sunflowers

Sunflower Seed Sensory Bin Activities

November 21, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Three sunflower seed sensory bins. Dinosaurs, sunflowers, pumpkins, sand toys, and loose parts are highlights of the bins.

A sunflower seed sensory bin is a fantastic way for early learners to explore these edible seeds, and use them in play. The seed base is a natural fit for fall and pumpkin-themed accessories. Here are three sensory bin suggestions brimming with these dramatic seeds.

Sunflower And Sand Toy Bin

Sand toys, sunflowers, and fall-themed gems in a sunflower seed sensory bin.

Add shovels. pails, sieves, watering cans, leaf gems, round fall-themed gems, and craft sunflowers in different sizes and colors to a sunflower seed base. This bin works well as a spring gardening center. Or extend summer into fall by offering the bin to your little learners in September.

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Butterfly Sunflower Papercraft

November 15, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

This butterfly sunflower papercraft is easy to make and is sure to be a parent pleaser. It’s an all-around showy harvest craft. I did it with my preschoolers this fall and sent it home around Canadian Thanksgiving Day. I’ve included a downloadable pattern for the craft in the post.

Supplies To Collect

Paper supplies needed to make a butterfly-themed sunflower craft.

8 ½ x 11-inch cardstock paper in various shades of yellow

9 x 12-inch green and yellow fade-resistant construction paper

12 x 18-inch fade-resistant construction paper in shades of blue

brown construction paper

brown tissue paper

butterfly paper punches

white glue

glue stick

scissors

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Activities With Sunflowers

August 26, 2019 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Art, nature and sensory activities with a variety of sunflowers and their parts.

Sunflowers are a summer showstopper on a patio or balcony, or in a garden. They make stunning cut flowers. When mature, sunflower parts are ideal for Art, nature, and sensory activities with young children.

Growing Sunflowers

Sunflowers are easy to grow. And there are so many varieties to choose from! Featured below are golden yellow midsized ones (Golden Hedge), rust and yellow sunflowers (Evening Sun) and a fluffy double flower “teddybear” kind.

Sunflowers in different colors, shapes and sizes.

Start seeds indoors near a sunlit window, or under a grow light. After the last frost, transplant the tiny plants to pots or add them to a garden plot. In areas with long growing seasons, plant the seeds in gardens or containers outdoors immediately.

Sunflowers need a sunny location to flourish. They require regular watering but can tolerate some drought. Plants in pots may need to be transplanted to larger ones when they grow bigger.

For more information about growing sunflowers, view this post from Gardener’s Path.

Sunflower Activities For Young Children

Invite young children to help plant and grow sunflowers. The frequent changes in growth offer many opportunities for investigation. Include mature sunflower parts in art and sensory activities.

Printmaking With Sunflowers

Set out red, blue, green and yellow tempera paint colors along with brushes, sunflower heads, and leaves. Have children paint the flowers and leaves and press them on a large piece of paper.

Supplies for making paint prints with sunflower parts.

Let the paintings dry.

Paint prints with sunflowers. Tempera paint and primary colors used with leaves and heads of sunflowers. This is an all-ages activity.

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