Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

snakes

Reptile Pet Store Center

by Leave a Comment

_______

A reptile pet store is an engaging dramatic play center young children heartedly embrace. It gently introduces children to scaly, cold-blooded wild animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles. The animal-themed center offers many educational benefits.

_______

Reptile Pet Store Center Supplies

_______

The following supplies are included in this simple reptile dramatic play center:

  • snake figurines
  • turtle figurines
  • lizard figurines
  • crocodile figurines
  • animal carrying cases
  • storage trays
  • cash register
  • gold coin play money
  • grocery stand play set
  • storage shelf

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Reptile Pet Store Center

This super fun reptile pet store dramatic play center is quick and easy to set up.

A grocery stand play set is the feature piece of furniture. It holds the cash register, a tray of gold coins, and bins with snakes and lizards.

_______

A see-through shelf holds storage trays with snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles.

Animal carrying cases and a tray with frogs and insects (reptile pet food) are also on the shelf.

Signs on the wall show animals featured in the pet store and a price list.

_______

Benefits of the Reptile Pet Store Play Center

This reptile pet store center gives young children opportunities to:

  • sort reptiles by type, size, or color
  • count animals and play coins
  • name colors of the reptiles
  • learn about foods snakes, turtles, and lizards eat
  • take turns being a shop worker and a customer

Books with information about reptile characteristics, habitats, and life cycles would complement this exotic pet-filled dramatic play center nicely.

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Pet Store Center

Paper Chain Snake Craft

by Leave a Comment

_______

This paper chain snake craft is a perfect hands-on creative activity. It helps young children develop fine motor skills, recognize colors, practice measurement, and make patterns. The activity suits a reptile, jungle, or Chinese New Year “Year of the Snake” theme.

_______

Supplies To Collect

Gather the following basic supplies you probably already have on hand to make this slithery chain-link friend:

  • light cardstock paper
  • ruler and pencil
  • wiggly eyes
  • scissors
  • tape
  • glue stick
  • glue gun

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Steps to Make a Paper Chain Snake Craft

_______

To start making a paper chain snake select a sturdy paper in two or more colors. Construction paper or light cardstock is a good choice because it isn’t too heavy to curve into a loop and holds up well for display.

_______

Next, cut the paper into strips. To make the strips the same-sized width and length, use a pencil and ruler to draw light lines on the paper first. My strips are about 1 ¼ inch wide and 8 ½ inches long. You can make yours shorter and thinner or longer and wider depending on how big you would like the snake to be.

Afterward, form a loop with one paper strip and tape or glue the ends together.

Then add the next link by threading a paper strip through the first loop. Form it into a loop and tape or glue the ends together.

Keep adding paper strips in the same way to make the chain the desired snake body length.

Then draw and cut out a snake head and tail from cardstock. Fold both pieces in half leaving a little section in the middle.

_______

Afterward, draw a forked tongue on a contrasting color of cardstock and glue it to the bottom of the snake head.

Then glue two wiggly eyes to the head.

Finally, use a glue gun to affix the head to one end of the paper chain snake body and tail to the other.

_______

Inspired By Chinese Culture

The paper chain snakes in this blog post are inspired by colors spotted in Chinese festivals and artwork. Turquoise, orange, and yellow are hues seen in lion dance performances.

Blue and white color schemes are popular in Chinese ceramics, with flower motifs being common. So as a finishing touch, this next snake is embellished with paper-punched flowers.

________

Red and white decorations are feature colors in Chinese New Year celebrations. Red symbolizes celebration and white provides a nice contrast. White paper flowers enhance the snake below too.

_______

This Chinese New Year signifies “The Year of the Snake“, and the snake craft fits in well with the theme.

_______

Benefits of The Paper Chain Snake Craft

This slithery snake craft has many benefits for young children. It helps them

  • develop fine motor control and finger muscle strength as they tape or glue paper strips into loops.
  • recognize colors and make patterns.
  • observe and/or help use a glue gun.

The snakes can be measured with a string or a long ruler. They make great pretend pets for little learners.

_______

_______

More Activities With Snakes

Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Black Playdough Snakes

Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

String Painting Snake Art

_______

_______

You may also like:

Unicorn Playdough Tray

Set up this magical unicorn playdough tray early learners will love. The best homemade playdough recipes are featured.

_______

Teacup and Peony Sensory Tray

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

_______

Don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest or your favorite social media channel. Sharing is caring!

_______

© Annette Kaminsky January 29, 2025

_______

Easy DIY Black Playdough

by Leave a Comment

_______

This easy DIY black playdough is sleek, shiny, and oh-so-easy to make. The no-cook recipe pairs perfectly with a snake theme as it is super stretchy. Using it this month also works well with Lunar New Year “Year of the Snake“ activities.

_______

Easy DIY Black Playdough Ingredients

Gather the following supplies for this black playdough recipe:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp black gel icing color
  • ½ tsp glycerin
  • large bowl
  • measuring cup
  • mixing spoon

_______

Making the No-Cook Black Playdough

This black playdough recipe can be made quickly. Here are the instructions:

  • Add two cups of flour to a serving bowl.
  • Pour in 1 cup of salt.
  • Add 1 cup of water.
  • Measure in 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • Drop in 1 tsp black gel icing color.
  • Add ½ tsp glycerin.
  • Stir all the ingredients together with a mixing spoon until it becomes thick. Then take the playdough out of the bowl and knead it thoroughly.

_______

_______

The nice thing about this playdough is that you can play around with the ingredients and it will turn out just fine. If the dough is a little dry, add in a tiny bit more water, glycerin, or oil. If it is a little moist, add a small amount of flour. Kneading the ingredients thoroughly makes it moldable.

If the playdough looks more grey than black measure in more black gel icing color. Note: The playdough will get a little darker over time so it doesn’t need to look all-black immediately.

For additional shine, add a teaspoon more glycerin.

_______

Little hands will look greenish after making and using the playdough because of the intense black gel color. The gel color is edible, and hands should be their normal hue again after a few washes.

This easy DIY black playdough recipe is super shiny and has a lot of stretch. It becomes a little like slime when reused…how fun!

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Year of the Snake Playdough Invitation

_______

The homemade black playdough recipe makes a great 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) or a reptile-themed activity. Add white beads, small wiggly eyes, and cardstock paper forked tongues. Then invite participants to create beautiful black and white snakes.

_______

Reusing the Black Playdough

This show-stopping black playdough can be used a few times. When finished playing with it, store it in saran wrap and put it in a sealed container. Place the dough in the fridge if you wish. Keep a little oil and flour on hand to mix in when you pull the shiny black playdough out a second and third time. The dough may be a little moist but will soon be pliable when the two ingredients are kneaded in.

_______

No Cook Versus Cooked Playdough Recipes

Cooked playdough is long-lasting if stored properly. It is delightful to use, and I love its properties.

When making cooked playdough, take note of the following:

  • You need a stove to heat up the recipe, or a kettle to heat water.
  • Most cooked recipes use cream of tartar, a rather expensive ingredient.
  • The recipe must be made carefully according to the instructions, or it will be too sticky or dry.
  • It is hard to fix the dough when it is too sticky…I haven’t had much luck with that!

But I love cooked playdough and have made it many times. It is a great choice if you are making a batch ahead of time.

_______

In the last while I’ve tried more no-cook playdough recipes, selecting ones that do not use boiling water. This is because:

  • It is easy to include children in making the playdough as there is no need to worry about burns from a hot mixture or stove. And children love helping!
  • If the ingredients in a recipe are tweaked the playdough will still usually turn out fine. Thorough kneading is key for this.
  • The recipes do not usually need cream of tartar, which is an additional cost and may not be an ingredient you have on hand.

_______

[Read more…] about Easy DIY Black Playdough

Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

by Leave a Comment

_______

Every January since I started this blog, making a sensory bin with the zodiac animal of the year’s Chinese New Year celebration has been a tradition. The 2025 zodiac animal is a snake, and it was super fun including snakes in a Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration starts on January 29, and the date marks the beginning of a Year of the Snake. The slithering reptile is the sixth of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, coming after the dragon and before the horse. People born in a Year of the Snake are thought to be intelligent, passionate, intuitive, diligent, creative, competent, and wise.

_______

Chinese New Year 2025 Sensory Bin Supplies

Early learners absolutely love sensory activities and get a sampling of the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration by exploring this red and gold chickpea bin with a few color-coordinating snakes set in.

The following supplies are in the festive bin:

  • dried chickpeas
  • gold play coins
  • ingot bowl
  • gold garland bits
  • red dessert cups and spoons
  • gold bells
  • gold buttons
  • snake figurines

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning activities.

_______

The Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Dried chickpeas dyed in various amounts of red acrylic paint are the base for this simple Lunar New Year bin. For easy instructions detailing how to dye chickpeas, view my blogpost “Chinese New Year Sensory Play. “

A food service bus tub holds the chickpeas and other supplies nicely and allows two or three children to investigate the bin together.

A pair of nesting ingot bowls with oval lids was a new find, and I chose the smaller one for the bin. Its unique boat shape and shiny gold finish add interest.

Fun facts: In ancient Chinese culture, ingot bowls were made of gold or silver, and were used as currency. Today they symbolize wealth and hope for prosperity. The glamourous bowls are displayed in festival décor and are sometimes filled with candy, chocolate, or fruit.

_______

Gold play coins, buttons, bells, and garland bits are loose parts that complement the New Year’s theme.

Red snack cups and spoons give opportunities to scoop and pour, always a favorite activity of young children.

Various-sized red and yellow snake figurines are highlights of the Chinese New Year chickpea-based bin. Children love to use them in hands-on investigative activities.

_______

More Chinese Zodiac Sensory Bins

Year Of The Rat Sensory Bin

Year Of The Ox Sensory Bin

Year Of The Tiger Sensory Bin

Year Of The Rabbit Sensory Bin

Year Of The Dragon Sensory Bins

Year Of The Pig Sensory Bin

_______

[Read more…] about Chinese New Year Chickpea-based Bin

Reptile Theme Playdough Tray

by Leave a Comment

_______

Living in central Alberta, Canada, reptiles such as snakes and lizards are uncommon for us to see. Unless we visit the local zoo or have access to an animal presentation, we will likely never see one. So it is natural for little learners to be afraid of these creatures. Hands-on activities with reptile figurines help alleviate young children’s fears about snakes and lizards. In addition to offering these exotic animals in a sensory tray, they are interesting accessories to include in a reptile theme playdough tray.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Reptile Theme Playdough Tray Supplies

The following supplies are included in this colorful, unique playdough invitation:

  • snake and lizard figurines
  • frog and insect figurines
  • snake, lizard, and frog playdough molds
  • rocks and stones
  • wood slices
  • refillable eggs
  • divided compartment serving tray

_______

The Reptile Theme Playdough Tray

To keep supplies neat, organized, and attractive, one of my go-to methods is to add them to a divided compartment serving tray.

_______

Although I include many homemade playdough recipes on this blog, I feature store-bought playdough in this modeling dough play invitation. Someone had donated a bunch of different colors to me, and since lizards and snakes come in all kinds of patterns and hues, this activity seemed like the perfect way to start using them.

Miniature snake and lizard figurines and playdough molds allow little learners to create creatures of their own from playdough, and make animal prints. Manipulating the little figurines exposes them to animals they may have a natural fear of.

_______

Thin wood slices and small rocks and stones in the tray are natural materials found in the habitats snakes and lizards live in.

Frog, insect, and spider figurines represent prey snakes and lizards eat.

Finally, the small refillable eggs are reminders that lizards and most snakes hatch from eggs.

_______

This reptile theme playdough tray is a perfect beginning activity for learning about snakes and lizards and is superb for working on color recognition, counting, eye-hand coordination, and hand and finger strength.

Adding pictures of real snakes and lizards for little learners to view would provide opportunities to discuss and make patterns and allow for more discussions about the colors these reptiles display.

_______

More Reptile Activities

Reptile Active World Tray

Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

Sea Turtle Theme Activities

Turtle Pond Sensory Bin

Turtle Christmas Craft

_______

More Themed Playdough Trays

White Lilacs and Black Playdough

Watermelon Playdough Tray

Circus Playdough Tray

A bright and cheery circus playdough tray bound to spark your little learner's imagination. Playdough recipe included.

_______

Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

Gingerbread Playdough Tray

Candy Cane Playdough Tray

_______

Santa Claus Playdough Tray

Unicorn Playdough Tray

Scented Moon Playdough Tray

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Theme Playdough Tray

String Painting Snake Art

by Leave a Comment

_______

This string painting snake art is perfect for a reptile theme. In addition to enhancing the topic of snakes, it offers children a novel way to paint.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

Gather the following supplies for this simple string painting activity:

  • sturdy paper
  • tempera paint
  • small disposable plates
  • yarn
  • scissors
  • clothespins
  • spoons
  • waterproof table cover

_______

Preparing The String Painting Snake Art Activity

To set up this novel string art activity, cover a table with a waterproof table cover.

Then spoon tempera paint into small disposable plates.

Next, cut the yarn into lengths about 6 to 8 inches long.

Afterward, attach a clothespin to the end of each strip of yarn.

Set the paint dishes, prepared string, and sturdy pieces of paper onto the art table and the activity is ready to go.

_______

The String Painting Snake Art Project

_______

To create snake-like painted shapes, lay a string on a paint-filled plate, draping the clothespin attached end over the edge.

Use a spoon to press down on the string to ensure it is covered in paint.

Next, carefully lift off the string and lay it on the paper in a snake-like, serpentine pattern.

Then gently put the string back in the same color of paint.

Repeat the process with more paint colors to create snakes in additional hues.

_______

Variations of the String Art Project

After participants have completed a snake art project, invite them to explore more string painting techniques:

  • Dragging the string across the paper covers it more quickly, and allows for paint mixing.
  • Using fingers to manipulate the string instead of clothespins adds a tactile experience.
  • Experimenting with thick and thin string, and longer and shorter pieces creates different effects.
  • Spooning paint on the paper first, and dragging the string through it is another way to paint.

_______

_______

_______

Related:

Northern Lights Squish Painting

Balloon Painting Flower Art

_______

Apple Print Activities

Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

Eye Dropper Pumpkin Art

_______

Painting with Corn

Cauliflower Paint Prints

_______

_______

More Reptile-themed Activities

Reptile Theme Activities

Black Playdough Snakes

Reptile Egg Science

Paper Chain Snake Craft

Reptile Active World Tray

Reptile Pet Store Center

_______

[Read more…] about String Painting Snake Art

Reptile Active World Tray

by Leave a Comment

_______

A reptile active world tray is a great way to introduce animals such as snakes, lizards, and turtles to young children. Having a chance to explore these reptiles in a small world helps alleviate fears surrounding these scaly animals.

_______

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

_______

Supplies To Collect

_______

The following supplies are in the reptile active world tray:

  • snake, lizard, frog, and insect figurines
  • fillable eggs
  • artificial palm branches and grass panels
  • wood logs and slices
  • recycled toilet paper and paper towel rolls
  • rocks

_______

The Reptile Active World Tray

_______

A large active world tray nicely holds a few artificial grass panels and the other sensory supplies. A bus tub or round saucer are good sensory tray bin alternatives.

Various-sized snake and lizard figurines add variety to the tray.

Frog and insect figurines serve as prey for the snakes and lizards to eat.

Toilet paper and paper towel rolls make perfect hollow logs for snakes to hide in.

_______

Fillable eggs are just the right size for tiny lizard hatchlings and snakelets to break out of.

Artificial palm branches provide ground cover.

And wood logs, wood slices, and rocks add natural elements to the reptile active world tray.

_______

Related:

Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

Sea Turtle Theme Activities

Turtle Pond Sensory Bin

Turtle Christmas Craft

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Active World Tray

Reptile Theme Activities

by 7 Comments

Reptile-themed art. science, small world, and pretend play activities for early learners. Topics include snakes, turtles, and lizards.

_______

A Reptile Theme is THE WAY to encourage early learners to get more comfortable with animals such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. Little ones often have a fear of these animals, partly because of how they get depicted on television. Hands-on activities alleviate fear and encourage an interest in learning more about these creatures.

_______

Reptile Pet Store

An effective way to introduce a reptile theme is to set up a pet store pretend play center. Collect the following and display them on shelves and tables gathered for the store:

  • snake. lizard, turtle, frog, and insect figurines
  • baskets and cages
  • cash register and play money

_______

Reptile Store pretend play center. Snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and insects for sale.

_______

At first, your early learners may say they are afraid of animals such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. But after playing in the store and organizing, buying, and selling the animal figurines, they will warm up to them.

_______

Geometric Shape Snake Craft

Geometric shapes snake craft suitable for all ages.

_______

Cut out large, winding snakes from 12-inch x 18-inch pieces of construction paper.

Paper punch circles, squares, triangles, ovals, stars, and hexagons from bright colored cardstock.

Ask your little learners to use glue sticks to attach shapes to the snakes. Offer tiny sticker eyes for a finishing touch.

Purchased sticker foam shapes would also work well for this craft.

Geometric shapes snake craft suitable for all ages.

_______

Mounted together, these snakes make a dynamic display.

_______

Beaded Snakes

Early learners love using craft supplies like pony beads.

Offer pipe cleaners and a variety of pony bead colors.

A colorful selection of pony beads.

_______

Invite your early learners to string bead colors of choice on the pipe cleaners. Wrap the ends around the first beads so the rest will stay in place. Ask your little ones to stop stringing beads about 4 cm from the other end of the pipe cleaners.

Set the snakes aside and add beads to make the snake heads. Glue on tiny craft eyes.

_______

Pony bead snake replica of a sedge viper.

_______

Showing photos of real snakes and discussing their colors and patterns encourages little learners to bead a patterned snake of their own.

Pony bead replicas of a sedge viper, butter corn snake, and Arizona mountain kingsnake.

_______

Painted Turtle And Lizard

Set out this two-ingredient taste-safe paint in red, green, yellow, and blue colors.

You will need: white corn syrup and food coloring.

Pour corn syrup into paint containers. Stir in a little food coloring. Add a paintbrush to each color.

Cut out cardstock lizards and turtles. Feel free to download the turtle printable below.

Allow your little learners to paint them.

Lizard decorated with taste-safe paint. An all-ages craft.

_______

Turtle decorated with taste safe paint. An all-ages art activity.

_______

Turtle template for art and craft activities.

_______

Turtle PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

_______

This craft needs generous time to dry. It also looks stunning displayed.

_______

Reptile Sensory Tub

Reptile small world with snakes and lizards, and animals they feed on.

_______

This sensory tub is sure to delight your little ones. It includes:

  • leaves and a play grass base
  • rocks and wooden pieces
  • snake, lizard, frog, and insect figurines
Reptile small world with snakes and lizards, and animals they feed on.

_______

Wildlife Worker Photo Op

Hang up a treed party backdrop and set up a table with hats, snakes, and lizards nearby. Ask your little learners to pick a few props and stand against the backdrop. Take lots of photos.

Reptile-themed photo-op props.

_______

Wildlife Worker Prop Box

Use the photo op props shown above, and add eggs, gloves, binoculars, and pails. Set all items in a prop box for your early learners to use during play.

Reptile-themed prop box toys for pretend play.

_______

Family Night

An epic way to end the Reptile theme is to plan a potluck supper family night:

  • Display art projects on the walls.
  • Create a spot for a Wildlife Worker Photo Op.
  • Set out Snakes And Ladders-themed paper placemats, dice, and game chips on the dinner tables.
  • Assemble plants and beaded snakes in vases for table decor.
Pony bead replica of a burrowing asp snake used in table decor.

_______

  • Enjoy a potluck meal together.
  • Hire a guest to give a live animal presentation (that includes a snake and lizard) afterward. Having explored the topic of reptiles in a variety of ways, early learners are more receptive to being near live ones.

_______

Locally, Butterfly Wings n’ Wishes gives wonderful animal presentations.

_______

This reptile theme allows children to participate in engaging, non-threatening activities that help them gain knowledge about snakes, lizards, and turtles. As a result, they value these animals more.

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

by Leave a Comment

Reptile egg science activities. Make a rubbery reptile egg and use turtle and snake figurines with egg matching play mats.

_______

Animal eggs come in different colors, shapes, sizes, and shell textures. Bird eggs feel hard. Snakes and many turtles lay soft-shelled eggs with a rubbery feel. Snake eggs are usually oval; turtle eggs are round to slightly oblong.

_______

Make A Reptile Egg

Here’s an easy-to-do Science experiment to transform an unshelled, boiled egg into a rubbery reptile egg!  It’s perfect for the classroom or to do with your children at home. 

A container of cider vinegar and an egg.

_______

Supplies Needed:

  • one unshelled, boiled egg
  • 1 ½ cups / 375 ml cups of cider vinegar
  • clear 2 cup / 500 ml jar
  • tablespoon
  • dessert plate

_______

Boil the egg and let it cool. Ask children to describe the color and feel the hardness of the egg.

Place the unshelled, boiled egg in a jar of cider vinegar.  Discuss the color of the liquid…yellow, red, and orange are words children might use for the hue. I suggest the word amber.

Put the jar in the fridge.

A boiled egg immersed in a jar half-filled with cider vinegar.

_______

After a couple of days, take the jar with the egg out of the fridge and have everyone view it. The cider vinegar will look a little foamy.

Scoop the egg out of the jar, place it on a dessert plate, and invite children to feel it. The egg will be tinged with brown residue. Ask children to describe the texture, which has turned rubbery.

A boiled egg taken out of cider vinegar after two days.

_______

New Discovery

The above egg is the result of the second time I tried this experiment! The first egg I used was not boiled, as I forgot to do it! I left the unshelled egg (in a jar of cider vinegar) in the fridge for two weeks before noticing it!  When I finally took it out, it had a neat visual appeal. The outside of the uncooked egg felt rubbery, just as the boiled one did. When I poked it, soft insides spilled out. It was a happy accident that led to a new discovery!

An unboiled egg after being immersed in cider vinegar for two weeks.
Forgotten Reptile Egg

_______

An unboiled egg placed in cider vinegar for two weeks, then pricked with a fork to show the soft inside.
Forgotten Reptile Egg Insides

_______

Reptile Egg Science Printable

Extend the Science experiment by setting out this printable with reptile egg shapes to decorate and cut, or use as a play mat for matching turtle and snake figurines.

Reptile egg shapes printable to color and cut. Or invite children to place snakes and turtles in the circle, oval and oblong-shaped eggs.

_______

Match snakes and turtles to their corresponding egg shapes.

_______

Reptile Egg Shapes Free PrintableDownload

(This printable was created in PicMonkey and is for personal or one classroom use only.)

_______

Do you have a favorite experiment to do with eggs? I’d love to hear about it!

_______

To view a video showing a snake hatching from an egg on the DK website, click here.

_______

[Read more…] about Reptile Egg Science