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

Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

  • About Me
  • Sensory Play
  • Holidays
  • Places
  • Picture Book Themes
  • Growing Things
  • Ocean
  • Contact Me

polar bears

Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

January 15, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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

_______

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

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

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more winter activity ideas.

______

Winter-Themed Supplies To Collect

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

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

_______

Here’s what’s in the blocks:

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

_______

Winter-Themed Treasure Block Activities

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

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

_______

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

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

_______

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

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

Related: Frozen Theme Loose Parts

              Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

_______

[Read more…] about Winter-Themed Treasure Blocks

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

Arctic Animal Facts And Sensory Trays

February 25, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Arctic animal sensory trays featuring seals, narwhals, a polar bear, and igloo. Luxurious loose parts accent the trays.
Arctic animal sensory trays featuring seals, narwhals, and a polar bear and igloo. Luxurious loose parts accent the trays.

_______

These Arctic animal sensory trays are inspired by a set of polar decorations spotted at a local hardware store. I saw them before Christmas and restrained myself from buying them. It was tough! I didn’t think of them again until just into the New Year, but then I just had to have them. Thankfully, one hardware store in the chain still had a full selection and I was able to buy the decorations for winter displays and sensory play.

_______

Polar Animal Sensory Tray Loose Parts

A large round tray, silver plastic table mat for water or ice, and the following loose parts work well with arctic animal figurines:

Polar loose part tray inspired by an igloo, seal, and narwhal figurine.

_______

  • pearl bead garland
  • large pearl beads
  • clear gems in various sizes
  • ice cube gems
  • silver bells
  • silver beads and bead garland
  • blue gems

_______

Seal and narwhal-inspired loose parts tray.

_______

Arctic Animal Sensory Trays

The polar decorations featured in these trays are breakable, so should be handled carefully. After discussing and exploring figurines such as these with your early learners, replace them with unbreakable Arctic animal and igloo toys for further learning and play.

_______

The first two sensory trays showcase seals and narwhals. Here are some facts about these aquatic polar creatures:

Narwhals are small whales nicknamed sea unicorns. Males have a tooth that grows through their lip to form a spiraling ivory tusk. The tusks grow throughout the whales’ lives. Narwhals live in groups in the cold icy waters of the Arctic. They have been overhunted for their sought-after tusks so are hard to spot.

A glittery seal and embellished narwhals are the highlights of this luxurious sensory tray.

_______

Six kinds of seals live in the Arctic. The seals spend much of their time in the frigid waters on or under the ice.  When the ocean freezes each year, they chew breathing holes through the ice with their teeth. They come up for air every few minutes, trying to avoid predators in the process.

Glittery seals take center stage in this aquatic polar animal sensory tray.

_______

This next tray features a polar bear, seal, and narwhal.

Polar bears are large, creamy white bears that weigh up to 1100 pounds. They have black noses and eyes and can walk and swim long distances. Polar bears live on ice floes, rocky shores, and islands in the Arctic. Their tiny bear cubs are born in December in dens on land or ice. The cubs live with their mothers for about two years.

Polar bear and seal sensory tray with luxurious loose parts.

_______

Below is a narwhal, seal, and igloo sensory tray.

Igloos are dome-shaped snow houses that can be large or small. They are made with slanted rectangular blocks of packed snow cut by skilled carvers. In times past, igloos were used as a winter home or temporary hunting shelter. The igloos were super strong and able to withstand fierce winds and polar bear attacks. The snow homes were heated with oil lamps and could get pretty toasty. Furs lined sleeping areas and covered doorways.

Arctic sensory tray featuring a seal and narwhal, and an igloo.

_______

The penguin below adds a cuteness factor. Penguins live in the Antarctic on the opposite side of the world but are also polar animals.

Polar sensory tray with a penguin, seal, narwhal, and igloo. Luxurious loose parts accent the tray.

_______

[Read more…] about Arctic Animal Facts And Sensory Trays

Filed Under: display, ocean, preschool, sensory, winter Tagged With: Arctic, narwhals, polar bears, seals, sensory tray

Winter Sensory Trays

January 10, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Snowflake confetti rules in these three winter sensory trays featuring polar bears, penguins, and shiny accessories.
Snowflake confetti rules in these three winter sensory trays featuring polar bears, penguins, and shiny accessories.

_______

Snowflake confetti makes an eye-catching base for three simple winter sensory trays. Combined with a few accessories, it sets the stage for sparkly sensory play experiences your little learners will delight in.

The find: shiny snowflake and dot confetti in a blue, silver, and white color scheme.

Basic Winter Sensory Tray

Supplies to collect:

Winter sensory tray loose parts.

_______

  • snowflake confetti
  • turquoise gems
  • silver and white bead garland strips
  • large silver snowflakes
  • star cups
  • clear spoons

Set in a tray, these pieces make the perfect hands-on sensory activity for your little ones to celebrate winter with.

Snowflake studded winter sensory tray filled with shiny pieces.

_______

Shiny pieces rule in this snowflake confetti based winter sensory tray.

_______

Polar Sensory Tray

In this tray, the star cups and spoons are replaced with cube-shaped “ice cube” acrylic gems and an ice floe cut from styrofoam. Polar bear figurines are set on and around the ice floe.

Polar bear winter sensory tray with a snowflake confetti base and shiny loose parts.

_______

Polar sensory tray with a snowflake confetti base and shiny loose parts.

_______

Polar animal-themed loose parts tray.
Polar Sensory Tray Loose Parts

_______

Related: Scissor Skill Snow Cutting Activities

_______

Penguin Sensory Tray

The bears are out and penguins are in! Styrofoam packing chips are added to the mix. The penguins are propped on the ice floe and ice chunks, or swimming in the water. Cotton balls would also be a good fit for this tray.

Penguin sensory tray with a snowflake confetti base.

_______

Penguin sensory tray with a snowflake confetti base.

_______

Penguin sensory tray with a winter-themed loose parts in a snowflake confetti base.

_______

[Read more…] about Winter Sensory Trays

Filed Under: ocean, preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: loose parts, penguins, polar bears, sensory bin, sensory play, snowflakes

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!

Instagram

puttingtheprettyin.preschool

Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as ref Collecting supplies for a lemonade stand is as refreshing as the pretend play center will be! 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

#lemonadestand #dramaticplaycenter #lemonade #pretendplay #learningisfun #funactivity #playcenter #letsplay #letspretend #playtolearn #foodie #teacherofig #prekteacher
This little bunny is engaging in a little self car This little bunny is engaging in a little self care after a very busy season. Notice the saved jelly beans for the necklace! 🌺🌸🌼🌷💐

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#playdoughrecipe #playdough #playdoughfun #winteractivities #snowflakes #snowmen #cookiecutters #sensoryplay #sensoryplayJanuary #prekfun #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tactile #tactilelearning
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Subscribe Via Email

Recent Posts

  • Space Father’s Day Craft June 18, 2022
  • White Lilacs And Black Playdough June 11, 2022
  • Lilac Flower Sensory Trays June 9, 2022
  • Flower Planting Sensory Play May 10, 2022
  • Dessert Bar Play Center May 8, 2022
  • Rainbow Sensory Tray May 5, 2022
  • Felt Marker Color Exploration May 1, 2022
  • Ladybug Sensory Tray April 24, 2022
  • Easter Transient Art April 17, 2022
  • Jelly Bean Theme April 16, 2022

Categories

Topics

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

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in