sensory play

Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

August 27, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

Watermelon is a sweet, juicy fruit chock-full of vitamins and health benefits. All parts of watermelon contain nutrients. Filled with 92% water, the large, low-calorie melon is an effective thirst quencher on hot days. And it just happens to make a colorful, cheery, theme for a watermelon dramatic play center!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Watermelon-themed picnic tableware and loose parts add a welcome burst of color to a dramatic play center.

_______

Summer is the best time to collect supplies for a watermelon dramatic play center. The watermelon theme is easy to find in picnic and outdoor living tableware and décor.

Loose parts in complementary colors add interest and extend play possibilities.

Here’s what I included in the play center:

watermelon cups, plates, and bowls
red cutlery
green and red serving spoons
red flowers in a vase
pink, red, green, black, and white pompoms, buttons, and gems
pictures of watermelon slices
fans with a watermelon theme
checkered red and white placemat
watermelon-themed tea towel
red and green rubber frogs

_______

The Watermelon Dramatic Play Center

_______

The watermelon-themed supplies are arranged in a tablescape here but can be placed on appliances, furniture, and shelves in your play kitchen. They will instantly transform the area into a vibrant role-playing space, bound to be inviting to your little charges.

Reusable shopping bags have lots of learning potential and can be incorporated into centers. Here, watermelon slices cut from a bag make economical and eye-appealing play food. They add artistic flare.

Watermelon slices cut from a reusable bag make excellent play food for a dramatic play center.

_______

Loose parts can be transferred from jars to tableware, and little learners will think of many ways to incorporate them into their play.

Keeping an eye out for themed accessories when shopping helps you find items that add interest to a pretend play center. Watermelon fans fit the bill!

A themed fan and button loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

_______

These rubber frogs are included because they are red and green! My little learners had fun reimagining them as cupcakes and candy.

Rubber fogs and gem loose parts add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

_______

Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black set in an almond-shaped watermelon bowl add a soft touch.

Pompoms in red, pink, green, white, and black add interest and play possibilities to a watermelon dramatic play center.

_______

Watermelon accessories add a burst of color to the play kitchen, welcome any time of the year. Try this fruity dramatic play theme in late winter or early Spring. When outdoor colors are drab, the bold palette is sure to be a mood booster.

_______

A juicy, watermelon theme pretend play center your little learners will love. Loose parts are a highlight of the center.

______

_______

[Read more…]

Teacup And Peony Sensory Tray

July 7, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This teacup and peony sensory tray is bound to wow the little charges in your care. The chance to cut gigantic flowers and use teacups in waterplay are sure to be tactile activities they want to try.

The flower-themed sensory tray is an afterthought of a project I originally wanted to do. A few years back I shopped for low, wide teacups to set peonies in as a gift for Mother’s Day or year-end. But I couldn’t find teacups in the shape I wanted. I decided to table the idea for the future, determined to pair peonies and teacups in some way.

We have a peony plant in our yard, so that makes an activity with the spotlight-grabbing flowers economical to do. This year peonies were late bloomers due to our extremely looooong winter! Mine didn’t bloom in time for Mother’s Day or our last day of preschool in June, so I decided on plan B: to feature peonies and teacups in a summer sensory tray!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

An easy-to-set-up flower-themed sensory tray that features teacups and show-stopping peony flowers.

_______

Ten Peony Facts

Peonies are large, layered flowers that look like many-petalled roses.
The stunning flowers can measure up to 10 inches wide.
The blooms come in many colors, such as white, pink, red, coral, maroon, or yellow.
Many kinds of peonies are fragrant. Their smell varies from sweet, citrusy, or slightly spicy.
There are early, midseason, and late blooming varieties.
Peony plants are hardy to zone 3 and embrace cold winters.
The striking plants can live up to 100 years.
Ants are attracted to peonies, eating the sugary sucrose the buds secrete before they open.
Peonies make an excellent cut flower.
Popular throughout history, peonies symbolize romance and love. In China and Japan, peonies represent bravery, honor, respect, good fortune, and prosperity.

_______

Sensory Tray Supplies To Collect

An easy-to-set-up flower-themed sensory tray that features show-stopping peony flowers.

_______

For this easy-to-set-up sensory tray, gather the following:

large tray or bin
tea cups and saucers
cut peony flowers and leaf stems
peony bud sprays
bowls
cake stand
small plant pots and watering cans
ant and fly figurines
large tablespoons
scissors

_______

The Teacup And Peony Sensory Tray

In a large sensory bin or active world tray, set up stations with a teacup and saucer, large spoon, and pair of scissors.

Note: My featured tray includes china teacups and saucers. Use unbreakable ones as an alternative if you are more comfortable with that. No matter which kind of cups and saucers you choose, this sensory activity should be supervised closely.

Set plant pots, bowls, and water-filled spray bottles, and watering cans around the teacup stations.

Cut peonies leaving two inches of stem, and set one in each teacup.

Position three large peonies cut right to the flower base on a cake stand in the middle of the play tray for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Three flowers on a cake stand make a stunning centerpiece in a peony and teacup sensory tray play invitation.

_______

Spread peony leaf stems and bud sprays around the bin, and top them with ant and fly figurines.

Invite your little learners to explore the dainty sensory tray.

Set up this peony flower sensory play invitation your little learners will absolutely love in just minutes!

_______

Note: Before going ahead with the activity, I researched whether peonies are safe to use with children. Some websites say they are toxic if consumed in large quantities but not harmful to the skin if touched.

Since my students do not have a habit of putting things in their mouths, I decided these flowers were a go for a sensory tray. Aside from the tactile experience, I felt it would be a good opportunity to discuss plant-tasting and possible toxins/poisons.

If the children in your care like to explore by putting things in their mouths, choose an edible flower for this activity

Tip: To stave off ants, it’s best to snip buds before the flowers bloom, and use them once they open. But since we only have one peony plant in our yard, I decided to wait until bloom time so my family could enjoy the flowers first!

_______

Benefits Of The Teacup And Peony Play Tray

Developing eye-hand coordination, practicing using scissors, exploring fluffy peony flowers, and getting the opportunity to use teacups are just some of the benefits of this gorgeous sensory invitation.

Early learners get plenty of practice with scissor skills and eye-hand coordination in this peony flower sensory play invitation.

_______

Blogposts About Peony Flowers

Interested in learning more about peony plants? Here are two great blog posts about them:

“The Magic Of Peonies” by salisburygreenhouse.com.
“How To Grow Peonies” by thespruce.com.

_______

This beautiful peony and teacup sensory tray allows for practice with scissors skills and eye-hand coordination. Peony facts are included.

_______

[Read more…]

Canada Day Sensory Play

June 30, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

This Canada Day sensory play activity is a must to include in a celebration of this annual holiday. It offers early learners the chance to explore Canadian flag-themed loose parts in an unexpected way on a light table or light box. Party supplies are a natural fit, and add pizzaz to the sensory invitation.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Set out Canada Day-themed loose parts on a light table or light box for magical sensory play.

_______

Gathered for this red and white Canada Day sensory play activity are:

clear compartment tray
clear plastic egg carton
maple leaf frame
small Canadian flag
reusable maple leaf ice cubes
transparent maple leaves
red and clear gems
large red diamond-shaped gems
light-up necklace and glasses

_______

The Canada Day Sensory Play Invitation

This patriotic sensory play activity shines on a light table or light box. You can also use an economical DIY lightbox as a base. It will work just fine!

A clear compartment tray showcases red and white loose parts collected for exploration.

A maple leaf cut out taken from a hanging decoration makes a nice frame to decorate with loose parts. A rectangular frame can be used too.

A clear egg carton invites sorting activities.

Transparent maple leaves and reusable ice cubes, red diamond-shaped gems, and red and clear gems provide gleaming loose parts for little learners to explore.

Transparent maple leaves and gems are gleaming loose parts in this Canada Day sensory invitation for the light table.

_______

A small Canadian flag is another great accessory to arrange loose parts on.

Not all the items offered need to be transparent or light-themed. Rubber ducks and story stones add variety and interest.

This Canada Day sensory play invitation for a light table or light box is party-ready. Transparent maple leaves and light-up accessories are the highlights!

_______

A light-up necklace and pair of glasses add a party vibe to the sensory activity and offer additional ways to investigate light.

Maple leaf and Canadian flag finger projectors would be a fun accessory to include!

_______

This Canada Day sensory play activity is designed for a light table or light box. But early learners would love to explore the loose parts anywhere in your home or classroom.

_______

Related:

Canada Day Sensory Bin

Maple Leaf Activities

Butterfly Canada Day Craft

_______

[Read more…]

White Lilacs And Black Playdough

June 11, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Try this unexpected white lilac and black playdough combination. It goes well with cookie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

_______

When I first decided to make black playdough, it was for a space theme. And lilacs were going to be used in a sensory play tub. Some white lilacs did end up in a sensory tub along with a generous supply of purple ones, and I used black playdough for the space theme as planned. But I also discovered that white lilacs and black playdough make an interesting and unexpected combination.

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

For the black playdough in this post, I use a recipe featured in a blog post by Left Brain Craft Brain. It is easy to make, and produces super black playdough!

_______

White Lilacs And Black Playdough Tray

Set up this unexpected white lilac and black playdough tray. Striking creations will surely be the result.

_______

The supplies gathered for this effortless playdough tray are:

white lilac sprigs
clear gems
transparent hair ties
reusable transparent star ice cubes
white pony beads
wired white leaves
flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutters
scissors
rolling pin

Set out on a serving tray with compartments, the supplies make for an aromatic play invitation.

The lilac sprigs can be snipped and kneaded into the playdough.

Loose parts and tiny lilac petals are available to embellish playdough shapes.

The flower, insect, and butterfly cookie cutters are unexpected and result in striking creations.

White lilac and black playdough creations using flower, butterfly, and bug coolie cutters and white and transparent loose parts.

_______

Black playdough and white lilacs make the perfect combination for a dynamic playdough invitation.

_______

Alternatively. the lilac and black playdough work wonderfully for a space theme. Star-shaped gems and reusable ice cubes, grey painted rocks, white pony beads, clear acrylic gems, and an astronaut and spaceship are included in the play invitation below.

_______

Black And White Playdough Tray

_______

If you decide to forgo using lilacs, black playdough works well on its own with white and transparent loose parts and cookie cutters. Gathered for the tray above are:

striped black and white straws
white buttons
black and white game pieces
bottle caps
baby bottle lids
white beads
pizza lid box stands
flower, butterfly, and bug cookie cutters

An striking black and white playdough theme with flower, bug, and butterfly cookie cutter shapes.

_______

Spider, bat, and skeleton loose parts are also a good fit for this playdough.

_______

A sure-to-please outer space playdough setup.

_______

More Activities With Flowers

Balloon Painting Flower Art

Tea Set Water Play

Dish Wand Print Flowers

_______

Contact Paper Flower Art

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Eye Dropper Flower Art

Create a beautiful flower with a super fun eye dropper painting technique. A paper craft that looks stunning displayed.

_______

[Read more…]

Lilac Flower Sensory Trays

June 9, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

_______

It is safe to say that our city is a late bloomer when it comes to plants popping up in spring. So when large, showy lilac blooms finally appear, I am more than ready to enjoy them. With these lilac flower sensory trays, their magnificent beauty and fragrant aroma are celebrated.

Before using natural materials with early learners, the first thing I do is check if the items I would like to introduce are poisonous or toxic. I was super excited to find that no lilac parts contain chemicals or toxins that are harmful to people or animals. This makes them safe for sensory tray play.

And when washed, lilac flowers are edible, with flavors that vary from grass-like, lilac, or no flavor at all.

_______

Lilac Flower Tuff Tray

As is often featured on this blog, this lilac flower sensory tray is easy-peasy to set up. You can use supplies commonly at your fingertips. Gather the following for the tray:

metal bowls
tablespoons
children’s scissors
containers with water
lilac foliage and sprigs in purple, lavender, and white
a bouquet of lilacs

Lilac flowers are the stars of this aromatic sensory play invitation.

_______

Set up stations in a tuff tray or sensory tub. For each station, include a metal bowl, lilac sprigs, a container with water, a pair of children’s scissors, and a large spoon. Place a bouquet of lilacs in the center for added visual appeal.

_______

Lilac flowers are the stars of this aromatic tuff tray play invitation.

_______

Invite little learners to explore. They will be thoroughly engrossed in cutting lilacs, pouring water, and making delicious “lilac soup.”

Oh-so-fun lilac flower sensory play in a tuff tray.

_______

Note: Lilacs come in a range of purple, pink, and white colors. The Spruce website features an array of gorgeous colors in a blog post titled “14 Beautiful Types Of Lilac.”

_______

Pop-Up Lilac Flower Mud Kitchen

How to set up a pop-up mud kitchen in minutes. A nature-based sensory activity your little learners will love.

_______

Another easy way to celebrate lilacs is to offer them in a pop-up mud kitchen:

Set a crate and small wire shelves in a sensory table or tray.

With a black felt pen, draw four stove burners on a section of cardboard.

Set the cardboard “stove top” on the crate.

Add metal pots, bowls, muffin tins, and spoons to the table/tray. Include a selection of smooth stones and tiny wood slices.

This DIY mud kitchen is a must-try. Aromatic lilac flowers accentuate the nature-based play invitation.

_____

Your little charges will love investigating this sensory invitation too!

Note: Both lilac flower sensory trays can be offered indoors or outdoors. And a current in-season flower can be used instead of lilacs.

Set up this "do it yourself" mud kitchen in minutes! Use it indoors or outdoors.

_______

Related: Flower Theme Activities

_______

[Read more…]