Thanksgiving Themed Sensory Play Setup for Preschoolers Using the IKEA Flisat Table

Introduction

Preschoolers love engaging in sensory play activities that stimulate their imagination and creativity. The IKEA Flisat table is a versatile option for creating themed setups that provide a sensory-rich experience for little ones. In this blog post, we will explore a Thanksgiving-themed sensory play setup using the Flisat table. From printable play kit decor to three different sensory bin fillers, get ready to inspire your preschooler's senses this Thanksgiving!

Printable Play Kit Decor

To enhance the Thanksgiving sensory play setup, consider incorporating a range of printable play kit decor items. These include:
1. Pennant Flag: Hang colorful pennant flags above the table to set the festive atmosphere.
2. Pie Cut Outs: Print out various pie cutouts in different flavors and shapes, allowing your preschoolers to engage in a pretend pie-making experience.
3. Thanksgiving Dinner: Create play mats that depict a Thanksgiving dinner table, complete with plates, utensils, and delicious food items. Preschoolers can arrange the play food on the mats to build their own Thanksgiving feast.
4. Turkey: Utilize a turkey printout as part of a build-a-turkey sensory bin, allowing kids to decorate the turkey's feathers with small squares of fall-colored tissue paper.
5. Pie Making Kit: Include printable pie-making kits, complete with pie crusts and filling options, offering a unique sensory play experience.
6. "What I'm Thankful For" Activity: Promote gratitude by designing printable sheets where preschoolers can draw or write about what they are thankful for. Display these sheets as part of the sensory setup.
7. Matching Awning: Create a matching awning that adds a touch of flair to the Flisat table, elevating the visual appeal of the sensory play setup.

Three Different Sensory Bin Fillers

Now, let's dive into the three exciting sensory bin fillers that perfectly complement our Thanksgiving-themed setup:

1. Thanksgiving Dinner Bin:

Fill one section of the Flisat table with a mixture of white beans, green chickpeas, and playdoh to simulate the texture of mashed potatoes. For an added element of fun, create lotion corn starch playdoh that resembles creamy mashed potatoes. Use the Thanksgiving dinner play mat as a base and add “foods” to the plate. Allowing preschoolers to construct a plateful of mashed potatoes alongside other play food items.

• Stuffing/dressing: White cannelini beans

• Cranberry sauce: Kidney beans

• Peas: Green chickpeas or dried green peas

• Mashed potatoes: White playdoh

• Pumpkin pie: Orange chickpeas, or orange lentils

Cloud Playdoh Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cornstarch

• 1/2 cup of white lotion (unscented)

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cornstarch.
2. Gradually pour in the white lotion into the bowl with the cornstarch.
3. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture will resemble a crumbly texture.
4. Once the mixture starts to come together, knead it with your hands until you achieve a smooth and pliable dough consistency. The dough should be soft to the touch and moldable without being sticky.
5. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of lotion and continue kneading until the desired consistency is reached. If it's too sticky, add more cornstarch gradually until it becomes workable.
6. Optional: Add a drop or two of food coloring to the dough and knead it in to create colorful variations.
7. The cloud playdoh is now ready to be enjoyed! Shape it, mold it, and let your imagination soar!
Note: This cloud playdoh recipe is meant for sensory play and does not contain any harmful ingredients. It is not intended to be ingested.

2. Build-a-Turkey Bin:

In another section of the Flisat table, introduce a build-a-turkey sensory bin. Begin by printing out a turkey image and cutting it out. Provide small squares of fall-colored tissue paper and wooden skewers. Preschoolers can use the skewers to poke the tissue paper squares into the turkey's feathers, creating a vibrant and textured turkey masterpiece. I made starter holes in the turkey by using a nail. I also laminated it for durability!

3. Build-a-Pie Sensory Bin:

For the final sensory bin, offer the option of a build-a-pie experience. This can be approached in two ways: using the printable pie cutouts or using playdoh. If using the cutouts, preschoolers can assemble pies by matching the different pie crusts and fillings. Alternatively, using playdoh allows them to sculpt their own pie masterpieces, exploring various shapes and textures.

4. WHAT i’M THANKFUL FOR:

For more advanced learners, try out the “What I’m Thankful For…” activity. You can laminate this worksheet and use it again each year. Or you and print it out and write on it to capture memories of what they were thankful for each year. Sofie melted my heart when she wrote “Mom” and added some flowers. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of gratefulness and to focus on appreciation for what we have.

By incorporating these three sensory bin fillers into your Thanksgiving-themed setup, you will provide your little ones with endless opportunities for tactile exploration and imaginative play.

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Importance of gratefulness

Instilling a sense of gratefulness in toddlers is an essential building block for their emotional and social development. As parents and caregivers, we have the incredible opportunity to nurture this virtue in our little ones, enabling them to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. And what better time to introduce this concept than during a Thanksgiving-themed sensory play activity?
Gratefulness goes beyond simply saying "thank you." It involves cultivating an appreciation for the blessings and joys that surround us every day. Research shows that grateful children exhibit higher levels of happiness, empathy, and overall life satisfaction. So, how can we foster gratefulness in our toddlers? Here are a few practical tips:
1. Model Grateful Behavior: Children learn by observation, so let them witness your gratitude. Express appreciation for the little things, like a beautiful sunset or a kind gesture. Acknowledge and thank others for their help or gestures of kindness. Your actions will serve as a blueprint for their own gratefulness.
2. Make Gratitude Part of Daily Life: Create simple rituals to encourage gratefulness. For instance, during mealtime, ask your toddler what they are thankful for that day. Make it a habit to reflect on positive moments before bedtime. These small interactions will help them recognize and appreciate the good in their lives.
3. Engage in Sensory Play: Sensory play activities, like the Thanksgiving-themed one you have planned, can become powerful teaching tools. Provide opportunities for your toddler to explore textures, colors, and aromas associated with gratitude, such as feeling the softness of a toy turkey feather, smelling the aroma of a homemade pie, or touching grains of colored rice symbolizing blessings. Use these experiences to initiate discussions on the importance of being thankful.
4. Read Gratitude-Related Books: Storytime can be a wonderful way to introduce gratitude concepts. Choose books that highlight the value of appreciating what we have. Discuss the stories with your child and encourage them to share their own thoughts and feelings.
5. Practice Thankfulness, Not Just on Thanksgiving: While Thanksgiving is a perfect occasion to focus on gratitude, it's crucial to make it a year-round practice. Encourage your toddler to express thanks beyond this holiday by helping others, sending thank-you notes, or engaging in acts of kindness.

Thanksgiving Vocabulary words for preschoolers

1. Turkey - A large bird that is traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving.
2. Pilgrim - A person who traveled on the Mayflower ship and settled in America.
3. Native American - A member of the indigenous people of America.
4. Harvest - The gathering of crops or food at the end of the growing season.
5. Cornucopia - A symbol of abundance usually in the shape of a horn.
6. Feast - A large and delicious meal enjoyed with family and friends.
7. Gratitude - The feeling of being thankful and appreciative.
8. Pumpkin - A large orange fruit often used for carving and cooking during Thanksgiving.
9. Family - A group of people who are related to each other and share a bond of love.
10. Acorn - A small nut produced by oak trees.
11. Pilgrim Hat - A traditional hat worn by the Pilgrims on Thanksgiving.
12. Dinner - The main meal of the day, often shared with family and friends.
13. Mayflower - The ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
14. Cranberry - A small, tart red fruit often used in sauces and desserts for Thanksgiving.
15. Stuffing - A mixture of bread, vegetables, and seasonings that is stuffed inside the turkey.
16. Simmer - To cook something gently on low heat.
17. Maple Syrup - A sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees.
18. Settlers - People who establish homes and communities in a new land.
19. Apple Pie - A sweet pie made with apples and a flaky crust, often enjoyed on Thanksgiving.
20. Pilgrim Shoes - Traditional shoes worn by the Pilgrims.
21. Blessings - Things that are considered to be given by God or a source of happiness.
22. Gobble - The sound a turkey makes.
23. Harvest Moon - The full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox.
24. Thankful - Feeling or expressing gratitude or appreciation.
25. Parade - A procession of people celebrating an event, often done on Thanksgiving.

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By combining the magic of sensory play with intentional lessons on gratefulness, we offer toddlers a solid foundation for becoming grateful individuals. As they grow, our young ones will carry this virtue into their relationships, careers, and overall outlook on life. Let gratefulness be the gift we give our children, enriching their lives and shaping a brighter future for them and those around them.
The IKEA Flisat table serves as an excellent platform for creating engaging and interactive sensory play experiences for preschoolers. By incorporating printable play kit decor and diversified sensory bin fillers, you can easily design a Thanksgiving-themed setup that captures the spirit of the holiday while fostering sensory development in young minds. So, roll up your sleeves and start gathering your materials – it's time to immerse your preschoolers in a Thanksgiving sensory adventure they won't forget!

Life on the farm: Flisat table sensory play activities for early learners

Farm Animal SENSORY PLAY

I’m so excited to share our little farm with you! I created this setup so that Sofie could explore life on the farm and we could discuss the lifecycle of farm animals, harvesting food, and play in some fun sensory fillers. Sensory play is such an important way to learn and explore with hands-on play and I can’t wait for you to try out this theme.

Farm Animal Printable Decor Setup

For this printable play kit, you’ll get everything you need to turn your Flisat table into a farm. This kit includes a awning, print and cut farm animals, a tractor, a print and fold red barn, an “On the Farm” flag, an egg collection worksheet, a feed the bunnies worksheet, and a feed the farm animals worksheet.

Farm Animal Sensory Play Fillers

These great farm animal activities are a great way to learn about life on the farm. And a great way for your toddler to practice pouring, scooping, writing, matching, and digging skills. Let’s dive in!

Pig mud pit

For this activity, I used rolled oats oatmeal and chocolate pudding for the mud. After you mix and chill the chocolate pudding, simply dump it into the Trofast bin for sensory play. I paired this with my farm animal acrylic charms which are easy to dunk and dip and then wipe (or lick) clean. Pudding is a great sensory filler because it’s taste safe — it can be used for mud and dirt in all kinds of play like farm and construction.

Print and Fold Barn

For this activity, you’ll want to cut out the printable barn. Then I recommend scoring along the fold lines to make folding easier. I printed on 80lb cardstock. Once you’ve scored and folded along all of the lines, you can begin assembling from any point adding glue to the brown glue areas. Make sure you trim the top of the bar to fit before you start gluing. Cut the center line and top lives of the barn door if you want it to open and close. Once assembled, you can play with farm animal figurines. A print and fold barn is a great way to enjoy sensory play without investing in a lot of additional toys. If you use tape or velcro dots, you can easily unfold and store flat.

Corn Field

For this activity, we’ll use steel cut oatmeal and dried green peas. You can use this to make a field of grain and also a corn field using the print and cut corn. You can also use these cute little corn erasers if you want a physical corn object to burry and find in the peas. Steel cut outs turned out to be such a satisfying filler -- it’s so small and has a lovely texture. Sofie couldn’t put it down.

Feeding the farm animals

This printable activity is great for early writers who are still learning how to hold a pen. I printed and laminated this activity so that Sofie could do it over and over again. Challenge your kiddo to match each of the foods with each of the animals who eats them and use it as an opportunity to discuss what farm animals eat and how farms can be self-sustaining ecosystems.

Counting and collecting Eggs

Count the eggs that each chicken lays and write the number on the dotted line! This activity is great practice for more advanced learners who are ready to practice counting and writing. You can make this activity easier or harder by helping your little one with each part. You can also bring this activity to live by hiding some wooden eggs in a bin and having your child collect and count them.

Farm Pretend Play

Use the farm animal cut outs to play make believe farm! This is Sofie’s favorite part of play because she loves imaginative play. If you don’t have wooden farm animal figurines, you can use GoodnightFox acrylic farm animals as a great cost-effective alternative, or use GoodnightFox memory game cards. Or just use the cut out version included in the kit. You can laminate them for extra durability, plus they stay flat for easy storage. Here are some ideas for imaginative play if you need help getting started:

• Have the cows grazing on corn

• Pretend to shave the sheep for it’s wool

• Pretend to feed the chickens corn meal

• Pretend to collect the eggs from the hens

• Pretend to drive the tractor through the corn field and collect the corn

• Pretend to have the pigs roll around in the mud

• Have the farm animals interact with each other

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The Benefits of Farm Animal Themed Sensory Play for Toddlers

Sensory play is an excellent way for toddlers to explore and learn about the world around them. It engages their senses, stimulates their brains, and promotes their overall development. One fantastic sensory play theme for toddlers is farm animal themed play. Introducing little ones to the wonders of farm animals through sensory play can offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond mere entertainment. Let's delve into some of these benefits.
1. Cognitive Development: Farm animal sensory play provides toddlers with opportunities to improve their cognitive skills. As they engage in hands-on activities involving farm animal toys, they learn to categorize, sort, and match animals based on their characteristics. This fosters early problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the understanding of cause and effect relationships.
2. Language and Communication: Sensory play with farm animals also promotes language and communication skills in toddlers. As they play with different animals, parents and caregivers have countless opportunities to engage in conversations, teach new words, and help them develop their vocabulary. Describing the features, sounds, and actions of farm animals enhances their language acquisition and expressive abilities.
3. Sensory Exploration: Farm animal themed sensory play stimulates various sensory experiences for toddlers. The textures of straw, hay, feathers, and faux fur tickle their tactile sense and help develop fine motor skills as they manipulate objects. The sounds of animal noises and the rhythm of songs encourage auditory development. Visual exploration of colors, shapes, and patterns on the animals' bodies enhances visual perception.
4. Emotional Development: Interacting with farm animals during sensory play helps toddlers develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Through caring for and imitating the behaviors of the animals, toddlers learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. This fosters kindness, compassion, and an understanding of nurturing relationships.
5. Role-Playing and Pretend Play: Farm animal themed sensory play encourages imaginative and pretend play, which is crucial for a toddler's development. They can engage in role-playing by pretending to be farmers, veterinarians, or animal caretakers. This imaginative play allows them to understand different perspectives, practice social skills, and experiment with problem-solving in a safe and enjoyable way.
6. Connection to Nature: Sensory play with farm animals connects toddlers with nature, even if they don't live near a farm. It helps them develop an appreciation for the natural world and its creatures. Through farm animal-themed play, toddlers learn about the environment, seasons, and the importance of caring for living beings.
In conclusion, farm animal themed sensory play offers toddlers a multi-faceted learning experience that benefits their overall development. As they engage in cognitive tasks, language building, sensory exploration, emotional growth, imaginative play, and nature connection, little ones experience a holistic learning and developmental journey. So, next time you're planning sensory play activities for your toddler, consider the wonders of farm animal-themed play and watch their excitement and growth unfold.

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Farm Animal Vocabulary Words for Toddlers

1. Cow: A large domesticated mammal with a characteristic moo sound, often raised for milk and meat.
2. Horse: A four-legged animal that is used for riding, racing, or working on farms, known for its powerful galloping.
3. Pig: A stout mammal with a snout that enjoys rolling in the mud and is often farmed for its meat.
4. Sheep: A fluffy, woolly animal that is raised for its soft wool and often heard baa-ing.
5. Chicken: A small domesticated bird that lays eggs and is often raised for its meat.
6. Duck: A waterbird with flat webbed feet, a quacking sound, and the ability to swim gracefully.
7. Goat: A sure-footed mammal often found on farms, known for eating grass and sometimes kept for milking.
8. Dog: A loyal and friendly domesticated mammal that loves to bark and is often kept for companionship.
9. Cat: A small carnivorous mammal prized for being independent, purring, and engaging in playful antics.
10. Donkey: A sturdy domesticated mammal that resembles a horse but is smaller and usually used for work.
11. Rooster: A male chicken known for its cock-a-doodle-doo crowing in the early morning.
12. Hen: A female chicken that lays eggs and is often seen clucking around the farm.
13. Turkey: A large bird often consumed on special occasions, known for its gobbling sound.
14. Rabbit: A small animal that hops on its hind legs, with long ears and a fluffy tail.
15. Goose: A large waterbird, often raised for its meat, that hisses and honks.
16. Bee: A flying insect known for its buzzing sound, ability to produce honey, and pollination.
17. Piglet: A young pig who is smaller in size and usually found on a farm.
18. Lamb: The young offspring of a sheep known for its soft wool and cute appearance.
19. Chicks: The baby versions of chickens, covered with fluffy yellow feathers.
20. Calf: A young cow that is not yet fully grown, often seen on dairy farms.
21. Duckling: The cute and fluffy baby version of a duck.
22. Kitten: The young offspring of a cat, usually small and playful.
23. Pup: A term for the young of several different animals, but often used to refer to a young dog.
24. Gosling: The young offspring of a goose, often gray and fuzzy.
25. Foal: A baby horse that has not yet reached adulthood, usually found on horse farms.
These vocabulary words will help toddlers familiarize themselves with the farm animal world while engaging in sensory play.

Creating a Weather Station Sensory Play Table: A Dramatic Experience for Kids

Welcome to the immersive world of weather-themed sensory play! As a parent, fostering creativity and exploration is key, and what better way to do so than through a captivating weather station-themed sensory table experience for your little ones?

Setting the WEATHER STATIOn Scene

For this activity, we’ll be using the Weather learning spinner from the printable activity kit. This will serve as the background to your weather board. You can reuse the awning from the Grocery Store printable kit of this setup if you’d like to add a bit more color.

Here are a few other add-ons that I used:

• Weather board from Lovevery

• Weather Book

• Rain sound maker

• Rainbow Playdoh from @curiouswren

• Weather match game cards

• Weather insert from @wonderyearsplay

Weather-Themed Sensory Bins

1. Rainbow cereal threading (Taste safe)

For toddlers who are still mouthing everything, this activity is awesome. Grab a hoop shaped cereal (I used Fruit Loops) and have your toddler sort them by color. Use pastel or rainbow colored pipe cleaner and hot glue them to a cloud shaped cut out. I bought these puffy clouds from amazon but you can also just cut out a cloud shape from white paper or cardstock. Wrap the pipe cleaner around a pen to create a spiral. Then challenge your toddler to thread the cereal onto the pipe cleaner. For littler kids, keep the pipe cleaners straight for easier threading. Some pipe cleaners have sharp metal edges, so just be sure to fold those into a little loop at the bottom so that no one gets poked.

Gallery Block

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2. Cloudy Exploration Bin (Recommended for Ages 2+):

Fill a bin with used cloud-shaped packing peanuts, simulating a cloudy sky. Introduce small figurines of airplanes or birds for imaginative play if desired. Encourage your child to feel the textures of the packing peanuts, fostering sensory exploration. Some packing peanuts are even bio degradable and you can use colored water to drip onto them and watch them dissolve into a beautiful rainbow.

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3. rainbow Packing balls

There’s a few ways to do this activity depending on how mess-averse you are. If you’re not worried about a mess, dump the packing balls directly into a bin and let your child go wild! These are very small and not recommended for mouthing toddlers. But if your child is a bit older, these little foam balls are sensory heaven. Talk about the rainbow colors and even challenge your toddler to sort a few — it’s very tricky because they’re small and cling together.

If you don’t like the mess, then I recommend grabbing some sensory bottles and filling them with the balls. Because the balls have static, they cling to the surfaces of the bottle. You can challenge your toddler to shake them off. Add more or less and experiment with how it looks and feels.

More fun weather sensory bin ideas

Rainbow BALL SORT:

This amazing Rainbow Weather Flisat board insert from WonderYearsPlay is the perfect addition to your weather themed sensory play. If you’re going to invest in an insert, this is my favorite one because it’s colorful and there are 3 different ways to play. You can sort rainbow wool balls into each of the holes and they’re the perfect size to rest on top or pop down into the bin. You can use colorful popsicle sticks to match to the rainbow bands and slot into the holes. And you can grab a pack of q-tips and fill the clouds with puffy white fluff. You can also snag these adorable matching felt characters.

Rainbow Rice Storm Bin (Recommended for Ages 3+):

Create a stormy effect using rainbow-colored rice mixed with drops of essential oils like lavender for a calming scent. Include miniature umbrellas, tiny rain boots, and small scooping tools for a tactile experience. Encourage sorting colors or creating patterns in the rice storm.

Foggy Mystery Bin (Recommended for Ages 3+):

Design a misty landscape using a mix of cotton balls, torn cotton pads, and a touch of diluted white paint or essential oils for a subtle fog effect. Hide small objects within the "fog" for a sensory treasure hunt, engaging your child's tactile senses and problem-solving skills.

Sandy Desert Storm Bin (Recommended for Ages 3+)

Create a desert storm experience using kinetic sand as the base. Add in small plastic cacti, toy animals like camels or snakes, and tiny rocks for a textured desert landscape. Encourage imaginative play by burying small treasures in the sand for discovery.

Arctic Ice Exploration Bin (Recommended for Ages 4+):

Construct an Arctic scene using shredded coconut as snow, incorporating frozen miniature animals and objects. Freeze small toys in ice cubes and include them in the bin for an icy excavation experience. Use droppers filled with warm water to melt the ice and uncover the hidden treasures.

Other Weather-Themed Activities

• Weather-themed sensory bottles (rainstorm, snowstorm, tornado)

• Taste safe cloud dough sculpting

• Windy kite-making using tissue paper and sticks

• Sun catchers with translucent materials

• Rainbow collage art using assorted colored papers

Weather Vocabulary Words

1. Cloud: Fluffy, white masses in the sky made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals.

2. Rain: Water droplets falling from clouds in the sky, often bringing moisture to the ground.

3. Sun: The star at the center of our solar system, providing light and warmth.

4. Wind: Moving air in the atmosphere, sometimes gentle and sometimes strong.

5. Storm: A disturbance in the atmosphere characterized by strong winds, rain, or thunder and lightning.

6. Rainbow: A beautiful arc of colors in the sky caused by the refraction and dispersion of sunlight in water droplets.

7. Snow: Frozen precipitation in the form of delicate ice crystals.

8. Fog: Thick, low-lying clouds on the ground that reduce visibility.

9. Lightning: A sudden flash of light caused by the discharge of electricity during a storm.

10. Thunder: The loud sound that follows a lightning strike.

11. Umbrella: An object used to protect oneself from rain.

12. Boots: Footwear designed to keep feet dry in wet conditions.

13. Sky: The expanse above the Earth where clouds, the sun, and stars are seen.

14. Temperature: A measure of how hot or cold something is.

15. Forecast: A prediction of the weather conditions.

16. Meteorologist: A person who studies and predicts the weather.

17. Barometer: A tool used to measure air pressure.

18. Anemometer: A device that measures wind speed.

19. Thermometer: A tool used to measure temperature.

20. Hail: Frozen balls of ice that fall from the sky during some storms.

21. Seasons: Different periods of the year characterized by specific weather patterns.

22. Tornado: A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

23. Drizzle: Light rain falling in fine drops.

24. Mist: Water droplets suspended in the air near the ground.

25. Precipitation: Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground.

These additional sensory bins and descriptive vocabulary will cater to various developmental stages, allowing a broader range of engaging experiences and learning opportunities for children exploring the world of weather.

Creating a weather station-themed sensory table experience not only stimulates sensory exploration but also fosters imaginative play and early interest in meteorology.

Explore the Galaxy with Flisat Table Sensory Play: Printable Space bStation Decor

Are you ready for an out-of-this-world sensory adventure? Our Flisat Table Sensory Play is here to take your little one on an intergalactic journey while fostering their cognitive development. In this blog post, we will dive into the exciting world of our space station-themed printable play decor. From banners and awnings to astronauts and mission reports, this sensory play set provides a unique and engaging learning experience for toddlers.

Introducing the Space Station Printable Play Decor

Our space station-themed printable play decor is designed to ignite your child's imagination, creating a captivating atmosphere to explore the wonders of outer space. Let's take a closer look at the elements included in this sensory play set:
1. Banner: Hang the vibrant banner above the play area to set the mood and create an immersive space environment.
2. Awning: Transform the play area into a space station by adding an awning. This feature adds depth to the play experience, transporting your little astronaut to a whole new world.
3. Space Window: Peer through the specially designed space window and witness breathtaking views of distant planets and twinkling stars. Inspire your child's sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe beyond our world.
4. Mission Report: Foster early writing and communication skills by encouraging your child to fill out a mission report. They can document their imaginary space adventures, describing planets, aliens encountered, and more.
5. Rocket Ship: What's a space station without a rocket ship? Set your child's dreams of space exploration into motion with a rocket ship to fuel their imagination.
6. Astronaut: Every space station needs an astronaut! Our printable astronaut figure can join your child on their mission to discover the secrets of the universe.
7. Command Center Control Board: Let your child take control with a command center control board. This interactive feature allows them to make important decisions as they navigate their space station, developing problem-solving skills along the way.

Explore 3 Sensory Bins: A Universe of Discovery

To enhance the sensory play experience, we offer three different sensory bins to accompany the space station play decor. Each bin provides a unique texture and sensory exploration opportunity. Let's take a closer look:

1. Space-themed Bath Bombs:

Drop these delightful bath bombs into a tub of water and watch as they fizz and release mesmerizing colors. Not only will your child enjoy the sensory experience of touch and sight, but these bath bombs can also be used to spark conversations about colors, chemical reactions, and water science. I snagged these for a dollar at targets dollar spot and found a rocket ship at dollar tree too!

2. Outer Space Black Beans:

Transform a bin of black beans into outer space. Add glow-in-the-dark rocks, moons, and stars to create a captivating celestial landscape. Your child can develop fine motor skills as they manipulate the beans and explore the contrast between the dark beans and glowing elements. I also added these lovely resin planets from @nuggbutts shop!

3. Moon Texture Grey Powder:

Invigorate your little one's senses with our moon texture grey powder. As they immerse their hands in the lunar-inspired substance, they'll discover the unique texture of the moon's surface. Encourage them to make shapes and patterns, promoting tactile exploration and creativity. This was so easy to make — it took just two ingredients and it’s a taste safe recipe. Just buy a jar of Oreo cream cheese icing and corn starch. Mix together until the frosting turns into a workable dough then kneed and enjoy!

4. Galaxy Calming Bottles:

As a bonus activity, we’ll make space-themed calming bottles using our astronaut and star shaped bottles. Using a mixture of baby oil and water along with moon beads, star beads, and galaxy glitter, we’ll create a mesmerizing sensory experience.

5. Glow in the dark stars:

Fill a bin with glow in the dark stars and space rocks. Turn off the lights at night and enjoy the glow! This is a great filler or sprinkled in among black beans to creat a dark night sky.

The Benefits of Sensory Play for Toddlers

Engaging in sensory play offers numerous benefits for toddlers. Through the Flisat Table Sensory Play, your child can:

• Develop fine motor skills as they manipulate various textures and materials.

• Enhance cognitive abilities by engaging in imaginative play and problem-solving tasks.

• Improve hand-eye coordination and sensory integration.

• Explore and learn about the planets and outer space through hands-on experiences.

• Stimulate creativity and boost self-expression.

• Foster social skills by engaging in cooperative play with friends or family members.

Vocabulary Words to Discover While Playing

Our Flisat Table Sensory Play provides an opportunity for children aged 3-6 to expand their vocabulary while exploring the wonders of outer space. Here are the top 25 vocabulary words your little one can learn through this engaging activity:
1. Astronaut
2. Rocket
3. Mission
4. Galaxy
5. Universe
6. Solar System
7. Spaceship
8. Planet
9. Moon
10. Star
11. Orbit
12. Gravity
13. Spacesuit
14. Blast-off
15. Comet
16. Telescope
17. Meteor
18. Constellation
19. Alien
20. Spacewalk
21. Atmosphere
22. Earth
23. Satellite
24. Rover
25. Interstellar
As your child immerses themselves in sensory play and interacts with the space station-themed printable play decor, they'll be introduced to these vocabulary words naturally, deepening their understanding of the cosmos.

Embark on a Sensory Journey through Outer Space

With our Flisat table sensory play setup, your child will not only get the fun of imaginative dramatic play, but they’ll also be exposed to new words and concepts that will help them learn and develop.

Embark on a Sensory Adventure throughout the 50 States

Greetings, fellow explorers of learning and play! As a devoted mom and small shop owner passionate about crafting immersive experiences for little ones, I recently embarked on a sensory journey through America's 50 states with my daughter, Sofia. Our mission? To dive deep into sensory play and discovery, turning our play space into a colorful tapestry of exploration and learning.

Setup and Decor

Our adventure began with the transformation of our play area into a vibrant landscape teeming with possibilities. Using downloadable decorations—festive banners, fluttering flags, a vivid map of the US, and whimsical state cutouts—all adorned in radiant rainbow hues, we created an atmosphere with excitement and anticipation. We also ordered supplies from some of our favorite small shops for this setup:

• Rainbow Rice by Where Kids Play

• Felt States by Felt Happy Sewing

• Wool Balls by Wonder Years Play

• Sorting Cups by Inspire My Play

• Silicone Tongs by Inspire My Play

Three Engaging Sensory Bins/Activities

1. State Treasure Hunt:

The Flisat IKEA table became our treasure trove as Sofia eagerly embarked on a State Treasure Hunt. Within the sensory bin lay hidden treasures representing each state—miniature landmarks, gleaming "gems," and tactile items. As Sofia unearthed these treasures, she simultaneously discovered the states' locations on the map, sparking joyous exploration and geographical understanding.

2. Capitals Match-Up:

Delving further into sensory immersion, Sofia indulged in the Capitals Match-Up activity. Engaging her senses, Sofia explored the flags' textures and shapes, skillfully pairing each state cutout with its corresponding capitol name. This playful exercise enhanced her grasp of state capitals while stimulating her sensory development.

3. United states puzzle match

For this activity, we cut out all of the 50 states and then reassembled them back into the map using the full map as the background. I laminated this activity and used little velcro sticky dots so that we could do this activity over and over again. It’s such a fun little puzzle and Sofia got a kick out of trying to remember all of the states as we did the activity.

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Benefits of Sensory Play

The magic of sensory play extends beyond mere amusement. Through these activities, Sofia not only reveled in laughter but also engaged her senses, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Sensory play sparks curiosity, hones problem-solving skills, and refines fine motor abilities, laying a robust foundation for early learning.

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Vocabulary Words for 50 States Play

To enrich your child's vocabulary during this immersive experience, here's a curated list of words along with their meanings:

1. States: Regions within a country.

2. Capitals: Main cities of states or countries.

3. Landmarks: Famous or historically significant structures or places.

4. Flags: Symbolic pieces of cloth representing countries or states.

5. Treasure: Valuable or precious items.

6. Sorting: Organizing things based on specific criteria.

7. Colors: Various shades and tones.

8. Textures: The feel or appearance of a surface.

9. Diversity: Variety or differences within a group.

10. Exploration: Discovering or investigating.

11. Sensory: Relating to the senses (sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing).

12. Immersive: Fully involving or surrounding oneself.

13. Playground: Area for playing or recreation.

14. Discovery: Finding or learning something new.

15. Anticipation: Excited expectation of something to come.

16. Atmosphere: The mood or feeling of a place.

17. Geographical: Related to the study of Earth's surface and its features.

18. Grasp: Understanding or comprehension.

19. Stimulate: To encourage growth or activity.

20. Palette: Range or variety.

21. Curiosity: Desire to know or learn about something.

22. Hone: Refine or improve.

23. Robust: Strong or sturdy.

24. Foundation: Basis or groundwork.

25. Amusement: Enjoyment or entertainment.

DIY Snow Globe Party Favors or Classroom Favors for Kids: Easy and Magical Craft!

If you’re on the hunt for unique and adorable party favors or classroom gifts for kids, look no further! These DIY snow globe favors are not only charming but also fun to make. Perfect for winter-themed events, holiday parties, or even as a special classroom treat, these snow globes will be a hit with both kids and parents alike.

Using simple materials like clear plastic baubles, foam beads, and acrylic charms, you can create stunning and personalized snow globes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Here’s how you can create these beautiful snow globe favors step by step, so you can wow your guests or students with a handmade treasure they’ll adore!

Why These Snow Globe Favors Are Perfect for Any Occasion

• Cost-Effective: These DIY snow globes won’t break the bank! You can get all the supplies easily, including acrylic charms and printable collars from GoodnightFox, and bulk foam beads for filling.

• Customizable: The design possibilities are endless! You can mix and match different acrylic charms, beads, and ribbon colors to match any event theme.

• Fun and Interactive: Kids will love shaking their snow globes and watching the “snow” swirl around the charming figurines inside.

• Durable and Safe: Unlike glass snow globes, these are made from sturdy plastic, making them kid-friendly and durable.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Clear plastic baubles (available at most craft stores or online)

• White and blue foam beads

• Wooden snowflakes

• Acrylic charms from GoodnightFox (choose charms to match your theme)

• Printable snow globe collars from GoodnightFox

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

• Ribbon for wrapping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before starting, make sure you have all your supplies within easy reach. You can find the acrylic charms and printable collars at GoodnightFox, and the rest of the materials can be sourced from your local craft store.

2. Assemble the Bauble

• Begin by opening the clear plastic bauble.

• Choose an acrylic charm from GoodnightFox that fits your theme, whether it’s wintery snowmen, stars, or even a personalized letter charm.

• Using your hot glue gun, carefully attach the charm to the inside bottom of the bauble. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

3. Add the Snow

• Now comes the fun part! Add white and blue foam beads to simulate snow. You can also sprinkle in wooden snowflakes for a touch of wintery magic.

• Don’t overfill the bauble – you want to leave enough space for the snow to move around when it’s shaken.

4. Attach the Printable Collar

• Once you’ve filled the bauble with beads and snowflakes, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Use the snow globe collar printables from GoodnightFox to wrap around the top of the bauble where the two halves meet.

• Secure the collar with a little hot glue for a polished look.

5. Finish with Ribbon

• Wrap a ribbon around the collar of the snow globe for a final decorative touch. Choose a color that matches your event theme—whether it’s a classic winter white, icy blue, or something more festive.

• Tie a bow and trim any excess ribbon for a neat finish.

6. Display or Gift!

• Your DIY snow globe is now ready to be displayed or handed out as a favor! These make perfect party favors for kids’ winter birthdays, holiday celebrations, or as a delightful classroom gift.

Tips for Success

• Personalize It: You can add small name tags to each snow globe, making them extra special for the recipient.

• Add Glitter: For a more magical snow globe effect, sprinkle in a little iridescent glitter along with the foam beads.

• Customize the Charm: GoodnightFox offers a variety of acrylic charms, so whether you’re making a batch for a birthday party, winter festival, or even a back-to-school event, you can find the perfect charm to match the occasion.

Why These Snow Globes Stand Out as Party and Classroom Favors

• Engaging Craft: These snow globes are more than just a gift – they are an interactive experience that children will love shaking and watching as the snow swirls.

• DIY Fun: Crafting these snow globes can be a fun activity to do with kids, adding even more excitement to your event or classroom party.

• Memorable Keepsakes: Unlike other favors that are quickly forgotten, these snow globes serve as a special keepsake that children can cherish long after the party is over.

Conclusion: Create Magical Memories with DIY Snow Globe Favors

These DIY snow globe favors are the perfect way to add a personal and magical touch to any event. Whether you’re making them for a classroom holiday party, birthday celebration, or even as a gift for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress! Easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally customizable, these snow globe party favors are a must-try for your next kid-friendly event. Head over to GoodnightFox to get your acrylic charms and printable collars to get started on this fun project today!

With detailed instructions, the right materials, and a little creativity, these snow globe favors are sure to stand out as the most talked-about keepsake at your event.

For this activity, you can follow the instructions below:

Supplies:

1. Printable stand

2. Christmas ornaments plastic non breakable (I used 70mm)

3. Hot Glue

4. Filler: White poms, sprinkles, glitter, foam balls, snowflakes

5. Acrylic Charm

Steps:

1. Print out the stands on 80lb cardstock

2. Cut out as many stands as you’d like to make

3. Assemble the stands by hot gluing the ends together

4. Take the acrylic charm and hot glue it to the inside of the bauble facing outward. Leave enough room from the edge that when put together, it doesn’t pop off

5. Fill the bauble with filler! You can use as much or as little as you want.

6. Snap the bauble together

7. Put a thin line of glue around the top of the base. Set the bauble on top level with the notch for the hanger on top.

8. Tie a ribbon around the base for a cute added detail

9. Tie a ribbon around the hanger on top of you want them to be like Christmas tree ornaments

New Year's Sensory Play Printable Activity Kit: Sparkling Fun for Toddlers

Are you looking for a delightful and engaging activity to ring in the New Year with your little one? Look no further! Our New Year's Sensory Play printable activity kit is the perfect way to celebrate and create memorable moments with your toddler. Packed with vibrant decor and enriching sensory bin activities, this kit is designed to stimulate your child's senses while encouraging reflection and goal-setting. Let's dive into the immersive world of sensory play together!

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Decor that Sets the Stage

As you embark on this sensory journey, the decor in our printable activity kit will instantly transport you to a world of celebration and glamour. The New Year's banner adorns your play area with a cheerful and vibrant touch, creating a festive atmosphere that will captivate your little one's imagination. The colorful flag, fluttering playfully, adds an additional element of joy. The pièce de résistance is the mesmerizing mirror disco ball, casting enchanting reflections around the room. It evokes a sense of wonder and magical ambiance, ensuring that your child's sensory play experience is truly unforgettable.

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Reflecting on the Year: Sparking Goal-Setting

This printable activity kit provides a unique opportunity for you and your toddler to engage in a meaningful conversation about the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. Through interactive activities, your child will develop essential skills while fostering a sense of self-awareness and empowerment:

1. Reflective Disco Ball Bin:

Fill a sensory bin with an array of dazzling disco balls, reflecting the vibrancy of the New Year's celebration. As your child explores this sparkling world, encourage them to reflect on their favorite moments from the past year. This activity sparks joyful memories and helps reinforce positive experiences.

2. Self-Reflection with Mini Mirrors:

In this activity, your little one will discover the joy of self-reflection. Place mini mirrors in a sensory bin and encourage your child to admire their own reflection. Discuss emotions, facial expressions, and encourage them to express how they feel. This activity fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence, setting the stage for personal growth in the upcoming year.

3. Tactile Play with Glitter Fillers:

What better way to engage your toddler's senses than with glittery fillers? Create a sensory bin filled with shimmering materials, such as sequins, tinsel, and glitter. This tactile experience stimulates your child's fine motor skills while providing a visually captivating playtime. While they explore, discuss their aspirations and goals for the coming year, encouraging them to dream big and unleash their inner creativity.

3. Countdown to the New Year:

The best part of New Year’s Eve is watching the ball drop and participating in the countdown! Use the printable clock and small brad to create your own clock with hands that turn. For 3-4 year olds, practice describing what the hands on the clock mean and how to tell the passage of time. For younger learners, you can use the clock as a fun spin wheel and practice recognizing which number the hands land on.

Bonus! Check out this Dominos Memory Game for practice matching and counting numbers. This is an excellent alternative if your toddler isn’t quite ready to practice the countdown activity with the clock.

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The Benefits of Working with Toddlers to Set Goals

Engaging your toddler in goal-setting activities comes with a multitude of benefits for their development. Here are a few reasons why involving your little one in this process is so valuable:
1. Development of Communication Skills: Goal-setting activities offer a platform for toddlers to express their thoughts and desires, strengthening their communication skills. As they verbalize their aspirations and discuss their reflections, they learn to articulate their feelings and thoughts effectively.
2. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Encouraging your child to set goals promotes a sense of achievement and autonomy. As they accomplish smaller milestones throughout the year, their confidence and self-esteem grow, setting a solid foundation for future successes.
3. Fostering a Growth Mindset: Teaching toddlers to set goals introduces them to the concept of striving for continuous improvement. It helps them understand that despite setbacks, persistence and effort yield results. This sets the stage for a growth mindset that will serve them well in the future.

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Elevating Sensory Play with Creative Fillers

To further enhance your New Year's Sensory Play experience, we recommend incorporating these three thematic sensory bin activities and fillers:
1. Disco Ball Adventure: Create a bin filled with disco balls of various sizes. Your child can explore textures, practice grasping skills, and engage in imaginative play. This activity nurtures sensory development and stimulates cognitive abilities through visual and tactile experiences.
2. Sparkling Mirror Mix: Introduce mini mirrors alongside sensory fillers like colored rice or pom-poms. These mirrors will captivate your toddler's attention while providing an opportunity for creative exploration. They can arrange mirrors to create patterns, discover reflections, and enhance their understanding of shapes and symmetry.
3. Glittery Treasure Hunt: Add glitter-filled letters or numbers to a sensory bin filled with colored sand or kinetic sand. Encourage your child to search for and match the glittery treasures, enhancing their letter and number recognition skills while enjoying the sensory experience of digging through the glittery mix.

New Year's Vocabulary Words for Ages 3-6
1. Celebration
2. Fireworks
3. Countdown
4. Party
5. Balloon
6. Confetti
7. Streamers
8. Resolution
9. Clock
10. Midnight
11. Sparkler
12. Toast
13. Noisemaker
14. Parade
15. Champagne
16. Hat
17. Family
18. Friends
19. Traditions
20. Calendar
21. January
22. Goals
23. Cheers
24. Dance
25. Wishes

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Conclusion

Our New Year's Sensory Play printable activity kit brings together a wide range of enchanting elements, from vibrant decor to immersive sensory bin activities. Through reflection, goal-setting, and creative play, your toddler will learn about what it means to kick a new year off with a positive and refreshing mindset.

Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play and Sensory Play Activity Kit

Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play and Sensory Play Activity Kit

This Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play is the perfect way to stimulate your child's curiosity while helping them learn essential science concepts from an early age. In this blog post, we'll describe two exciting sensory play activities that you can set up using the printable kit and a Flisat table. Plus, we'll showcase the delightful decor included in the kit that will help create an immersive science lab experience for your child. Let's dive in!

Decor: Creating a Science Lab Atmosphere

Our Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play and Sensory Play Activity Kit includes an array of decorative elements to transform any space into a captivating science lab. Start by hanging the science lab sign to set the mood. Use the open/closed sign to indicate when the lab is available for play. The addition of an awning and banner adds a touch of realism and visual appeal. Don't forget to include science symbols and a flag to complete the authentic lab decor. With these elements in place, your child will feel like a true scientist!

Activity 1: Exploring Secondary Colors

One of the sensory play activities you can set up using our printable kit and a Flisat table involves exploring the fascinating world of colors. With the help of the Lovevery beaker set and primary colored food coloring, your child can learn about color mixing and create secondary colors. Start with three beakers filled with water, each containing red, yellow, and blue food coloring. Encourage your child to pour the colored water into a fourth empty beaker, observing how the primary colors combine to create a secondary color. Experiment with mixing red and yellow for orange, blue and yellow for green, and red and blue for purple. This hands-on activity not only teaches color theory but also helps develop fine motor skills.

We used a simple teal plastic container from Dollar Tree which fit perfectly in the Trofast Bin as a little shelf on which to conduct the experiments. This was helpful so that everything could be at eye level, but she still didn’t have to worry about making a mess because all of the extra liquid just spilled over into the bin.

Activity 2: Creating a Lava Lamp

Get ready for some mesmerizing sensory play! With baby oil, blue and teal colored water, alkaseltzer tablets, and a beaker from the kit, your child can create their very own lava lamp. Start by filling the beaker halfway with baby oil. In a separate container, mix blue and teal colored water. Slowly pour the colored water into the beaker, watching as it floats on top of the oil. Drop an alkaseltzer tablet into the beaker and witness the fascinating lava lamp effect. For an extra sensory element, mix in some bath salts to experiment with different smell combinations. This activity promotes observation, prediction, and cause-and-effect understanding.

Activity 3: BATH TUB TIME & CLEAN UP

When you’re using baby oil, the bin and beakers will get oily! We moved everything to the bath tub for some bath time play and did a added a loofa and some soap to wash the bins and beakers down. This was a fun way to do the clean up after a fun day of play. You’ll want to do extra soap and scrubbing if you don’t want your Trofast Bin to feel oily afterward.

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The Importance of Early Science Learning

At GoodnightFox, we believe that learning about science from an early age is crucial for a child's development. By engaging in hands-on trial and error learning and experiments, children gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. They learn to ask questions, make predictions, and explore the world around them. Sensory play activities, such as the ones described above, offer an engaging way for children to explore and discover scientific principles while having fun.

Top 25 Science Vocabulary Words for Kids 3-6

As part of the Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play and Sensory Play Activity Kit, we've compiled a list of the top 25 science vocabulary words for children aged 3-6. These words can enhance your child's understanding of the activities and expand their scientific knowledge. Here are some of the words included in the kit:
1. Experiment
2. Observation
3. Hypothesis
4. Variables
5. Conclusion
6. Magnetism
7. Gravity
8. Inertia
9. Force
10. Chemistry
11. Biology
12. Ecology
13. Organism
14. Solar System
15. Fossils
16. Energy
17. Matter
18. Motion
19. Temperature
20. Evaporation
21. Condensation
22. Solid
23. Liquid
24. Gas
25. Reaction
With the Science Lab Printable Dramatic Play and Sensory Play Activity Kit, your child can embark on a wonderful journey of scientific exploration. Encourage their curiosity, let them make their own discoveries, and watch their love for science flourish. Happy experimenting!

Introducing Toddlers to the Five Senses: A Sensory Play Activity

Why Teach Preschoolers about the Five Senses?

Introducing preschoolers to the concept of the five senses at an early age is not only fun but also immensely beneficial for their cognitive and sensory development. Understanding the five senses – sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound – helps children make sense of the world around them. By engaging in activities that explore these senses, toddlers can enhance their observation skills, descriptive language, problem-solving abilities, and overall sensory awareness.

A Sensory Play Activity: Exploring the Five Senses with Food-Filled Jars

Sensory play activities provide an excellent opportunity for toddlers to explore their senses and learn through hands-on experiences. In this activity, we will use small glass jars filled with different foods to represent each of the five senses. Let's delve into the jars and the corresponding senses:

1. Jar 1: Red Cherry Tomatoes - Represents Sight: Bright
Fill a small glass jar with vibrant red cherry tomatoes. Explain to your toddler that sight helps us experience bright colors like these tomatoes. Encourage them to observe the tomatoes closely, noting their round shape, bright color, and shiny appearance.
2. Jar 2: Orange Butternut Squash Uncooked - Represents Touch: Hard
Utilize another glass jar and fill it with uncooked, firm, and textured orange butternut squash. Encourage your child to touch and feel the squash, explaining that touch helps us recognize different textures, such as the hardness of the squash's outer skin.
3. Jar 3: Yellow Sliced Lemons - Represents Taste: Sour
Slice a yellow lemon and place it in a jar. Have your child safely smell and even taste the lemon, explaining that taste helps us differentiate between different flavors. Emphasize that lemons taste sour, allowing your child to experience this tangy sensation.
4. Jar 4: Green Sliced Avocado - Represents Touch: Soft
Fill a jar with sliced green avocado, known for its soft and creamy texture. Prompt your child to touch the avocado gently and tell them that touch helps us identify the difference between textures, such as the softness of the avocado's flesh.
5. Jar 5: Yellow Banana - Represents Taste: Sweet
Select a ripe yellow banana and place it in a jar. Explain to your toddler that taste also helps us appreciate sweet flavors. Encourage them to taste the banana, relishing its natural sweetness.
6. Jar 6: Brown Letter Cookies - Represents Smell: Yummy
Fill a jar with delicious-smelling brown letter cookies, providing an enjoyable aroma. Allow your child to smell the cookies, emphasizing that smell helps us identify different scents. Encourage them to describe the pleasant smell of the cookies, expanding their vocabulary.
7. Jar 7: Dark Red Cherry Tomatoes - Represents Sight: Dark
Introduce a jar containing darker red cherry tomatoes. Explain to your toddler that not all colors are bright and that darkness exists too. Encourage them to observe the dark red tomatoes and discuss the difference between bright and dark colors.
8. Jar 8: Brown Dog Treats - Represents Smell: Stinky
Place stinky brown dog treats in a jar for your child to smell. Explain that smell not only captures pleasant scents but also unpleasant ones. Encourage your child to describe the not-so-pleasant smell of the dog treats, further expanding their olfactory vocabulary.
9. Jar 9: Teal Wooden Ball - Represents Sound: Loud
Include a jar with a teal wooden ball to represent sound. Encourage your child to drop the ball inside the jar, creating a loud sound. Explain that sound allows us to hear different noises and how certain things can make louder sounds than others.
10. Jar 10: Teal Felt Balls - Represents Sound: Quiet
Introduce teal felt balls into the last jar to represent sound as well. Prompt your child to drop the balls gently into the jar, creating a quiet or soft sound. Explain that sound can also be quiet or soft, as different objects make different noise levels.
To enhance this sensory play activity further, you can pair it with five senses flashcards. These flashcards should display colorful illustrations representing each sense and include opposites cards like bright/dark, soft/hard, etc. While engaging in the activity, show your child the flashcards, let them match the foods in the jars with the corresponding sense flashcards, and describe how each food relates to its respective sense.

Conclusion

Introducing toddlers to the concept of the five senses through sensory play activities fosters their cognitive and sensory development. By engaging in hands-on experiences such as exploring various foods in

Toddler Mindfulness and Affirmations: Cultivating Calm and Resilience

In today's fast-paced world, teaching toddlers mindfulness and affirmations from an early age is an essential tool for promoting their emotional well-being and resilience. Mindfulness helps children develop self-awareness, empathy, and concentration, while affirmations foster positive self-beliefs and enhance self-esteem. By combining these practices with sensory bin activities, we can create an engaging and effective learning experience for our little ones.

The Benefits of Mindfulness and Affirmations for Toddlers

Before delving into the sensory bin activities, let's explore the benefits and importance of teaching mindfulness and practicing affirmations during early childhood. According to Slumberkins.com, an esteemed resource in children's emotional development, here are some key advantages:
1. Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness nurtures emotional regulation skills, enabling children to handle their feelings in a healthy and constructive manner.
2. Focus and Attention: Mindfulness exercises help kids develop their concentration and attention span, improving their ability to listen, learn, and engage with the world around them.
3. Empathy and Compassion: By teaching children to observe their thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally, mindfulness cultivates empathy and compassion towards others.
4. Self-Esteem and Resilience: The practice of affirmations encourages positive self-beliefs and self-acceptance, fostering resilience and a healthy sense of self-worth.
Now that we understand the significance of these practices, let's explore three sensory bin activities to pair with mindfulness flashcards and affirmations flashcards.

Sensory Bin Activities for Mindfulness and Affirmations

1. Calming AFFIRMATION Zen Garden

Materials needed:

• A shallow box or tray

• Sand or rice as the base filler (you can make taste safe sand by blending cheerios or graham crackers)

• Small pebbles, smooth stones, or seashells

• A mini rake or stick for creating patterns

• Affirmations Flashcards

• Wooden Sand Pouring Toy

Pair this sensory bin with the affirmations flashcards. The tactile experience of raking patterns in the sand cultivates focus and brings a sense of calm. As your toddler engages with the Zen Garden, encourage them to take a deep breath in and out, emphasizing peacefulness and relaxation. Have your child repeat after you as you read the affirmations on the cards, promoting positive self-beliefs and self-expression.

2. MINDFULNESS Foam Party

Materials needed:

• A large container or bin

• Play foam or slime as the sensory filler

• Mindfulness flashcards

This bin pairs perfectly with the mindfulness flashcards. Encourage your child to immerse their hands in the foam or slime while trying out the mindfulness activities on each card. Each activity (such as taking deep breaths, doing jumping jacks, etc.) is uniquely designed for toddlers to practice self-calming and self-regulatory skills. This multi-sensory experience helps reinforce the positive messages and enhances the child's connection to them.

3. Calming Corner Oasis

Materials needed:

• A small tent or canopy

• Soft blankets or cushions

• Calming activities such as coloring books or puzzles

• A feather for practicing belly breathing

• Rainbow sensory bottles

• Fidget tubes/toys

• Emotions recognition cards

• Emotions spinner and calming techniques poster

• DIY Stress Balls

This sensory bin creates a designated calming space for your child. Set up a cozy corner using the tent or canopy, soft blankets, and cushions. Include calming activities like coloring books or puzzles to promote relaxation. Display the emotions spinner and calming techniques poster nearby, encouraging your child to identify their emotions and practice the suggested calming techniques. Use the sensory tubes or fidget toys to practice setting your mind to an activity. Use the stress balls and sensory bottles to occupy your mind. Practice laying on the floor with a feather for belly breathing. The more you and your toddler practice these techniques together, the more they will be able to self-regulate when they’re experiencing big emotions.

Vocabulary Words for Kids Ages 2-6: Mindfulness and Affirmations
1. Calm: A peaceful and relaxed state of mind.
2. Feelings: Emotions or sensations that we experience.
3. Breathe: To inhale and exhale air.
4. Relax: To be free from tension or stress.
5. Mindful: Being aware and paying attention to the present moment.
6. Gratitude: Feeling thankful for the things we have.
7. Focus: To concentrate on one thing at a time.
8. Positivity: A positive and optimistic attitude.
9. Kindness: Being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.
10. Patience: The ability to wait calmly without getting upset.
11. Peace: A state of harmony and tranquility.
12. Acceptance: Acknowledging and embracing things as they are.
13. Love: A deep affection and care for someone or something.
14. Joy: A feeling of happiness or delight.
15. Energy: The power or strength to do something.
16. Gracious: Being polite and showing kindness.
17. Imaginative: Having a creative and vivid imagination.
18. Courage: The ability to face fears and challenges.
19. Serenity: A state of calmness and peace.
20. Believe: To have confidence and trust in something or someone.
21. Harmony: A pleasant combination of different things.
22. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
23. Mindset: The way we think or perceive things.
24. Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from difficulties.
25. Self-care: Taking care of oneself through healthy habits and practices.
These vocabulary words can help children develop a positive mindset and cultivate mindfulness at an early age, promoting emotional well-being and self-awareness.

Conclusion

Incorporating mindfulness and affirmations into our toddlers' lives provides them with valuable tools for emotional well-being and resilience. By engaging in sensory bin activities that complement these practices, we make their learning experience more interactive and enjoyable. Whether it's creating patterns in a Zen Garden, exploring affirmations through foam play, or finding solace in a calming corner, these activities empower our little ones to cultivate calmness and cope with big emotions.
Teaching toddler mindfulness and affirmations is a gift that will benefit children throughout their lives. Let's take this opportunity to foster their emotional growth and well-being from an early age.