• 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

sensory play

Starry Sky Sensory Bin

September 22, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Just as vegetables that come in a variety of colors are always a happy find, so are interestingly colored flowers. These award-winning, starry sky petunias are a new discovery for me, and they caught my attention at a hardware store! Their varying color patterns and space-themed name make them perfect for a starry sky sensory bin.

_______

Starry Sky Petunias were introduced about eight years ago, and their spectacular speckled white and purple flowers are a reminder of the cosmos. Each individual flower varies in shade of color and placement of white dots and splotches. The super pretty petunia plant is also named Night Sky Petunia and Galaxy Petunia.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

This flower-inspired starry sky sensory bin contains the following loose part supplies:

  • starry sky petunia flowers
  • astronaut figurines
  • toy planets
  • glow in the dark moon and stars
  • toy spaceships in varying designs
  • pink and purple buttons
  • large and small marbles
  • purple and pink tumbled stones
  • turquoise, pink, and purple acrylic gems
  • silver spray painted rocks
  • agate slices

_______

The Starry Sky Sensory Bin

The supplies in the starry sky sensory bin are offered in two different containers.

This first bin for the sensory play loose parts is a food bus tub. It is super user-friendly and can be set up anywhere. Two or three little learners can play in the tub at the same time.

_______

Water with a little fluorescent purple food coloring added is the base for the bin. Breathtaking, other-worldly Starry Sky Petunias are the “stars” of the sensory play invitation.

Space-themed toys such as astronaut figurines, spaceships in varying sizes, glow-in-the-dark moon and stars, and toy planets complement the petunias.

Marbles in varying sizes are space rocks or pretend planets.

_______

Loose parts such as silver spray-painted rocks, agate slices, pink and purple tumbled stones, and acrylic gems add beauty to the bin.

Complementary-colored buttons are a welcome addition to any sensory bin.

This next water-based bin is a round, edged serving tray. It can also be offered anywhere and is suitable for one or two little ones to use at a time. The water level is a little lower, allowing for a large toy spaceship to stand upright in the bin.

_______

Petunia flowers in any color provide beautiful, cascading blooms all growing season long. Solid pink, purple, or white petunia flowers would also work wonderfully in this starry sky sensory bin.

_______

[Read more…] about Starry Sky Sensory Bin

Filed Under: autumn, fall, flowers, gardening, preschool, sensory, space, summer Tagged With: flowers, petunias, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray, space, spaceships, water play

Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

July 28, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This circus pretend play tablescape adds a whole lotta color to and fun a circus theme. Many interesting loose inspire imaginative play.

_______

It’s all about the food in this circus pretend play tablescape that is sure to be popular with your little learners. And there is plenty of colorful loose parts to spark the imagination.

_______

Circus-Themed Tablescape Supplies

Bright and cheery loose parts add plenty of color to a super fun circus pretend play tablescape your little learners will absolutely love.

_______

Bright, colorful décor is a good fit for a circus play tablescape. Here are the featured supplies:

  • popcorn play food set
  • play food hot dog set
  • play food chips
  • cookie pan
  • metal bowl
  • clear storage containers
  • clown-themed cookie tin
  • heart-shaped mini storage containers
  • circus-themed party plates
  • play cutlery, cups, and serving utensils
  • flowers in a vase
  • container with blue, red, and yellow pompoms
  • nesting cookie cutters
  • magnetic toy spinners
  • gold bead garland
  • painted wooden beads
  • yellow tablecloth

_______

The Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

In any theme, having coordinating accessories in a dramatic play center facilitates interest in the topics introduced, and allows for many learning through play opportunities.

Circus party plates guide the color scheme for this tablescape. The hues of the other supplies chosen coordinate with the plates.

This circus pretend play tablescape adds a whole lotta color and fun to a circus theme. Many interesting loose inspire imaginative play.

_______

Note: Animals are not used in many circus shows anymore, something I highly support. These plates had been in my circus theme box for many years, so I decided to use them for this reason.

Hot dog and popcorn play sets, as well as chips are some of the play food choices on the table. Bead garland cut into strips makes good pretend spaghetti and red pompoms serve as the meatballs.

Magnetic toy spinners bring a whole lotta color and make great pretend cookies or pancakes.

Other multicolored loose parts are nesting cookie cutters, heart-shaped storage containers, painted wooden beads, and pompoms.

A clown-themed cookie tin, another prop I had saved for a long time, adds an element of fun to the table décor.

A sprig of orange artificial flowers set in a vase rounds out the cheery supplies on the tablescape.

Bright and cheery loose parts add plenty of color to this super fun circus pretend play tablescape your little learners will absolutely love.

_______

Variations Of This Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

Many of the supplies in this tablescape can be used in a circus food stand, another dramatic play center little learners would absolutely love.

The supplies can be set in appliances and on shelves in a pretend play kitchen center instead of being arranged in a tablescape display.

And … even adding just a few of the circus dramatic play supplies listed would add interest to an activity center and spark new play ideas.

What would you add to this circus pretend play tablescape? Share in a comment below.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Related:

Circus Playdough Tray

Fall Tablescape Pretend Play

Pumpkin Tablescape Pretend Play

_______

[Read more…] about Circus Pretend Play Tablescape

Filed Under: circus, dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: circus, dramatic play, loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, tablescapes

Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

July 18, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.
Metallic silver and gold parts shine in this space restaurant dramatic play center your little learners will love to explore.

_______

A space restaurant dramatic play center is one of the most fun pretend play activities you can offer your little learners. Loose parts shine in this center, offering a plethora of opportunities for creativity and imagining.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Break out all the metallic silver and gold loose parts you have for this shiny, inviting dramatic play center. The following are ideas for supplies to gather:

Gather a variety of metallic silver and gold loose parts to set up a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

  • aluminum foil pie pans, tart pans, and storage containers
  • silver muffin pans
  • metal pitcher, tongs, bowls, and trays
  • disposable clear stemware, forks, and spoons
  • reusable star-shaped ice cubes
  • gold and silver bead necklaces and garland
  • clear discs
  • gold star-shaped stickers
  • round silver and gold gem stickers
  • metallic silver pipe cleaners
  • juice lids
  • styrofoam balls
  • large silver or gold bells
  • foil alphabet letters and spray centerpiece
  • silver tablecloth
  • glue gun, scissors, and painter’s tape

_______

The Space Restaurant Dramatic Play Center

In this out-of-this-world pretend play center, the words “Space Restaurant” are tacked on a wall with painter’s tape, and aluminum foil pans and storage containers are displayed beneath it for decoration and ambiance.

SIlver foil letters and aluminum foil containers and pans taped on a wall add ambiance to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

A space-themed dining table is set up by adding a metallic silver tablecloth and a foil spray centerpiece.

Table settings include aluminum pie pan plates and transparent cutlery. Clear, disposable stemware glasses are decorated with gold star stickers to fancy them up.

Gold star stickers positioned on clear stemware add flare to a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

Dainty teacups are created by gluing metallic silver pipe cleaner handles to aluminum foil tart pans, and then affixing them to metal juice lids.

DIY aluminum foil teacups for a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

Shiny, metal serving trays and star-shaped dessert cups add elegance.

Large silver or gold bells make great pretend muffins and add a musical element.

Large silver ingle bells are repurposed as muffins in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

Clear discs are repurposed as space pancakes.

Clear discs are repurposed as pancakes in a space restaurant dramatic play center.

_______

Pretend play chocolate chip cookies are created by adding round silver and gold gem stickers to juice lids.

Round adhesive gem stickers added to juice lids make great chocolate chip cookies in a space restaurant pretend play center.

_______

Styrofoam balls are muffins or snowball-themed desserts. They can be painted with silver or gold acrylic paint to add glitz.

Gold and silver bead necklaces cut into strips are spaghetti noodles, and larger bead balls cut from bead garland are the meatballs. The play spaghetti can be stored in a big silver bowl and served with metal tongs.

Metallic silver and gold loose parts make great play food for a space restaurtant dramatic play center.

_______

More Space-Themed Play

For additional space-themed ambiance, a colored light can be positioned to illuminate the restaurant table.

A professional stage light adds flare in outer space pretend play tablescape set up.

_______

Early learners may be inspired to add loose parts from other activity centers to the space restaurant. Below, participants included crater-filled yellow “moons” and large diamond crystal gems to the spaghetti play food.

Bead necklace and garland spaghetti with added loose parts make great space restaurant play food.

_______

The supplies in this post can also be included in a space-themed play kitchen setup.

What would you add to this space restaurant dramatic play center? Share your ideas in a comment below.

_______

Related:

Space Father’s Day Craft

Scented Moon Playdough

Salt and Glue Moon Art

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

_______

[Read more…] about Space Restaurant Dramatic Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, preschool, pretend play, sensory, space, themes Tagged With: dramatic play, loose parts, pretend play, sensory play, space, spaceships

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

July 1, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Purple-hued flowers are the stars of the show in this petunia flower sensory tray your little learners will love to explore.
Purple-hued flowers are the stars of the show in this petunia flower sensory tray your little learners will love to explore.

_______

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.

_______

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray Supplies

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

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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.

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

Purple-hued flowers are the stars of the show in this petunia flower sensory tray your little learners will love to explore.

_______

Related:

White Lilacs And Black Playdough

Flower Theme Activities

Floral Decorated Skeleton

_______

[Read more…] about Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Filed Under: gardening, insects, preschool, pretend play, sensory, spring, summer Tagged With: flowers, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

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

_______

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.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

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

_______

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

_______

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!

_______

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.

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

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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.

_______

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

_______

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.

_______

Related:

Strawberry Hot Chocolate Bin

Strawberry Lemonade Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Tea Party Sensory Play

Filed Under: dramatic play, Mother's Day, party, preschool, pretend play, sensory Tagged With: dramatic play, Mother's Day, pretend play, rice bin, sensory bin, sensory play, sensory tray

Popcorn Spice Mother’s Day Craft

May 13, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

A simple and aromatic Mother's Day craft that is super fun to make. Use spices, seasonings, or herbs for this sensory craft activity,
A simple and aromatic Mother's Day craft that is super fun to make. Use spices, sesonings or herbs for this sensory craft activity,

_______

This simple and aromatic popcorn spice Mother’s Day craft is so fun to make. And it really caters to the sense of smell. Warning: there may be a few sneezes while doing this activity!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Used In The Craft

The following easy-to-find supplies are used in this spicy craft:

  • popcorn seasonings: butter salt, jalapeno cheddar, ketchup, and all dressed
  • small bowls and spoons
  • dessert plates
  • brown cardstock paper
  • cream-colored cardstock paper
  • scissors and pencil
  • glue stick
  • tablecloth

_______

The Popcorn Spice Mother’s Day Craft

To make this craft, first, cover a table with a washable tablecloth.

Next, trace and cut out four “wooden spoons” from brown cardstock paper. Use the printable below for the spoons or design your own.

A spoon template for crafting.

_______

Spoon PrintableDownload

_______

Then spoon popcorn seasonings into small bowls.

Four popcorn seasoning flavors for an aromatic Mother's Day craft project.

_______

Afterward, use a glue stick to spread a thick layer of glue on the head of a spoon.

Next, hold the paper spoon over a dessert-sized plate and sprinkle a generous amount of popcorn seasoning on it.

Then shake off excess seasoning and let the spoon dry.

An oh-so-easy and fun popcorn seasoning Mother's Day craft to do in one sitting. Explore the sense of smell with this aromatic craft activity.

_______

Repeat the process with all the spoons and seasonings.

Then use the glue stick to affix the spoons to a paper background.

A simple and aromatic Mother's Day craft that is super fun to make. Use spices, sesonings or herbs for this sensory craft activity,

_______

Finally, add the words “You Spice Up My Life” and “Happy Mother’s Day.” Feel free to use the template below for this craft.

Mother's Day craft template for an aromatic keepsake project for mom.

_______

Spiced Mother’s Day Craft PrintableDownload

_______

This template is perfect for grandma.

Mother's Day craft template for an aromatic keepsake project for grandma.

_______

Spicy Mother’s Day Craft TemplateDownload

_______

The bright yellow butter salt and ketchup seasonings add pops of color to the craft. Herbs or other spices could be substituted. What seasonings would you use?

A simple and aromatic Mother's Day craft that is super fun to make. Use spices, sesonings or herbs for this sensory craft activity,

_______

Related:

Mother’s Day Floral Craft

Mother’s Day Crafts And Gifts

_______

[Read more…] about Popcorn Spice Mother’s Day Craft

Filed Under: art, crafts, Mother's Day, preschool, sensory Tagged With: Mother's Day craft, paper crafts, printables, sensory play

Bunny Rice Bin

March 26, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Usher in spring in fashion with this bunny rice bin. A long-legged bunny and green and white eggs and loose parts are in the bin.
Usher in spring in fashion with this bunny rice bin. A long-legged bunny and green and white eggs and loose parts are in the bin.

_______

We’re ready for spring, and this bunny rice bin is definitely helping to usher it in. The green and white seasonal color scheme is inspired by beautiful bunny-themed eggs discovered on a shopping run.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

This spring bunny loose parts tray features green and white bunnies, eggs, and loose parts.

_______

For this calming rice bin, gather the following supplies:

  • stuffed Easter bunny
  • decorative Easter eggs
  • Easter basket
  • shredded Easter grass
  • bunny erasers
  • marbles
  • container caps
  • transparent triangles
  • bendable bunny figurine
  • Easter grass
  • glutinous rice
  • bus tub

_______

The Bunny Rice Bin

The bin of choice is a white bus tub. It is large enough to fit a variety of contents and is suitable for 2-3 children to use at once.

The base for this bin is white glutinous rice. It is my absolute favorite base because it showcases the supplies in a bin so well.

The sensory bin theme is inspired by decorative green and white eggs snapped up at a dollar store on a routine shopping run.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

_______

It took a little while to find a matching stuffed bunny, but eventually, I discovered a unique one at another dollar store. The sprawling bunny adds character to the bin.

Green paper Easter grass adds texture to the glutinous rice base.

An Easter basket, bendable bunny, and bunny erasers all in green come from my Easter theme storage tub.

And green transparent triangles, marbles, and container caps picked from my loose parts collection round out the supplies in the bin.

This green and white bunny-themed rice bin gives you all the feels. Loose parts coordinate with the bunnies and eggs in the bin.

_______

Any color scheme will work wonderfully for this bunny rice bin. Selecting two or three feature colors for the bin makes setting it up that much more fun.

________

More Bunny Activities

Easter Bunny Sensory Bins

Silhouette Bunny Art

Spring Bunny Canvas Art

Bunny Rolling Pin Art

Bunny Candy Art

_______

[Read more…] about Bunny Rice Bin

Filed Under: Easter, preschool, sensory, spring Tagged With: bunnies, Easter, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play, spring

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table

March 14, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.
This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

_______

Setting up activities for the light table is one of my favorite things to do, and the light table is a well-loved center in our classroom. A perfect center for March, this St. Patrick’s Day light table setup is full of captivating loose parts for early learners to explore.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

_______

The following transparent loose parts are gathered for this very green light table center:

  • light-up rubber bear
  • bear figurine
  • shamrocks
  • numbers
  • stir sticks
  • tiny cups
  • gem animal figurines
  • reusable shamrock ice cubes
  • shamrock serving tray
  • pebble-shaped gems
  • light-up shamrock necklaces
  • pair of party eyeglasses
  • construction toy
This oh-so-green St. Patrick's Day light table activity filled with transparent loose parts is super fun for early learners to explore.

_______

A vase with artificial flowers, a leprechaun figurine, and a pair of St. Patrick’s Day glasses round out the supplies on the table.

________

The St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Center

This St. Patrick's Day light table is filled with green transparent loose parts and treasures little learners will love to explore.

_______

For this light-illuminated center, I started off by checking my St. Patrick’s Day supplies for green transparent objects. These have been collected over the years from Dollar stores and party supply stores.

Next, I scrounged through my tub of green loose parts for interesting things to add, selecting the light-up bear, transparent pebbles and stir sticks.

Then I looked through my light table supplies and gathered mostly green and a few yellow transparent objects, such as a bear figurine, transparent construction toys, numbers, and tiny animal figurines.

An opportunity to sort shamrocks on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with green transparent loose parts.

_______

An opportunity to sort green loose parts on a St. Patrick's Day light table filled with transparent treasures to explore.

_______

Finally, on a recent trip to a dollar store I purchased two light-up necklaces. I included them after little learners had a week to explore the center, offering my little charges new items that continued their interest in this St. Patrick’s Day activity.

A green shamrock light-up necklace is a highlight in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

_______

A green shamrock light-up necklace and pair of glasses are highlights in a St. Patrick's Day light table center.

_______

View this center as a St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Video.

_______

More Light Table Activities

St. Patrick’s Day Light Table Tray

Canada Day Light Table

_______

[Read more…] about St. Patrick’s Day Light Table

Filed Under: light table, preschool, sensory, St. Patrick's Day Tagged With: light table, loose parts, sensory play, St. Patrick's Day

Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

February 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.
An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

_______

You may have noticed a pair of adorable llama ornaments in a winter sensory bin a few posts back. With their pastel pink blankets, these woolly animals are easily repurposed in a llama-inspired valentine sensory bin.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies Collected

Loose parts for an adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base.

_______

The following supplies are in this oh-so-fun blue, pink, and white valentine sensory bin:

  • two non-breakable llama ornaments
  • storage container in a heart shape
  • peg family
  • pink heart necklace strips
  • blue and pink gemstones
  • heart-themed cookie cutters
  • valentine-themed heart erasers
  • blue foam hearts
  • pastel pink and blue pompoms
  • pink spatula
  • heart-shaped measuring spoon
  • “U-R Great” treat basket

    _______

    The Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

    A cute Valentine's Day rice sensory bin inspired by llamas. There are lots of fun loose parts to explore in the bin.

    _______

    White glutinous rice is the base for this pretty bin. It is a go-to sensory bin base because of its bright white color.

    As in the llama-inspired winter sensory tub, the bin is a white food bus bin, also a common item in my sensory activities.

    The llama ornaments are foam-based, so are suitable for early learners to handle and explore. Thqt being said, all sensory activities for little ones should be closely supervised by a caregiver.

    Heart necklaces cut in strips make attractive loose parts.

    A heart-shaped storage container is a happy Dollar Store find and matches the color theme of the bin.

    The pink heart-shaped measuring spoon offers little learners a chance to scoop and pour.

    A little wooden peg family is accented with blue, pink, and silver acrylic paint.

    The valentine-shaped basket has a positive message.

    Blue and/or pink foam hearts, cookie cutters, and pompoms round out the loose parts in the bin.

    _______

    An adorable llama-inspired valentine sensory bin with a rice base. There are lots of fun heart-themed loose parts to explore in the bin.

    _______

    Llama Facts

    Llamas are popular in art and home décor. Llama-themed arty goods can be scooped up in any season of the year. Here are Ten Fast Llama Facts about these appealing animals.

    _______

    Related:

    Valentine’s Day Water Play

    Valentine’s Day Treasure Blocks

    Heart Doily Gnome Valentines

    Valentine’s Day Sensory Tubes

    Valentine’s Day Process Art

    _______

    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Valentine Sensory Bin

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

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

    _______

    Sensory Bin Supplies

    Winter-themed loose parts for a llama-inspired winter rice sensory bin.

    _______

    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

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    This adorable llama-themed winter sensory bin offers hands-on learning through play opportunities.

    _______

    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.

    _______

    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

    _______

    [Read more…] about Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin

    Filed Under: preschool, pretend play, sensory, winter Tagged With: llamas, loose parts, sensory bin, sensory play

    • Go to page 1
    • Go to page 2
    • Go to page 3
    • Interim pages omitted …
    • Go to page 5
    • 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

    puttingtheprettyin.preschool

    St.Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray #StPatrick’s D St.Patrick’s Day Playdough Tray
#StPatrick’s Day #HappyStPatricksDay #playdoughtray #sensorydough #playdough #handson #tactileplay #preschoolactivity #homeschoolpreschool #Edmontonblogger #Canadianblogger #Canadianteacher #teacherblogger #celebratetoday #green #yellow #homemadeplaydough #playdoughfun #greenandgold #kindergarten #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape #StPa St. Patrick’s Day Pretend Play Tablescape

#StPatricksDay #shamrocks #pretendplay #dramaticplay #playkitchen #preschoolactivities #kindergartenactivities StPatricksDaydecor #earlylearning #playideas #tablescapes #tablescapestyling #StPatrickstheme #StPatricksDayparty #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    Easy Setup Polar Bear Small World Easy Setup Polar Bear Small World
    Beautiful spray paint snowflake silhouettes for an Beautiful spray paint snowflake silhouettes for anyone who is having a snowy last week of February like we are. 😊. #snowflakesilhoettes #snowflakes #snowflakeart #spraypaint #spraypaintart #spraypaintartist #foodcoloring #prek #kindergarten #littleartist #outdooractivities #outdoorart #easyart #colorfulart #colofulartwork
    Penguin-Themed Pretend Play Tablescape Penguin-Themed Pretend Play Tablescape
    A little sunburst heart art activity using skin to A little sunburst heart art activity using skin tone pencil crayons. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #heartart #sunburst #pencilcrayonart #ValentinesDayart #blackhistorymonth #valentines #earlylearning #preschoolart #kindergartenart #artclass #artclassroom #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #pencilcrayons #skintones #skintone #artsupplies
    A dessert restaurant dramatic play center perfect A dessert restaurant dramatic play center perfect for Valentine’s Day.
    Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin Llama-Inspired Winter Sensory Bin
    Chinese Lunar New Year Sensory Tub Chinese Lunar New Year Sensory Tub
    Chinese New Year DIY Decorating Chinese New Year DIY Decorating
    Chinese New Year Sensory Bin Chinese New Year Sensory Bin
    Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest to smal Winter-themed treasure blocks add interest to small world play. ❄️❄️❄️

#treasureblocks #blockplay #wintertheme #penguin #penguins #polarbear #polarbears #northern #northernCanada #Antarctica #looseparts #loosepartsplay #winterplay #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    This craft is popular on my Pinterest account righ This craft is popular on my Pinterest account right now. Link in profile leads to the New Year’s Craft blog post post with ideas for crafts and free printables to download.  #NewYears #NewYearsEve #newyearsactivities #newyearscrafts #2023 #ringinthenewyear #newyearcountdown #handprintcraft #newyear2023 #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #freeprintables #preschoolprintables
    Have a few candy canes around? Try this super easy Have a few candy canes around? Try this super easy candy cane science experiment.  #candycanes #scienceexperiment #candyscience #Christmasactivitiesforkids #kidsscience #kidsscienceexperiments #candycanetree #treeart #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #preschoolscienceexperiment
    These trees make a simple but showy last minute ar These trees make a simple but showy last minute art project.  #Christmastrees #Christmastreedecorating #treepaintings #treeart #treeartwork #easyart #prettytrees #monochromaticart #monochromaticpainting #kindergartenart #preschoolart #littleartist #littleartists #funwithpaint #pastelcolors #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    A spicy gingerbread playdough lets children experi A spicy gingerbread playdough lets children experience all the smells. This  no cook recipe let’s early learners help from start to finish. Recipe is on the blog. Link in profile leads to the post.  #gingerbread #gingerbreadplaydough #homemadeplaydough #loosepartsplay #Christmasplaydough #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #handsonplay #gingerbreadcookies #gingerbreaddecorating
    Five festive Christmas sensory bins perfect for ho Five festive Christmas sensory bins perfect for holiday celebrations! Link in profile leads to the blog posts. 🎄🎁 🎄🎁🎄 #ricebins #Christmassensoryplay #Christmasplay #earlylearning #Christmaspartyideas #December #playislearning #playideas #playideasforkids #holidayvibes #Christmasvibes #Christmastime #prek #kindergarten #kindergartenclassroom #kindergartenactivities #prekclassroom #handsonlearning #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    Nine ideas for CD Case Christmas crafts that doubl Nine ideas for CD Case Christmas crafts that double up as blocks for block play. Link in profile leads to the blog post. 🎄⛄️🦌

#CDcaseart #DIYblocks #Christmascrafts #snowmancrafts #Christmastrees #treeart #Christmasbling #creativecrafts #snowmen #reindeer #Christmascrafting #craftsforkids #puttingtheprettyinpreschool #teacherofig #instateacher #prekteacher #eyfsideas #earlylearning
    Remembrance Day everyday object printed poppy beca Remembrance Day everyday object printed poppy because “We Remember.”

#RemembranceDay #weremember #WeRememberThem #poppyart #printmaking #printmakingart #easyart #funart #meaningfulart #preschoolart #kindergartenart #artforkids #keepingkidsbusy #puttingtheprettyinpreschool
    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
    Load More Follow on Instagram

    Subscribe Via Email

    Recent Posts

    • Starry Sky Sensory Bin September 22, 2023
    • Green Bean Theme Activities September 20, 2023
    • Cauliflower Theme Activities September 17, 2023
    • Zucchini Leaf Paint Prints September 2, 2023
    • Jellyfish Theme Activities August 29, 2023
    • Gorgeous Eye Dropper Art August 27, 2023
    • Paint Chip Watermelon Art August 17, 2023
    • Contact Paper Flower Art August 4, 2023
    • Shiny Paint Cactus Art August 3, 2023
    • Circus Pretend Play Tablescape July 28, 2023

    Categories

    Topics

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

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