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loose parts

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.

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    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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    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

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

    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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    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

    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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    More Playdough Recipes and Activities

    Apple Playdough Tray

    Edible Playdough Turkey

    Scented Playdough Activities

    Edible Playdough Pumpkins

    Creating warty pumpkins is easy and fun with white chocolate chips and an edible, no-cook playdough recipe.

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    Gingerbread Playdough

    Chocolate Mint Playdough

    Christmas Playdough

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Valentine’s Day Playdough Activities

    Red, pink and white playdough recipes, perfect for a Valentine's Day theme.

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    St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

    Easter Playdough Tray

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    [Read more…] about Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

    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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    [Read more…] about Gingerbread Sensory Bin

    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

    Skeleton Preschool Theme

    Q-tip Skeleton Craft

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    More Themed Playdough Trays

    Circus Playdough Tray

    Watermelon Playdough Tray

    Pumpkin Playdough Activities

    Santa Claus Playdough Tray

    Pet-Themed Playdough Tray

    This pet-themed playdough tray is filled with cat and dog supplies little learners will love to imagine and create with.

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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

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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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