Halloween Pumpkin Monster Muffins

I’ve been seeing so much monster rice crispies inspiration that I was dying to make some cute little monster faces. But all I had handy was a box of pumpkin muffin mix so we just decided to improvise!

5 New Fall Autumn Themed Sensory Play Ideas

Tired of the typical fall sensory bins? Need to slice it up with something simple yet fun? Check out these creative ideas for new sensory table fun that’s fit for fall. Pin this post to save all of these ideas for later!

First up we have this awesome fall themed camping setup complete with camping printables from Goodnightfoxstudio.etsy.com, camping adventure toys from @tenderleaftoys, and a pretend play campfire kit from @crateandkids. Sofie loves to snack and play so we paired this setup with some yummy s’mores granola which was a total hit.

Next up we have this awesome pumpkin spice coffee shop setup perfect for all the fall vibes. Plus the smell of the coffee beans really made it a hit for mom too!

This one was a super last minute invitation to play that I set up when Sofie woke up early from her nap. Because obviously #momlife we simply can’t make gorgeous setups everyday. the good news is Sofie loves to read books on my lap and tinker with small objects so this was still a great fall activity. For this setup we used the Little Acorn board book and the Pumpkin Pie board book.

This was another easy one. We took our Tender Leaf Toys Woodland animals and paired them up with our Woodland Animal Learning cards. It was so fun to watch Sofie match the animals and also make up little stories about each one.

And last but not least, this farm animal Lego setup was an absolute blast. This one was definitely messy and we ended up covered in fake mud! I used a mixture of cacao powder, water and cornstarch to make it edible but not tasty. Oatmeal and corn of course for the farm. And then paired it with Duplo Farm Animals and Farm Animal Matching Cards.

World Travel sensory play

Exploring the World Through Sensory Play: How Travel-Themed Activities Can Enhance Learning for Preschoolers

As parents and educators, we know that young children learn best through hands-on, engaging activities. Sensory play, in particular, has been proven to be an effective way for young children to explore and learn about the world around them. By incorporating a travel theme into sensory play, we can not only make learning fun, but also introduce children to different cultures and ways of life.

According to experts, sensory play can have many benefits for young children's development. It can help with language development, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Sensory play also encourages creativity and imagination, as children are able to create their own stories and scenarios using the materials provided.

One way to incorporate a travel theme into sensory play is through the use of flashcards. My World Travel themed flashcards feature images of different landmarks and cultural symbols from around the world. Children can use these flashcards to create their own pretend passports and explore different countries through imaginative play.

Another great way to explore different cultures through play is through a dramatic play kit. My Travel Agency dramatic play kit allows children to set up their own pretend travel agency and plan trips to different destinations around the world. This activity can help children learn about different modes of transportation, currency, and customs.

Incorporating a travel theme into sensory play not only makes learning fun, but it also helps children to develop an understanding and appreciation for different cultures. Research has shown that exposure to other cultures can promote tolerance and empathy in young children.

In conclusion, incorporating a travel theme into sensory play through the use of flashcards and dramatic play kits can enhance learning and development for preschoolers. By purchasing my World Travel themed flashcards and Travel Agency dramatic play kit, you can provide your child with an exciting and educational way to explore the world.

Fall Cafe Dramatic Play

Sofie had a blast with this fall themed Cafe dramatic play kit! We’re getting into the fall season with this pumpkin spice themed cafe and coffee shop. These printables made it super easy to make this adorable little shop. Along with some coffee beans, cash register from @crateandkids and espresso machine from @hapetoys this setup truly was the most adorable to date. Sofie loved practicing serving her customers, scooping coffee beans, and filling up the cups. She even served decaf which is mommas favorite! We practiced taking orders checking off items with the order form and writing her name on the little barista badge. Imaginative okay offers so many opportunities to learn new words and engage in new ways. We practiced phrases like “come again soon” and “thanks for the tip!” And of course counting money and providing change. There are so many fun ways to learn in the pretend environment that prepare her for the same real life environment. I can’t wait to keep making more setups and facilitating her early preschool learning skills.

Back To School Basket

This year it was so much fun to gather goodies for Sofie’s Back to School basket because she was actually going to school! We found so many fun little surprises and learning materials she absolutely loved it.

  • Black Board from @target

  • Wood Pencil, Paint Palette, Backpack from @oak.and.co

  • Pencil Bow

  • Back to School Flag from @goodnightfox

  • Alphabet Clothes Pins from @target

  • Number Clothes Pins from @target

  • Letters & Numbers Erasers from @target

  • Resin Bugs Kit from @_busy littles

  • Sunshine Chalk from @target

  • Blue Light Glasses from @target

  • School Supplies flashcards from @goodnightfox

Mindfulness Sensory Setup With Play Foam

Playing with play foam is a fun and engaging activity for toddlers, but it also has many benefits beyond just entertainment. One of the most important benefits is the relaxation and mindfulness that it can provide for little ones.

As toddlers grow and develop, they can often become overwhelmed by the world around them. Play foam can provide a calming and soothing experience that can help them to relax and focus on the present moment. The tactile sensation of squeezing and shaping the foam can be particularly soothing for children who may be anxious or easily agitated.

Additionally, playing with play foam can help to improve a child's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Squeezing, shaping, and cutting the foam all require the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers, which can help to strengthen and develop these skills.

Another benefit of play foam is that it is a great tool for teaching mindfulness and self-regulation. Mindfulness is the ability to focus on the present moment without judgment, and it is an important skill for children to learn at a young age. When playing with play foam, children can learn to focus on the sensation of squeezing and shaping the foam, which can help them to develop mindfulness skills.

To further enhance the benefits of play foam for your child, consider incorporating mindfulness flashcards for toddlers into your playtime routine. These flashcards feature fun and engaging illustrations and prompts that can help children to focus on the present moment and practice mindfulness. They are an excellent way to encourage children to take a break from screens and engage in more hands-on activities.

In conclusion, play foam is a fun and engaging activity for toddlers that offers many benefits. It can provide a relaxing and calming experience, improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and teach mindfulness and self-regulation. Consider incorporating mindfulness flashcards for toddlers into your playtime routine to further enhance the benefits of play foam for your child.

Lesson Plan: Mindfulness for Preschoolers

Monday: Introduction to Mindfulness

  • Introduce the concept of mindfulness to the class by explaining that it is the ability to focus on the present moment and be aware of our thoughts and feelings.

  • Have the children sit in a circle and guide them through a simple breathing exercise, such as counting to five while inhaling and exhaling.

  • Encourage the children to notice how their body feels after the exercise and discuss any observations they have.

Tuesday: Mindful Listening

  • Have the children sit in a circle and play soft background music.

  • Ask the children to close their eyes and listen to the music, encouraging them to focus on the different instruments and sounds they can hear.

  • After a few minutes, ask the children to share any observations they have made about the music.

Wednesday: Mindful Eating

  • Have the children bring in a piece of fruit or a snack.

  • Encourage the children to take a moment to look at and smell their food before taking a bite.

  • Ask the children to pay attention to the taste, texture, and sensation of eating the food and to take small bites.

  • Discuss any observations the children have made about their food.

Thursday: Mindful Movement

  • Have the children sit in a circle and guide them through a simple yoga flow, such as "tree pose" or "downward-facing dog."

  • Encourage the children to focus on their breath and the sensation of their body moving.

  • After the yoga flow, have the children sit in silence for a few minutes and encourage them to notice how their body feels.

Friday: Mindful Reflection

  • Have the children sit in a circle and ask them to think back on the week and reflect on any mindfulness practices they enjoyed or found challenging.

  • Encourage the children to share their reflections with the class and discuss ways they can incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.

Note: It is important to keep in mind that preschoolers have a short attention span, so keep the activities short and simple. Also, make sure to adapt the activities to the children's level and abilities.

For even more great mindfulness activities ideas, checkout out this post.