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Classroom Materials for Easter
I just love introducing seasonal materials into the classroom. Children see these things in their homes, but they aren’t always allowed to play with or explore them in the way that they’d really like to. This means that in the classroom they WANT to use them and the materials keep them engaged in learning without even knowing it. Here are my favorite picks for the Easter season (all links are affiliates). Bunny animal figures – Add these to your block area or sensory table and the children are sure to come up with amazing stories. They can explore habitats and create little worlds for their rabbits together. Pompom Chicks –…
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Jellybean Relay Races for Preschool
Relay races are a perfect activity for the preschool classroom – they help children practice teamwork, waiting their turn, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills. It’s definitely possible to do the same races over and over throughout the year, switching up the materials to be seasonally appropriate, and children will love it every single time. This can be a wonderful way to assess how these social and motor skills are improving as the children grow. Here are some ideas for using jellybeans in relay races: I’d love to hear about some of your favorite relay races in the classroom!
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Jellybean Taste Test Freebie
Jellybeans are one of those seasonal foods that are usually pretty easy to get kids to taste (as opposed to green beans and sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving!). That said, we all have our opinions about which color of jellybeans is the best . This little mat is an easy way to help children identify how they feel about each specific color. You can also extend the activity by graphing everyone’s preferences. Click on the image above, or download HERE.
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Preschool Art with Jellybeans
There are so many fun ways to use jellybeans in the classroom. They’re such a versatile manipulative, and they make an amazing art medium. Here are some ideas for jellybeans – and definitely feel free to buy them on clearance after the holiday and do these projects then! The last option – just telling the children to create art with them – is an amazing opportunity. I’m always amazed by what little ones come up with when they’re given free reign!
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Printable Valentine Activities for Preschool
Holidays are for themed activities. I’ve loved every minute of making these, and it’s even more fun when I get to pull them out and share them with my students. I hope that you and your students enjoy them just as much! Click on the images below for more information on these printable preschool Valentine activities. You can also find these – and so many more resources – in the February Month of Preschool Set!
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2024 Gifts for Babies
It’s my favorite week of the year! I’ve got the Christmas music playing, I’m sipping my gingerbread latte, and I’m bringing you my holiday gift guides! this marks the 10th year (can you believe it?!) of these guides from Preschool Ponderings and I’ve got an excellent line up for you this year. My goal has always been to highlight products that are recommended by early childhood professionals to support development, while also being gifts that children will love and parents won’t hate you for giving. Let’s start with all of the babies on your shopping list. It can be so hard to shop for little ones who are truly only…
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Tips for Planning a Class Halloween Party
Whether you are planning a Halloween party or a Harvest Party, it’s time to start thinking about it! I know some people dread party days, but I love them. Parties are the perfect time to build classroom communities. They give the children a common event to look forward too and opportunities to bond over their anticipation, and throughout the actual party. Over the years I’ve come up with quite a few tips for making those crazy party days run just a little more smoothly. The planning makes all the difference, so consider your party details as I run through some of the questions you might want to ask yourself.
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Halloween Teacher Favorites
I’m loving that pink has become a Halloween color! This year’s list of my favorite Halloween goodies for teachers is heave on the pink and really leaning into cozy vibes. These are all items that would be fun to wear for the holiday OR to give as gifts. If you like a more traditional black and orange color palette then be sure to check out my favorites from last year. All links are affiliates. Reading ghosts sweatshirt – Is this not the cutest?! Perfect for a teacher, librarian, or anyone who loves to read. Bat slippers – perfect for a cozy weekend in or after a long day on your…
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Preschool Easter Luncheon
One of my favorite classroom memories is the year that the children begged to have a fancy Easter lunch at school. At the time we’d been exploring holidays, and as Easter got nearer we began to talk about the things that came to mind when they thought of the Easter holiday. One of them mentioned wearing fancy outfits and it took off from there. They helped us decide on “the right kind” of decorations for a fancy Easter lunch and we enlisted parents in helping us provide potluck items that were traditional for their families during this particular holiday celebration. Most importantly, the children planned their outfits meticulously. On the…
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Casual Easter Fashion and Accessories
Easter is early this year, so it’s already time to start gathering all things pastel! These are the items that’ll help me ring in spring for sure. All are affiliate links, and items that I personally own or have used. Bunny T-shirt – This tee is understated and celebrates the more secular aspects of the holiday, making it perfect for the classroom. It comes in 3 different colors, so if pink isn’t your jam you can pick blue or purple. Bunny gift boxes – Seriously, how cute are these? What an easy way to share treats that still feels super festive. They come in a set of 12, and they…
