• 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

rice bin

Chinese New Year Rice Bin

January 15, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.
This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. It's filled with loose parts early learners will love to explore.

_______

Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) is just around the corner, and it will soon be the Year Of The Rabbit. As has been the tradition in the last few years, I put together a themed sensory bin for the occasion. The colorful Year Of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin is filled with interesting treasures for early learners to explore.

Chinese Lunar Calendar

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is used to determine festivals and wedding dates. The longest and most important festival is Chinese New Year, celebrated each January/February in China, and by millions of people around the world. This year Chinese New Year falls on January 22, 2023.

_______

The Chinese Zodiac

There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. In a 12-year cycle, each animal corresponds to one year and is believed to represent certain character qualities. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac and is considered to be

  • elegant
  • gentle
  • alert
  • kind
  • patient
  • mannerly
  • affectionate
  • witty
  • approachable
  • responsible
  • peace-loving
  • talented
  • self-disciplined
  • able to set goals and achieve them

People born in the Year Of The Rabbit are believed to constitute these character traits.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Chinese New Year Rice Bin Supplies

This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

_______

The first thing gathered for this Chinese New Year-themed bin is a rabbit hanging decoration. I took it apart and used one of the stuffed dangling rabbits for the bin. Also in the bin are:

  • bunny counters
  • training chopsticks
  • red bowl
  • ladles and gold spoons
  • wooden numbers from 0 to 9
  • large gold buttons
  • pompoms
  • gold play coins
  • cut gold necklaces
  • plastic bus bin
  • white glutinous rice

_______

The Chinese New Year Rice Bin

A stuffed bunny decoration and rabbit counters are highlights in this Year of The Rabbit Chinese New Year rice bin.

_______

It is handy to have a few different kinds of bins available for sensory activities. For this themed Chinese New Year play invitation, I feature a white bus bin big enough for two or three children to explore at a time.

White glutinous rice is the base for the bin. It is relaxing to play in and showcases the loose parts well.

The feature rabbit is colorful, and pompoms and rabbit counters color coordinate.

Rabbits are soft, with even softer tails. The pompoms are like rabbit tails.

The gold coins are reminders that children and single young adults get red envelopes filled with money or chocolate coins.

Cut gold necklace strips represent long noodles. These symbolize long life and are traditionally served.

This Chinese New Year rice bin celebrates the Year of The Rabbit. A stuffed rabbit decoration and bunny counters are highlights in the bin.

_______

Training chopsticks are included for exercise in transferring noodles, pompoms, and other loose parts.

There is a red bowl and gold buttons. Both red and gold are popular colors in Chinese New Year decorations. Red symbolizes luck and happiness, and gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Rabbits breed easily and can have 4 or more litters per year. There are anywhere from 1 to 14 kits per litter, with an average being six. Each litter spurs on the question: How many baby bunnies did the mother bunny have? That is why there are so many rabbit counters in the bin! The wooden numbers give an opportunity for number recognition when counting rabbits.

_______

This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year rice bin is so fun to assemble. The bright and sparkly stuffed rabbit decoration is definitely the highlight of the bin.

This rabbit-themed Chinese New Year loose parts tray is filled with treasures early learners love to explore.

_______

Related:

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Rice Bin

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, math, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play

Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

October 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Gold and silver loose parts add elegance to this glam skeleton sensory bin. They make skulls and skeletons inviting to explore.

_______

Fall is such a great time to spot seasonal home décor in stores, as it is very plentiful. And one of my favorite things to do is to translate a seasonal trend into an “of the moment” sensory bin. This fall I’m particularly drawn to the beautifully adorned skeletons in wall art, decorations, and tableware. And this theme works well in a glam skeleton sensory bin guaranteed to catch the attention of little learners.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Skeleton-themed loose parts tray for early learners to explore. Gold and silver accessories add glamour to the tray.

_______

The color scheme for this elegant sensory bin is silver, gold, cream, and white. Loose parts gathered for the bin are:

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

_______

The Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

A large square metal serving tray is a good fit for this sensory activity. Brown, white, or gold rice provides a good base. My bin features glutinous rice… I love its super white hue.

To prepare this glamorous sensory invitation, pour a layer of rice into a tub or tray. Then spread gem diamonds and leaves, bead strands and pearl beads, bells, bones, and pumpkins over the rice. Add skeletons. spiders and crown-adorned skulls as a finishing touch.

An oh-so-glam skeleton-themed rice bin featuring gold and silver loose parts. A non-threatening way for little learners to explore the skeleton.

_______

Setting the loose parts in a smaller metal tray without adding rice is a no-fuss alternate way to offer this sensory activity.

An easy-to-set-up glamourous sensory tub for early learners featuring skulls and skeletons, and gold and silver loose parts.

_______

And placing a mirror on a stand at the back of the bin adds a double dose of glam.

An ornate mirror adds a double dose of glam to a skeleton-themed rice sensory bin your little learners are sure to love.

_______

Offering skulls, skeletons, and bones in a sensory bin filled with pretty loose parts is a non-threatening and inviting way for little learners to explore the human skeleton.

Glam up a skeleton-themed rice bin with gold and silver loose parts. Miniature pumpkins and pearl beads complete the bin.

_______

Black Light Skeleton Sensory Bin

Since there are many white or cream-colored pieces in this bin, it’s fun to extend sensory learning by observing if any of them light up under a black light. Surprisingly, a few gem leaves glow the most when the bin is placed in a dark room under a black light.

Find out what loose parts glow under a black light with this fun glam skeleton rice bin.

_______

Note: To find out more about what glows under a black light, view my blog post “Glow Art Words Of Affirmation.“

_______

Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

_______

[Read more…] about Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

Filed Under: autumn, fall, preschool, science, sensory Tagged With: black light, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, skeletons, spiders

Flower Planting Sensory Play

May 10, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Bring spring inside by introducing these four flower planting sensory play activities to your little learners.
Bring spring inside by introducing these four flower planting sensory play activities to your little learners.

_______

One of the best things to do in spring is to visit greenhouses, pick flowers, and then plant them in gardens and pots. Little learners can experience this indoors in flower planting sensory play activities.

A few easy-to-gather supplies are all that is needed for children to engage in spring planting sensory activities. Featured are four sensory tray ideas.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

_______

Seed Tray Flower Planting

Set up this no-fuss flower planting sensory activity today!

_______

Seed trays are the perfect size for planting miniature flower figurines.

Supplies To Collect:

  • small seed starter trays
  • flower figurines
  • dried black beans

Set out the seed starter trays, along with a bowl of black beans and flower figurines. Invite little learners to plant flowers in black bean “dirt.”

_______

Flower Planting Sensory Tray

Miniature flower and butterfly figurines take center stage in this easy-to-set-up flower planting sensory activity.

_______

The low edge in serving trays makes them ideal for little learners to reach in and explore sensory materials.

Supplies To Collect

  • small seed starter trays
  • dessert cups
  • flower and butterfly figurines
  • spoons
  • serving tray

Spread a layer of black beans in an edged serving tray. Set in dessert cups and spoons.

Then place containers with flowers and butterflies next to the tray.

Invite little learners to scoop and pour black beans, plant flowers, and add butterflies to their designs.

_______

Book-Inspired Construction Zone Tray

A bean-based sensory bin inspired by the storybook "The Digger And the Flower" by Joseph Kuefler.

_______

This book-inspired sensory tray features an unlikely pairing: a construction vehicle and flower figurines.

Supplies To Collect

  • picture Book: The Digger And The Flower
  • black beans
  • rocks
  • flower figurines
  • serving tray

Read the endearing picture book called “The Digger And The Flower” by Joseph Kuefler. It’s a keeper!

Then layer a base of black beans in a serving tray.

Next set in a construction vehicle digger, rocks, and a few flowers.

Afterward, invite students to take turns exploring the tray.

_______

Rice Bin Flower Planting

Miniature flower figurines take center stage in this easy-to-set-up flower planting rice bin.

_______

Rice makes an economical sensory base in this bin.

Supplies To Collect:

  • brown rice
  • seed starter trays
  • flower and butterfly figurines
  • wooden scoops
  • plastic bin

Spread brown rice in a bin. I feature a food service bin that accommodates two to three children.  Add in seed starter trays, flower figurines, and wooden scoops for little learners to use in the bin.

_______

Note: Eaten raw, black beans and rice are toxic. Supervision is important when offering these activities. If your little charges are prone to sticking things in their mouths, consider using an edible sensory base.

_______

These four flower planting sensory play invitations take only minutes to set up. With slight variations in supplies, the flower and butterfly figurines can be explored in new ways.

_______

Related: Carrot Paint Prints

_______

[Read more…] about Flower Planting Sensory Play

Filed Under: construction vehicles, gardening, preschool, sensory, spring, summer Tagged With: bean bin, butterflies, flowers, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Ocean Sensory Activities

March 31, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.
Three fun ocean-themed sensory activities to captivate your little learner. An aquatic rice bin, water tub, and playdough tray are featured.

_______

Ocean sensory activities are among the most attractive and calming play invitations one could offer. The serene blue water, neutral sand, crisp shells, and fish that add pops of color are eye-appealing and offer many tactile opportunities.

The inspiration for the sensory activities featured in this post is aquatic Easter eggs, repurposed for three learning through play invitations. I was excited to spot the eggs at a local dollar store.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Ocean Sensory Activity Supplies

The following supplies will work well in all three sensory activities.

  • rocks in various sizes
  • shells
  • marbles
  • set of miniature ocean creature figures
  • set of aquatic plastic Easter eggs

If it is difficult to find ocean creatures or aquatic plastic eggs, using just one of these ocean sets is fine too. An economical alternative to offer is creatures from toy fishing or dive toy sets. Paper fish could also be substituted.

_______

Ocean Rice Bin

Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

_______

The base for this ocean bin is white glutinous rice. Its light neutral color is a good contrast for loose parts, so it’s often my go-to choice for a rice bin. The bin for this activity is a round serving tray.

Spread the rice in the bin, and set in the rocks, shells, marbles, ocean creatures, and aquatic eggs.

Little learners will enjoy scooping up and pouring the rice, and putting marble “eggs” and mini ocean creatures inside the eggs. They may discover that the fillable eggs become shakers that make soft sounds when rice is added, or loud sounds when marbles or small rocks are inserted.

Take the opportunity to discuss the names of the ocean creatures, and model them in speech.

_______

Set up this easy and fun rice-based ocean sensory bin. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

_______

_______

Ocean Water Tub

Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

_______

The bin for this activity is a kitchen tub, commonly used in the foodservice industry. I keep a stack of them around for organizing my current theme supplies, and for sensory activities. When offering a sensory invitation for two or three children to explore at the same time, a bin this size works well.

Water with blue food coloring added is the base. But little learners would be more than happy to explore the supplies in clear water.

Add the same supplies to the tub as used in the rice bin. I added marbles here, but also could have included them in the rice.

This water-based activity offers the same learning through play opportunities as the rice bin does, and little learners can experiment with floating and sinking objects.

Set up this easy and fun water-based ocean sensory tub. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the play invitation.

_______

_______

Ocean Playdough Tray

Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Good playdough recipes are included in the post.

_______

For another sensory opportunity, the ocean-themed loose parts can be offered in a playdough tray. Set them out in a large party tray, along with turquoise, marbled or plain dough. Add a few ocean-themed cookie cutters and the playdough invitation is ready to go.

Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

_______

Playdough Recipes

The marbled playdough was repurposed from a winter playdough recipe,

A scented jello playdough recipe makes lovely turquoise dough.

_______

Your little learners will love this inviting ocean-themed playdough tray. Aquatic Easter eggs are the highlight of the tray.

_______

The aquatic Easter eggs are the latest addition to my plastic egg collection. If you spot them, you may want to purchase two sets – one for ocean sensory activities, and another to fill with Easter treats.

_______

[Read more…] about Ocean Sensory Activities

Filed Under: Easter, ocean, playdough, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: eggs, fish, playdough, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, water play

St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

March 8, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.
A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

_______

This St. Patrick’s jewelry bin lets children explore the bling in an additional way to wearing it on the official celebration date, March 17th each year. It makes a great discussion starter about the world-renowned St. Pat’s celebration and the significance of shamrocks and the color green. And it introduces the tricky leprechaun, most entertaining for children!

St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and started out as a religious one. It evolved into a celebration of Irish culture, and people around the world take part in it. One of the biggest ways people do this is by wearing green on March 17, or at festive events that take place near this date. They may wear t-shirts, socks, hats, glasses, and/or jewelry with a green theme. Irish sayings and shamrocks are a huge part of the designs. Touches of orange, gold, and white also make an appearance.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

For this sensory bin, gather the following economical and easy to find supplies:

  • white rice
  • gold coins and bells
  • green and rust necklaces
  • yellow and green gem rings
  • shamrock-themed bracelets
  • green bowl, spoon, and tongs
  • leprechaun legs
  • sensory tub

_______

The St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

_______

Pick a sensory tub for the activity. A serving tray will work for one or two children. I feature a food and tableware tub here, large enough for a few children to participate together.

Generously spread white rice on the bottom of the tub. The neutral base allows the accessories to “shine.”

Next, layer in the loose parts.

Lastly, press in the leprechaun legs.

Note: The leprechaun legs are taken from a St. Patrick’s Day wall plaque. A figurine would make a great substitution.

Early learners can explore the colors and textures of the jewelry, and wear it if they like. They will have fun with the gold coins and bells in the bin. And they may decide to find a way to trap the somewhat exposed leprechaun!

A fun St. Patrick's jewelry bin with bling! Loose parts include a set of leprechaun legs to elevate the sensory experience.

_______

To learn more about St. Patrick’s Day, view the blog post “St. Patrick’s Day” by National Geographic Kids.

_______

Related: St. Patrick’s Day Woodland Bin

_______

[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Jewelry Bin

Filed Under: preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: jewelry, leprechauns, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, St. Patrick's Day

Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

December 24, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This plaid-themed Christmas rice bin is filled with cozy items for little learners to explore. A traditional bin to offer every year.
This plaid-themed Christmas rice bin is filled with cozy items for little learners to explore. A traditional bin to offer every year.

_______

Sensory bins are one of my favorite things to put together. There is a multitude of themes for bins to choose from, and so many interesting loose parts to include. Sometimes one or two items provide inspiration for a whole bin. And that’s the case with this rustic plaid-themed Christmas rice bin.

A few years ago, I spotted plaid gift boxes at Michael’s and snapped a couple up. Right then and there I got the idea for this cozy bin. It took a while to collect enough intriguing items for little learners to explore. This year the concept finally came together.

_______

Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

The container to hold all the sensory supplies is an inexpensive spiral saucer sled!

Glutinous rice is the base. I like it a lot because its super white color provides good contrast for the contents of the bin.  One five kg bag fills the saucer-shaped container nicely.

_______

Plaid-themed Christmas items scattered over the rice are:

  • gift boxes
  • plush ornament balls
  • sheep fridge magnets
  • nutcracker soldier marionette ornament
  • cuddly bear
  • shovel ornament
  • small photo frame accented with jingle bells
  • Santa train engine cookie tin on wheels
A delightful plaid-themed holiday rice bin filled with cozy items for little learners to explore year after year.

_______

The photo frame could be personalized with a picture of a little learner.

The bells on the frame add a musical element to the play experience, always a plus.

The nutcracker soldier has a special feature: his legs do the splits when the attached string is pulled.

Undoubtedly the Santa train engine cookie tin is the highlight of the holiday-themed bin.

Cozy plaid-themed Christmas gift boxes and ornaments to fill a holiday rice bin.

_______

Tip: If you try a version of this activity, make sure there are no sharp edges on the items you choose for your bin.

Have you put together a unique sensory bin? I’d love to hear about it.

_______

[Read more…] about Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin

Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, rice bin, sensory bin

Leprechaun Sensory Play

March 14, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Easy to put together leprechaun sensory play trays with St. Patrick's Day loose parts.
Easy to put together leprechaun sensory play trays with St. Patrick's Day loose parts.

_______

Leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, and the color green are all associated with St. Patrick’s Day. And they make for super fun sensory play…especially the leprechauns! Here are two inexpensive, easy-to-put-together leprechaun sensory play activities.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

_______

Leprechaun Facts

  • Leprechauns are tiny, mischievous, gold-loving characters in Irish folklore.
  • Shoemaking is how leprechauns spend most of their time.
  • These entertaining, energetic, miniature men love to participate in dance parties and expertly play the tin whistle, fiddle, Bodhran, and Irish harp.
  • Underground caves or hollow tree trunks in rural Ireland are where these solitary characters are said to live.
  • Leprechauns love to collect gold and store it in pots in the remote countryside (or at the end of the rainbow.)
  • The speedy tricksters can vanish quickly, so are difficult to capture.
  • But if a leprechaun is caught, he must grant three wishes.
  • Leprechauns are known all over the world.

_______

Related: St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Blocks

_______

Leprechaun Sensory Play

Here are two easy to set up leprechaun sensory trays:

Leprechaun Rice Tray

Gold coins, shamrocks, a money pot, and an oh-so tricky leprechaun are the highlights of this rice-based tray.

_______

Glutinous rice is the base for this tray. I love it because it is super white, and showcases the loose parts. Included are:

  • leprechaun figurine
  • money pot
  • tiny gold coins
  • white, green, and gold beads (because leprechauns like all kinds of treasure)
  • glittery, green hats (to collect any coins or gems that don’t fit into the pot)
  • shamrocks
  • St. Patrick’s Day greeting

The leprechaun is a repurposed plant poke topper. The other loose parts are snipped from inexpensive St. Patrick’s Day necklaces.

Shamrocks, gold coins, a money pot, and an oh-so tricky leprechaun are the highlights of this rice-based tray.

_______

Shamrock Confetti Tray

Instead of rice, generously sprinkled shamrock confetti with metallic gold pots added in is the base. The tray also includes a leprechaun, money pot, gold coins, beads, hats, and shamrocks.

The leprechaun has plenty of gold to collect in this shamrock confetti-based St. Patrick's Day sensory tray.

_______

For more facts about leprechauns, view these blogposts:

The Legend Of The Leprechaun (CBC Kids)

Legend Of The Irish Leprechauns (Your Irish Culture)

_______

There is plenty of gold for the leprechaun to collect in this shamrock confetti-based St. Patrick's Day sensory tray.

_______

Follow up a leprechaun sensory play session with a scavenger hunt for pots of gold, a leprechaun race, or a game of Hide And Seek.

_______

[Read more…] about Leprechaun Sensory Play

Filed Under: preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: leprechauns, rice bin, sensory tray

Jewelry Sensory Tray

February 15, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This heart-themed jewelry sensory tray goes beyond Valentine's Day with its cheery spring colors.
This heart-themed jewelry sensory tray goes beyond Valentine's Day with its cheery spring colors.

_______

If you have washable heart-themed children’s jewelry pieces lying around or found some in a post-Valentine’s Day sale, they can have a go in a jewelry sensory tray. Add a few complimentary colored loose parts, and your early learners will be eager to explore the tray.

_______

Loose Parts For The Tray

Heart-themed jewelry loose parts tray.

_______

  • heart bracelets
  • color block silicone bracelets
  • rainbow heart rings
  • wiggly eye rings
  • rainbow heart erasers
  • foam flowers and hearts
  • gem hearts
  • flower eraser
  • buttons

This tray has loose parts in a variety of cheery colors, taking it beyond Valentine’s Day.

_______

Making The Jewelry Sensory Tray

Heart-themed jewelry sensory tray that takes tactile exploration beyond Valentine's Day.

_______

Pick a tray large enough for a few children to play in.

Add a layer of rice. I feature glutinous rice. I love it because it is super white.

Spread the heart jewelry and complimentary colored loose parts in the tray. Invite your early learners to explore the tactile center.

This sensory tray idea also works for individual play. Just divide the supplies into a portion for each child and add them to smaller trays.

Heart jewelry sensory tray with cheery colors that take tactile exploration beyond Valentine's Day.

_______

[Read more…] about Jewelry Sensory Tray

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

Chinese New Year Sensory Tray

February 1, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Year of the Ox Chinese New Year rice-based sensory tray with a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.
Year of the Ox Chinese New Year rice-based sensory tray with a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.

_______

Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) will be celebrated on February 12 in 2021. It is the most important holiday in China and is celebrated by Chinese people and interested others all over the world. The holiday marks the end of the coldest winter days and the beginning of spring. Since it is the year of the ox, why not join in the festivities this February with an ox-themed Chinese New Year sensory tray.

_______

Ox Facts

  • Domesticated oxen are often castrated adult male cows, as this makes them easier to handle.
  • Ox horns are very long.
  • Being very strong animals, they can pull heavy loads.
  • As dependable work animals, oxen transport people and supplies, help with fieldwork, and power machines.
  • Oxen used to roam in herds in the wild.
Chinese New Year "Year of The Ox" rice-based tray featuring a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.

_______

Character Qualities Of The Ox

The ox is a cherished animal in Chinese culture, as it is hardworking and reliable, and was used in agriculture by peasants to plow fields. Positive character qualities are attributed to the ox. And people born in the year of the ox are considered to be logical, disciplined, diligent, trustworthy, and talented. And who wouldn’t want to emulate these qualities!

_______

Related:

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin (Chinese New Year 2019)

Year Of The Rat Noodle Bin (Chinese New Year 2020)

Year Of The Tiger Chickpea Bin (Chinese New Year 2022)

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin (Chinese New Year 2023)

_______

Chinese New Year Sensory Tray

This Chinese New Year sensory tray gives a glimpse into Chinese culture and acknowledges the importance the ox has played in Chinese agriculture and life.

Chinese New Year loose parts tray featuring a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.

_______

The base for the tray is super white glutinous rice. Loose parts included are:

  • bull figurine
  • gold coins
  • red beads
  • red diamond-shaped gems
  • gold and red buttons
  • gold bows, bells, and bead garland strips
  • red bowls
  • chopsticks
  • Chinese calligraphy cups
Year of the Ox Chinese New Year rice tray featuring a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.

_______

People all over the world celebrate Chinese New Year. This traditional holiday is filled with drama and color, especially welcome in northern, winter white countries like mine!

Year of the Ox tray featuring a bull figurine and red and gold loose parts.

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Tray

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, preschool, sensory Tagged With: rice bin, sensory bin

Christmas Sensory Play

December 15, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Christmas-themed sensory play with festive loose parts in a rice based tray and a water tub.

_______

With a host of seasonal loose parts available to purchase in the fall, Christmas sensory play experiences are easy and economical to put together. These two festive tubs are sure to delight your little learners.

_______

Christmas Rice Sensory Tray

Glutinous rice is the base for this tray. The word glutinous means glue-like; the rice does not contain gluten. The grains are super white, showcasing the loose parts in the tray. But any kind of rice would work well.

Christmas-themed rice sensory tray.

_______

Pour a layer of rice into a tray or plastic tub.  Add loose parts from the list below, or substitute accessories you have available. Invite your early learners to explore the tray.

Loose parts:

  • red, green, and white buttons
  • ice cube stars, snowmen, and trees
  • acrylic gem snowflakes and lights
  • metallic snowflakes
  • foam Christmas shapes and alphabet letters
  • candy-striped straws
  • red bowl and spoon

_______

Christmas-themed loose parts tray for sensory play.

_______

Additional containers for pouring and filling could be included.

_______

Christmas-themed containers for sensory play.

_______

Related: Llama Llama Holiday Drama Sensory Bin

_______

Christmas Water Sensory Tub

Pour a few liters of lukewarm water into a plastic tub. Drop in accessories from the list above or pick from your own stash of loose parts. Adding just a few Christmas-themed loose parts will set the stage for enjoyable learning through play.

A clear plastic present is a highlight of the sensory tub below.

Christmas-themed water sensory tub.

_______

Christmas erasers are bound to be a hit!

Christmas erasers are a stand out in this festive water sensory tub.

_______

Learning Through Play Possibilities

Rich learning takes place when children participate in these Christmas sensory play invitations. Some learning possibilities are:

  • sorting green and red shapes (math – set making; language – color recognition)
  • counting shapes (math – counting)
  • comparing shapes to those of others (language development; paying attention to detail)
  • filling and emptying the plastic present (math/language – empty/full)
  • noticing how the foam shapes stick to the sides of the present (science)
  • recognizing letters of the alphabet (language -letter recognition)

_______

[Read more…] about Christmas Sensory Play

Filed Under: Christmas, literacy, Math, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, loose parts, rice bin, sensory play

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

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

Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon Have you ever heard of orange or yellow watermelon? They are featured in creative snacks in this watermelon-themed video. Link in profile leads to the blogpost.  #creativesnacks #watermelonsnacks #funsnacks #easysnacks #healthysnacks #watermelon #sunflowers #fruitskewers #popsicles #watermelonpopsicles #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolsnacks #teacherofig #iteachprek #iteach
This “words of affirmation” glow art activity This “words of affirmation” glow art activity is perfect for the beginning or end of the school year, or anytime in between. Details are on the blog…click link in profile. 
🌟☀️🌟. #glowart #blacklightart #neon #glowinthedark #watchwhathappens #blacklight #uvlight #artandliteracy #prek #kindergarten #prekart #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #tryit #howto
An easy art activity for “International Talk Lik An easy art activity for “International Talk Like A Pirate Day”, celebrated on September 19 each year. A pirate theme is excellent for encouraging speaking and socialization. That’s perfect for this time of year, when many children are starting school. Link in profile leads to the blogpost with two free printables.  #socialdevelopment #startingschool #pirates #piratetheme #freeprintable #freeprintables #scissorskills #earlylearning #creepyart #creepyartwork #kidsart #kidsartwork #easyart #funart #finemotorskills #prekart #prekactivity #kindergartenactivity
Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut Beautiful leaf art with a gigantic horse chestnut leaf. This and more leaf art projects are on the blog. Link in profile. 🌿🌿🌿 #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #leaf #fallleaves #painting #pastels #reliefart #classroomart #kindergartenart #preschoolart #artclass #artclasses #fallart #September #funart
Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city Today is Lemonade Stand Day in and around our city. Children are encouraged to set up lemonade stands (supplies are provided) and raise money for a local children’s hospital.
A lemonade stand also makes a beautiful dramatic play center at home or in the classroom.

🍋🍋🍋

#lemonadestand #dramaticplay #pretendplay #earlylearning #makelemonade #lemonade #kidpreneur #kidpreneurs #kidsplay #keepingkidsbusy #socialplay #roleplay #prekteachers #prekteachersofinstagram #creativeplay
Flower Stand dramatic play center! 🌸🌺🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼 #flowerstand #flowers #flowerboquet #playcenter  #pretendplay #floraldesign #floraldesigns #flowershop #kidsplay #earlyplay #creativeplayideas #activesummer #playislearning #toddlerplay #toddlerplayideas #prek #instateachers #teacherofig #playsetup
Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic Just a little watermelon tablescape as a dramatic play invitation. 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉
#dramatic play #playkitchen #watermelon #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #playislearning #colorful #itsthelittlethings #Sundayvibes #summerday #playinvitation #pretendplay #tistheseason #prek #kindergarten #prekteacher #teacherblogger #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
When you are collecting school supplies, save some When you are collecting school supplies, save some school for light table experimentation. Details are on the blog. Click the link in profile. 

#playinvitation #lighttable #schoolsupplies #explorecolor #explorelight #lightplay #recycledplay #creativeplay #creativeplayideas #seajellies #jellyfish #fish #geometricshapes #gems #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy t Watermelon playdough tray. The recipe is so easy to make and lasts a looooong time. Link in profile leads to the instructions to make it.  #playdough #playdoughtray #playdoughrecipe #watermelon #scentedplaydough #easyplay #easyplayideas #summerfun #playtime #handsonactivities #prekplay #prek #puttingtheprettinpreschool
Lemonade theme dramatic play tablescape! 🍋🍋🍋

#lemonade #lemonadetableacape #lemons #playfood #prekfun #kindergartenactivities #prescoolactivities  #dramaticplay #pretendplay #summertheme #preschoolthemes #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #kidsplay #earlylearning #earlylearning101 #tablescapes #tablescapestyle
Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of Moon exploration playdough invitation with lots of sparkle and shine.  #playdoughfun #sensoryplayideas #playbasedlearning #keepingkidsbusy #learnandplay #loosepartsplay #invitationtoplay #preschooler #preschoolfun #spaceexploration #spaceships #earlyeducation #eyfsideas
An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner An easy-to-make water-melon themed hanging banner that helps celebrate summer!
🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

#watermelon #watermelontheme #watermelons #bannerdesign #papercraft #papercrafts #easycrafts #easycraftsforkids #summercrafts #craftingfun #aloha #sweetsummer #happysummer #sundaycrafts #sundayvibes #kidscrafts101
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Subscribe Via Email

Recent Posts

  • Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin January 29, 2023
  • Five Black History Month Crafts January 28, 2023
  • Chinese New Year DIY Decorating January 21, 2023
  • Chinese New Year Sensory Tub January 20, 2023
  • Chinese New Year Rice Bin January 15, 2023
  • Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation January 14, 2023
  • Santa Claus Sensory Bin December 23, 2022
  • Paper Bag Christmas Ornaments December 22, 2022
  • Candy Cane Tree Experiment December 20, 2022
  • Gingerbread Sensory Bin December 19, 2022

Categories

Topics

block play bunnies Chinese New Year Christmas Christmas craft Christmas tree colors dramatic play eggs fall flowers Happy New Year hearts holiday keepsakes leaves leprechauns light table loose parts New Year's Eve painting paper crafts playdough pretend play printables process art pumpkins rice bin scented playdough science experiment scissor skills sensory bin sensory play sensory tray shamrocks skeletons spiders spring St. Patrick's Day sunflowers tablescapes trees unicorns valentines water play

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in