sensory tray

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

July 1, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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A few weeks ago, a coworker brought me a beautiful bouquet of irises, which I thought would be perfect for a flowery sensory tray. After getting out supplies to coordinate with the purple and white color scheme, I realized I’d forgotten one really important thing… to check if irises are toxic. It was super disappointing to discover that every part of them is, so the irises couldn’t be used for sensory play.

Since all my accompanying supplies were ready to go, I decided to hunt for a child-friendly flowering plant. Luckily, on a shopping trip soon after I discovered a totally non-toxic, bountiful pot of purple-hued petunias. The pot was overflowing with leggy petunia shoots begging for a trim. The cuttings are featured in this petunia flower sensory tray.

This showy starry sky petunia plant is the perfect addition to your patio. Trimmed sprigs are repurposed in a petunia flower sensory tray.

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Petunia Flower Sensory Tray Supplies

A nature-based sensory tray with petunia flower sprigs and pretty purple and white loose parts for tactile exploration.

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A few simple supplies bring this sensory tray to life. In addition to petunia sprigs, there are:

metal bowls and tablespoons
non-breakable measuring cups, jars, and dessert cups
violet craft foam insects
metallic purple pom poms
purple necklace strips
pearl beads
large white buttons
pebble-shaped acrylic gems
scissors

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Pretty purple and white loose parts are the perfect addition to a petunia flower sensory tray your little learners will love to explore.

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Preparing The Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

The bin for this tray is a green active world tray. It is large enough for four or more children to play in at a time.

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To set up this flower-themed sensory activity, cover a large, round table with a water-resistant tablecloth and place the tray on it.

Then set up four stations, each with a metal bowl, serving spoon, dessert cup, pair of scissors, and petunia sprig.

Next, fill the measuring cups with water and drop a little neon purple food coloring into each one.

Afterward, set a few jars with water in the tray.

Place a bouquet of petunias in a container in the middle.

Purple and white loose parts and similar colored petunias are the highlights of this petunia flower active world tray sensory play invitation.

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To complete the activity center, arrange bowls with loose parts such as craft foam insects, sparkly pom poms, necklace strips, buttons, pebble-shaped acrylic gems, and pearl beads around the vase.

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The Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Your little learners will love to explore this petunia flower sensory tray. They’ll be excited to make flower and loose part soup, and to layer a jar with flowers and treasures. Scissor skill practice is a bonus in this play invitation.

Oh-so-fun sensory play with petunia flowers and pretty purple and white loose parts. A nature-based sensory activity.

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Petunias are plentiful in garden centers in spring and summer and come in many different colors and patterns. It is easy to snag a pot for a good price at this time of year. Picking a pot overflowing with petunias ensures that you can cut off sprigs for sensory play and still have the pot of flowers to enjoy afterward. And it is a relief to know that all parts of petunia flowers are safe for children to touch.

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Related:

White Lilacs And Black Playdough

Flower Theme Activities

Floral Decorated Skeleton

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[Read more…]

Magnet Science Tuff Tray

June 10, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Children love to explore magnets, and setting up this magnetic science tuff tray is an easy way to offer a variety of magnets and accessories for them to investigate. The tray allows little learners to get in on a low-maintenance, hands-on, intriguing science activity.

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Supplies To Collect

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Look for magnets of all kinds and in all places when setting up a magnet-themed tuff tray. Here’s what’s in my tray:

number and shape magnets
magnetic alphabet letter tiles
ball magnets
square magnets
horseshoe magnets
wand magnets
fridge magnets
magnetic tic tac toe game pieces
stick and ball magnet toy
magnetic gears
metal hearts
recycled juice can lids
baskets
round cake pan
cookie pans
easel display stands

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The Magnetic Science Tuff Tray

This magnetic tuff tray is filled with different kinds of magnets for early learners to explore. Aside from magnets purchased from learning supply stores, it includes unexpected items such as game pieces and fridge magnets.

A simple magnet science active world tuff tray for early learners to explore. An easy set up and clean up activity center.

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The number and shape magnets were borrowed from a game. They provide opportunities for counting and number and shape recognition.

The magnetic alphabet letter tiles give young children a chance to name letters, say letter sounds, and spell names and other words.

Set up this simple magnet exploration tuff tray in minutes to offer your little learners a hands-on magnet science activity to explore.

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Little learners love spinning objects, which makes the magnetic gears an excellent fit.

Cookie pans set in art stands allow for vertical surfaces to work on.

Introducing magnets such as horseshoe and bar magnets on different days encourages continued interest in the center.

It is a good idea to check local dollar stores for supplies to add. My fridge magnets and magnetic tic tac toe pieces were purchased at dollar stores.

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After early learners have had a chance to explore the tray, it will likely look something like the one below.

A fun magnet tuff tray to offer your little learners a hands-on magnet science activity to explore. Set up and cleanup for this activity is super easy.

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Many of the supplies for this magnetic science tuff tray are arranged in baskets. It is a terrific sorting and classifying activity to have the little learners arrange supplies back into the storage containers when they are finished exploring the tray.

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Magnet Science Tuff Tray Opportunities For Learning

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There are many opportunities for learning in this magnet science tuff tray. Aside from the educational benefits mentioned above, early learners can

make and test predictions
develop critical thinking
learn about magnetic poles
investigate magnetic strength
explore balance and weight
sort items into magnetic and non-magnetic categories
create unique structures
enhance fine motor control when handling supplies

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Variations Of This Magnetic Tuff Tray

For additional learning through play with magnets, fill a storage bin with a base such as rice, beans, or chickpeas and add magnetic accessories. Hiding items in the sensory base makes for an exciting search-and-find activity.

And you can include non-magnetic items for further exploration.

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[Read more…]

Circus Playdough Tray

May 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Let the circus come to town with this colorful circus playdough tray. It includes a variety of bright and shiny loose parts that will spark the imagination of your little learners.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Bright and cheery circus-themed loose parts tray for playdough or small world play.

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The following supplies work well in this circus-themed playdough tray:

round nesting cookie cutter set
train engine, star, and heart cookie cutters
bottle corks
popsicle sticks
thread spools
juice lids
geometric shape pattern blocks
large buttons
reusable ice cube stars
rings
rubber balls
clown figurines and accessories
people figurine stackers
metallic gold and silver spray paint
compartment serving tray

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The Circus Playdough Invitation To Play

Set out this cheerful circus playdough invitation for your little learners to explore. A playdough recipe is included.

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Before offering this inviting playdough tray, read a storybook about circus performers. One of my favorite picture books on this topic is “Circus” by Lois Ehlert.

Next, spray recyclable supplies such as bottle corks, popsicle sticks, and thread spools with metallic gold and silver paint and let them dry. These make great props for circus performer figurines.

Afterward, set all of the supplies in the compartments of a serving tray.

Then pick a playdough to use. I feature my favorite basic playdough recipe, which is soft, pliable, and stores well.

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Playdough Recipe

My go-to basic playdough recipe (featured in this post) has the following ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons oil

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Add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix them together.

Stir two tablespoons of oil into two cups of water.

Add the water and oil to the dry ingredients and combine.

Heat on the stove on medium heat.

Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

Place the dough on a cutting board.

Knead when cool, adding one more tablespoon of oil.

Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag.

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Your little learners will be excited to explore this cheery circus playdough tray with plenty of loose parts to use.

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More Playdough Activities:

Scented Moon Playdough

White Lilacs And Black Playdough

Pet-Themed Playdough Tray

Scented Playdough Activities

Watermelon Playdough Tray

Pumpkin Playdough Activities

Edible Playdough Pumpkins

Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

Silver and gold loose parts complement the neutral palette in this glam skeleton-themed playdough invitation.

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Chocolate Mint Playdough

Gingerbread Playdough

Christmas Playdough

Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Orange-Scented Playdough Invitation

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Winter Playdough Recipe

Valentine’s Day Playdough Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Easter Playdough Tray

Unicorn Playdough Tray

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[Read more…]

Tea Party Sensory Play

May 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Easy-to-set-up tea party sensory trays for water or rice bin play. Miniature tea sets are the highlights of the sensory play.

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These tea party sensory play ideas provide possibilities for easy, affordable, and fun learning through play. Only a few low-cost supplies are needed for the activities.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Tea Party Sensory Play Supplies

Here are the supplies for easy-to-set-up, engaging tea party sensory play:

toy tea sets
measuring cup
container for water
low edged trays
toy fruit counters
fruit-themed reusable ice cubes
play food cookies, cupcakes, and squares
rice
waterproof apron
spill proof tablecloth
water supply

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A black, red, and white theme sets the tone for a super inviting tea party water play sensory invitation.

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Preparing For Tea Party Sensory Play

To prepare this sensory activity, first, cover a table with a spill-proof tablecloth.

Next, select a toy tea set, a container for water, and a few play food fruits or desserts and set them on a tray on the table.

Then fill the container and teapot with water.

Now this tea party play invitation is ready to explore. Setting up for a sensory activity couldn’t be any easier!

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Tea Party Sensory Play Variations

Larger and smaller tea sets and fruit and dessert play food are options to add variety to tea party sensory play.

This black and white diagonally striped placemat enhances the visual appeal.

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A silver-edged, gilded mirror tray exudes elegance.

This silver-edged, gilded mirror tray is paired with a dainty miniature tea set for super inviting tea party water play.

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A shiny aluminum foil pizza pan is an inviting alternative and the larger tea cups have more room to hold fruit.

Toy fruit counters add interest to this easy-to-set-up tea party water play sensory invitation for early learners.

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The dainty miniature dollar store tea set below is super affordable and little learners love to handle the tiny pieces.

Tea party water play is extra inviting with a miniature tea set on this silveredged gilded mirror tray.

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For more variety, offer a tea set and accessories in a rice bin or tray.

Dessert playfood and a toy tea set are inviting to play with when set in a rice-based sensory bin.

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Dessert playfood and a miniature toy tea set are inviting to play with when set in a rice-based sensory bin.

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Eye-hand coordination, practice with self-help skills, exploring capacity, language development, and just plain fun are goals for these sensory activities.

Tea party sensory play is perfect for Mother’s Day or any time of the year. And it works fabulously for outdoor playtime.

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Strawberry Hot Chocolate Bin

Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

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[Read more…]

Chinese New Year DIY Decorating

January 21, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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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.

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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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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…]

Chinese New Year Sensory Tub

January 20, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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…]

Gingerbread Playdough

December 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Christmas playdough recipes are all about the smells, and this gingerbread playdough is no exception. The fragrant recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require cooking or using boiling water. This makes it perfect for early learners to help make, and they can participate from start to finish.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Playdough Ingredients

This scented gingerbread playdough requires no cooking or boiling water. Invite early learners to help make it from start to finish and can experience all the aromatic smells.

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Gather the following for this homemade gingerbread-scented dough:

1 cup flour
½ cup salt
1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup water

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How To Make Gingerbread Playdough

This homemade scented gingerbread playdough and the festive loose parts are ready to be explored by little learners.

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Measure all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Invite early learners to help.

Mix the spicy mixture into a dough, and knead it thoroughly. The kneading helps strengthen little helpers’ hand and finger muscles.

Four spices in addition to salt are included in the dough. Allowing your little helpers to smell each one is a rich sensory opportunity.

The spices add color to this all-natural playdough, so no additional color is needed.

Another plus for this homemade playdough is that it can be used in a play invitation as soon as it has been made. It doesn’t need cool down time like a cooked playdough or recipe that uses boiling water would.

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to be enough for a group of children.

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Gingerbread Playdough Invitation

After helping make the playdough, little learners will love using it to mold and decorate gingerbread houses and people. Offer loose parts in a party tray for a spicy playdough invitation.

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The loose parts in the tray above are:

gingerbread house and people cookie cutters
gingerbread ornaments
cut sparkly pipe cleaners and pompoms
cut rick rack and straws
buttons
candy cane and gingerbread erasers
bows
bead garland
wiggly eyes

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In this next tray, gingerbread house shapes, felt gingerbread people, beads, and rubber peppermint lollipops are included in the mix.

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Gingerbread Playdough Invitation Benefits

This heavenly-scented playdough invitation offers many benefits:

Exercising creativity by decorating pretend cookies.
Language development by using playdough cutouts to retell gingerbread stories or develop new ones.
Gaining hand and finger strength by rolling, pressing, and kneading dough, and decorating it with loose parts.
Role-playing working in a pretend bakery and baking cookies in a play oven.

Tip: A small box with a rack placed inside makes an easy DIY oven for pretend play.

A cardboard box with a rack set inside makes a terrific play oven to bake gingerbread playdough cookies and muffins.

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How To Store Gingerbread Playdough

This amazing gingerbread-scented dough is not sticky, rolls out just fine, and works well with cookie cutters.

To store it, wrap it in saran wrap and place it in an airtight container. Doing this will keep it nice and moist. To my delight, the playdough is even easier to work with when you pull it out for additional play.

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More Playdough Recipes and Activities:

Apple Playdough Tray

Edible Playdough Turkey

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Scented Playdough Activities

Pumpkin Playdough Activities

Gingerbread Playdough

Orange-scented Playdough Invitation

Chocolate Mint Playdough

Christmas Playdough

Offer this lemon cypress scented playdough invitation with cut silk poinsettia leaves and bracts.

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Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Valentine’s Day Playdough Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray

Easter Playdough Tray

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[Read more…]

Glam Skeleton Sensory Bin

October 28, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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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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[Read more…]

DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

October 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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I am a huge fan of mud kitchens but also love a DIY portable mud kitchen option. A “to go” mud kitchen that can be taken on nature outings or set anywhere in the classroom is economical and easy to set up. And it offers a multitude of imaginative play opportunities.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Portable Mud Kitchen Supplies

Supplies for a portable mud kitchen that can quickly and easily be set up indoors or outside, Fall leaves are the highlight.

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To make a pop-up mud kitchen, simply use supplies you have on hand. Gather the following:

milk crate
small wire shelves
cardboard box square
play pots and pans
loaf pans and muffin tins
soup spoons
wood slices
pine cones
rocks
leaves
black permanent marker
black crayon
circle tracers

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The DIY Portable Mud Kitchen

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This portable mud kitchen can be set up anywhere. In the classroom, it allows you to bring in natural materials for early learners to explore in an effortless way.

To put it together, start off by using circle tracers (think food container lids) to draw stove burners on a cardboard box square with a black permanent marker. Color in some of the circles with a black crayon.

Place the stove top drawing on an upside-down milk crate. Or draw stove burners on the bottom of a box.

Set the crate and drawing (or box stove) in a sensory table (sand and water table.)

Add small wire shelves (available at dollar stores).

Collect old pots, pans, muffin tins, and serving bowls and place them in the table. Include serving spoons.

Sprinkle in rocks, wood slices, pine cones, and leaves in a variety of colors. Invite little learners to explore the center.

It’s that simple!

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More Mud Kitchen Play

This setup can be taken outside and arranged on the ground or on a bench. Load all the supplies in the crate for easy transport.

A metal bowl “sink”, a pitcher of water, tea cups, whisks, potato mashers, and ladles would add interest and sensory opportunities to this center.

An active world tray positioned on the ground works well as a base instead of a sensory table. Or set up the supplies on a tarp.

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Related: Fall Sensory Play

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[Read more…]

Watermelon Playdough Tray

August 12, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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What better time to set out a watermelon playdough tray than on a hot summer day like today? The tray features an easy-to-make scented playdough recipe using Kool-Aid. So if you are experiencing a heat wave like we are, you can use some of the Kool-Aid in a cold, refreshing drink, and save the rest for the playdough recipe.

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Scented Playdough Recipe

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This playdough recipe is soft, pliable, and lasts a long time. Gather the following ingredients:

500 ml / 2 cups flour
250 ml / 1 cup salt
20 ml / 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
450 ml water (almost 2 cups)
45 ml / 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
48 ml bottle of watermelon-flavored concentrated liquid Kool-Aid

To make the scented dough, follow the steps below:

Measure the first three ingredients into a sturdy pot and mix them together.

Add two tablespoons vegetable oil and a 48 ml bottle of liquid watermelon Kool-Aid concentrate into a 500 ml / 2 cup measuring container.

Add enough water to make 500 ml / 2 cups of liquid and stir.

Pour the mixed liquids into the pot of dry ingredients and combine.

Heat the mixture on the stove on medium heat.

Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

Place the dough on a cutting board.

Knead when cool, adding one more tablespoon of oil.

Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag until ready to use.

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Put together this watermelon playdough loose parts tray in minutes. It includes homemade playdough recipes you'll want to try.

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To inspire watermelon-themed designs in a play invitation, you can add:

a white basic playdough recipe.
a basic playdough recipe colored with green food coloring.

Note: If you are making playdough for one or two children, this recipe can be halved. Then you will have enough Kool-Aid left to make a watermelon-flavored drink.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Watermelon Playdough Tray

Put together this watermelon theme playdough tray today! It's easy to do and is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

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Red, white, pink, black, and green loose parts work well with watermelon playdough. In the tray are pop poms, pebble and diamond-shaped gems, and buttons. Green and red spotted rubber frogs are included because they fit the color scheme! Watermelon slice cookie cutters complete the tray.

When setting up this playdough invitation, you could add black beans to represent watermelon seeds.

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