Arctic Animal Winter Sensory Bin

This year I’m so excited to be teaming up with the fabulous Little October House to bring you this amazing Arctic Polar Animal Winter Themed Sensory bin. Check out all of the amazing possibilities with these polar animal goodies:

• Resin Pieces by Little October House

• Arctic Memory Game by GoodnightFox

• Arctic Acrylic Animals by GoodnightFox

• Printable South Pole

• Inspire My Play Tray

• IKEA Flisat & Skadis

DIY Advent Calendar: 25 Days Of Christmas Gingerbread Row Houses COUNTDOWN Kit

Create a Magical DIY Advent Calendar with Printable Gingerbread Row Houses

Are you ready to add some extra magic and wonder to your Christmas countdown? Look no further! In this blog post, we will show you how to create a delightful and distinctive DIY advent calendar using printable gingerbread row houses. With their charming pink and mint accents, falling snow, and mouth-watering decorations like lollipops, mints, and gumdrops, these gingerbread houses are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.

Printing the Gingerbread Row House Kit

To get started, you will need to print the gingerbread row house kit. We recommend using 80lb cardstock for sturdy and more durable boxes that will withstand the anticipation of little hands. Load your printer with the cardstock, making sure it is aligned properly, and hit print. Once the printing is complete, let the ink dry for a few minutes to prevent any smudging during the assembly process.

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Folding and Assembling the Boxes

Now that you have the printed kit in your hands, it's time to unleash your creative spirit! Start by carefully cutting out each gingerbread house design along the edges. Take your time to ensure clean and precise cuts.
Next, fold along the designated lines to create the base of each box. The fold lines are conveniently indicated on the template, making assembly a breeze. Once the base is formed, secure the edges using a gentle adhesive or strong double-sided tape.
After you've constructed all 24 boxes, you can begin the fun part - decorating each one! Let your imagination run wild as you adorn the houses with falling snow, vibrant lollipops, tempting mints, and delightful gumdrops. Get creative with your designs and make each box uniquely enchanting.

Creating the Hanging Tree

No advent calendar is complete without a beautiful hanging tree to showcase the gingerbread row houses. For this, you will need wooden dowel rods of various lengths, which can be found at your local craft store. Start by arranging the dowel rods in a cluster, ensuring they are of different heights to create an eye-catching display. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, secure the rods together by wrapping yarn or ribbon around the ends several times and tying off at the top. To add a whimsical touch, place a star on top of the hanging tree. Make sure it shines as brightly as the rest of your holiday decor. Additionally, consider adorning the dowel rods with gingerbread garland to match the festive theme.

Hanging the Boxes on the Tree

Now it's time to attach the gingerbread row house boxes to the wooden dowel rods. Using a hole punch, create a hole at the top of each box. Be sure not to punch the holes too close to the edge to prevent any tearing.
Take colorful ribbons and thread them through the holes, tying each one securely around the dowel rods. Make sure that each box is evenly spaced and visually appealing. Adjust the length of the ribbon as necessary to achieve your desired arrangement.

FILL THE BOXES WITH GOODIES

Filling the boxes with special goodies is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the holidays. You can purchase a bundle of magnets, acrylics, stickers, or memory game cards from GoodnightFox and directly fill your boxes with treats. Or you can find great items from handmade shops like felt gingerbread, hair clips, toy cars, crayons and more to stuff each box.

The Magic of a Surprise Box Countdown

And there you have it - your very own DIY advent calendar! The surprise box countdown offers a magical and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. Each day leading up to Christmas, they can open a box and discover a delightful surprise inside. It could be a sweet treat, a small toy, or a handwritten note filled with love and joy.
As the days pass, the anticipation builds, creating a memorable and cherished tradition within your household. With its charming gingerbread row houses, this DIY advent calendar is not only a beautiful decoration, but also a source of excitement and wonder for the entire family.
So, why wait? Start printing, folding, decorating, and assembling to bring the spirit of Christmas into your home with this delightful DIY advent calendar. Watch as the magic unfolds, creating lasting memories for years to come. Have a joyful countdown to Christmas with this enchanting surprise box calendar, and embrace the holiday spirit in true gingerbread style!

For my advent calendar, I used amazing goodies from these small shops!

• 1 - Snap clips by @eviepearlhandmade

• 2 - Signs by @finding_foley

• 3 - Ornaments/tags by @frankieandbettyco

• 4 - Gingerbread felt cookies by @pockets.of.sweetness

• 5 - Resin pieces by @_thesensorybee_

• 6 - Doh cups by @capptivatingplay

• 7 - Stickers by @goodnightfox

• 8 - Santa Crayons by @creativecrayonsworkshop

• 9 - Bows by @elisaslittleblossoms

• 10 - Lollipops by @thelittlepinkpanda

• 11 - Flags by @bloomgrowco

• 12 - Confetti Packet by @theconfettibar

Rainbow Color Sorting Tray

Sofie has been having a blast with her Rainbow Blocks by Lovevery and her sorting tray by Inspire My Play. Plus you can snag both of these on Amazon!

The Nutcracker Land Of Sweets

Lovevery Block Set

I was on the fence for the longest time about getting Sofie this Lovevery Blocks Set . I figured she already had all of the play subscription kits, what would she need these for?! But I’m so glad I pulled the trigger on these. I was able to get them on sale when Amazon was having a sale and they’ve been so awesome. Not only do they come with their own storage box so that we can practice cleaning up and putting them away, but it can be turned into a little car/cart for wheeling then around. It’s been so fun watching Sofie’s imagination come to life when we get these out. She’s built towers and towns, race tracks and bridges. I can’t wait to see what her little mind comes up with next!

Four Seasons Sensory Bottles

Discover the World with Our Travel Agency Dramatic and Sensory Play Kit

Discover the World with Our Travel Agency Dramatic and Sensory Play Kit

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for your little ones that will spark their imagination and ignite their curiosity about the world? Look no further than our Travel Agency Dramatic and Sensory Play Kit! In this blog post, we will introduce you to the exciting printable decor in a delightful teal and lime green theme that includes an awning, travel agency sign, pennant flag, cut out globe, 2 brochures, and a sign-up form. Additionally, we will explore three sensory bin activities that perfectly complement this travel-inspired theme. Let's dive in!

Printable Decor in Teal and Lime Green Theme

Our printable decor is designed to create an immersive and engaging environment for toddlers to explore and play. Featuring vibrant shades of teal and lime green, the decor includes an awning, a travel agency sign, a pennant flag, a cut-out globe, two brochures, and a travel form. The kit also includes a passport, airplane tickets, and 4 identification cards. With these visually stimulating pieces, your little ones will feel like they are embarking on a real travel adventure!

1. FRUIT LOOPS BIN

One of the sensory bin activities included in our kit involves using colorful fruit loops to match the colors to the continents on the globe. This activity not only engages toddlers' senses but also introduces them to the concept of continents and promotes color recognition skills.
For ages 1.5 to 2.5, toddlers can focus on identifying and sorting the fruit loops by color. As they progress to ages 3.5 to 4.5, they can start associating each color with a specific continent, enhancing their geographical knowledge. This adaptable activity caters to different learning needs and allows children to explore at their own pace.

2. Wool Balls for Sorting and Matching

Another exciting sensory bin activity featured in this setup involves wool balls for sorting and matching. Toddlers can enjoy the tactile experience of playing with soft wool balls while developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They can sort the balls by size, color, or texture, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
For younger toddlers aged 1.5 to 2.5, the focus can be on exploring the different textures and practicing basic sorting. As they grow older, ages 3.5 to 4.5, children can be encouraged to match the wool balls to pictures representing famous landmarks or cultural symbols from various countries. This activity promotes cultural awareness, creativity, and cognitive development.

3. Rubber Bands for Creative Play

Our third sensory bin activity incorporates rubber bands for creative play. This open-ended activity allows toddlers to explore their imaginations while enhancing their fine motor skills and hand strength. They can stretch, twist, and manipulate the rubber bands to create shapes or patterns, fostering their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Sofia loved this part of the activity! She dumped the rubber bands on the floor and began putting them around her wrists and ankles.
For younger toddlers aged 1.5 to 2.5, the focus can be on exploring the sensory properties of the rubber bands, such as stretchiness and texture. As they progress to ages 3.5 to 4.5, children can be encouraged to create letters, numbers, or simple shapes with the rubber bands, incorporating early literacy and numeracy skills into their play.

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Benefits of Sensory Play for Kids

Engaging in sensory play offers numerous benefits for children's development. It stimulates their senses, allowing them to explore different materials, textures, colors, and sounds, which in turn enhances their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. Sensory play supports the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing abilities, making it an essential aspect of early childhood education.

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Benefits of Dramatic Play and Learning about the World

Dramatic play provides children with valuable opportunities to develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Through their imaginative scenarios and role-playing, toddlers learn how to communicate, negotiate, and cooperate with others. When combined with learning about the world through travel, food, culture, and geography, dramatic play becomes a rich and immersive experience that broadens children's horizons and fosters a sense of curiosity and respect for different cultures.
In conclusion, our Travel Agency Dramatic and Sensory Play Kit is a perfect way to introduce your little ones to the wonders of the world while promoting sensory exploration and imaginative play. With our printable decor in a captivating teal and lime green theme and three exciting sensory bin activities, your toddlers will embark on an educational journey that will stimulate their senses, inspire their creativity, and ignite their passion for learning. So, let's join hands and set off on a thrilling adventure together!

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Vocabulary Words for Kids Ages 2-4:

1. Travel: The act of going from one place to another.
2. World: The Earth and all its people, places, and things.
3. Explore: To look around and discover new things.
4. Adventure: A thrilling and exciting experience.
5. Discover: To find or learn about something new.
6. Map: A flat drawing that shows where places are located.
7. Compass: A tool that tells you which way is north, south, east, and west.
8. Airplane: A flying vehicle that takes people on long journeys.
9. Train: A long vehicle that runs on tracks and takes people to different places.
10. Boat: A water vehicle that can sail on rivers, lakes, or oceans.
11. Suitcase: A bag used for carrying clothes and personal belongings while traveling.
12. Passport: An important travel document that identifies a person and allows them to enter different countries.
13. Ticket: A piece of paper that shows you paid for a journey or event.
14. Airport: A place where airplanes take off and land.
15. Hotel: A place where people stay overnight while traveling.
16. Guidebook: A book that gives information about a specific place.
17. Postcard: A card with a picture on one side and space for writing on the other, sent to family and friends while traveling.
18. Suitcase: A bag used for carrying clothes and personal belongings while traveling.
19. Tourist: Someone who visits a place for enjoyment and exploration.
20. Currency: The type of money used in different countries.
21. Passenger: A person who is traveling in a vehicle like a bus, train, or airplane.
22. Destination: The place where someone is going or planning to visit.
23. Travel Agent: Someone who helps people plan their trips and book travel arrangements.
24. Luggage: The bags and suitcases that you take with you when you travel.
25. Adventure: A thrilling and exciting experience.
Enjoy your journey of learning about the world and travel agencies!

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Learning Emotions Building Faces with Play Doh

Today we made the cutest little colorful faces with this awesome oat meal based playdoh from @oatwhatfun.

As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to grow up to be well-adjusted, empathetic individuals who are able to navigate the complexities of the world around them. One of the most important foundations for this development is a strong understanding of emotions.

From a very young age, toddlers and preschoolers begin to experience and express a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to frustration and sadness. However, at this age, children often lack the language and understanding to fully communicate and process their feelings.

That's where our emotions flashcards and memory game cards come in! These tools are specifically designed to help young children learn about and practice identifying and expressing different emotions.

Through using our flashcards, toddlers and preschoolers can learn to identify and name different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. This helps to build a foundation for more complex emotional understanding and regulation later on. The memory game cards are also a fun and interactive way to reinforce this learning and make it more engaging.

Beyond just learning the vocabulary of emotions, our cards also help children to understand the causes and triggers of different emotions, and how to express them in appropriate ways. This is an essential skill for developing healthy relationships and effective communication.

Our emotions flashcards and memory game cards are also convenient and easy to use. Parents and caregivers can use them at home during playtime, during car rides, or whenever they have a spare moment. They are also durable and can withstand being handled by little hands.

In conclusion, understanding emotions is crucial for children's social and emotional development, and our emotions flashcards and memory game cards are an excellent tool for helping young children learn about and practice identifying and expressing different emotions. They are convenient, durable, and fun for both children and adults. Don't hesitate to buy our emotions flashcards and memory game cards today!

LESSON PLAN: UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONS (FOR PRESCHOOLERS)

Week 1: Introduction to Emotions

Monday:

• Introduction to the concept of emotions and why it's important for children to learn about them.

• Discussion of different emotions and their associated feelings, such as happy, sad, angry, and scared.

• Introduce flashcards with pictures of children expressing different emotions and have the children identify the emotions they see.

• Encourage the children to share times when they have felt the different emotions discussed.

Tuesday:

• Review of emotions discussed yesterday and introduction of new emotions, such as excited and surprised.

• Group activity: Have the children act out different emotions and have the class guess which emotion they are expressing.

• Small group discussion: Have the children talk about a time when they felt a specific emotion and how they dealt with it.

Wednesday:

• Introduction of the concept of triggers for emotions, such as a toy being taken away causing sadness.

• Discussion of appropriate ways to express emotions and the importance of communication.

• Role-playing activity: Have the children act out different scenarios and discuss appropriate ways to express emotions in those situations.

Thursday:

• Review of emotions and triggers discussed throughout the week.

• Introduction of the memory game cards, where children match emotion cards with the corresponding triggers.

• Play the memory game as a class and discuss the different triggers for emotions.

Friday:

• Review of the week's lesson on emotions.

• Encourage the children to share what they have learned about emotions and ask if they have any further questions.

• End the week with a class discussion on how understanding emotions can help us have better relationships and communication with others.

Note: Each day's activities should be adjusted based on the children's age and development level. Also, activities should be adapted to include different modalities such as visual, kinesthetic, auditory, and tactile to make it more engaging for kids.

5 Senses Learning Experience

Looking for a fun Saturday activity!? Check out this 5 Senses Learning Experience. We used a variety of different food to practice all five senses.

• Banana - Sweet

• Lemon - Sour

• Avocado - Soft

• Dog treats - Stinky

• Cherry Tomatoes - Dark

• Cookie letters - Good

• Squash - Hard

Rainbow Ice Cream Doh

This taste-safe playdoh was so easy to make and it was so soft and fluffy! And better yet, you don’t even need to measure anything. Just mix frosting, confectioner sugar, and cornstarch. Continue adding sugar and corn starch until the frosting is no longer sticky. Add food coloring to create these awesome pastel colors. I recommend this pastel food coloring if you want soft colors like these!