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loose parts

Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

January 29, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.
An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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It’s very common to spot llamas in art looking beautiful in color-coordinated desert scenes, so I’ve always imagined them to be desert-dwelling creatures. But a little research shows that llamas are native to mountainous areas and high plateaus in South America. In fact, due to their thick, warm coats, they are even comfortable in snowy winter weather. So that is why two bluish llama ornaments spotted on sale just after Christmas are the stars of this llama-inspired winter sensory bin.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Sensory Bin Supplies

Winter-themed loose parts for a llama-inspired winter rice sensory bin.

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This winter-themed bin has the following supplies:

  • unbreakable llama ornaments
  • small white styrofoam balls
  • blue and clear snowflake gems
  • white and gold snowflakes
  • blue and clear round gems
  • snowflake erasers
  • snowman ice cubes
  • light pink and blue pompoms
  • white pompoms
  • wooden people figurines

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The Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

An adorable llama-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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White glutinous rice is the base for this bin. It is the “snow” in the sensory invitation.

Small styrofoam balls make great “snowballs.”

The blue and white snowflakes are dollar store finds, and the white and gold ones are cut from garlands.

Snowflake erasers and snowmen reusable ice cubes add interest to the bin.

The wooden people are painted in pink, silver, and shades of blue to match the winter theme.

The child-friendly llama ornaments fit in perfectly with their baby blue, white, and soft pink coloring.

White, pink, and blue pompoms represent the decorations llamas are often depicted with. They color-coordinate with the wooly animals.

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Variations Of This Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

Below, a curvy wooden block and snack cups and spoons add more play possibilities to the bin.

This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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In this next bin, scarf-adorned alligator ornaments are the stars, and pink pompoms are exchanged for red ones.

An adorable crocodile-inspired winter sensory bin your little learners will love to play in. An easy-to-prepare rice-based bin.

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Ten Fast Llama Facts

Interested in learning a little more about llamas? Here are ten fast facts about them.

Llamas are close relatives to camels but have no hump.

These hardy, sure-footed animals are native to the Andes mountains, comfortable in high altitudes with air low in oxygen.

Long necks and legs, large banana-shaped ears, smallish heads and short tails characterize them. They can grow up to six feet tall.

Grasses, plants, and small shrubs are foods llamas forage on.

Llamas can run fast, which helps them get away from predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, and ocelots.

Llamas have one baby, called a cria.

Able to carry loads ¼ of their weight, llamas make great pack animals. They are useful for wilderness trekking.

Protective of other animals, a lone male llama is sometimes used as a guard for smaller livestock.

Llamas are a source of food and wool.

There are no more of these affectionate, intelligent creatures living in the wild.

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This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

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Unbreakable, child-friendly Christmas ornaments transition well from being festive holiday decorations to becoming loose parts for themed play throughout the year. Next, the llamas in this post will be incorporated into a Valentine’s Day sensory bin.

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Related:

Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Snowmen Sensory Play

Painting Ice And Snow Activity

Polar Dinosaur Sensory Play

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Recycled Card Mitten Matching

Winter Playdough Recipe

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Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: llamas, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.
Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Stickers are an easy and economical way to dress up cups, plates, and serving bowls for themed pretend play. They also work well for crafting ornaments. When I spotted festive stickers on sale over my Christmas break, I knew they were perfect for Chinese New Year DIY decorating.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year DIY Ball Ornaments

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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To make these sparkly decorations, you need:

  • clear unbreakable ball ornaments
  • gold glitter
  • Chinese New Year stickers          
  • a funnel

After collecting the supplies, start off by adding gold glitter to clear fillable unbreakable ball ornaments. Use a funnel to insert the glitter. Add just enough to cover the bottom of each ornament and then put the tops back on. Shaking the balls afterward moves some of the glitter up the sides.

Then decorate each ornament with Chinese New Year sticker designs. Hang up the festive balls for display.

Make these sparkly Chinese New Year-themed ball ornaments using gold glitter and themed stickers.

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Chinese New Year DIY Tableware

While out and about our city, I always admire clear patio tableware with design accents. An economical way to replicate them for little learners is by using themed stickers. Adding stickers is also an option if you cannot find tableware suitable for children’s play in the theme you are currently working on.

To do this, gather clear unbreakable plates, cups, and bowls and add sticker designs to them. How simple!

In addition to the ornament, below is a cup and a serving bowl with themed Chinese New Year stickers added on. Both were dollar store finds. The decorated tableware goes over well in a play kitchen or sensory tub.

Decorate clear unbreakable tableware and ornaments with Chinese New Year-themed stickers for a cultural vibe.

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These Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas work in any theme you can find coordinating stickers for. I am looking forward to trying them in a sunflower or butterfly theme next.

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Simple and economical Chinese New Year DIY decorating ideas using themed stickers. Ornament and play tablescape ideas are included.

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Related:

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Chinese New Year Tablescape Play

Chinese New Year Chickpea Bin

Chinese New Year Money Tree Activities

Dragon Necklace Craft

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, display, dramatic play, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, loose parts, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

January 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.
This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.

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This orange-scented playdough invitation introduces early learners to scents and colors that work with current festivities. The activity is a good fit for Christmas and carries over to Lunar New Year celebrations.

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Oranges And Christmas

Oranges have been part of Christmas traditions for many years. Here are some ways they were incorporated into the festive holiday season in times past:

  • In pioneer days, oranges were rare. As such, they were prized stocking stuffers.
  • Sliced oranges were used in natural decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, and tree ornaments.
  • Oranges were made into deliciously scented clove-studded pomanders that were displayed in Christmas décor afterward.
Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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Today, oranges are still popular in Christmas decorating projects. And people are encouraged to eat the nutrient-rich, vitamin C-packed fruit to ward off a cold or flu.

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Oranges And The Lunar New Year

Mandarin oranges, preferably with a stem and a few leaves attached, are given as gifts and used in decorating during Lunar New Year celebrations. They symbolize happiness, good luck, wealth, longevity, and fertility.

Mandarin oranges with stems and leaves attached indicate freshness and represent wishes for long life and fertility in Chinese New Year celebrations.

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Spices such as star anise, cloves, and cinnamon are native to parts of Asia. And these three spices are also part of Chinese five spice powder, a spice used to season many Asian dishes.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Orange-Scented Playdough Recipe

The orange jello in this recipe gives the dough a lovely citrus scent and a bright orange color.

For the playdough, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 3 oz / 85-gram packages of orange jello powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons oil

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    How To Make Orange-Scented Playdough

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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    To make this soft, cooked playdough recipe, add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

    Stir in two 3 oz/85 gram packages of orange jello powder into two cups of boiled water. Then stir in 2 tablespoons oil.

    Add the fruity liquid to the dry ingredients and combine.

    Heat on the stove on medium heat.

    Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

    Place the dough on a cutting board.

    Knead when cool and add one more tablespoon of oil.

    Wrap the playdough in saran wrap and place it in a sealed plastic bag to store it.

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    The Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

    This orange-scented playdough invitation includes many scents and is perfect for Christmas or Chinese New Year celebrations.

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    For a traditional vibe, offer the orange playdough on a tray with the following:

    • cinnamon sticks
    • star anise pods
    • whole cloves
    • ribbon
    • mandarin orange leaves and stems
    • tree sprigs
    • pine cones

    The star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grated orange rind add additional scents for children to experience when using the playdough supplies. They contribute to the cultural vibes of the play invitation.

    Tip: Show a few samples of pomanders and Christmas decorations using dried oranges before offering this playdough invitation to inspire creativity. Or display a miniature orange tree and/or oranges with stems and leaves attached for early learners to observe.

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    Adding Grated Orange Rind

    Grated orange rind, cloves, and cinnamon sticks add interest to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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    To extend this aromatic playdough experience, sprinkle grated orange rind near each participant’s work area. The crumbled, scented rind gives early learners a chance to incorporate a new texture into their creations.

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    Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation Benefits

    This orange-scented playdough invitation has many educational benefits. When using the playdough and accompanying supplies, early learners develop finger strength, important for being able to hold a pencil and use scissors. And eye-hand coordination is enhanced through making playdough creations.

    An easy-to-make orange-scented orange playdough recipe showcased with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

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    Below are suggestions to extend the learning potential of this playdough experience:

    Language Development

    Label spices and discuss their colors and shapes:

    Highlight that star anise pods look like stars, whole cloves are shaped like nails, and cinnamon sticks look like tiny rolled logs.

    Smell and describe the following scents:

    • the strong, sweet, licorice smell of star anise.
    • the fragrant, sweet smell of cinnamon sticks.
    • the strong, powerful smell of whole cloves.

    Math Skills

    Count cloves and star anise pods.

    Count the points on star anise. There are usually six to eight points.

    Discuss pairs: In parts of Asia, a pair of oranges is given to newlywed couples as a symbol of luck and fertility.

    Creativity

    Design oranges and pomanders from playdough and spices.

    Incorporate natural materials in playdough designs.

    Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to orange-scented playdough creations.

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    Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise add fun to an orange-scented playdough invitation.

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    Related:

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Christmas Playdough

    Gingerbread Playdough

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    Filed Under: Chinese New Year, Christmas, playdough, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Christmas, loose parts, playdough, scented playdough

    Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    December 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.
    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    This gingerbread sensory bin is quick and easy to set up. Most of the supplies in the bin are dollar store finds, so the activity is low-cost. So why not set it up for your little learners this holiday season?

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

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    Supplies To Collect

    A super fun gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    The gingerbread-themed supplies gathered for the bin are:

    • cookie cutters
    • cookie tin
    • ice cube tray
    • gingerbread people ornaments and game pieces
    • gingerbread house and candy cane ornaments

    Also in the bin are:

    • bell garland strips
    • peppermint erasers

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    The Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    An easy-to-put-together gingerbread sensory bin with a chickpea base. An economical bin with dollar store gingerbread accessories.

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    This gingerbread-themed sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post titled “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

    Note: You can skip coloring the chickpeas and use undyed ones instead. They are the same color as gingerbread cookies!

    The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use at a time.

    The cookie tin, ice cube tray, ornaments, garland, and erasers are from dollar stores. You would be able to find cookie cutters there too.

    This sensory bin is a great follow-up activity to reading gingerbread character stories and doing songs and fingerplays about gingerbread people.

    A chickpea-based gingerbread sensory bin children will love. Shop the dollar stores for gingerbread accessories to fill the bin.

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    Other Supplies For The Gingerbread Bin

    There are endless supplies that work in this bin. Other supplies that could be added are:

    • large gingerbread cookie cutters
    • gingerbread people erasers
    • wiggly eyes
    • pompoms
    • buttons
    • rickrack strips
    • cookie jar

    Whatever the supplies, this cheery gingerbread sensory bin is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners!

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    Related:

    Gingerbread Playdough

    Scissor Skill Gingerbread Man Craft

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    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: chickpea bin, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread man, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

    Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Skulls, bones, and spiders are non-threatening in this glam skeleton playdough tray, ready for early learners to explore.
    Skulls, bones, and spiders are non-threatening in this glam skeleton playdough tray, ready for early learners to explore.

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    For the longest while I stayed away from featuring skeletons in activities for little learners. But you wouldn’t know it by all the posts about them on this blog. That’s because in recent years I’ve seen so many glam skeletons in home décor, inspiring a host of ways to showcase them in fun, non-threatening ways. This glam skeleton playdough tray is my latest bone-filled play invitation. It is an extension of a post I did last week about an elegant skeleton sensory bin.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Gather

    Silver and gold loose parts complement the neutral palette in this glam skeleton-themed playdough invitation.

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    The same loose parts used in the skeleton-themed sensory bin work wonderfully in a playdough party tray:

    • skeletons
    • skulls
    • bones
    • spider figurines
    • pearl beads
    • gem leaves
    • bead jewelry strands
    • crown hair combs
    • mini pumpkins
    • bells

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    The Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    This playdough tray can be offered with a basic playdough recipe or one that is colored. Black and white playdough contrast each other in the tray below. There are links to the dough recipes further on in the post.

    A skeleton sits atop black and white playdough in this inviting party tray. Other loose parts include pumpkins, spiders, skulls, and bones.

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    This next tray features white playdough made with my go-to basic playdough recipe.

    Silver and gold loose parts complement the neutral palette in this glam skeleton-themed playdough invitation.

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    Although there’s a whole lotta glam in the sensory tray, an ornate mirror adds just a little more.

    A mirror adds elegance to this glam skeleton playdough invitation early learners will be excited to explore.

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    The loose parts spark the imagination and children can use them to make unique designs. They make interesting prints in the dough.

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    Playdough Recipes

    Find the recipes for the playdough here:

    Black Playdough Recipe (from the blog “Left Brain Craft Brain.”)

    This black playdough was featured in my “White Lilacs And Black Playdough” blog post a few months ago. Believe it or not, the playdough is still pliable.

    Basic Playdough Recipe

    The basic playdough recipe can be made in a big batch to use with a group of children.

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    Four different ways to feature skeleton-themed loose parts in sensory play. Black and white playdough recipes are included.

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    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

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    [Read more…] about Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

    Filed Under: autumn, fall, playdough, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: loose parts, my body, playdough, skeletons

    Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

    October 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!
    Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!

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    Living in Alberta, Canada, it seems a little late to feature a fall activity post. The leaves have almost completely blown off the trees, by fierce winds that seem determined to knock every last one to the ground. But although fall has nearly left us, we are not ready to leave it behind. So here’s one last colorful autumn post…an inviting fall tablescape pretend play center.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies Collected

    Pretend play is super fun and imaginative in this fall tablescape pretend play set up early learners are bound to love.

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    Fall colors, leaves, and animals feature prominently in this list of gathered supplies:

    • leaf-themed paper plates
    • green, yellow, and orange forks and spoons
    • fall cupcake liners
    • orange ice cube tray
    • bowl with owl, leaf, acorn, and apple game pieces
    • jar with yellow, orange and red felt balls
    • container with leaf, acorn, pumpkin, and diamond gems
    • felt animal decorations
    • orange artificial flower sprig
    • artificial sunflower heads
    • large felt maple leaf
    • muffin pan
    • cookie sheet
    • potholder and spatula

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    The Fall Tablescape Pretend Play Setup

    The list of supplies seems long, but this play tablescape is quick and easy to set up. I started out by setting out the red maple leaf and vase with flowers. Next, I added the plates and cutlery. Then I added the rest of the supplies.

    Pretend play is super fun and imaginative in this fall tablescape pretend play set up early learners are bound to love.

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    Loose parts such as gems, felt balls, and game pieces allow children to use their imagination. Little learners love incorporating them in pretend play. For instance, wouldn’t the felt animal decorations make super fancy cookies?

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    Seasonal loose parts add a host of imaginative possibilities to this easy-to-put-together fall tablescape pretend play setup.

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    Loose parts such as game pieces and felt balls add imaginative possibilities to this easy-to-put-together fall tablescape pretend play setup.

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    Can you think of anything I’ve forgotten to set out on the table? It’s fall-themed cups! I didn’t realize they were missing until after I had taken all the pictures.

    Seasonal loose parts are the highlight of this fun fall tablescape pretend play setup. Imaginative play is sure to happen!

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    Little learners relish playing with seasonal accessories. And it’s especially fun to see their excited response the first day they notice a new play kitchen theme.

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    View this Fall Play Tablescape as a video.

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    Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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    [Read more…] about Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

    Filed Under: autumn, dramatic play, fall, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: fall, loose parts, play kitchen, pretend play, tablescapes

    Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

    August 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.
    Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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    Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are invited to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for a local children’s hospital. All supplies are included, so it is easy for them to do. A lemonade stand dramatic play center is a fun way to extend this lemony theme at home or in the classroom.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Spring and summer are the best seasons to find lemony tableware and home décor items. And collecting fruity, yellow play pieces to stock the stand is so refreshing!

    It's refreshing and fun to gather props for a lemonade stand dramatic play center.

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    Included in my lemonade stand are:

    • artificial lemons in different sizes
    • rubber lemon counters
    • lemon branches in vases
    • plastic beverage dispenser
    • yellow plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
    • lemon-themed spatula, tableware, placemat, potholder, and tea towel
    • green and yellow rainbow erasers and apple sauce screw-top lids
    • transparent pebble gem “ice cubes”
    • citrus juicer
    • menu
    • signs with lemon quotes
    • play money

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    The Lemonade Stand Dramatic Play Center

    The supplies for this lemonade stand can be spread around shelves and tables. A wooden food stand makes a great centerpiece for the play center.

    Set up a lemonade stand dramatic play center that offers many options for role play. Your little learners will love this center.

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    The menu includes lemonade and lemon pie, and loose part treats such as lemon cookies, candies, and donuts. And there are lemons in a variety of sizes available for purchase.

    Home décor pieces such as lemon branches in vases, a tea towel, an ice cube tray, and lemon-themed tableware are also for sale. Lemonade quotes add ambiance to the center.

    A lemonade stand dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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    A table and chairs set up near the lemonade stand offer early learners a chance to hang around and pretend to sip lemonade and eat play food.

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    Click here to view a video of the Lemonade Stand.

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    A lemonade stand and dramatic play center with much more than lemonade for sale! Loose parts complement the center offerings.

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    This lemonade stand dramatic play center goes hand and hand with the lemon-inspired play kitchen featured in an earlier post. The supplies used here easily transfer over to a play kitchen.

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    National Lemonade Day

    National Lemonade Day is celebrated in early May and/or late August in many areas of North America. Children and teens are encouraged to participate in setting up a lemonade stand as an entrepreneurial venture. In doing this, they get practice in goal-setting, working as a team, handling money, and engaging with the community. Next time you see a pop-up lemonade stand, be sure to stop by and purchase a glass of the refreshing citrus drink!

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    Related:  Apple Stand Dramatic Play Center

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    Filed Under: desserts, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: food stand, lemonade stand, lemons, loose parts, pretend play

    Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

    August 27, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.
    This watermelon dramatic play center will add a burst of color to the classroom. Watermelon-inspired loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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    Watermelon is a sweet, juicy fruit chock-full of vitamins and health benefits. All parts of watermelon contain nutrients. Filled with 92% water, the large, low-calorie melon is an effective thirst quencher on hot days. And it just happens to make a colorful, cheery, theme for a watermelon dramatic play center!

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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    Summer is the best time to collect supplies for a watermelon dramatic play center. The watermelon theme is easy to find in picnic and outdoor living tableware and décor.

    Loose parts in complementary colors add interest and extend play possibilities.

    Here’s what I included in the play center:

    • watermelon cups, plates, and bowls
    • red cutlery
    • green and red serving spoons
    • red flowers in a vase
    • pink, red, green, black, and white pompoms, buttons, and gems
    • pictures of watermelon slices
    • fans with a watermelon theme
    • checkered red and white placemat
    • watermelon-themed tea towel
    • red and green rubber frogs

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    The Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

    Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

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    The watermelon-themed supplies are arranged in a tablescape here but can be placed on appliances, furniture, and shelves in your play kitchen. They will instantly transform the area into a vibrant role-playing space, bound to be inviting to your little charges.

    Reusable shopping bags have lots of learning potential and can be incorporated into centers. Here, watermelon slices cut from a bag make economical and eye-appealing play food. They add artistic flare.

    Watermelon slices cut from a reusable bag make excellent play food for a dramatic play center.

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    Loose parts can be transferred from jars to tableware, and little learners will think of many ways to incorporate them into their play.

    Keeping an eye out for themed accessories when shopping helps you find items that add interest to a pretend play center. Watermelon fans fit the bill!

    A themed fan and button loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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    These rubber frogs are included because they are red and green! My little learners had fun reimagining them as cupcakes and candy.

    Rubber fogs and gem loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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    Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black set in an almond-shaped watermelon bowl add a soft touch.

    Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

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    Watermelon accessories add a burst of color to the play kitchen, welcome any time of the year. Try this fruity dramatic play theme in late winter or early Spring. When outdoor colors are drab, the bold palette is sure to be a mood booster.

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    A juicy, watermelon theme pretend play center your little learners will love. Loose parts are a highlight of the center.

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    Related: Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

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    [Read more…] about Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

    Filed Under: dramatic play, gardening, preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: loose parts, sensory play, watermelon

    White Lilacs And Black Playdough

    June 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    Try this unexpected combination of white lilacs and black playdough. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.
    Try this unexpected white lilac and black playdough combination. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

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    When I first decided to make black playdough, it was for a space theme. And lilacs were going to be used in a sensory play tub. Some white lilacs did end up in a sensory tub along with a generous supply of purple ones, and I used black playdough for the space theme as planned. But I also discovered that white lilacs and black playdough make an interesting and unexpected combination.

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    For the black playdough in this post, I use a recipe featured in a blog post by Left Brain Craft Brain. It is easy to make, and produces super black playdough!

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    White Lilacs And Black Playdough Tray

    Set up this unexpected white lilac and black playdough tray. Striking creations will surely be the result.

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    The supplies gathered for this effortless playdough tray are:

    • white lilac sprigs
    • clear gems
    • transparent hair ties
    • reusable transparent star ice cubes
    • white pony beads
    • wired white leaves
    • flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutters
    • scissors
    • rolling pin

    Set out on a serving tray with compartments, the supplies make for an aromatic play invitation.

    The lilac sprigs can be snipped and kneaded into the playdough.

    Loose parts and tiny lilac petals are available to embellish playdough shapes.

    The flower, insect, and butterfly cookie cutters are unexpected and result in striking creations.

    White lilac and black playdough creations using flower, butterfly, and bug coolie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

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    Black playdough and white lilacs make the perfect combination for a dynamic playdough invitation.

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    Alternatively. the lilac and black playdough work wonderfully for a space theme. Star-shaped gems and reusable ice cubes, grey painted rocks, white pony beads, clear acrylic gems, and an astronaut and spaceship are included in the play invitation below.

    A sure-to-please space playdough setup.

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    Black And White Playdough Tray

    Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

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    If you decide to forgo using lilacs, black playdough works well on its own with white and transparent loose parts and cookie cutters. Gathered for the tray above are:

    • striped black and white straws
    • white buttons
    • black and white game pieces
    • bottle caps
    • baby bottle lids
    • white beads
    • pizza lid box stands
    • flower, butterfly, and bug cookie cutters
    An striking black and white playdough theme with flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutter shapes.

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    Spider, bat, and skeleton loose parts are also a good fit for this playdough.

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    A sure-to-please outer space playdough setup.

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    Set up this striking black and white playdough tray for your little learners to explore today!

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    [Read more…] about White Lilacs And Black Playdough

    Filed Under: playdough, preschool, sensory, space, spring, summer Tagged With: butterflies, flowers, insects, loose parts, playdough, sensory play, space

    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.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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

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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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A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

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    Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
    Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

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    Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of sparkle and shine.  #playdoughfun #sensoryplayideas #playbasedlearning #keepingkidsbusy #learnandplay #loosepartsplay #invitationtoplay #preschooler #preschoolfun #spaceexploration #spaceships #earlyeducation #eyfsideas
    An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
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