Easy Preschool Snowman in a Jar Preschool Activity with Cotton Balls

Snowman in a Jar is the Perfect, Easy Preschool Activity for Winter 

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This easy kids snowman activity gem, an adorable snowman in a jar, was designed by my 5 yr. old. It is perfect for developing preschool fine motor skills. 

The little hands stuff the cotton balls or marshmallows (we used fiber fill) into the jar and then carefully add in his facial features. 

Sure, you can draw the face on the outside, but little hands will develop more skills if they work to find the perfect placement of that carrot nose. It's a great sensory play activity too. You might also DIY Sensory Snow for play-based learning.  

This is my all time favorite snowman preschool activity.

You Will Need:

Fiberfill, cotton balls, marshmallows, or popcorn

Candy canes and peppermints

Buttons, Pom-poms

Scrap construction paper, felt, or foam pieces

Permanent Marker

Stuff a jar full with popcorn, marshmallows, cotton balls, or fiber fill. Have kids squeeze in cut-out shapes for eyes, nose, and buttons. The kids can also do the mouth inside, but it is more fun and gives a 3D effect if you draw it on the jar with a permanent marker. Glue a pom-pom to the top or tie on a scarf.  Voila!

Recommended Reading:

Olaf Story

The Snowman

Snowman Activities for Toddlers


Pin it!

Preschool Sensory Play Activities: How it all got started!

Sensory Messy Play and Preschool Activities

We've had many great years teaching messy play and preschool classes for The Play Connection and hope the future will send even more blessings our way. Here are our top sensory and messy play preschool activities from 2013. What a blast from the past!

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Here is a listing of our top posts of 2013. Many offer great ideas for fun, preschool activities, clip art, and lots of fun for kids! Enjoy!

1. Christmas Eye Candy: Photos of Christmas Trees in Snow Clipart
2. Angie's Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe
3. New Year Preschool Party Ideas and Activities for Kids
4. Lots of Snowmen and Marshmallows Christmas Crafts and Activities for Kids
5. Fun for Kids with Phineas and Ferb Printables
6. Lots of photos of Bread Clipart
7. Cute Valentine Clipart and Free Printables for Kids Classroom Valentines
8. 9 New Year Activities for Kids with games for kids too
9. Marshmallows: Fun for kids SENSORY game great for preschoolers
10. The Tooth Fairy Sagas: Free Toothfairy clipart and true Mommy Drama
11. Activities for Kids: Make your own snow for Sensory play fun for kids
12. Birthday Party games for Kids and Moms on a budget
13. Our new Series Made the cut! Creative Country Sayings and Inspirational Quotes

Memories from 2008 - 2012.

Here's my favorite Homeschool Lesson from 2013.

Primary and Complementary Color Homeschool Art and Science Lesson.

Jake's Journey in Homeschool Art Lessons and Projects for Kids

(Pre K to Elementary)

There are many Homeschool Lessons in this series, so make sure you click the labels under each post. (Still Life, Water Coloring for Kids, Weaving, Self-Portrait activities, Building Models for Science, Christmas Gingerbread House how to diy, Color Theory Lessons, Primary Colors, and even some History  along the way - it's art to me how we've designed our lives throughout the years. I hope you will follow along on the journey.)

We published a Kitchen Kids Cookbook with mix and make recipes for kids. We helped fund raise for Santa's Elves of Indy, we started Homeschooling through INCA (Indiana Connections Academy,) and we moved to a house in the country. 

2013 holds many dreams as we look forward to gardening, raising chickens, goats, and hopefully bunnies and alpacas, get that YA novel published, and share a few of the many stage plays and skits for kids I've written over the years. Bring it! I am excited to get started :-) 

What does your future hold? Leave a comment and let us know.

Follow us on Pinterest (Kids Creative Chaos and Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt for Pre school Curriculum) and Google +  Can't find us on Twitter? Check the right sidebar for a link we're @playconnection. 


Recommended Reading:

Fun with Messy Play: Ideas and Activities for Children with Special Needs

Play Out: How to develop your outside space for learning and play

Recycled Scrap Paper Craft Rainbow Fish Theme for Preschool

Recycled Rainbow Fish Paper Craft and Companion Story Ideas

If you are teaching children how to care for fish, this Rainbow Fish recycled paper craft is an easy, fun aquarium activity to make.

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center in Florida

The story: Rainbow Fish is different and the other fish aren't very nice until they get to know him in all his glittery glory. Did you know he wrote a second story, 'Rainbow Fish to the Rescue'?  We have some fun, preschool companion book activities for both here. Rainbow Fish is the perfect theme for preschool curriculum.

Marcus Fister's Rainbow Fish. Fun theme for preschool.

Scrap Paper Rainbow Fish Craft for preschool.

We made this fish from our scrap paper box. You can photocopy a picture of Rainbow Fish to use as a pattern. Tip: Use Wrapping Paper scraps to make a sparkly Rainbow Fish Craft.

Recommended Reading:

Aquarium Craft Activities

Fishing Activity

Rainbow Fish to the Rescue!

Paint with Spaghetti

February 4 Pin it! Scavenger Hunt for Preschool Activities Search Words and Winners

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt for Preschool Ideas

Are you playing yet? Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt helps hook teachers and caregivers up with great, relevant preschool activities each week. Anyone can play just leave a comment on this page or on the purple pin and we'll add you to the collaborative board.

Pinterest Preschool Scavenger Hunt

Pin categories: Violets (Feb. flower), Teeth Lessons (Dental Health Month), Things to do w/ Hearts, Healthy Snacks,  and  Snowmen. 10 pin limit (1 per topic) ~  NO AD LINKS. Pins must lead to blog or PAGE of source. PLEASE don't REPIN your own pins.  Pin to own board 1st. Facebook Forum to chat with other preschool teachers or mommy bloggers 

This week's winning pins (it's a tie):
21 Presiden't Day Activities from Tip Junkie

21 President's Day Activities from Tipjunkie.com by Dawn Marelli.

and Groundhog Day snack from Smedley's Smorgasboard

Groundhog Day Snack by Nicole Kiska.

Preschool Ideas: Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest. March 2013 Giveaway = Free Usborne Book and More

The first month of the renovated  Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest for preschool ideas is ending. On April 1, 2013, I will declare and announce a giveaway winner! We implemented new rules and the keywords are themed to last the entire month. You can pin up to 35 pins. Don't worry if you go over, we don't want to flood the boards, but one or two won't put you in jeopardy. However, if you do pin more than 35, the pins over the limit will not be eligible to win. How to play Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt.

Fun Usborne Book you could choose for Pinterest Preschool Scavenger Hunt Giveaway.

Nicole Kiska from Usborne Books has generously offered to donate this month's giveaway item. The winner will get a voucher number to contact Nicole. You can visit her site and choose an item within a certain price point (Nicole will provide the info on Monday). She'll ship the book directly to you. This month's winner will also receive 2 Free McDonald's Wrap coupons and a link to free coloring and activity pages for your preschoolers.

Learn to draw Art Pack is a great choice too;

Not familiar with Usborne books? I love them. They are educational, beautifully illustrated in bright, appealing colors, and so much fun! Don't wait to find out if you are the winner; visit Nicole's site and get one today. They are affordably priced and make great gifts for kids. Most books are priced $10-20. The best part is you don't even have to buy one. That's right, you can host a party and earn free products! You can arrange for a virtual party, or if you are in the Chicago area have a fun, friendly get-together.

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Online Scavenger Hunt: Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt Art Projects for Kids

Art Projects for Preschool Kids from Pinterest Scavenger Hunt

The relaunch of Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt is a huge success! We have accumulated over 5,000 followers and 136 pinners. If you'd like to play the game, request to become a pinner to the collaborative board. Comment on this post or leave a comment on the purple pin on our Pinterest board.

Congrats to Jo @Le Baby Bakery for this month's winning pin from +Allison McDonald @ No Time for Flashcards. See the pin Kandinsky Fine Art.

Recycle bottle lids for this Fine Art inspired project based on Kandinsky.

This month's runner up is +Dawn Marelli with an Easy preschool project tissue paper chick from Blissfully Domestic.

Easy Tissue Paper Craft for Kids. Fun for Easter.

+Nicole Kiska is donating Usborne books to the winners.
See the prize pack here.

APRIL Topics 4/1 - 4/30 

Find and pin these ideas: 

Book & Companion Projects (Children's Book Day 4/2), 

Science for Earth Day U.S. (4/22), 

Arbor Day Ideas(4/26), 

Re-use Projects for "Keep America Beautiful" Month, Things to do w/ Jelly Beans (Jelly Bean Day 4/22), 

Ideas for Nat'l. Pretzel Day(4/26) 

Penguin Day Ideas (4/26) 

LIMIT 35 pins total per person. You can pin 5 per topic or mix it up- 10 of your favorite topic, etc. It's your choice! Pins must lead to PAGE of source (website). Don't REPIN your own pins. Please pin to your board first, then pin to the Pin it! group baord. 

For a complete list of GAME RULES visit our Facebook Pin it! page.  Good Luck!

Recommended Reading:

Art Projects for Kids

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Turkey Apple Treats After-School Snack Activities for Preschool

Turkey Apple Treats After-School Snack Activities for Preschool

Purchase candy and food items for snack activities for preschool at the Dollar Tree for this easy, preschool Thanksgiving Turkey apple craft for kids. Find more theme snack recipes in our Summer Camp Handbook.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Use lots of cookies in various shapes and sizes, candy corn, goldfish crackers, candy sprinkles, and icing. I suggest graham crackers to make it a little less like junk food. Chocolate covered fudge stripe cookies became the turkey's base and orange Halloween icing bought on clearance became the 'glue.'

We have lots of activities for preschool. We teach messy and creative play classes. Here is a fun paper, turkey hat using your foot as a pattern.

Recommended Reading:

After-School Snack Cookbook

Edie's Best After School Snacks: Healthy snacks for kids like me!

Professional Development for Preschool Teachers

Where do you find ECE Professional Development Courses?

Are you looking for professional development courses for your early childhood education professionals? ChildCare Education Institute offers a wide variety of courses to keep your staff up to date and knowledgeable in all things preschool. If you are a director or administrator of an early learning childcare center, you may want to share some of the knowledge you gain with your staff. Teaching adults differs from teaching children. If you need ideas on how to do training for your childcare staff, CCEI offers this course, PROF101: Adult Learning: Theories and Strategies for Trainers and Directors. Read on for my review of the course.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I get a small commission.

The PROF101: Adult Learning: Theories and Strategies for Trainers and Directors course is designed for directors and other early childhood professionals who train adults or facilitate professional development programs. It reminds you that teaching adults can be challenging. Adults may actually pay less attention to the instructor than children do because they already have a knowledge base and personal bias.

Professional Development for Preschool Teachers: Adult Learning Class

Above is a sample slide from the class. The class shares methods and ideas from various scholars. The biggest take away for me was to (after teaching ECE for many years) be careful not to talk down to your class. Understand that they must want to learn and to do so, they must respect you, but also believe that you respect them.

This class was a little more difficult for me than the previous classes. To be honest, I don't review the study guides and handouts. I know, I know. I achieved a certificate on the first attempt (you're allowed 10 attempts.) However, I scored an 80% and had to guess on a few questions. All of that scholarly info is valuable but difficult to remember, especially when you're tired. Be sure you have plenty of time for the test and that you are well rested!

I truly love learning from the comfort of my own home. In the past, I've done Professional Development for Preschool Teachers through NAEYC. While it's nice to do hands on and meet other people in the field, nothing beats learning at your own pace in your pajamas with ChildCare Education Institute.

Recommended:

Where do you go for ECE training online?

CCEI Class: Active Learning in Early Childhood Education

Preschool Activities for Circle Time

Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt (Pinterest) Hearts Feb. 11, 2013

What a fun week of playing Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest! This week brought many new pinners/players for tons more ideas for February Preschool Activities. Ready to start playing and pinning for a new week? This week's categories are all things remembered in the month of February but not necessarily winter crafts for kids.

This week's winning pin is the perfect preschool activity for Valentine's Day! Coffee Filter Heart Craft by Meaningful Mama. Who pinned it? Yes, Dawn! Lots of others were in the running this week. Kudos to all!

Easy Heart Craft for Valentine's Day by Meaningfulmama.com

I have a super easy shamrock craft made from hearts that got loved too :)

Here's the list to get you started: February is the month to honor these things: American History Lesson, Friendship Crafts, Bird Feeding (Easy Bird Feeder Projects), Grapefruit Recipes, and Responsible Pet Owners Ideas. 10 pin limit (1 per topic) ~ NO AD LINKS. Pins must lead to blog or PAGE of source. PLEASE don't REPIN your own pins. Pin to own board 1st. Find us on Facebook to chat about ideas.

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Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Indoors!

Do you want to Build an Indoor Snowman?

With Olaf of Frozen so popular these days, we had to ask... do you want to build a snowman? Here at Kids Creative Chaos, we love snowmen! If it is below zero outside and your kids are begging to go outside to build a snowman, we've got some warmer alternatives. Here are 6 fun ways to build a snowman indoors. Enjoy!

Dancing with Olaf.

This Sensory Snowman Activity for Toddlers uses lots of sticky stuff to make a cute, paper snowman.

How to Make a Snowman Mobile

How to make a snowman mobile.

Printable Snowman Faces

Printable Snowman Faces.

Snowman Activities for Preschool

Snowman activities for preschool.

Preschool Snowman Ideas

Preschool Snowman Ideas: Snowman in a Jar.

Edible Snowman Recipe

Edible Snowman Recipe.

These Snowman Party Favors are perfect for a Frozen Theme Birthday Party!

Snowman Party Favors.

Recommended Reading:

Snowman Coloring Page

The Snowman*


Frozen Hide-and-Hug Olaf: A Fun Family Experience!*







ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Featured U.K. Preschool and Craft Blogger: Jo from Le Baby Bakery Dino Activity

Preschool Dinosaur Activity Printable 

Our featured blog is Le Baby Bakery. Jo is a U.K. preschool and craft blogger who blogs about life and crafts with two boisterous boys. She also makes baby and toddler clothes and accessories which she sells through her Facebook page. Enjoy!

The clothes are adorable! If you're in the U.K., hop over and take a look. Handmade kid's clothes make great birthday gifts! 

I met Jo through Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest. She recently won with the most repins. Jo does lots of preschool activities with her boys. 

I love this preschool dinosaur activity. She printed a Letter "D" dino worksheet, and then attached magnets to colorful pom-poms, placed the sheet on a metal tray, and let the fun begin. 

Letter "D" dinosaur theme lesson with 
magnetic pom-poms and tray from Le Baby Bakery.

Check out more fun ideas for preschoolers at Le Baby Bakery. 



Recommended:

Dinosaur Activity Kit*

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

14 Circle Time Activities and Ideas for Preschoolers

Preschool Circle Time is for Group Lessons, Games, and Interaction

Running out of ideas for Preschool Circle Time? Every preschool program needs circle time for group interaction. This is a time to build structure into the program, so the children know what to expect each day. It is great to offer circle time at least twice a day- once in the morning, and once just before time to go home. These ideas will help build a sense of togetherness, (community) a time for sharing, and a fun learning environment for the kids. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Elementary Circle Time Games, Activities, and Ideas for Preschoolers and Toddlers.

 14 Ideas and Activities for Circle Time

1.  Dance Freeze - Play some music or sing a song. Everyone dances willy nilly. Suddenly, stop the song, but don't sing to the end of a verse, that is too predictable. Everyone must freeze in their position. Is one leg up? Are they doing the worm? If they move, they must sit frozen in that spot, criss-cross applesauce and wait to see who can freeze the longest. No blinking or twitching allowed.

50 SIMPLE GROUP GAMES for CIRCLE TIME

2.  Bug in a Rug - This is an oldie, but a goodie. Everyone sits in the circle. Before you begin to play, explain EXACTLY how the game works. Grab a blanket or a big beach towel. Now, pick one child to leave the room or wear a fun blindfold. Teacher picks a student. Shh! Just point at the child, grab their hand and take them away from the group. Now, point at another child and then to the "rug". Hide the child under the "rug." Bring the other preschooler back. Can they guess who is missing? 

3. Pass the Movement - I played this for years with preschoolers and school-age children in summer camps, but I didn't give it a name. I found the name at Preksharing Blog. She says it is adapted from a book published in 2011, but we used to do this years ago in summer camp and afterschool programs. Just goes to show, great minds think alike! It is simple to play. Teacher starts with a movement. Perhaps, you wave your hand in the air. Now, the person sitting to your right must wave their hand and add a movement like wiggling their nose. The next person to the right, does those movements and adds one of their own. It is a "WAVE" of different movements.

4. Shake the Sillies Out - Need a game to get kids' moving?  Find some Dragon Tunes from the cartoon, Dragon Tales, and every morning, "Shake the Sillies Out"! Just play the song, and follow the instructions. Kids love this one!

5. Circle Time Collaborative Painting - I like the idea of painting circles in collaboration like the one from Art Project Girl in the link. You know, where Teach lays out a big sheet of paper and painting supplies and everyone paints concentric circles? What if we do it as a part of Circle Time? Pass the painting, and make a PROGRESSIVE PAINTING. 

This idea teaches patience. Everyone must wait their turn. It builds excitement too. Lay out a large painting tarp, sit the children in a circle on the tarp, give each child a cup of paint and a brush. No painting unless it is your turn. To make it less frustrating, pass two large poster boards around starting at opposite ends. Children are allowed to paint only 1 circle or shape of their choice per turn. While they are painting, teacher shares an art lesson on shapes!

Collaborative Concentric Circle Painting from Art Project Girl.

6. Click, Clack, Moo Story Starter - You know the story about the unhappy cows in the barn? They have a typewriter. They are making demands. An electric blanket would be nice. What else might the farm animals want from the farmer? 

Click Clack Moo Story Starter Circle Time Game.

Play a Circle Time Game where each child is given an animal. Before the game, print out cards with farm animal pictures on one side and their name on the other. Each child draws a card from a hat. Give this example to the kids: What does the (insert animal here) pig want? "Dear Farmer Brown, the barn is smelly. Please send air fresheners." Have each child come up with their own idea for what the animal on the card might want from the farmer.

7. Animal Movement Game - Take the game above one step further. Get the kids moving like the animals. Ask, "What does a pig say?" Now, "How does a pig move?" The children take turns walking around the circle like the animal on their cards. 

8. Quiet Mouse, Still Mouse - When Circle Time is done, keep children in a circle to release them to the next preschool activity. The teacher explains, the child who sits as quiet as a mouse (the quietest) get to line up first. Continue until everyone (or almost everyone, I don't like to single out those who can't sit still or quiet) is in line.

9. Calendar Time -  Sing "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday. Suunday, Munday... TUUESday" Emphasize the current day of the week. Sing the song and then check the calendar. Who can find today on the calendar? Here's another days of the week song sung to the Addam's Family theme. 

10. Alphabet Shopping - Using the first letter of each child's name, pretend to go shopping for an item that begins with that letter. For example, “Jake will buy a jump rope.” Go around the circle until everyone has had a turn. This helps with letter recognition. For more ideas like this visit Early Childhood News.

11. Talking Stick - Bring in a cane, or recycle a cardboard wrapping paper tube. The kids can help decorate the "Talking Stick" with Washi or Duct Tape, Glitter, or Feathers. During Circle Time, grab the stick. Now, explain to the group that this is a talking stick. Only the person who holds it may speak. This is a great tool to use for Show and Tell or other situations where children take turns sharing. More lessons in patience and turn taking.

12. Birthday Day of the Week Bags - PreK Pages Blog has a fun idea for Day of the Week Bags. Make a brown paper bag for each day of the week. Give it a colorful label, and fill it with the names of classmates who have birthdays on this day or other special things that happen on this day of THIS week.

   13. Pictures with Facial Expressions - Hold up magazine pictures of facial expressions. Ask, "What is this person feeling." Have the children take turns making the face. After you play this game, have the kids draw themselves like this emotion art lesson.

14. Play Duck, Duck, Goose? - This old standby might be boring to you, but it is likely new to the toddlers and preschoolers in your class. Change it up each day. After they get the hang of the game, add a creative play element by acting it out. Have the kids act and walk like the animal as they toddle around. Walk and Talk like the animal. For older or school-age children, change the theme to pig, pig, cow or ghost, ghost, vampire.

Recommended Reading:

50 Easy Group Games for Preschoolers

Rugs for Circle Time

Circle Time Handbook with Reproducible Pages

Teen Group Games for Camp

Preschool Circle Time Activities

Chicken Art Project for Preschool

Preschool Circle Time Songs

Nature Based Circle Time Activity

How to Play Four Corners Group Activity

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