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sensory bin

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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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

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

January 20, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Set up this Chinese New Year sensory tub for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.
Set up this Chinese New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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This Chinese New Year sensory tub features a pretend play set up, bound to be a hit with your little learners. While playing in the oh-so-fun sensory invitation, children get a chance to learn about Chinese culture.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Chinese New Year Sensory Tub Supplies

Super fun supplies for a Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub invitation to play your early learners will love to investigate.

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Play kitchen accessories and loose parts are the theme of these economical and easy-to-gather supplies. Collected for the tub are:

  • large round gold placemat
  • gold coins, bead garland, and buttons
  • pink pompoms
  • orange counters
  • fish and orange play food
  • panda storage container
  • stuffed rabbit ornament
  • paper plates
  • clear bowl and cups
  • training chopsticks
  • ladle
  • gold tongs
  • artificial cherry blossom flowers

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The Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

A super inviting Chinese Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A cultural sensory play opportunity your early learners will love.

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The sensory bin for this activity is a spiral saucer sled, and it works beautifully. It is big enough to hold supplies for three children to play in. An active world tray would also be a good fit.

The round gold placemat at the bottom of the bin offsets its bright red color.

Before setting in the clear bowl and cups, I added a few Chinese New Year stickers as an easy way to make them festive.

The orange counters and oranges represent orange fruits (especially mandarins), which are displayed and given as gifts during Chinese New Year. Mandarin oranges are symbolic of gold, as their name in Chinese sounds like it. They are believed to bring riches when given or received as gifts.

A pretty Lunar New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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The cut gold garland strips are “noodles.” Long, uncut noodles symbolize a long life to Chinese people.

The play food fish stands for togetherness and plentifulness.

The cherry blossoms in the bin represent the promise of Spring and the renewal of life.

The pink pompoms coordinate with the cherry blossom touches and are soft like bunny tails.

The gold coins are reminders that children are given money in envelopes during Chinese New Year.

Since this is the “Year Of The Rabbit,” there is a stuffed rabbit ornament in the bin.

A pretty Chinese New Year sensory tub with a "Year Of The Rabbit" theme. A perfect way to introduce Chinese culture to early learners.

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Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a national holiday and the biggest festival of the year.  Dinners with family are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations. This dinner-themed sensory tub is the perfect way to introduce some of the cultural traditions to little learners.

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Set up this Lunar New Year sensory bin for your little learners to explore. It's a fun way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

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[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

Filed Under: Chinese New Year, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

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.

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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.

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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.

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Chinese New Year Rice Bin Supplies

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

Santa Claus Sensory Bin

December 23, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.
This easy Santa Claus sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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With Santa on many children’s minds right now it’s the perfect time to set out a simple Santa Claus sensory bin.

This fun sensory activity is inspired by two Santa ornaments I was gifted this Christmas season. After receiving the ornaments, I realized I had enough supplies to make a no-fuss Santa bin. The bin is a great example of how just a few themed items can provide an interesting sensory invitation.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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Here are the supplies I gathered for the festive bin:

  • Santa train engine cookie tin
  • Santa ornament
  • knitted Scandinavian multicultural dolls
  • fillable Santa ball ornament
  • jingle bell garland
  • peppermint candy erasers
  • Santa and Santa hat erasers
  • wooden ladle

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    The Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    This easy Santa sensory bin is filled with many economical dollar store supplies. It's a sure-to-please bin that can be set up in minutes.

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    This jovial sensory bin has a dyed chickpea base. The chickpeas are colored with various amounts of red acrylic craft paint. You can find out how to dye chickpeas in my blog post “Chinese New Year Sensory Play.”

    Note: As an alternative to using chickpeas for the base, white rice works well too.

    The chickpeas are spread out in a white bus/utility tub. This size bin works well for one to three children to use.

    The Santa train engine cookie tin was a happy find last year. I previously featured it in a blog post titled “Plaid-Themed Christmas Rice Bin.”

    The Santa ornament fits perfectly in the train engine. I checked to make sure it has no rough edges before offering it in the bin. A small plush Santa is a good fit too.

    A fillable Santa Claus ornament and other dollar store supplies make for an inviting chickpea-based sensory bin.

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    The fillable Santa ball comes apart, and each half holds lots of chickpeas and loose parts.

    The Scandinavian knitted dolls are cut from a Christmas garland. They make fun helpers for Santa!

    Dollar stores carry metallic jingle bell garlands. Cut into strips, the garland becomes musical loose parts for the bin.

    Peppermint and Santa-themed erasers add interest. They are great for counting and sorting practice.

    A wooden ladle is useful for filling the Santa train and ball ornament with chickpeas, erasers, and garland. When using one, early learners get practice with eye-hand coordination.

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    Making Your Own Santa Claus Sensory Bin

    Would you like to make a Santa Claus-themed sensory bin? You probably have a few interesting supplies already on hand to include. Then add a few dollar store finds. It’s that simple!

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    More Santa-Themed Activities:

    • Santa Claus Playdough Tray
    • Santa’s Beard Scissor Activity

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    Filed Under: Christmas, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: Christmas, Santa Claus, sensory bin, sensory play

    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 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.

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    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.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

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

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    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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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

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    Related: Skeleton And Eyeball Waterplay

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

    Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

    July 19, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.
    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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    This taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin is refreshing in the heat of the summer and would brighten up a cool fall or icy winter day. Any time of the year, it is bound to be a huge hit with your little learners. They’ll especially love the lemonade ice cubes in the bin!

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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    Supplies To Collect

    Gather the following for this colorful and tasty sensory bin:

    • tray or tub
    • lemons
    • strawberries
    • can of frozen lemonade
    • ice cube trays
    • red and yellow food coloring
    • plastic glass and bowl
    • large spoon
    • kitchen tongs
    • knife
    • cutting board
    • plastic tablecloth

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    Preparing The Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

    Steps to easily put together a colorful, refreshing strawberry lemonade sensory bin.

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    To prepare this oh-so-easy lemonade sensory bin, do the following:

    First, mix a container of frozen lemonade with water according to the package directions.

    Next, pour lemonade into a variety of ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

    Just before playtime, wash the lemons and strawberries. Cut strawberries into halves and slices, and lemons into halves, quarters, and slices.

    Then cover the table the sensory bin will be set on with a plastic tablecloth.

    Pour a layer of cool water into a container the size of a food service tub. A smaller tub or tray will work fine for one child to play in.

    Note: If more than one child is participating in the activity, offer an individual lemonade sensory bin to each child.

    Next, set in a non-breakable cup and bowl, kitchen tongs, and a large spoon.

    A refreshing, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory bin featured three different ways. A perfect sensory activity any time of the year.

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    Afterward, sprinkle in cut lemons and strawberries.

    Lastly, add lemonade ice cubes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

    Note: Smaller ice cubes are easier and safer for little learners to taste. Larger ones are easier to see in the bin.

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    Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin Exploration

    You may wish to offer this bin with just lemon slices and lemonade ice cubes first.

    Lemons and lemonade ice cubes are the highlight of this easy-to-put-together taste-safe sensory tray.

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    Strawberries can be sprinkled into the bin at the start, or put in a little later to add interest and sensory exploration possibilities.

    Turning the water into a shade of coral by squirting in a few drops of red and yellow food coloring further adds to the learning through play experience.

    Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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    Benefits Of The Lemonade Sensory Play

    Your little learners have the opportunity to use all of their senses in this taste-safe bin. They can…

    • taste sweet and sour foods
    • feel cold, sticky, and smooth food parts
    • smell the refreshing scent of strawberries and lemons
    • hear the foods splash into cups and be stirred into bowls
    • see the colorful lemons and strawberries, and subtle ice cubes

    Lots of interesting conversation naturally occurs while children explore their lemonade sensory bin, enhancing language.

    Developing eye-hand coordination while scooping and pouring and exercising fine motor control by squeezing lemons and using kitchen tongs are also benefits. And when the color of the water is changed, little learners experience science!

    Coral water brightens up this cheery, taste-safe strawberry lemonade sensory tray.

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    Lemonade Recipes

    Interested in trying some new lemonade recipes, or discovering more additives for a lemonade sensory bin? Check out this excellent post “The Twelve Best Lemonade Recipes” by gypsyplate.com.

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    Related: Strawberry Hot Chocolate Sensory Bin

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    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, summer Tagged With: lemonade, lemons, sensory bin, sensory tray, strawberries

    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.

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    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.

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    Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas.

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    Seed Tray Flower Planting

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

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    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.”

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    Flower Planting Sensory Tray

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

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    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.

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    Book-Inspired Construction Zone Tray

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

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    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

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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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    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
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    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.

🍋🍋🍋

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    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. 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉
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    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. 

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    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! 🍋🍋🍋

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    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!
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