch
  • gold coins
  • lion string puppet
  • fabric ornaments with tassels
  • plaque with Chinese calligraphy
  • red tablecloth

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Tablescape Play Invitation

A Chinese New Year tablescape filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts for little learners to explore.

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In setting up the dinner table play invitation, I use artifacts collected long ago, supplies available in stores around Chinese New Year, and red and gold loose parts.

Bowls and chopsticks are important pieces, as they are commonly found in Asian tableware. Fish is a traditional New Year’s dish and is equated with an increase in prosperity. The gold garland strips represent longevity noodles: long, uncut noodles that symbolize a long life. A coin purse and money envelopes are ready for coins to be added. And a lion string puppet is poised for the lion dance.

Little learners will love to explore this Chinese New Year tablescape set up filled with Asian artifacts and red and gold loose parts.

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More Chinese New Year Play Inspiration

This tablescape play invitation is bound to engage little learners. For more Chinese New Year play ideas or to host a vibrant party, view the blog post “How To Throw A Stellar Lunar New Year Party” by So Fort Worth It. The post showcases a host of decorating and activity ideas that can be adapted for little learners.

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Related: Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, dramatic play, New Year's, party, preschool, pretend play Tagged With: loose parts, tablescapes

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

January 16, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

The tiger is the star of the stage in this "Year Of The Tiger" Chinese New Year chickpea bin. Tiger facts are included.
The tiger is the star of the stage in this "Year Of The Tiger" Chinese New Year chickpea bin. Tiger facts are included.

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Chinese New Year begins is on February 1, 2022, and it will be the Year Of The Tiger. And so the feature creature in this year’s Chinese New Year chickpea bin is a tiger! The no-fuss bin is easy to put together and has a pop of blue in addition to the traditional red and gold hues.

The tiger is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac, and the 2022 big cat is a water tiger. Qualities associated with the water tiger are being sociable, easy-going, goal-oriented, hardworking, brave, smart, musical, artistic, and low maintenance.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin Supplies

This Chinese New Year chickpea-based sensory bin represents the year of the tiger.

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The chosen bin is a round white metal tray with a blue rim.

The base ingredient is dyed dried chickpeas. Aside from chickpeas, the items in the bin are:

  • tiger figurine
  • red bowl and chopsticks
  • tiny red cups
  • metal tin
  • gold garland strands
  • acrylic diamond gems
  • gold buttons and metal stars
  • calligraphy game pieces
  • gold play coins

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Year Of The Tiger Chickpea Bin

This chickpea-based sensory bin has a "Year Of The Tiger" Chinese New Year theme.

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The majority of chickpeas are dyed in varying amounts of red acrylic craft paint. Some are transformed into turquoise and blue. Instructions to easily dye these chunky legumes are in my post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

The blue chickpeas are formed into a winding river running through the center of the bin, and the red-infused chickpeas are generously sprinkled around it.

 The tiger is positioned on the river.

The rest of the loose parts are spread around the bin.

Little learners are bound to enjoy playing with the tiger. The flashy cat will stand out on the river but be camouflaged in the red-toned chickpeas.

The tiger is center stage in this "Year Of The Tiger" Chinese New sensory bin.

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To further their interest in this stunning animal, here are some facts to share with your little charges.

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Ten Tiger Facts

  • Tigers are big cats. Siberian tigers are the largest big cats in the world.
  • These solitary animals have red-orange or brown-orange coats with black stripes. Their underbellies are white or cream-colored.
  • Tigers are semiaquatic. Unlike domestic cats, they like water and can swim well. In hot, dry seasons they soak in water to cool off.
  • The long hind legs of tigers help them jump high and long.
  • These powerful animals have sharp claws and teeth, great smell, and excellent night vision.
  • Tigers are carnivorous and can travel hundreds of miles in search of food.
  • These nocturnal animals are top predators and keep the populations of prey under control.
  • Tigers are considered endangered. Globally, there are about 4000 tigers left in the wild, and a greater number in zoos.
  • In China, the Amur tiger, also called a Siberian tiger, lives in a few spots in the northeast.
  • The South China tiger is now extinct in the wild.

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Related:

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin   (Chinese New Year 2019)

Year Of The Rat Noodle Bin   (Chinese New Year 2020)

Year Of The Ox Sensory Tray  (Chinese New Year 2021)

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, New Year's, preschool, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, loose parts, sensory bin, tigers

Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

January 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Winter-themed treasure blocks your little learners will be excited to play with. The blocks add beauty and interest to small world activities.
Winter-themed treasure blocks your little learners will be excited to play with. The blocks add beauty and interest to small world activities.

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Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest and beauty to any block play activity. Pick a winter color palette, scrounge around for loose parts in your chosen hues, and add them to the blocks. It’s that easy!

Treasure blocks are a fairly recent addition to my block collection, and I love adding seasonal supplies to them. There are eight see-through blocks in different sizes and shapes in the featured set, allowing various kinds of loose parts to be displayed. I highly recommend getting a set. They are so versatile.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more winter activity ideas.

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Winter-Themed Supplies To Collect

An online search reveals a variety of beautiful winter color combinations. For this post, I use loose parts in silver, white, cream, and shades of blue.

Winter-themed loose parts to use in treasure blocks or art activities.

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Here’s what’s in the blocks:

  • blue, silver, and white pom poms
  • turquoise snowflake gems
  • white and shades of blue round gems
  • clear and shades of blue ice rock crystals
  • silver and teal metallic snowflake confetti
  • white paper punched snowflakes
  • cream and shades of blue potpourri
  • snowflake and snowman erasers

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Winter-Themed Treasure Block Activities

These winter-themed treasure blocks pair well with polar animals. Offer the blocks on a table along with animal figurines such as polar bears, seals, arctic foxes, narwhals, and walruses.

Pair these winter-themed treasure blocks with polar animals and additional loose parts.

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Or go extreme south, and set out the blocks with penguin figurines.

These winter-themed treasure blocks make the perfect backdrop for a pair of penguins.

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After using the blocks in setups with polar animals, I look forward to pairing them with “Disney Frozen” sets.

Do you have a favorite way to use treasure blocks? Share below.

Related: Frozen Theme Loose Parts

              Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

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[Read more…] about Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

Filed Under: block play, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: block play, loose parts, penguins, polar bears, small worlds

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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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puttingtheprettyin.preschool

This little bunny is engaging in a little self car This little bunny is engaging in a little self care after a very busy season. Notice the saved jelly beans for the necklace! 🌺🌸🌼🌷💐

#jellybeans #foodcraft #selfcare #flowerart #flowerwreath #papercraft #crafting #springcrafts #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #Saturdayvibes #whimsical #funcraft
Easter greetings! 🐇🦋🐠 #Easter #Eastergre Easter greetings! 🐇🦋🐠

#Easter #Eastergreetings #happyEaster #newlife #spring #transientart #creativeplay #earlylearning #playislearning
Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Another set of eggs that won’t be stored in the Easter bin! 
🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳🐡🐠🐟🐳🐡🐠🐟🐬🐳 

#repurpose #repurposed #playideas #playideasforkids #sensorybin #ricebin #oceancreatures #eastereggs #tactileplay #playeveryday #bestideas #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #prekteacher #homeschoollife
I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns I may have been a little obsessed with leprechauns the past few weeks. This one’s having a hard time hiding in this St. Patrick’sDay light table tray. Details for the bin are on the blog…click the link in profile to get to it. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️☘️☘️

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayactivities #shamrocks #leprechauns #lighttable #lightplay #lightplayactivities #prek #kindergarten #prekteacher #earlylearning #playtolearn #playingislearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who It’s “clover” for this little leprechaun who has been caught in a St. Patrick’s Day sensory jar. ☘️☘️☘️

#StPatricksDay #StPatricksDayfun #leprechauns #sensoryjars #sensory #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #prek #March #rainbows #gold #catchaleprechaun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this Dragon necklace craft my preschoolers will do this coming week. We meant to fit it in earlier in the month, but time got away on us. I’m 100% sure they will enjoy making and wearing the craft anyways. Instructions and free template are on the blog. Link in profile leads to the post. 

#dragons #dragoncraft #jewelrycraft #freeprintable #freeprintables #funcraft #colorful #colorfulart #diyjewelry #kidsjewelry #prekteachwr #prekfun #kindergarten #earlylearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that Ladybug and Lovebug Valentine’s Day crafts that can be put together at the last minute. Link in profile leads the the blogpost. A host of ladybug facts are included. 🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞❤️🐞

#puttingtheprettyinpreschool #ladybugs #ladybugcrafts #crafting #preschoolcrafts #easycrafts #dramaticplay #pretendplay #ValentinesDaycrafts #ValentinesDay2022 #insects #insectsofig
Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is Monsters and Valentine’s Day treasure blocks. Is this a good pairing? ❤️❤️❤️

#monsters #monsterlove #ValentinesDay #blockplay #treasureblocks #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #sensoryplay #playisfun #playislearning #kindergarten #preschool #homeschooling #eyfs #treasure #Canadianteacher
Chinese New Year chickpea bin. 2022 will be the “Year Of The Tiger.” Link in profile leads to the blogpost about how to put together this sensory bin. 

#ChineseNewYear #LunarNewYear #sensorybins #chickpeabins #YearOfTheTiger #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tigers #tactileplay #prek #prekteacher #kindergarten #earlylearning #playislearning
Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-t Embrace the “winter blues” with these winter-themed treasure blocks. Link in profile leads to a blogpost about these see through fillable blocks. ❄️❄️❄️⛄️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️☃️❄️❄️❄️

#penguins #winteractivities #winterblues #blockplay #treasureblocks #Edmontonmoms #Canadianteacher #Iteach #Iteachtoo #kindergarten #preschool #eyfs #snow #snowmen #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for Easy and fun winter playdough. Link in profile for the recipe. ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

#playdoughrecipe #playdough #playdoughfun #winteractivities #snowflakes #snowmen #cookiecutters #sensoryplay #sensoryplayJanuary #prekfun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tactile #tactilelearning
Cozy sheep craft perfect for the holidays. Link in Cozy sheep craft perfect for the holidays. Link in profile leads to the blogpost with a free printable. 🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🎄🐑🌲🐑🌲🐑🌲🐑

#Christmascrafts #funcrafts #cozycrafts #Christmassweaters #craftingathome #preschoolcrafts #holidaycrafts #crafting #papercrafts #crazyChristmas #kidscrafts101 #itsChristmas #holidaytime
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Recent Posts

  • Flower Planting Sensory Play May 10, 2022
  • Dessert Bar Play Center May 8, 2022
  • Rainbow Sensory Tray May 5, 2022
  • Felt Marker Color Exploration May 1, 2022
  • Ladybug Sensory Tray April 24, 2022
  • Easter Transient Art April 17, 2022
  • Jelly Bean Theme April 16, 2022
  • Spring Bunny Wreath Craft April 14, 2022
  • Easter Playdough Tray April 12, 2022
  • Unicorn Playdough Tray April 5, 2022

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apples Arctic block play bunnies Christmas Christmas craft Christmas tree colors Easter eggs flowers gifts Happy New Year hearts holiday keepsakes leaves leprechauns light table loose parts multicultural musical instruments painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables pumpkins rice bin science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks snowflakes spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers turtles unicorns Valentine's Day valentines water play

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