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loose parts

Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

July 28, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This circus pretend play tablescape adds a whole lotta color to and fun a circus theme. Many interesting loose inspire imaginative play.

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It’s all about the food in this circus pretend play tablescape that is sure to be popular with your little learners. And there is plenty of colorful loose parts to spark the imagination.

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Circus-Themed Tablescape Supplies

Bright and cheery loose parts add plenty of color to a super fun circus pretend play tablescape your little learners will absolutely love.

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Bright, colorful décor is a good fit for a circus play tablescape. Here are the featured supplies:

  • popcorn play food set
  • play food hot dog set
  • play food chips
  • cookie pan
  • metal bowl
  • clear storage containers
  • clown-themed cookie tin
  • heart-shaped mini storage containers
  • circus-themed party plates
  • play cutlery, cups, and serving utensils
  • flowers in a vase
  • container with blue, red, and yellow pompoms
  • nesting cookie cutters
  • magnetic toy spinners
  • gold bead garland
  • painted wooden beads
  • yellow tablecloth

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The Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

In any theme, having coordinating accessories in a dramatic play center facilitates interest in the topics introduced, and allows for many learning through play opportunities.

Circus party plates guide the color scheme for this tablescape. The hues of the other supplies chosen coordinate with the plates.

This circus pretend play tablescape adds a whole lotta color and fun to a circus theme. Many interesting loose inspire imaginative play.

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Note: Animals are not used in many circus shows anymore, something I highly support. These plates had been in my circus theme box for many years, so I decided to use them for this reason.

Hot dog and popcorn play sets, as well as chips are some of the play food choices on the table. Bead garland cut into strips makes good pretend spaghetti and red pompoms serve as the meatballs.

Magnetic toy spinners bring a whole lotta color and make great pretend cookies or pancakes.

Other multicolored loose parts are nesting cookie cutters, heart-shaped storage containers, painted wooden beads, and pompoms.

A clown-themed cookie tin, another prop I had saved for a long time, adds an element of fun to the table décor.

A sprig of orange artificial flowers set in a vase rounds out the cheery supplies on the tablescape.

Bright and cheery loose parts add plenty of color to this super fun circus pretend play tablescape your little learners will absolutely love.

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Variations Of This Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

Many of the supplies in this tablescape can be used in a circus food stand, another dramatic play center little learners would absolutely love.

The supplies can be set in appliances and on shelves in a pretend play kitchen center instead of being arranged in a tablescape display.

And … even adding just a few of the circus dramatic play supplies listed would add interest to an activity center and spark new play ideas.

What would you add to this circus pretend play tablescape? Share in a comment below.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Related:

Circus Playdough Tray

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

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[Read more…] about Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

Filed Under: circus, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: circus, dramatic play, loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, tablescapes

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

July 18, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.
Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.

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A space restaurant dramatic play center is one of the most fun pretend play activities you can offer your little learners. Loose parts shine in this center, offering a plethora of opportunities for creativity and imagining.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Break out all the metallic silver and gold loose parts you have for this shiny, inviting dramatic play center. The following are ideas for supplies to gather:

Gather a variety of metallic silver and gold loose parts to set up a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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  • aluminum foil pie pans, tart pans, and storage containers
  • silver muffin pans
  • metal pitcher, tongs, bowls, and trays
  • disposable clear stemware, forks, and spoons
  • reusable star-shaped ice cubes
  • gold and silver bead necklaces and garland
  • clear discs
  • gold star-shaped stickers
  • round silver and gold gem stickers
  • metallic silver pipe cleaners
  • juice lids
  • styrofoam balls
  • large silver or gold bells
  • foil alphabet letters and spray centerpiece
  • silver tablecloth
  • glue gun, scissors, and painter’s tape

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The Space Restaurant Dramatic Play Center

In this out-of-this-world pretend play center, the words “Space Restaurant” are tacked on a wall with painter’s tape, and aluminum foil pans and storage containers are displayed beneath it for decoration and ambiance.

SIlver foil letters and aluminum foil containers and pans taped on a wall add ambiance to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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A space-themed dining table is set up by adding a metallic silver tablecloth and a foil spray centerpiece.

Table settings include aluminum pie pan plates and transparent cutlery. Clear, disposable stemware glasses are decorated with gold star stickers to fancy them up.

Gold star stickers positioned on clear stemware add flare to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Dainty teacups are created by gluing metallic silver pipe cleaner handles to aluminum foil tart pans, and then affixing them to metal juice lids.

DIY aluminum foil teacups for a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Shiny, metal serving trays and star-shaped dessert cups add elegance.

Large silver or gold bells make great pretend muffins and add a musical element.

Large silver ingle bells are repurposed as muffins in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Clear discs are repurposed as space pancakes.

Clear discs are repurposed as pancakes in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

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Pretend play chocolate chip cookies are created by adding round silver and gold gem stickers to juice lids.

Round adhesive gem stickers added to juice lids make great chocolate chip cookies in a space restaurant pretend play center.

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Styrofoam balls are muffins or snowball-themed desserts. They can be painted with silver or gold acrylic paint to add glitz.

Gold and silver bead necklaces cut into strips are spaghetti noodles, and larger bead balls cut from bead garland are the meatballs. The play spaghetti can be stored in a big silver bowl and served with metal tongs.

Metallic silver and gold loose parts make great play food for a space restaurtant dramatic play center.

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More Space-Themed Play

For additional space-themed ambiance, a colored light can be positioned to illuminate the restaurant table.

A professional stage light adds flare in outer space pretend play tablescape set up.

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Early learners may be inspired to add loose parts from other activity centers to the space restaurant. Below, participants included crater-filled yellow “moons” and large diamond crystal gems to the spaghetti play food.

Bead necklace and garland spaghetti with added loose parts make great space restaurant play food.

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The supplies in this post can also be included in a space-themed play kitchen setup.

What would you add to this space restaurant dramatic play center? Share your ideas in a comment below.

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Related:

Space Father’s Day Craft

Scented Moon Playdough

Salt and Glue Moon Art

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

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[Read more…] about Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, space, themes Tagged With: dramatic play, loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, space, spaceships

Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

March 27, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this super colorful spring bunny play tablescape in minutes. Bunny-themed loose parts take center stage in the setup.
Set up this super colorful spring bunny play tablescape in minutes. Bunny-themed loose parts take center stage in the setup.

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Bunnies are a symbol of spring, and can easily be spotted hopping around neighborhoods at this time of year. They are associated with abundance, rebirth, new beginnings, and fertility. And just as these four-legged garden lovers are prevalent outdoors, bunny-themed accessories are easy to snag in stores at the moment. Here’s a collection of accessories featured in a spring bunny play tablescape.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Spring Bunny Tablescape Supplies

Bunny-themed loose parts for a spring dramatic play tablescape your little learners will love to play in.

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The following bunny-themed supplies are featured in the colorful pretend play setup:

  • paper plates and cutlery
  • clear disposable goblets
  • serving bowls
  • carrot-shaped treat holders
  • bowling pins
  • bunny builder construction toy
  • large pompom balls
  • erasers
  • foam beads
  • squish bunny party favors
  • cookie cutters
  • miniature stuffed bunny
  • fillable bunnies
  • hopping bunny and basket game
  • artificial spring branch

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The Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

Bunny-themed loose parts take center stage in this super fun Easter bunny dramatic play invitation.

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The list above shows the possibilities for collecting accessories for this vibrant dramatic play invitation. Just a few of the supplies will keep a play kitchen center interesting and engaging.

Game pieces and fillable treat holders work wonderfully as play kitchen loose parts.

Early learners will use their imagination to turn these loose parts into muffins, cookies, candies, and other kinds of food.

During the spring season, these kinds of supplies are prevalent at dollar and discount stores, and in the seasonal section of most grocery stores.

A super fun bunny pretend play invitation that is quick and easy to set up. It's perfect for an Easter or spring theme.

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This bunny-themed play tablescape works well during the Easter season and can be offered as part of a spring theme.

A super fun bunny dramatic play invitation that is quick and easy to set up. It's perfect for an Easter or spring theme.

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Related:

Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

Watermelon Dramatic Play

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Chinese New Year Tablescape

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

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Set up this super colorful Easter bunny play tablescape in minutes. Bunny-themed loose parts take center stage in the setup.

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[Read more…] about Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

Filed Under: dramatic play, Easter, preschool, pretend play, sensory, spring, themes Tagged With: bunnies, dramatic play, Easter, loose parts, play kitchen, pretend play, spring, tablescapes

Bunny Rice Bin

March 26, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Usher in spring in fashion with this bunny rice bin. A long-legged bunny and green and white eggs and loose parts are in the bin.
Usher in spring in fashion with this bunny rice bin. A long-legged bunny and green and white eggs and loose parts are in the bin.

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We’re ready for spring, and this bunny rice bin is definitely helping to usher it in. The green and white seasonal color scheme is inspired by beautiful bunny-themed eggs discovered on a shopping run.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

This spring bunny loose parts tray features green and white bunnies, eggs, and loose parts.

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For this calming rice bin, gather the following supplies:

  • stuffed Easter bunny
  • decorative Easter eggs
  • Easter basket
  • shredded Easter grass
  • bunny erasers
  • marbles
  • container caps
  • transparent triangles
  • bendable bunny figurine
  • Easter grass
  • glutinous rice
  • bus tub

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The Bunny Rice Bin

The bin of choice is a white bus tub. It is large enough to fit a variety of contents and is suitable for 2-3 children to use at once.

The base for this bin is white glutinous rice. It is my absolute favorite base because it showcases the supplies in a bin so well.

The sensory bin theme is inspired by decorative green and white eggs snapped up at a dollar store on a routine shopping run.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

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It took a little while to find a matching stuffed bunny, but eventually, I discovered a unique one at another dollar store. The sprawling bunny adds character to the bin.

Green paper Easter grass adds texture to the glutinous rice base.

An Easter basket, bendable bunny, and bunny erasers all in green come from my Easter theme storage tub.

And green transparent triangles, marbles, and container caps picked from my loose parts collection round out the supplies in the bin.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

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Any color scheme will work wonderfully for this bunny rice bin. Selecting two or three feature colors for the bin makes setting it up that much more fun.

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More Bunny Activities

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

Silhouette Bunny Art

Spring Bunny Canvas Art

Bunny Rolling Pin Art

Bunny Candy Art

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[Read more…] about Bunny Rice Bin

Filed Under: Easter, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play, spring

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

March 16, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day playdough tray will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.
This St. Patrick's Day playdough tray will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.

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It’s nice to have a new clump of playdough for every theme, and this recipe is my pick for St. Patrick’s Day. It is an easy-to-make, no-cook playdough that keeps well. In this post, the dough is showcased in a St. Patrick’s Day playdough tray.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Recipe

Shamrock leaves add interest to a St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation. Two homemade playdough recipes are featured.

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The white playdough in this post is a fantastic homemade no-cook variety. I discovered the recipe for it on The Artful Parent website. The green and yellow playdough varieties featured are a result of minor tweaks to the recipe.

For the deep green playdough, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon green gel food color
  • 1/4 teaspoon glycerin (optional)
  • 1 cup boiling water

In a large metal bowl, measure the dry ingredients and mix them together.

Make a well in the center and add the oil, gel food color, and glycerin.

Boil water in a kettle and immediately add the liquid to the dry ingredients.

Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are combined.

Let it sit for a bit until it firms up into a dough.

If the mixture is still a bit goopy after you have given it a few minutes to thicken, add a little more flour and stir again.

When cooled, knead the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a sealed bag.

Three different colors of playdough are featured in a St. Patrick's Day playdough tray for early learners to explore.

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To make the vivid yellow playdough, substitute yellow gel color for the green.

Glycerin is optional in the recipe but adds a little shine to the playdough.

Note: I’ve made the plain white no-cook playdough recipe several times, and never had to add more flour. But adding a little more flour at the end worked well for me this time when including gel food color in the recipe.

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The St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Set out this fun St. Patrick's day playdough tray for your little learners to explore. Three different colors of playdough are featured.

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Collected for this fun playdough invitation are:

  • rainbow, shamrock, and leprechaun hat erasers
  • green buttons
  • metallic and wooden shamrocks
  • small shamrocks and gold coins
  • gold beads
  • green necklace garland
  • shamrock cookie cutters
These St. Patrick's Day-themed loose parts are perfect for a playdough tray or a sensory play experience.

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All the shiny loose parts, from the large shamrocks to the tiny coins, are cut from St. Patrick’s Day necklaces.

Themed erasers are always a great addition to a playdough tray, as are a variety of buttons.

Setting the playdough and loose parts on a party tray is an eye-appealing way to offer the St. Patrick’s Day playdough invitation.

Set out this fun St. Patrick's day playdough tray for your little learners to explore. Three different colors of playdough are featured.

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If you have a shamrock plant available, snip off a few leaves to add to each participant’s playdough experience.

Shamrock leaves add interest to a St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation. Two homemade playdough recipes are featured.

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More St. Patrick’s Day Activities

Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Shamrock Rolling Pin Art

Scissor Skill Shamrock Collage

St. Patrick’s Day Sheep Craft

St. Patrick’s Day Painted Shamrock

Crayon Resist Watercolor Shamrock

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tub

Leprechaun Sensory Jar

St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Sensory Bin

St. Patrick’s Day Jewelry Bin

Leprechaun Sensory Play

St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Tray

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

St. Patrick’s Day Activities

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This St. Patrick's Day playdough invitation will help children celebrate the special day. Two no-cook homemade playdough recipes are featured.

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

Filed Under: playdough, preschool, St. Patrick's Day, themes Tagged With: loose parts, playdough, shamrocks, St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play

March 15, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A green and gold St. Patrick's Day pretend play tablescape filled with themed play kitchen accessories to explore.
A green and gold St. Patrick's Day pretend play tablescape filled with themed play kitchen accessories to explore.

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A play kitchen is a must-have center in an early learning classroom and is a favorite place for little learners to play. Adding seasonal items to a play kitchen keeps it interesting and inviting. In March, a St. Patrick’s Day pretend play center is a perfect fit.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Green and St. Patrick's Day-themed accessories for a dramatic play kitchen center your little learners will love to explore.

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For this center, I gathered mostly green items, with a few yellow and gold items added in. Included are:

  • St. Patrick’s Day disposable plates
  • cutlery
  • play food
  • stir sticks
  • reusable shamrock ice cubes
  • clear glasses
  • baskets, serving bowls, and ice cube tray
  • felt “pretzel” shamrocks
  • sheet pan with felt shamrock “cookies”
  • wooden shamrock “candies”
  • shamrock-shaped serving tray with buns
  • ping pong ball “buns” in a muffin tin
  • St. Patrick’s Day erasers
  • jar with coins, beads, and garland strips
  • large gem pebbles
  • leprechaun and bear table decorations
  • artificial flowers in a vase
Green and St. Patrick's Day-themed accessories for a dramatic play kitchen center your little learners will love to explore.

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The St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play Center

In this post, most of the supplies are set on a play kitchen table. These supplies can also be arranged in the appliances and on the shelves.

A green and gold St. Patrick's Day pretend play tablescape filled with themed play kitchen accessories to explore.

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There are a variety of green and St. Patrick’s Day-themed loose parts in the table display. Little learners will use their imagination to incorporate the loose parts in their own ways.

The themed supplies are set on a gold tablecloth. In an earlier post, I showcased similar supplies on an orange tablecloth. I also featured them on a green table-a natural fit!

Many of the play kitchen accessories seen here are useful in other centers as well. They can be used on a light table, in a water table, or on a rice sensory tray.

A super fun, easy-to-set-up St. Patrick's Day dramatic play activity. Themed loose parts are the highlights of the pretend play set up.

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More Pretend Play Tablescapes

Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Penguin Pretend Play Tablescape

Chinese New Year Tablescape

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

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

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

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table

March 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.
This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

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Setting up activities for the light table is one of my favorite things to do, and the light table is a well-loved center in our classroom. A perfect center for March, this St. Patrick’s Day light table setup is full of captivating loose parts for early learners to explore.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

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The following transparent loose parts are gathered for this very green light table center:

  • light-up rubber bear
  • bear figurine
  • shamrocks
  • numbers
  • stir sticks
  • tiny cups
  • gem animal figurines
  • reusable shamrock ice cubes
  • shamrock serving tray
  • pebble-shaped gems
  • light-up shamrock necklaces
  • pair of party eyeglasses
  • construction toy
This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

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A vase with artificial flowers, a leprechaun figurine, and a pair of St. Patrick’s Day glasses round out the supplies on the table.

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The St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Center

This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

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For this light-illuminated center, I started off by checking my St. Patrick’s Day supplies for green transparent objects. These have been collected over the years from Dollar stores and party supply stores.

Next, I scrounged through my tub of green loose parts for interesting things to add, selecting the light-up bear, transparent pebbles and stir sticks.

Then I looked through my light table supplies and gathered mostly green and a few yellow transparent objects, such as a bear figurine, transparent construction toys, numbers, and tiny animal figurines.

An opportunity to sort shamrocks on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with green transparent loose parts.

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An opportunity to sort green loose parts on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with transparent treasures to explore.

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Finally, on a recent trip to a dollar store I purchased two light-up necklaces. I included them after little learners had a week to explore the center, offering my little charges new items that continued their interest in this St. Patrick’s Day activity.

A green shamrock light-up necklace is a highlight in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

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A green shamrock light-up necklace and pair of glasses are highlights in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

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View this center as a St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Video.

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More Light Table Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Tray

Canada Day Light Table

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

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

Valentine’s Day Pretend Play

February 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This simple and pretty Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.
This simple and pretty Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.

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Early learners absolutely love dramatic play and eagerly embrace new seasonal accessories in a play kitchen. Here’s a heart-filled Valentine’s Day Pretend Play tablescape your little charges will be excited to explore.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Lots of hearts and red and white loose parts make this Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape fun to play in.

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The following economical supplies were gathered for this seasonal play tablescape:

  • valentine-themed cups and disposable plates
  • heart-shaped measuring spoons, serving plate, and silicone mold
  • heart-themed ice cube tray, spatula, canister, and a small tin
  • cookie pan and valentine’s muffin tin
  • purple, red, and magenta craft foam hearts
  • red, white, and black stuffed felt hearts
  • large red and white pompom balls
  • valentine erasers
  • red gem hearts
  • white pearl beads
  • metallic red beads
  • vase with red hearts and white flowers
  • white tablecloth

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The Valentine’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

A super fun Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape with lots of heart-themed accessories.

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Dollar stores are a handy place to find many of the supplies featured in this tablescape.

Foam craft hearts and stuffed felt hearts make great “cookies.”

Loose parts such as valentine erasers, gem hearts, and pearl and metallic beads allow early learners to exercise their imagination.

Lots of hearts and red and white loose parts make this Valentine's Day pretend play tablescape fun to play in.

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These Valentine’s Day-themed supplies can be set up as a tablescape or spread around play kitchen appliances and shelves.

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More Valentine’s Day Play Tablescape Ideas

Heart-themed accessories take center stage in this Valentine's Day dramatic play invitation.

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In this next Valentine’s Day tablescape, heart-themed plates, bowls. and cookie cutters are included, as well as sunglasses and a purse.

Heart-shaped reusable ice cubes, a Valentine’s-themed tea towel and oven mitt, and cupcake play food would also make great additions to a Valentine’s Day pretend play tablescape.

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This simple and pretty Valentine's Day dramatic play tablescape is filled with hearts and red and white loose parts.

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Related:

Valentine’s Day Store

Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

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

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, Valentine's Day Tagged With: dramatic play, hearts, loose parts, play food, pretend play

Loose Part Jewelry Heart

February 19, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An invitation to create a loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.
An invitation to create a loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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Do you have some costume jewelry you no longer wear? Have you picked up vintage jewelry at a garage sale or second-hand store? It will be perfect for this beautiful loose-part jewelry heart invitation to create.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

An invitation to create a gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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For this easy-to-set-up transient heart art activity, gather the following supplies:

  • large wooden canvas frame
  • wood heart plaque
  • vintage costume jewelry
  • small containers

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The Loose Part Jewelry Heart Play Invitation

An invitation to create a loose-part jewelry heart with costume jewelry pieces. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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To prepare this gorgeous loose part play invitation, first, select a large wooden canvas frame. My frame is approximately 12 inches wide and 16 inches long.

Flip the frame over and use the backside.

Note: A serving tray or an art frame with the back removed also work well for this activity.

Next, put a wood heart plaque inside the frame.

Then cut costume jewelry into pieces suitable for loose part play. Make sure there are no rough edges on the jewelry.

Place the jewelry bits into small containers and set them in the corners of the canvas frame. Add more jewelry pieces around the frame if available.

Finally, set the canvas frame on a table and invite little learners to take turns decorating the heart with jewelry treasures.

A gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart created with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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Benefits Of Loose Parts Play

In this loose part jewelry heart play invitation, early learners get to:

  • engage in open-ended play
  • practice sorting, counting, and color matching
  • strengthen finger muscles by moving and arranging jewelry pieces
  • experience beautiful objects with different colors and textures
  • create unique patterns and designs
  • focus on a task and be mindful
  • develop higher thinking skills

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A gorgeous loose-part jewelry heart created with costume jewelry pieces. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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More Loose Part Heart Decorating

On another day, offer this loose part heart invitation to create with polished agate slices and precious rocks and gemstones.

A gorgeous loose-part precious rock heart created with polished agate slices. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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An invitation to create a loose-part precious rock heart with polished agate slices. This is a gorgeous all-ages transient art project.

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A gorgeous loose-part precious rock heart created with polished agate slices. This is an all-ages transient art project everyone will enjoy.

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Related:

Jewelry Sensory Tray

St. Patrick’s Jewelry Sensory Bin

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[Read more…] about Loose Part Jewelry Heart

Filed Under: art, Mother's Day, preschool, science, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, jewelry, loose parts, rocks, transient art, Valentine's Day

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

February 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.
An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

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You may have noticed a pair of adorable llama ornaments in a winter sensory bin a few posts back. With their pastel pink blankets, these woolly animals are easily repurposed in a llama-inspired valentine sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies Collected

Loose parts for an adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base.

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The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun blue, pink, and white valentine sensory bin:

  • two non-breakable llama ornaments
  • storage container in a heart shape
  • peg family
  • pink heart necklace strips
  • blue and pink gemstones
  • heart-themed cookie cutters
  • valentine-themed heart erasers
  • blue foam hearts
  • pastel pink and blue pompoms
  • pink spatula
  • heart-shaped measuring spoon
  • “U-R Great” treat basket

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    The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    A cute Valentine's Day rice sensory bin inspired by llamas. There are lots of fun loose parts to explore in the bin.

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    White glutinous rice is the base for this pretty bin. It is a go-to sensory bin base because of its bright white color.

    As in the llama-inspired winter sensory tub, the bin is a white food bus bin, also a common item in my sensory activities.

    The llama ornaments are foam-based, so are suitable for early learners to handle and explore. Thqt being said, all sensory activities for little ones should be closely supervised by a caregiver.

    Heart necklaces cut in strips make attractive loose parts.

    A heart-shaped storage container is a happy Dollar Store find and matches the color theme of the bin.

    The pink heart-shaped measuring spoon offers little learners a chance to scoop and pour.

    A little wooden peg family is accented with blue, pink, and silver acrylic paint.

    The valentine-shaped basket has a positive message.

    Blue and/or pink foam hearts, cookie cutters, and pompoms round out the loose parts in the bin.

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    An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

    _______

    Llama Facts

    Llamas are popular in art and home décor. Llama-themed arty goods can be scooped up in any season of the year. Here are Ten Fast Llama Facts about these appealing animals.

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    Related:

    Valentine’s Day Water Play

    Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

    Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

    Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

    Valentine’s Day Process Art

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    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, Valentine's Day Tagged With: hearts, loose parts, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

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