Category Archives: Recycling Projects

Snowflake Sensory Bin Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

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Snowflake Sensory Bin Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters of the Alphabet

For Christmas this year, I created three smaller sensory bins for our son, Ben. I picked up three clear 6 quart containers with latching lids from Target and filled them up with lots of fun items. Today, I am sharing the snowflake sensory bin that I created for Ben to practice his uppercase and lowercase letters.

Ben is fairly consistent with being able to identify all of the uppercase letters of the alphabet. Recently, the focus has turned more to identifying the lowercase letters. So, I thought that this would be a fun activity to bridge the gap.

Snowflake Sensory Bin Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

SUPPLIES

Plastic Bin

Rice

Snowflakes

Glittery Styrofoam Balls

Recycled Water Bottle Caps

Paper

Markers

Optional: Scoops and/or Tweezers

I purchased most of the materials at our local Dollar Tree, which is one of my favorite places to shop for art supplies and sensory bin fillers.

Snowflake Sensory Bin Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by assembling the snowflake sensory bin. This could not get any easier. First, dump a bag of rice into the clear container. Then, add the snowflakes and small glittery styrofoam balls.

Snowflake Sensory Bin

2. Next, using a black permanent marker, write the uppercase letters of the alphabet on the recycled water bottle caps (one letter on each cap). After you have finished, add the bottle caps to the sensory bin.

3. Once the sensory bin has been assembled, it is time to draw snowflakes on the paper. The center of the snowflakes should be a circle that you can write the lowercase letters of the alphabet in the middle. I used three pieces of paper to get all 26 letters in snowflakes.

Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters
Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters
Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

4. Finally, set everything out for your child. Explain how to find the bottle caps in the snowflake sensory bin and match the uppercase letter to the lowercase letter on the paper. Then let them take it from there. I also gave him a few different scoops to use in the sensory bin.

Snowflake Sensory Bin with Water Bottle Cap Letters

INVITATION TO PLAY AND LEARN

Ben absolutely loves sensory bins! He really enjoyed digging in to find the different letters. He did a great job matching the uppercase letters with the lowercase letters. However, he did need help with some of the harder lowercase letters.

Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters using Recycled Water Bottle Caps
Snowflake Sensory Bin

This was such a fun activity. After Ben matched the letters, he continued to play with the snowflake sensory bin. He even built a maze out of blocks and had the styrofoam balls navigate their way through it.

Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters
Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters using Water Bottle Caps

I hope that you give this sensory bin a try with your little ones, since it is both educational and fun. Yay!

Snowflake Sensory Bin Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child’s parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cards Using Paint Chips

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DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

This year, I decided to make homemade Christmas cards to send out to family and friends. I loved being able to involve my son, Ben, with this activity. For these cards, I used paint chips to make Christmas trees.

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DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

SUPPLIES

Paint Chips

White Cardstock Paper

Scissors

Glue

DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by cutting different size triangles out of various shades of green paint chips. The great thing about using paint chips is that you can get them for FREE at your local hardware store.

DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

2. Next, I cut the white cardstock paper in half to make two rectangles that measured 8 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches. Then, I trimmed 1/2 inch off the long side to make is 8 inches long. After that, I folded the paper in half to make a card that measured 4 inches by 5 1/2 inches. I made mine this size, because I already had envelopes that fitted a 4 x 6 card.

If you do not want to make your own card form, you could purchase plain white cards at your local craft store or online.

3. Next, glue the triangles onto the front of the card.

DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards
DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

4. Finally, an additional option is to write on the front of the cards. Therefore, I wrote “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!” on some of the cards.

DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards
DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards
DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards
DIY Paint Chip Christmas Tree Cards

For another homemade Christmas card, check out my blog post: “How to Make Watercolor Ornament Christmas Cards.” Happy Holidays!

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child’s parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.

3 Fun and Simple Fall Games for Preschoolers

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Fall Games for Preschoolers

Thanksgiving is looking a little different for many families this year, mine included. We are not having the traditional big family dinners due to the pandemic. To help entertain my son this holiday, I decided to make a few simple and easy fall games to play as a family.

I have included FREE downloads of the documents that I created. I hope that your family enjoys these games as much as we did. Enjoy!

1. Feed the Turkey

Feed the Turkey Fall Game

SUPPLIES

Plastic Bottle (I used Gatorade bottles)

Construction Paper

Googly Eyes

Pompoms

Dice

Fall Games

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, you will need to create the turkeys. Personally, I used plastic Gatorade bottles. I found that the opening on most water bottles was too small when trying to remove the pompoms. Start with cutting out a beak and feathers out of construction paper.

2. Time to glue. You will need to glue the feathers onto the backside of the bottle towards the top. On the front of the bottle add googly eyes and the beak.

3. Now that your bottles are ready, it’s time to play. Each player will take turns rolling the dice (you can use either one or two). If you use two dice, you can practice addition with your child. Each player will count and add the corresponding number of pompoms into their bottle. The first person to fill their bottle with pompoms wins!

Fall Games

My son wanted to play this game over and over. He loves to race, so this was right up his alley. This game helps to work on fine motor skills, counting, number recognition, addition and turn taking.

2. Fall Bingo

Fall Bingo Game

SUPPLIES

Fall Bingo Game (FREE Download)

Bingo Markers (such as pumpkin seeds, rocks, pompoms, etc.)

Fall Bingo Game

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download and print the FREE fall bingo game. I recommend printing on cardstock for durability. You could laminate the bingo cards and pieces. As a side note, this game includes 10 bingo cards and the call sheet.

2. Next, cut the pieces out on the call sheet along the dotted lines.

3. Then, set out a bowl with colorful pumpkin seeds to use as bingo markers and a bowl with the call pieces.

4. Everyone should pick one bingo card to use. Place a pumpkin seed on the FREE space in the middle.

5. Now it’s time to play! Call out squares one by one by picking pieces out of the bowl. As items are called, place a pumpkin seed on the corresponding square on your bingo card. Once you have 5 in a row (vertical, horizontal or on a diagonal), say “BINGO!”

Fall Bingo with Dyed Pumpkin Seeds

This game was such a big hit with my son. We played it multiple times for several days. This game helps to work on fine motor skills, matching, fall vocabulary, and math.

Check out my previous blog post to learn “How to Dye Pumpkin Seeds.”

3. Fall Matching Game

Fall Matching Game

SUPPLIES

Fall Match Game (FREE Download)

Fall Matching Game

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download and print the FREE fall matching game. I recommend printing on cardstock for durability. You could also laminate the pieces.

2. Next, cut the game pieces out along the dotted lines.

3. Time to play. Place the pieces face down on the table in a grid pattern. Then, take turns turning over two cards to find a match. The person with the most matches wins!

Fall Games
Fall Games

My son has always loved matching games. I created this game to help with his vocabulary of fall words. This game helps to work on literacy, vocabulary, matching, memory skills and turn taking.

Fall Games

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child’s parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.

How to Dye Pumpkin Seeds

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How to Dye Pumpkin Seeds

My husband has always loved to carve a pumpkin for Halloween. Typically, we throw away the seeds and pulp. What do you like to do with the pumpkin seeds after you carve your jack-o-lantern?

This year, I decided to keep the pumpkin seeds to use for sensory activities. And considering that my son is currently obsessed with rainbows, I wanted to dye the seeds. Since I wanted to use these pumpkin seeds for fall activities, I opted to color them red, orange, yellow and green.

SUPPLIES

Pumpkin Seeds

Food Coloring

Plastic Zip Top Bags

Aluminum Foil

Baking Sheet

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, you need to clean and dry your pumpkin seeds. You want to get as much of the pulp off of them as possible.

2. Next, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

3. Bake in the oven at 200° F for approximately 2 hours.

Baked Pumpkin Seeds
Baked Pumpkin Seeds

4. After the pumpkin seeds are cool to touch, separate them into plastic zip top bags.

5. Add the desired food coloring to each bag. Then, close the bag and mix the food coloring with the pumpkin seeds until they are fully coated.

Colored Pumpkin Seeds
Colored Pumpkin Seeds

6. Finally, lay the colored pumpkin seeds onto a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil. Allow them to dry. I recommend allowing them to air dry overnight. You will want them to be completely dry before using them.

If you want to speed up the process, you put them back in the oven for a little while. Just note that this may alter their color.

Dyed Pumpkin Seeds
Dyed Pumpkin Seeds

Once the pumpkin seeds are completely dry, you can use them in different projects such as sensory bins, play dough kits, games, and crafts. I loved how intense and bright the colors turned out. I cannot wait to share these with Ben!

How would you use them? I would love to hear from you. Have fun!

Dyed Fall Pumpkin Seeds
Fall Colored Pumpkin Seeds

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child’s parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.

How to Make a Recycled Cardboard Monster

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Recycled Cardboard Monsters

This week’s homework assignment was to make monsters out of recycled cardboard. Challenge accepted. I love crafts, and I especially love reusing or repurposing items. Therefore, making a cardboard monster was right up my alley.

This is a fun activity that allows your child to use their imagination. What do you want your monster to look like? Is it going to be big or small? How many eyes will it have? Does it have antennas?

Recycled Cardboard

SUPPLIES

Cardboard Boxes (tissue boxes, cereal boxes, etc.)

Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls

Googly Eyes

Glue and/or Tape

Construction Paper

Scissors

Art Supplies (such as feathers, pompoms, dabbers, markers, and pipe cleaners)

Divided Tray

Art Supplies Tray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Set Up Supplies

I assembled a bin of random cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls. You could also add paper towel rolls, tin cans (be careful of sharp edges), plastic bottles, and bottle caps. In addition to these, I set out a tray with colorful feathers, bright popsicle sticks, pompoms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and construction paper cut into shapes. You can have your child cut out the shapes that they want. I leave this to your discretion as you know your child’s skills best. Finally, I laid out construction paper, markers, glue, tape, bingo dabbers, and scissors.

Recycled Cardboard Monsters

2. Pick Out Your Cardboard Materials

First, I had Ben pick out a box. He wanted to make a tall cardboard monster, so he picked out one of the bigger boxes. You can either add legs and arms now or after you decorate the main box. We chose to add them at the end, which made it easier to to decorate. Plus, it takes awhile for the glue to dry when attaching the legs, arms, etc.

3. Color Your Monster

Next, we used construction paper to color our cardboard monster, but you could also use crayons, markers, paint, or even wrapping paper.

When asked what color did he want to make his monster, Ben exclaimed, “Rainbow!” We cut out colorful panels of construction paper that Ben attached with glue to each side.

Recycled Cardboard Monsters

4. Decorate Your Monster

Let your child’s imagination run wild. It’s time to decorate your monster. Be creative.

Recycled Cardboard Monsters
Recycled Cardboard Monsters

5. Assemble Cardboard Monster

Time to put your monster together. Add its legs, arms, tails, and antennas with either glue or tape. Allow time for everything to dry before playing with your recycled cardboard monster.

Recycled Cardboard Monsters

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

This activity teaches so much to your child. Not only are they working on their engineering and fine motor skills, your child can works on shapes, numbers, math, counting, colors and more.

Here are some ideas:

– Name colors of the the items that you are using.

– How many eyes, arms, antenna, etc.? Add or subtract items.

– Name shapes that you are using. I cut out different shapes to be used and asked him to name which shapes he wanted to use.

– Name body parts as you are adding them to the monster.

These are just a few ideas of lessons that you can work on while creating your cardboard monster. I would love to hear what lessons you worked on with your little one while making cardboard monsters.

Recycled Cardboard Monsters

Alternative Cardboard Monster

If you do not want to make a big cardboard monster with lots of parts, I suggest making some with just a single toilet paper roll. We covered ours with construction paper, but you could use markers or paint to color it. Then add your decorative items like above. Aren’t they cute?!

Toilet Paper Roll Monsters
Toilet Paper Roll Monsters

For more monster fun, check out our DIY Colorful Monster Play Dough Kit.

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All activities here are activities I feel are safe for my own children. As your child’s parents/guardians, you will need to decide what you feel is safe for your family. I always encourage contacting your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. All activities on this blog are intended to be performed with adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when activities call for the use of materials that could potentially be harmful, such as scissors, or items that could present a choking risk (small items), or a drowning risk (water activities), and with introducing a new food/ingredient to a child (allergies). Observe caution and safety at all times. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.