• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Winter
  • Chinese New Year
  • Blog
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Contact Me
  • Easter Activities

play kitchen

Bat Theme Pretend Play

August 29, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This bat theme pretend play setup is fun for little learners to explore, and it is bound to ignite their interest in these nocturnal flying animals.

_______

Bat Theme Pretend Play Center Supplies

A well-known saying is “There is a season for everything” and it’s as true for collecting educational supplies for little learners as in anything else. Late summer/early fall is the best time to gather supplies for a bat theme, and that’s when I picked up the ones featured in this post.

_______

In the batty pretend play setup are the following:

  • orange, green, purple, and black bead necklaces and rings
  • purple, orange, green, and black pom poms
  • bat-shaped silicone mold  
  • bat-shaped cookie cutters
  • bat-themed glasses
  • reusable bat-shaped ice cubes
  • transparent bat decorations
  • miniature bat figurines
  • buffalo plaid decorative balls
  • bat-themed bowl
  • cookie pan
  • paper plates and bowls
  • cutlery
  • clear play cups

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

The Bat Theme Pretend Play Center

Although this bat theme pretend play center is simpler than many of my play tablescapes, little learners will be eager to explore it. They will happily use the loose parts in creative, imaginative ways.

_______

The orange, green, purple, and black bead necklaces are cut into strips to make colorful “loose part” spaghetti. A preschooler suggested this idea while exploring a New Year’s pretend play setup. I loved it and have since used “bead necklace spaghetti” to enhance and color-coordinate with many of my pretend play centers.

Similar colored pom poms stored in a bat-shaped silicone mold make great meatballs.

Bat-shaped cookie cutters on a cookie pan suggest home-baked cookies.

Miniature bat-themed toys make small tasty pretend treats.

_______

Black and white buffalo-plaid decorative balls cut from garland display nicely in a bat-shaped bowl. Along with transparent bat decorations, they offer additional play food choices.

Bat-shaped reusable ice cubes keep pretend drinks cold in clear play cups or can be used as additional play food.

Bat-themed play glasses and toy rings add dress-up opportunities to the center.

White plates, bowls, and cutlery coordinate nicely with the bat-themed loose parts.

_______

Exploring the topic of bats in a pretend play center is a great way to introduce young children to these night-flying, roosting creatures.

_______

Related: Bat Necklace

_______

More Themed Pretend Play Tablescapes

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

St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play

Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

_______

[Read more…] about Bat Theme Pretend Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, fall, preschool, pretend play, science, sensory Tagged With: bats, loose parts, play kitchen, pretend play

Outer Space Pretend Play

May 26, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.
Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

_______

This outer space pretend play tablescape is one of my absolute favorites. It has lots of shiny, metallic pieces that are perfect for an out-in-space dining experience.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

The following supplies work well in this space-themed pretend play tablescape your little astronauts will love:

  • small metallic silver star-shaped dessert bowls
  • juice lids
  • gold and silver adhesive gems
  • large silver bells
  • silver bead garland
  • gold bead necklaces
  • star-shaped reusable ice cubes
  • aluminum foil tart baking cups
  • silver pipe cleaners
  • metal serving bowl
  • silver tongs
  • clear cutlery
  • small silver tray
  • grey muffin tin
  • styrofoam balls
  • clear plastic stemware
  • metallic silver or gold tablecloth
  • metallic spray centerpiece
  • aluminum foil pie pans

_______

The Space Tablescape Pretend Play Set Up

A shiny, metallic silver and gold color scheme transforms the play kitchen into an outer space pretend play area.

Shiny, metallic loose parts are the highlight of this outer space pretend play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

_______

Aluminum foil tart baking cups glued onto juice lids along with silver pipe cleaner handles make cute space-themed tea cups.

DIY metallic silver tea cups created for an outer space pretend play tablescape for little learners.

_______

The addition of gold star stickers is an easy way to have stemware fit the outer space theme.

Just add star stickers to transform a goblet into an outer space pretend play accessory.

_______

Silver-edged clear plastic stemware glasses add elegance to the table display.

A silver-edged goblet with resusable star ice cubes co-ordinates well with a space-themed pretend play tablescape.

_______

Large silver bells serve as muffins, white styrofoam balls are buns, and aluminum foil pie pans are dinner plates.

Stryfoam balls and large metallic silver bells add interest to an outer space play food table display.

_______

Gold bead necklaces cut into strips make great pretend spaghetti noodles. Silver balls cut from garland are the meatballs.

Cut metallic bead garland and necklaces make the perfect loose parts for an outer space spaghetti pretend play meal.

_______

Silver and gold adhesive gems added to juice lids make tasty chocolate chip cookies.

Just add gold and silver gem stickers to juice lids to create outer space chocolate chip pretend play cookies.

_______

A metallic silver tablecloth, reusable star ice cubes, and a silver bowl, tray, muffin tin, and pair of tongs round out the supplies in this glittery outer space pretend play tablescape.

_______

Lighted Outer Space Pretend Play

For added flare, include a metallic spray centerpiece and shine a professional stage light on the outer space pretend play tablescape.

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

_______

Related:

Scented Moon Playdough

Space Father’s Day Craft

Salt and Glue Moon Art

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

_______

[Read more…] about Outer Space Pretend Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, party, preschool, pretend play, space Tagged With: dramatic play, play food, play kitchen, pretend play

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.

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Spring Bunny Tablescape Supplies

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

_______

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

_______

The Spring Bunny Play Tablescape

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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

_______

[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

Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

March 18, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A bright and cheery Easter dramatic play tablescape for your little learners. Loose parts add imaginative play possibilities.
A bright and cheery Easter dramatic play tablescape for your little learners. Loose parts add imaginative play possibilities.

________

With every new theme, my preschoolers eagerly look forward to using new dramatic play accessories in the play kitchen center. As we are now in the month of March, this bright and cheery Easter pretend play tablescape is a great choice.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Easter-themed loose parts and decor are key supplies in a dramatic play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

_______

Easter-themed loose parts add variety and spice to an Easter pretend play setup.

Gather the following supplies for the tablescape:

  • vase with artificial Easter flower sprig
  • Easter-themed cups and paper plates
  • matching play forks and spoons
  • egg cups and play eggs
  • baking sheet and Easter-themed cookie cutters
  • muffin tin and Easter pompom garland
  • egg platter with fillable Easter eggs
  • bunny-shaped tongs
  • fillable chicks
  • themed tea towel
  • oval spring-themed box
  • bunny and chick game pieces in a small oval box
  • bowl with Easter-themed erasers

_______

The Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

Set the above supplies on shelves in the pretend play kitchen center, or arrange them as an Easter-themed tablescape.

Easter-themed loose parts and decor are key supplies in a dramatic play tablescape your little learners will love to explore.

_______

Dollar and party stores are great places to find unique and economical loose parts for the tablescape.

Gigantic pompoms cut from garland make fluffy pretend play muffins or cupcakes.

Easter-themed erasers add variety and can be reimagined as candies or other treats.

Chick and bunny tic tac toe game pieces get a new use as Easter loose parts.

Bunny-themed tongs make picking up fillable eggs more fun.

A bright and cheery Easter dramatic play tablescape for your little learners. Loose parts add imaginative play possibilities.

_______

The themed paper plates and cups, egg platter, egg cups, fillable chicks, cookie cutters, tea towel, and artificial flower sprig are staples for the Easter pretend play tablescape.

_______

[Read more…] about Easter Pretend Play Tablescape

Filed Under: dramatic play, Easter, preschool, pretend play, spring, themes Tagged With: dramatic play, Easter, Easter decor, play kitchen, pretend play

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!

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

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

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

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?

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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!

_______

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.

_______

View this Fall Play Tablescape as a video.

_______

Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

_______

[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

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

October 21, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape pretend play center that little learners will love.
Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape pretend play center that little learners will love.

_______

This bright and cheery pumpkin tablescape pretend play setup has a host of loose parts that make it super fun to explore.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Pumpkin-themed loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play center your early learners will be eager to explore.

_______

Pumpkins are a huge part of fall décor, so it is easy to find accessories for this inviting, seasonal dramatic play activity. Here’s a list of items gathered:

  • white tablecloth
  • vase with artificial flowers
  • a string of pumpkin lights
  • pumpkin-themed disposable plates and serving trays
  • non-breakable cutlery and drinking glasses
  • acrylic gem pumpkins
  • artificial mini pumpkins
  • wooden pumpkin beads
  • pumpkin cookie cutters
  • pumpkin seeds
  • reusable pumpkin ice cubes
  • pumpkin-themed ice cube tray
  • felt pumpkins
  • fall-themed mini spatula
  • wooden harvest/pumpkin plaque
  • plastic jars and serving bowls
  • cookie tray
  • serving utensils

_______

Setting Up The Pumpkin Tablescape

Set up this colorful pumpkin-themed pretend play center your early learners will love. Loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play activity.

_______

It’s so quick and easy to set up this play tablescape. I keep a large storage container with pumpkin-themed accessories and take out the tableware and loose parts that work for the center.

To get this activity ready, first cover a child-sized table with a white tablecloth. Then, set an unbreakable vase with pumpkin-themed artificial flowers in the center. Add a string of pumpkin lights around the vase.

Next, arrange place settings with fall-themed disposable plates and cutlery on the table.

Then, drop artificial mini pumpkins into clear drinking glasses and include them in the place settings.

After this, set out the rest of the supplies in the open spaces:

  • tray of felt pumpkin “cookies”  
  • jar of artificial mini pumpkins
  • bowl of pumpkin/turkey bead “candies”
  • ice cube tray with reusable pumpkin-themed ice cubes
  • bowl of pumpkin seeds
  • jar of acrylic pumpkin gems
  • fall-themed spatula

Finally, add serving spoons to the play tablescape.

Set up this colorful pumpkin-themed pretend play center your early learners will love. Loose parts are the highlight of this hands-on dramatic play activity.

_______

Your little learners will be excited to discover this pumpkin tablescape pretend play center, and I’m sure a lot of imaginative, quality play will take place.

Pumpkins in all shapes and forms are the highlights in this easy-to-set-up pumpkin tablescape dramatic play center little learners will love.

_______

View this Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play Center as a video.

_______

More Pumpkin Activities

Eye Dropper Pumpkin Art

Pumpkin Painting Process Art

Glow In The Dark Pumpkin Art

Edible Playdough Pumpkins

Pumpkin Color Activities

Pumpkin Playdough Activities

Pumpkin Collage Art

_______

[Read more…] about Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

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

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

August 4, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.
A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen early learners will love to play in. Lemony decor and loose parts inspire imaginative dramatic play.

_______

This spring I started collecting lemon-themed supplies before the weather got warmer and the snow finally melted for good. It was refreshing just to look at the growing tub of yellow-infused accessories. A lemonade stand dramatic play center was one goal for the purchases. The other intent was to set up a lemon-inspired play kitchen, which is featured in this post.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

_______

No store is off limits for collecting supplies that are useful in children’s activities. Keeping an eye out for economical items on usual shopping runs often leads to spotting the perfect accessories for pretend play. Collected for the lemon-themed play kitchen are:

  • lemon play food in smaller and larger sizes
  • play food lemon pie
  • lemon counters
  • jar with green and yellow rainbow erasers
  • jar with apple sauce screw-top caps
  • lemon-themed tea towel, pot holder, spatula, and serving bowls
  • yellow disposable cups, cutlery, and ice cube tray
  • yellow accented paper plates
  • clear drinking cups
  • clear plastic beverage dispenser
  • citrus juicer
  • artificial lemon branch in a vase

_______

Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen Activities

It’s exciting for early learners to discover lemon-themed dramatic play props set out for them. They can be attractively arranged in a play kitchen on a low table and/or shelving units. The youngsters will happily pick up and use the supplies in their own way.

A cheery lemon-inspired play kitchen theme that early learners will love. The lemony decor and loose parts will inspire imaginative dramatic play.

_______

Just a few of the lemony accessories listed above will spark interest and add a pop of color to the play kitchen.

An artificial lemon branch makes a great centerpiece displayed in an unbreakable vase.

Including loose parts in complementary hues such as yellow and green apple sauce caps and rainbow erasers is great for igniting children’s imaginations. It gives little learners a chance to use recycled items in innovative ways.

This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

_______

These lemon-themed dramatic play props can be set out any time of the year. And they coordinate wonderfully with National Lemonade Day, which is commonly observed in early May and/or late August.

_______

This lemon-inspired kids' play tablescape can be set up any time of the year. Loose parts complement the lemon theme.

_______

Related: Kids’ Winter Wonderland Tablescape

_______

[Read more…] about Lemon-Inspired Play Kitchen

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, spring, summer Tagged With: lemons, play kitchen, pretend play, tablescapes

Primary Sidebar

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!

Subscribe Via Email

Recent Posts

  • Salt and Ice Science Experiment May 20, 2025
  • Airplane Rice Sensory Bin May 16, 2025
  • Salt Painting Planet Art May 3, 2025
  • Spring Bunny Sensory Bin April 19, 2025
  • Tin Foil Egg Printing April 17, 2025
  • Lentil Easter Bunny Sensory Bin April 15, 2025
  • Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center March 25, 2025
  • Easter Store Dramatic Play Center March 23, 2025
  • Origami Heart Wreath February 28, 2025
  • Black History Month Mixed Media Art February 26, 2025

Categories

Topics

block play bunnies butterflies Chinese New Year Christmas Christmas craft color colors dramatic play Easter flowers hearts holiday jewelry leaves leprechauns light table loose parts painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables printmaking process art pumpkins rice bin scented playdough science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks skeletons snakes snowflakes spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers tablescapes trees Valentine's Day water play

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in