pretend play

Apple Theme Sensory Tray

October 11, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Fall is apple season, and there are so many apple-themed activities to choose from. This simple, super fun apple theme sensory tray with an oatmeal base is one that I’ve wanted to try for a long time. It is sure to be a hit with little learners.

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Supplies in the Tray

The following are the supplies in this gorgeous apple sensory tray:

apple-shaped strainers
measuring spoons
apple-shaped acrylic gems
gold apple ornaments
metal tins
apple cookie cutters
pompoms
apple ice cube tray molds
spoons

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The Apple Theme Sensory Tray

The base for this eye-catching apple sensory tray is rolled oats. This base fits the theme since it is an ingredient used in tasty fall treats such as apple crisp, apple bread, and apple cookies.

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The round cake pan, loaf pan, apple coolie cutters, and measuring cups encourage dessert baking activities.

Sparkling gold apple ornaments and apple-shaped acrylic gems add a major dose of glam and are baking ingredients along with the rolled oats.

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Bright green, yellow, red, and pink pompoms in various sizes are additional “apples”.

Apple ice cube tray molds encourage sorting activities.

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And apple-shaped strainers add interest to the bin.

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All supplies are set in a large, deep green active world tray, suitable for four to six children to explore. The accessories work equally well in a smaller bin if two to three children are participating in the sensory activity.

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Have you tried an apple theme sensory tray? Share in a comment below.

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More Apple Theme Activities

Apple Playdough Tray

Watercolor Apples With Markers

Apple Print Art and Activities

Apple Toothpick Sculptures

Apple Fruit Stand

Apple Theme Activities

Scented Playdough Recipe and Activities

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Castle Theme Pretend Play

August 26, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Pretend play is one of children’s most-loved activities, and loose parts are my favorite things to include. This castle theme pretend play setup includes many sparkling loose parts, perfect for little princes and princesses to dramatize with.

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Castle Pretend Play Supplies

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The following supplies are in this castle-themed dramatic play invitation:

clear plates, jars, and trays
play forks and spoons
star-shaped dessert cups
clear silver-edged goblets
silver serving bowl
gold tongs and silver serving spoons
muffin tin and cookie pan
large and small jingle bells
gold buttons
silver bead balls
metallic bead necklace strips
sparkly pompoms
transparent jewelry connectors
cube-shaped reusable ice cubes
transparent acrylic pebbles
transparent dive gems
metallic tinsel spray centerpiece
light pink tablecloth

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Castle Theme Pretend Play Set Up

When introducing new supplies in a dramatic center, I often arrange them in a tablescape design in the play kitchen. Children then pick up, rearrange, and dramatize with the supplies as they wish.

As you might expect, there are a lot of metallic, jewel-toned, and silver and gold supplies in this royal pretend play setup.

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In the center of the tablescape is a fancy metallic tinsel spray centerpiece. This showy centerpiece also shines in my Space Restaurant Dramatic Play and Outer Space Pretend Play blog posts.

Jewel-toned dive gems, set on a cookie pan, are repurposed as cookies or other things children imagine.

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Metallic bead necklace strips make decadent spaghetti noodles, and small gold jingle bells are tasty pretend meatballs.

Large silver jingle bells placed in a muffin tin make marvelous muffins.

Gold buttons, silver balls cut from bead garland, shiny pompoms, transparent jewelry connectors, light pink transparent acrylic pebbles, and jewel-toned reusable ice cubes are additional loose parts to imagine with.

Supplies are displayed in silver bowls or clear bowls and jars.

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Plates and silver-edged goblets are also clear, allowing the loose parts to take center stage.

Star-shaped dessert cups add additional glitz.

A light pink tablecloth provides a soft background for the treasure-laden supplies.

All set up, little princes and princesses will be eager to engage in this castle theme pretend play center.

Note: This is the third of three blog posts about castle-themed activities. Some of the loose parts in this post are also in my Castle Theme Light Table post and/or my Castle Theme Playdough Tray post. Loose parts are super versatile!

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More Pretend Play Centers

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

Thanksgiving Tablescape Pretend Play

Kid’s Winter Wonderland Tablescape

Gingerbread Theme Pretend Play

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

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Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

March 25, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Unicorns are majestic imaginary creatures who have inspired many gorgeous artworks. They add beauty to clothing and are captivating subjects in children’s picture books. They “have a moment” in this Unicorn Store dramatic play center. It’s a fitting center for International Unicorn Day, noted on April 9 each year, and would be a huge hit any time.

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Supplies in the Unicorn Store

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The following supplies are in this fun-filled Unicorn Store dramatic play center:

unicorn figurines, toys, and finger puppets
unicorn head reusable ice cubes
disposable unicorn tray and plates
unicorn cups
unicorn stickers and sensory bag
play cupcakes
erasers
reusable ice cube diamonds and stars
play money
unicorn-themed gift bags

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The Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

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Most of the items in this Unicorn Store display purple, pink, turquoise, and white colors. These hues are popular in unicorn supplies.

Unicorn figurines, finger puppets, and other toys are showcased in the center. Dollar stores feature these types of accessories for economical prices.

The unicorn-themed plates, cups, and tray were beautiful finds at a party supply store.

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Unicorn artwork commonly includes stars, diamonds, rainbows, flowers, butterflies, and cupcakes. These items are included in the center in arty erasers, reusable ice cubes, and play food.

Unicorn-themed gift bags are beauties to behold and several gorgeous designs are in the center.

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The play money is adorned with unicorn-themed stickers. This is inspired by a 15th-century Scottish king who had gold coins with unicorn images made.

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Benefits of the Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

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A primary interest in setting up this store for my little learners was to honor their interest in unicorns and give them a chance to observe and play with beautiful supplies. The center has many other benefits. Children can:

count and sort unicorns.
take turns being a storekeeper and customer.
label and describe store supplies.
count and use play coins.
develop their imagination while using the supplies.

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More Unicorn Activities

Unicorn Watercolor Art
Unicorn Playdough Tray
Unicorn Theme Sensory Play
Unicorn Marble Painting
Unicorn Puppet Craft

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[Read more…]

Easter Store Dramatic Play Center

March 23, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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With so many topics to explore for Easter and an endless supply of accessories available to purchase or thrift, it is easy to set up an Easter Store dramatic play center. Your little learners will be excited to explore the spring-themed store.

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Easter Store Supplies

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The following supplies are in the fun-filled store:

fillable eggs
Easter baskets and grass
cookie cutters
egg cups and egg platter
bendable bunnies
bunny bowling pins
chick and bunny finger puppets
fillable bunnies
bunny ornaments
bunny-themed glasses
disposable Easter plates
tic tac toe game
erasers
wall plaques
gift bags
cash register and play money
posters with Easter greetings
Easter Store sign

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The Easter Store Dramatic Play Center

An Easter store play center is the perfect opportunity to display a variety of Easter eggs. Metallic, pastel, transparent, painted, camouflage, patterned, and glitter eggs are featured in the store.

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Along with the eggs, Easter baskets and grass in various hues add plentiful color to the center. Little shoppers can fill their baskets with eggs, grass, and other items in the store.

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Egg cups and an egg serving platter offer opportunities for eye-hand coordination.

Bunny-themed ornaments and bunnies that are fillable or bendable add to the fun in the center.

Easter-themed hacky sack balls, a tic tac toe game, and bunny bowling pins allow for games to be played.

Easter-themed cookie cutters, erasers, disposable plates, and plaques are more accessory choices to purchase.

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Easter animal finger puppets and play glasses offer opportunities for additional dramatic play.

Egg-shaped storage boxes and Easter gift bags hold the children’s purchases.

Easter posters, an Easter Store sign, a cash register and play money round out the supplies in the store.

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Benefits of the Easter Store Dramatic Play Center

This Easter Store play center offers young children many benefits. Little learners have the opportunity to:

practice taking turns roleplaying a storekeeper and customer.
make decisions about what to purchase.
strengthen hand muscles and eye-hand coordination by placing objects in baskets and bags.
count and use play money.
recognize and label colors of eggs, baskets, and Easter grass.
play games, try on Easter glasses, and use finger puppets.

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What are your thoughts? Share in a comment below.

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More Easter Activities

Easter Playdough Tray

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

Easter Transient Art

Easter Bunny Light Table

Spring Basket Cupcakes

Bunny Candy Art

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[Read more…]

Reptile Pet Store Center

February 7, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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A reptile pet store is an engaging dramatic play center young children heartedly embrace. It gently introduces children to scaly, cold-blooded wild animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles. The animal-themed center offers many educational benefits.

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Reptile Pet Store Center Supplies

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The following supplies are included in this simple reptile dramatic play center:

snake figurines
turtle figurines
lizard figurines
crocodile figurines
animal carrying cases
storage trays
cash register
gold coin play money
grocery stand play set
storage shelf

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The Reptile Pet Store Center

This super fun reptile pet store dramatic play center is quick and easy to set up.

A grocery stand play set is the feature piece of furniture. It holds the cash register, a tray of gold coins, and bins with snakes and lizards.

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A see-through shelf holds storage trays with snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles.

Animal carrying cases and a tray with frogs and insects (reptile pet food) are also on the shelf.

Signs on the wall show animals featured in the pet store and a price list.

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Benefits of the Reptile Pet Store Play Center

This reptile pet store center gives young children opportunities to:

sort reptiles by type, size, or color
count animals and play coins
name colors of the reptiles
learn about foods snakes, turtles, and lizards eat
take turns being a shop worker and a customer

Books with information about reptile characteristics, habitats, and life cycles would complement this exotic pet-filled dramatic play center nicely.

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