Flower Activity for Preschoolers with Free Printable!

flower activity spring blooming flower experiment fine motor skills

This flower activity is a fun way to learn about how flowers bloom while also strengthening fine motor skills while using a spray bottle! Keep reading to get the free printable.

A Twist on the Traditional Blooming Flower Activity!

The classic blooming flower experiment typically involves placing flowers in a dish of water, observing them slowly open over time. However, our new approach offers a unique twist where kids can strengthen even more skills!

First off, I like to set it up vertically, which helps to promote gross motor skills. Additionally, what sets this flower activity apart is the use of a spray water bottle, perfect for fine motor skill strengthening! As kids stand, their bodies will cross the midline as they spray the flowers from one side to the other, enhancing coordination and cognitive abilities.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Strengthening Fine Motor Skills with Spray Bottles in This Flower Activity!

Spray bottles aren’t just for watering real plants—they’re fantastic tools for refining fine motor skills in children. These skills involve coordinating small hand and finger muscles, crucial for tasks like writing and drawing. Here’s how spray bottles aid in this development:

1. Grip and Hand Strength: Squeezing the trigger of a spray bottle strengthens hand muscles and improves grip, essential for precise tasks.

2. Finger Coordination: Manipulating the trigger requires intricate finger movements, refining control and coordination.

3. Bilateral Coordination: Using a spray bottle encourages coordination between both hands, vital for activities like cutting and tying shoelaces.

4. Sensory Stimulation: The tactile feedback and sensory experience of spraying water engage multiple senses, fostering learning and motor development.

Incorporating spray bottles into activities, like our blooming paper flower activity, adds fun while honing essential motor skills in children.

Strengthening Fine Motor Skills with Spray Bottles in This Flower Activity!

Spray bottles aren’t just for watering real plants—they’re fantastic tools for refining fine motor skills in children. These skills involve coordinating small hand and finger muscles, crucial for tasks like writing and drawing. Here’s how spray bottles aid in this development:

1. Grip and Hand Strength: Squeezing the trigger of a spray bottle strengthens hand muscles and improves grip, essential for precise tasks.

2. Finger Coordination: Manipulating the trigger requires intricate finger movements, refining control and coordination.

3. Bilateral Coordination: Using a spray bottle encourages coordination between both hands, vital for activities like cutting and tying shoelaces.

4. Sensory Stimulation: The tactile feedback and sensory experience of spraying water engage multiple senses, fostering learning and motor development.

Incorporating spray bottles into activities, like our blooming paper flower activity, adds fun while honing essential motor skills in children.

Download and Print the Blooming Paper Flower Activity

We’ve made it easy for you to get started with our blooming paper flower experiment by providing a free printable stem template. Simply click here to download it and keep on reading below for step-by-step directions on how to set up the experiment and watch the magic unfold as you spray water and see the flowers bloom!

Choosing the Right Spray Bottle

When selecting a spray bottle for this flower activity, it’s essential to choose one that is easy for little hands to use. Some spray bottles may be challenging for young children to operate, leading to frustration and difficulty in participating fully. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, opt for a spray bottle with a trigger that is easy to squeeze and requires minimal effort to release the water. Click here to see the spray bottle set my two year old is able to use confidently.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Download and print the template.

Step 2

Laminate the cover sheet for added durability.

Step 3

Cut out the flowers and fold the petals into the center of the flower.

Step 4

Attach the flowers to the stems using double sided tape.

Step 5

Fill a spray bottle up with water and encourage children to spray water onto the paper flowers and observe as they slowly open and “bloom” before your eyes!

Step 1

Download and print the template.

Step 2

Laminate the cover sheet for added durability.

Step 3

Cut out the flowers and fold the petals into the center of the flower.

Step 4

Attach the flowers to the stems using double sided tape.

Step 5

Fill a spray bottle up with water and encourage children to spray water onto the paper flowers and observe as they slowly open and “bloom” before your eyes!

What is the Classic Blooming Flowers Experiment?

If you enjoyed the blooming paper flower activity using the spray bottle method, consider exploring the traditional method as well. We have a different printable you can use for it – click HERE! Traditionally, paper flowers are placed in a dish of water, where they slowly open over time—a fun process to observe and learn from. This is a great option for children who may not be ready to use spray bottles yet and yet the activity still provides a hands-on experience for young learners to engage with the concept of blooming flowers. Whether you prefer the interactive spray bottle method or the traditional approach, there’s plenty of fun to be had with our blooming paper flower experiments!

The Science Behind The Blooming Flower Experiments!

The blooming paper flower experiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the science of osmosis and capillary action.

As the paper flowers absorb water from the spray bottle, they undergo a process similar to that of real flowers drawing water through their stems. This absorption causes the paper fibers to swell and unfold, resulting in the mesmerizing blooming effect observed during the experiment. It’s a hands-on way for children to explore concepts of hydration and plant biology while having fun with art and creativity!

What is the Classic Blooming Flowers Experiment?

If you enjoyed the blooming paper flower activity using the spray bottle method, consider exploring the traditional method as well. We have a different printable you can use for it – click HERE! Traditionally, paper flowers are placed in a dish of water, where they slowly open over time—a fun process to observe and learn from. This is a great option for children who may not be ready to use spray bottles yet and yet the activity still provides a hands-on experience for young learners to engage with the concept of blooming flowers. Whether you prefer the interactive spray bottle method or the traditional approach, there’s plenty of fun to be had with our blooming paper flower experiments!

The Science Behind The Blooming Flower Experiments!

The blooming paper flower experiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the science of osmosis and capillary action. As the paper flowers absorb water from the spray bottle, they undergo a process similar to that of real flowers drawing water through their stems. This absorption causes the paper fibers to swell and unfold, resulting in the mesmerizing blooming effect observed during the experiment. It’s a hands-on way for children to explore concepts of hydration and plant biology while having fun with art and creativity!

More Ways to Explore Plants!

Below you’ll find some of our top picks for gardening toys for kids!

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Blooming Paper Flower Experiment

This blooming paper flower activity is magical! Kids can enjoy crafting their own flowers, or cutting out our printable flowers while working on their scissor skills! Fold in the petals before dropping them down on a shallow plate of water, and get ready for your kiddos to be amazed! Watching the paper flowers bloom in the water is truly magical!

Blooming Paper Flowers for All Ages

This fun activity can be enjoyed by kids of all ages (adults too!). It is such a fun science experiment where kids will learn all about absorption! Even toddlers will enjoy placing the paper down onto the water to see the vibrant colors inside! It is a great way to develop language skills while strengthening color recognition.

Read on to get the printable flowers and for more color recognition activities, visit our full list of easy to set-up ideas!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Set Up This Blooming Paper Flower Activity

In this video, you can see how we put together this magical activity! We used our printable flowers for a quick set up too. All of the vibrant colors magically opening in water is such a fun sensory experience! Kids will have the best reactions!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Set Up This Blooming Paper Flower Activity

In this video, you can see how we put together this magical activity! We used our printable flowers for a quick set up too. All of the vibrant colors magically opening in water is such a fun sensory experience! Kids will have the best reactions!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Download the Blooming Paper Flower Printable

We know grown ups are busy, so we created a printable so you can easily set up this activity! These flowers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but they will all magically open when placed in water!

Make sure that you don’t miss out on our Dot the Rainbow and our Color Mixing Bundle for more ways to explore vibrant colors!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Materials

Shallow Dish
Water

Printer
Paper
Shallow Plate
Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Print out our printable blooming paper flowers. We have the Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank printer – we love it because it is budget-friendly and super efficient with color with it’s refillable tanks!

Step 2

Cut out the flowers.

Step 3

Fold the petals into the center of the flower.

Step 4

Place the folded paper on a shallow plate of water and enjoy the magic as the flowers bloom! Be sure to experiment with different types of papers and make predictions about how fast it will absorb the water to open the flower!

Step 1

Print out our printable blooming paper flowers. We have the Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank printer – we love it because it is budget-friendly and super efficient with color with it’s refillable tanks!

Step 2

Cut out the flowers.

Step 3

Fold the petals into the center of the flower.

Step 4

Place the folded paper on a shallow plate of water and enjoy the magic as the flowers bloom! Be sure to experiment with different types of papers and make predictions about how fast it will absorb the water to open the flower!

Educational Benefits of this Blooming Paper Flower Activity

This is such a fun STEM project! It certainly looks like magic, but this is all about absorption. As the fibers in the paper absorb water, it expands and opens up! You can experiment with different types of paper thickness, noting that some papers open up slower or quicker depending on how easily it is able to absorb the water.

Younger children can also learn something too! They will be able to practice their understanding of color recognition while working on language development. Ask them what colors are being revealed, or have them repeat the names of the colors.

Educational Benefits of this Blooming Paper Flower Activity

This is such a fun STEM project! It certainly looks like magic, but this is all about absorption. As the fibers in the paper absorb water, it expands and opens up! You can experiment with different types of paper thickness, noting that some papers open up slower or quicker depending on how easily it is able to absorb the water.

Younger children can also learn something too! They will be able to practice their understanding of color recognition while working on language development. Ask them what colors are being revealed, or have them repeat the names of the colors.

Top Toys to Learn Colors

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy to learn colors!

Wooden Peg Dolls

These wooden peg dolls are beautifully made, vibrant, and multi-cultural!

These are what we used in our activity!

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Color Sorting Rainbow

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Count and Color Match Houses

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Stack and Sort

This fun puzzle is all about shape and color recognition. Stacking the pieces through the peg is great for fine motor skill development too!

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Easter Bunny Coloring Craft – How to Make a Personalized Card

Discover how to create a personalized Easter bunny coloring craft with our step-by-step guide, perfect for making cards and table settings!

Create a Personalized Keepsake with this Easter Bunny Coloring Craft

Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun and creative craft? Keep reading to explore this super fun printable coloring craft featuring an adorable Easter bunny. But what sets this craft apart is its interactive 3D design, allowing you to personalize it with your own face and use it as both a card and a table setting decoration. Get the printable HERE!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Arts and Crafts

Ages: 3+

Prep Time: 15 min

Watch How to Assemble This 3D Easter Bunny Coloring Craft!

Watch the video to see how to assemble this adorable Easter bunny coloring craft!

This craft takes Easter coloring to a whole new level. When you add your own picture and color the bunny, it really makes this printable special!

But the real kicker? Those arms! They stretch forward, ready to hold a basket of eggs or a cute Easter egg. It’s such a fun detail that really brings the card to life. Kids will have a blast with it, and hey, adults might too!

I love how versatile this printable is! First and foremost, it’s perfect for a relaxing coloring session, allowing both children and adults to unleash their creativity and personalize their own Easter bunny masterpiece.

Once colored, the printable can serve as a standalone greeting card, ideal for sending heartfelt Easter wishes to friends and family. Pair it with an Easter gift to add an extra special touch, turning it into a charming card that doubles as a delightful keepsake. For those hosting an Easter gathering, consider using the bunny as a unique place holder for table settings, adding an adorable touch to your festive decor!

Watch How to Assemble This 3D Easter Bunny Coloring Craft!

Watch the video to see how to assemble this adorable Easter bunny coloring craft!

This craft takes Easter coloring to a whole new level. When you add your own picture and color the bunny, it really makes this printable special!

But the real kicker? Those arms! They stretch forward, ready to hold a basket of eggs or a cute Easter egg. It’s such a fun detail that really brings the card to life. Kids will have a blast with it, and hey, adults might too!

I love how versatile this printable is! First and foremost, it’s perfect for a relaxing coloring session, allowing both children and adults to unleash their creativity and personalize their own Easter bunny masterpiece.

Once colored, the printable can serve as a standalone greeting card, ideal for sending heartfelt Easter wishes to friends and family. Pair it with an Easter gift to add an extra special touch, turning it into a charming card that doubles as a delightful keepsake. For those hosting an Easter gathering, consider using the bunny as a unique place holder for table settings, adding an adorable touch to your festive decor!

Tips for Creating This Easter Bunny Coloring Craft

Choose Quality Materials: Opt for sturdy cardstock paper when printing your Easter Bunny template. This ensures durability and stability for your 3D card once assembled.

Personalize Thoughtfully: When adding a photo to customize the bunny’s face, select one that fits well within the designated area and complements the overall aesthetic of your craft.

Experiment with Decorations: Have fun embellishing your Easter Bunny with additional decorations such as glitter, stickers, or even small embellishments like ribbon or sequins.

Get the Printable HERE!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Download the printable Easter bunny template and print it on sturdy cardstock for durability.

Step 2

Color your bunny!

Step 3

Cut out a photo of your face to fit within the designated area on the bunny’s head.

Step 4

Carefully cut along the solid lines of the bunny and Easter egg images, including the arms that wrap around for a 3D effect. Take your time to ensure neat edges.

Step 5

Fold along the line intended for folding to create the bunny’s body and arms. Use glue or tape to secure the hands, forming the 3D structure. Make sure the arms are positioned to hold either a basket of eggs or the single Easter egg.

Step 1

Download the printable Easter bunny template and print it on sturdy cardstock for durability.

Step 2

Color your bunny!

Step 3

Cut out a photo of your face to fit within the designated area on the bunny’s head.

Step 4

Carefully cut along the solid lines of the bunny and Easter egg images, including the arms that wrap around for a 3D effect. Take your time to ensure neat edges.

Step 5

Fold along the line intended for folding to create the bunny’s body and arms. Use glue or tape to secure the hands, forming the 3D structure. Make sure the arms are positioned to hold either a basket of eggs or the single Easter egg.

Easter Activity and Gift Guide!

And if you are looking for more ways to have fun this Easter season, check out our Easter Activity and Gift Guide—a jam-packed resource! Inside, you’ll find tons of activities to keep them entertained, like egg decorating, Easter egg hunts, bunny-themed crafts, and more DIY cards. Need ideas for Easter basket gifts? We’ve got you covered with suggestions. Plus, our guide doesn’t stop at Easter-specific activities. We’ve thrown in plenty of spring-inspired ideas too!

Check our our Easter Guide HERE!

Easter Activity and Gift Guide!

And if you are looking for more ways to have fun this Easter season, check out our Easter Activity and Gift Guide—a jam-packed resource! Inside, you’ll find tons of activities to keep them entertained, like egg decorating, Easter egg hunts, bunny-themed crafts, and more DIY cards. Need ideas for Easter basket gifts? We’ve got you covered with suggestions. Plus, our guide doesn’t stop at Easter-specific activities. We’ve thrown in plenty of spring-inspired ideas too!

Check our our Easter Guide HERE!

More Easter Themed Activities!

Explore some more of our favorite Easter themed activities and printables!

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easter egg activity eggmazing egg decorator mess free decorating

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Easter Bunny Bags – How to Make Adorable DIY Gift Bags

easter bunny bags diy adorable treat bags

Making your own Easter Bunny Bags is not just easy to do, but the results are so adorable! It’s such a fun craft project for kids or an adult who wants to make something special for their family! Keep reading for the simple step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and even more Easter-themed activities to make this holiday extra special.

Adding a Personal Touch to Easter Bunny Bags

There is something so special about giving a gift that’s been crafted with love and care, especially during the Easter season! These adorable DIY Easter bunny bags not only hold sweet treats or small gifts but also carry the warmth of your personal touch.

Whether you’re surprising a friend, family member, or little one, these handmade creations add an extra layer of joy and thoughtfulness to your Easter celebrations.

Skills: Arts and Crafts

Ages: 3+

Prep Time: 15 min

Watch the Video To See How to Make Easter Bunny Bags!

Excited to dive into this adorable Easter DIY project? You’re in for a treat! Watch this video to see how crafting these charming Easter bunny bags is not only fun but also surprisingly easy.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to DIY, this project is perfect for all skill levels. With just a few simple materials and straightforward steps, you’ll have your own bunny bags ready in no time.

So, let’s channel that excitement, gather our supplies, and get ready to create something truly special for the holiday season!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video To See How to Make Easter Bunny Bags!

Excited to dive into this adorable Easter DIY project? You’re in for a treat! Watch this video to see how crafting these charming Easter bunny bags is not only fun but also surprisingly easy.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to DIY, this project is perfect for all skill levels. With just a few simple materials and straightforward steps, you’ll have your own bunny bags ready in no time.

So, let’s channel that excitement, gather our supplies, and get ready to create something truly special for the holiday season!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Creating These Easter Bunny Bags

Cutting the Ear Shape: When cutting out the ears, take your time to ensure clean and precise edges. You can trace one ear first and then use that as a guide for all the remaining ears to draw and cut.

Use a Strong Glue or Tape: Use a strong adhesive to firmly attach the paper ears, googly eyes and button nose to the paper bag. This will help prevent them from coming loose and ensure durability.

Experiment with Colors and Patterns: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your materials! Mix and match different colors of paper, felt, or even patterned paper to customize your bunny bags and make each one unique.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On white paper, cut out two large bunny ear shapes. On either pink paper or pink felt, cut out two smaller bunny ear shapes to make the inner ear.

Step 2

Glue the inner ear on top of the outer white paper ear and then glue each of the ears to the paper bag by applying glue to the bottom edge of each bunny ear and then positioning them onto the top edge of the paper bag.

Step 3

Glue two googly eyes, a button for a nose, and draw whiskers and a mouth with a black marker.

Step 4

Once the glue has dried, fill with treats or a small gift!

Step 1

On white paper, cut out two large bunny ear shapes. On either pink paper or pink felt, cut out two smaller bunny ear shapes to make the inner ear.

Step 2

Glue the inner ear on top of the outer white paper ear and then glue each of the ears to the paper bag by applying glue to the bottom edge of each bunny ear and then positioning them onto the top edge of the paper bag.

Step 3

Glue two googly eyes, a button for a nose, and draw whiskers and a mouth with a black marker.

Step 4

Once the glue has dried, fill with treats or a small gift!

The Benefits of Creating Easter Bunny Bags

Besides the obvious joy of giving a personalized gift to a friend or loved one, crafting these Easter bunny bags has a ton of other benefits!

Engaging in creative projects like this stimulates imagination and allows for self-expression. Furthermore, the precise cutting and careful assembly required enhance fine motor skills, making it a great activity for children and adults alike. As you create each bunny bag with love and attention to detail, you’re not only fostering creativity but also spreading happiness with every gift you give!

The Benefits of Creating Easter Bunny Bags

Besides the obvious joy of giving a personalized gift to a friend or loved one, crafting these Easter bunny bags has a ton of other benefits!

Engaging in creative projects like this stimulates imagination and allows for self-expression. Furthermore, the precise cutting and careful assembly required enhance fine motor skills, making it a great activity for children and adults alike. As you create each bunny bag with love and attention to detail, you’re not only fostering creativity but also spreading happiness with every gift you give!

More Easter Themed Activities!

Explore some more of our favorite Easter themed activities and printables!

Feed the Bunny Activity!

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hand eye coordination game for toddlers hatch the egg chick

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Eggmazing Decorator – Everything You Need to Know!

Eggmazing Egg Decorator – Everything You Need to Know!

Are you looking for a super fun way to decorate your Easter Eggs? This Egg Decorator makes everyone an artist! All you need is a few simple supplies and a nifty gadget called the Eggmazing Egg Decorator to get started. Go ahead and get a couple of extra dozen eggs at the store – trust me.

A Mess Free Way to Decorate Eggs with the Eggmazing Egg Decorator

This simple spin art-like activity is so excellent and easy to use. Not only were we able to create some really amazing-looking eggs in just a few short seconds of time, but the ink also dried instantly and made them totally mess-free—no more massive clean-up needed for this simple Easter egg decorating idea.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Arts and Crafts

Ages: 2+

Prep Time: 10 min

Watch the Video To See The Eggmazing Egg Decorator in Action

Here’s how you can learn quickly how to decorate eggs. In this video, you’ll see how fast and easy it is to create a beautiful egg that is stunning and looks like a professional artist created it. This is such a great way to build confidence in your child’s creativity.

The significant part about this simple egg decorating activity is that it can be used for Easter egg decorations, OR it can also just be a creative way to learn new art and concepts as well. The kids are sure to be mesmerized by the egg spinning quickly and the markers making the designs just as fast. The Eggmazing Egg Decorator really makes it so easy!

Make sure that you give the kids a tutorial on how to do these Easter egg designs so that they’re ready to jump in and have some fun. I have a feeling that they’ll get the hang of it right away and be asking for another turn. As I mentioned above, go ahead and get some extra eggs at the store, as these egg decorating ideas are addictive!

Watch the Video To See The Eggmazing Egg Decorator in Action

Here’s how you can learn quickly how to decorate eggs. In this video, you’ll see how fast and easy it is to create a beautiful egg that is stunning and looks like a professional artist created it. This is such a great way to build confidence in your child’s creativity.

The significant part about this simple egg decorating activity is that it can be used for Easter egg decorations, OR it can also just be a creative way to learn new art and concepts as well. The kids are sure to be mesmerized by the egg spinning quickly and the markers making the designs just as fast. The Eggmazing Egg Decorator really makes it so easy!

Make sure that you give the kids a tutorial on how to do these Easter egg designs so that they’re ready to jump in and have some fun. I have a feeling that they’ll get the hang of it right away and be asking for another turn. As I mentioned above, go ahead and get some extra eggs at the store, as these egg decorating ideas are addictive!

Tips for Using the Eggmazing Egg Decorator

The Eggmazing Egg Decorator is super easy to use! All you have to do is add a fully cooled hard-boiled egg into the holder, push the on button, and then use the non-toxic colorful pens to decorate! Here are a few other tips:

Choice of Egg. If using a real egg, it’s best to boil them beforehand giving them plenty of time to cool. Any color egg will work, but white is always best for a truly blank canvas. We had brown eggs so that’s what we used and you can see in the photos that the colors still came out super vibrant. You can also use wooden eggs!

Choice of Markers. Can you use any markers with this toy? I wouldn’t recommend it. I would use the colorful pens that come with this toy as they were designed specifically for it. They also dry extremely fast, and that means that the artwork isn’t going to smear or spread at all, which is excellent.

Extra Benefits of Crafting with the Eggmazing Egg Decorator

I love this Eggmazing Egg Decorator kit because it teaches kids the importance of following directions and also how to hold their hand steady to create a stunning work of art. Even kids who struggle with their fine motor skills and holding a pen will be excited to use these markers to decorate the eggs!

The kit also allows them to be creative and make their own unique designs on the eggs as well. This means that they’ll build confidence in their artistic abilities!

Extra Benefits of Crafting with the Eggmazing Egg Decorator

I love this Eggmazing Egg Decorator kit because it teaches kids the importance of following directions and also how to hold their hand steady to create a stunning work of art. Even kids who struggle with their fine motor skills and holding a pen will be excited to use these markers to decorate the eggs!

The kit also allows them to be creative and make their own unique designs on the eggs as well. This means that they’ll build confidence in their artistic abilities!

More Easter Themed Activities!

Once your finished decorating eggs with your Eggmazing Egg Decorator, explore some more of these fun Easter themed activities!

Feed the Bunny Activity!

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Hatch the Egg Printable!

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Hand-Eye Coordination Game – Hatch the Egg

This hand-eye coordination game is a fun way for toddlers to strengthen this oh so important gross motor skill!

Setting it up is simple with our free printable baby chick! Read on to get it!

A Fun Hand-Eye Coordination Game for Toddlers

Hand-eye coordination is all about the hands and eyes working together. It’s the process by which hands accurately coordinate with information processed by the vision system. This is a skill that is developed during the early years and instrumental for completion of simple daily tasks like pouring a glass of water to more advanced actions in playing sports.

For another hand-eye coordination coordination game, don’t miss our DIY Fishing Game for Toddlers!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Set Up and Play This Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

Here’s a quick video showing how easy it is to set up this hand-eye coordination game! Using a toy hammer to crack the eggs is such a fun sensory experience! Plus, it is a fun game to play during Spring time!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch How to Set Up and Play This Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

Here’s a quick video showing how easy it is to set up this hand-eye coordination game! Using a toy hammer to crack the eggs is such a fun sensory experience! Plus, it is a fun game to play during Spring time!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

hatch the egg hand eye coordination printable activity worksheet for toddlers

Get the Free Printable Baby Chick!

The prep work and set-up could not be easier! You don’t have to spend a lot of time buying lots of supplies either. And since we know grown ups are busy, grab our Hatch the Egg printable so you don’t have to draw one!

For more activities you can easily print, including our bundle of +20 Easter-Themed Activities, visit our Printable Shop.

To santize egg shells, rinse them under water, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 250F for 20 minutes.

Read on for the step by step instructions and the educational benefits of this hand-eye coordination game for toddlers!

Materials

Egg Shells (see note on santizing above!)
Plastic Bag or Plastic Wrap

Free Printable Animal
Paper Plate
Egg Shells (see note on santizing above!)
Plastic Bag or Plastic Wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Download and cut out our free printable baby chick.

Step 2

Place a white paper plate underneath to form the “egg.”

Step 3

Place santized eggs inside a plastic bag and place on top of the white paper plate. Alternatively, use plastic wrap on top and secure it with tape.

Step 4

For extra security, tape the plate and plastic bag down.

Step 5

Provide a toy hammer and task your toddler to help the chick hatch by cracking the eggs!

Step 1

Download and cut out our free printable baby chick.

Step 2

Place a white paper plate underneath to form the “egg.”

Step 3

Place santized eggs inside a plastic bag and place on top of the white paper plate. Alternatively, use plastic wrap on top and secure it with tape.

Step 4

For extra security, tape the plate and plastic bag down.

Step 5

Provide a toy hammer and task your toddler to help the chick hatch by cracking the eggs!

More Easter and Spring-Themed Activities!

For more Easter and Spring-Themed activities you have to check out our +20 Easter and Spring-Themed Printables! It includes over 20 activities for practicing early childhood education skills, including alphabet recognition, number recognition, comparisons, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, color recognition, shapes, patterning, and so much more.

We aim to create fun hands on printables for every season and holiday, like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day to name a few!

Educational Benefits of this Hand-Eye Coordination Game!

This activity is such a fun hand-eye coordination game. Hand-eye coordination is so important in our daily lives, from pouring a cup of water, to reading and writing, to catching a ball.

In this game, hand-eye coordination is being strengthened as the eyes register where the eggshells are located and where to place the hammer down to make impact. Through the course of this game, movements can become more refined and accurate.

This activity is also a fun way to talk about the life cycle of a chicken! Explain how a chicken begins as an embryo in an egg, then becomes a hatchling, followed by a chick, and finally an adult chicken!

Educational Benefits of the Hatch the Egg Activity

This activity is such a fun hand-eye coordination game. Hand-eye coordination is so important in our daily lives, from pouring a cup of water, to reading and writing, to catching a ball.

In this game, hand-eye coordination is being strengthened as the eyes register where the eggshells are located and where to place the hammer down to make impact. Through the course of this game, movements can become more refined and accurate.

This activity is also a fun way to talk about the life cycle of a chicken! Explain how a chicken begins as an embryo in an egg, then becomes a hatchling, followed by a chick, and finally an adult chicken!

More Hand-Eye Coordination Games For Toddlers

Hand-eye coordination spans from big actions to small actions, here are a few ways kiddos can continue to strengthen this skill while playing!

Basketball Hoop

This indoor and outdoor basketball hoop adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet. Great for motor skills!

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wooden shape threading for hand-eye coordination game

Wooden Threading

These chunky wooden shapes are great for little hands to thread. It includes 8 differently shaped beads and a stylus with a thread.

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Pounding Toy

This classic pounding toy includes a wooden mallet. Great for strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

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velcro baseball and mitt for hand-eye coordination game

Velcro Balls and Mitts

This velcro set of mitts and balls is great for young kids just learning how to throw and catch balls!

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Colorful Rainbow Craft

Here’s a fun rainbow craft that will brighten your day! Perfect for preschool, toddlers, and beyond!

Read on to find out what materials you’ll need, how easy this is to set up, and the benefits of sensory-based crafts!

What’s better than making beautiful artwork out of everyday items? Cardboard and cotton balls are such a fun canvas that you can easily make!

Plus, using liquid watercolors and a dropper to paint the cotton balls allows the art process to slow down. A child will be able to concentrate on each color of the rainbow, and beautifully soak in the colors just like the cotton balls!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience. It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience. It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

Materials

Piece of cardboard
Mod Podge or glue

Piece of cardboard
Mod Podge or glue
Cotton Balls
Liquid Watercolor or Paint
Jumbo Droppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

Step 2

Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

Step 3

Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

Step 1

Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

Step 2

Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

Step 3

Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

Benefits of sensory based crafts

The benefits of sensory based activities are so amazing! From hand-eye coordination, to fine motor skills, and has been said to even build nerve connection in the brain.

And did I mention how calming sensory play can be? Sensory play is so immersive and long lasting! I find that my children engage in sensory activities for much longer than other types of activities! Definitely not your 5 minutes and done type of set up!

Combine sensory play with a craft and the results are truly amazing! The tactile nature of cotton balls, using liquid watercolors and the droppers allows for a unique experience with a colorful keepsake to be proud of!

Free Printable Dot the Rainbow Activity

Want an extra easy way to craft the rainbow? Head on over to my printable shop and download this free Dot the Rainbow activity!

Use a dot marker, cotton swab, cotton ball, or other art tool to complete the rainbow! This fun and free printable is a great activity for color recognition and fine motor skills!

This is just one of many more free printables for you and your little ones to enjoy!

Looking for pre-assembled rainbow crafts and kits?

Here are my top picks for rainbow crafts and kits you can buy!

Rainbow Craft Supply Kit

This craft supply kit comes with over 300 vibrant pieces, plus it comes with a rainbow-shaped storage case!

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6 DIY Rainbow Crafts

This fun kit comes with 6 unique DIY colorful arts and crafts projects! No additional supplies needed!

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Rainbow Weaving Kit

This is a vibrant way to craft while working on patterning skills! It comes with 8 plywood shapes and 144 strips!

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Rainbow Wall Hanging Kit

This DIY rainbow wall hanging kit is not only a great craft, but also an fun way to make beautiful home decor!

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Color Matching Game – Cotton Swab Rainbow

rainbow-science-experiment-frozen-baking-soda-vinegar-science-kids-toddlers

This color matching game using cotton swabs is a fun way to learn colors while strengthening fine motor skills. It’s a budget-friendly way to make your own puzzle using an old box and cotton swabs. You can draw your own patterns, or grab our free printables to tape on top! Read on below to get it!

A Color Matching Game You Can Make!

The best part about this simple craft is that it’s so easy to do. Our printable comes with 4 different images, all of which showcase each color in the rainbow! Setting it up is a fast way to have the kids working on something beautiful, creative, and fun. They’ll really enjoy the process and won’t even realize that they’re working on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination at the same time!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make This Color Matching Game

In this video you’ll see how easy this game is to create! Grabbing our free printable images will make the set-up process even quicker! This makes it super simple to print out and have the kids start working on their color matching skills right away!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make This Color Matching Game

In this video you’ll see how easy this game is to create! Grabbing our free printable images will make the set-up process even quicker! This makes it super simple to print out and have the kids start working on their color matching skills right away!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Free Printable Sheets for Cotton Swab Puzzle Making!

Our free printable pages come with 4 different ways to explore the colors in the rainbow! It includes a peacock, chameleon, bouquet of flowers, and of course, a rainbow!

We used an old cardboard box, but you could also use some styrofoam if you have some leftover from packaging! There are a few ways you can color the cotton swabs – I made things easy and quick-drying with a non toxic marker. You could also dip them in paint or watercolor and allow them to dry.

Also, make sure to grab a screw driver because it is a great tool for making small holes!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On an old box or piece of styrofoam, tape one of our free printable images. You can also draw something else of your choice!

Step 2

Use a screw driver to poke holes.

Step 3

Color the tips of the cotton swabs with various colors, and cut in half.

Step 4

The game is ready to start matching up the colors!

Step 1

On an old box or piece of styrofoam, tape one of our free printable images. You can also draw something else of your choice!

Step 2

Use a screw driver to poke holes.

Step 3

Color the tips of the cotton swabs with various colors, and cut in half.

Step 4

The game is ready to start matching up the colors!

color mixing printable worksheet for kids

More Ways to Explore Colors!

If your kiddo asking questions like – red and white make what color? You can’t miss our printable Hands on Color Mixing Activities. This printable set has 5 unique activities for exploring color mixing!

Enjoy coloring and distinguishing each of the colors in the rainbow! Then, learn all about what happens when primary colors mix to form secondary colors. Next, learn about shades (making colors darker) and tints (making colors lighter). And finally, go over all those concepts in a final round up review!

Plus, don’t miss our fun Dot the Rainbow activity for toddlers!

The Educational Benefits of This Cotton Swab Rainbow

One of the most significant benefits of this cotton swab craft is that it’s an easy way to help kids learn and be able to match colors. This is geared toward early learners but older kids will enjoy it as well. My four year old had a blast putting all the pieces together!

It’s also a great way to strengthen hand muscles and fine motor skills. Fine motor skill development is critical for your kids! Through this activity, as kids pick up the cotton swabs and put them in the colored areas, they are exercising hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp, and strengthening finger and hand muscles.

Fine motor skills is a skill we often incorporate into activities. Here is our full list of fun ways to strengthen find motor skills!

The Educational Benefits of This Cotton Swab Rainbow

One of the most significant benefits of this cotton swab craft is that it’s an easy way to help kids learn and be able to match colors. This is geared toward early learners but older kids will enjoy it as well. My four year old had a blast putting all the pieces together!

It’s also a great way to strengthen hand muscles and fine motor skills. Fine motor skill development is critical for your kids! Through this activity, as kids pick up the cotton swabs and put them in the colored areas, they are exercising hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp, and strengthening finger and hand muscles. Fine motor skills is a skill we often incorporate into activities. Here is our full list of fun ways to strengthen find motor skills!

More Ways to Match Colors

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen color recognition skills!

Color Sorting Rainbow

Transfer pom poms or balls to color sort this rainbow! If you use tongs it is great for fine motor skills too! (Caution: small parts!)

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rainbow wooden stacking toy for color recognition

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

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St. Patrick’s Day Printable Worksheets That Kids Love

St. Patrick’s Day Printable Worksheets That Kids Will Love!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this printable activity booklet. It includes 20 activities for practicing early childhood education skills, including this silly “trim the beard” cutting practice page!

St. Patrick’s Day Printable for Growing Minds!

There are so many concepts this St. Patrick’s Day printable booklet features. Not only does it include this adorable scissor skills activity, but you will find alphabet recognition, number recognition, comparisons, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, color recognition, shapes, patterning, and so much more!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Trim the Leprechaun’s Beard!

This is one of the my kid’s favorite activities in this St. Patrick’s Day printable booklet! I made a short video to show you have I set it up with a craft stick! The craft stick is a perfect handle to aid in the cutting practice. Plus, once the bread is trimmed, it becomes a playful puppet!

Read on below to get the printable activity booklet!

Trim the Leprechaun’s Beard!

This is one of the my kid’s favorite activities in this St. Patrick’s Day printable booklet! I made a short video to show you have I set it up with a craft stick! The craft stick is a perfect handle to aid in the cutting practice. Plus, once the bread is trimmed, it becomes a playful puppet!

Read on below to get the printable activity booklet!

Super Festive St. Patrick’s Day Printable Booklet

I love that this St. Patrick’s Day printable booklet is loaded with hands on playful opportunities to learn. Every holiday we aim to have activities to keep your little ones happy and busy!

If your kids love cutting practice, you have to try our Spoon Salon activity! If your little one is still learning how to hold the scissors in the right way, try our Cutting with Cars activity which encourages thumbs up!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

St. Patrick’s Day Printable Worksheets

Here are just a few early childhood education skills your little one will be exposed to after playing with this St. Patrick’s Day printable!

The Alphabet: From letter recognition, to writing, and phonics. This printable booklet includes the many different ways young kids are learning the alphabet in the early years!

Numbers: From number recognition, counting, and writing numbers there are pages for each!

Early Math: In addition to introductory concepts of numbers listed above, you will also find opportunities for addition, patterning, and measurement!

Coloring: This printable includes many fun ways to explore colors including color mixing, making your own wear-able top hat, and a dot-the-rainbow page!

We hope you enjoy this resource for learning, playing, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick’s Day Printable Worksheets

Here are just a few early childhood education skills your little one will be exposed to after playing with this St. Patrick’s Day printable!

The Alphabet: From letter recognition, to writing, and phonics. This printable booklet includes the many different ways young kids are learning the alphabet in the early years!

Numbers: From number recognition, counting, and writing numbers there are pages for each!

Early Math: In addition to introductory concepts of numbers listed above, you will also find opportunities for addition, patterning, and measurement!

Coloring: This printable includes many fun ways to explore colors including color mixing, making your own wear-able top hat, and a dot-the-rainbow page!

We hope you enjoy this resource for learning, playing, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick’s Day Gifts

Here are my top picks for the St. Patrick’s Day gifts you can buy!

Personalized Pajamas

These adorable personalized pajamas will make the perfect gift for any one in your family on St. Patrick’s Day!

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Digital Download St. Patrick’s Day Style Artwork

A beautiful green rainbow to decorate for St. Patrick’s Day!

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St. Patrick’s Day Treat Box

This yummy box is filled with delicious St. Patrick’s Day themed treats including fun cake pops!

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St. Patrick’s Day Outfit

This adorable green and gold onesie with tutu is such a cute outfit to wear on St. Patrick’s Day!

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How to Make Cocoa Playdough – Soft, Chocolate-Scented Fun!

cocoa play dough recipe how to sensory play Valentine's Day chocolate box

Make homemade cocoa playdough for a soft, chocolate-scented sensory play experience! Easy recipe + fun chocolate box setup for kids.

What is Cocoa Playdough?

Cocoa playdough is a homemade, chocolate-scented sensory dough that’s soft, moldable, and perfect for kids to explore. Unlike real chocolate, it’s completely mess-free but still has that rich, cozy cocoa aroma that makes playtime extra fun. This easy DIY recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day, a baking-themed play setup, or just a creative afternoon activity. I’ve paired it with a recycled chocolate box, heart-shaped cookie cutters, and fun playdough tools like a rolling pin and slicer to create an engaging sensory play invitation. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make cocoa playdough and set up an inviting play space your kids will love!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

Watch How to Make Cocoa Playdough!

Want to see how easy it is to make cocoa playdough at home? Watch the video below, where I walk you through the simple steps to mix up this soft, chocolate-scented dough and set up a fun sensory play invitation using a recycled chocolate box, heart cookie cutters, and the 7 Days of Play sensory table!

Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

BUY IT HERE!

Materials

Sensory Play Table
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
½ cup cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate scent!)
2 tablespoons cream of tartar

Sensory Play Table
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
½ cup cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate scent!)
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ cups boiling water
Chocolate Boxes
Heart Shape Cutters
Rolling Pin

How to Make Cocoa Playdough (Step-by-Step)

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.

Step 2

Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 3

Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.

Step 4

Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.

Step 5

Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

How to Store Cocoa Playdough

To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.

Step 2

Stir in the vegetable oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 3

Slowly add the boiling water a little at a time, stirring constantly with a spoon.

Step 4

Once it’s cool enough to touch, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, knead in a few drops of water.

Step 5

Place the cocoa playdough in a recycled chocolate box with heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and other fun playdough tools.

How to Store Cocoa Playdough

To keep your cocoa playdough soft and fresh, store it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. If possible, press out excess air before sealing to prevent drying out. Properly stored, the playdough should last 2-3 weeks. If it starts to feel dry, knead in a few drops of water or vegetable oil to restore its softness. Always check for signs of mold or spoilage before reuse, especially if little hands have been playing with it frequently!

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

Why Make Cocoa Playdough? Benefits + Budget-Friendly Fun!

Did you know that store-bought cocoa playdough can be pricey? Many brands sell chocolate-scented sensory dough at a premium, but making it at home is much more affordable—plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring it’s safe and non-toxic for little hands.

Beyond being budget-friendly, cocoa playdough offers so many developmental benefits! The soft, moldable texture helps strengthen fine motor skills, improving hand strength and coordination for tasks like writing, cutting, and buttoning. The delicious chocolate scent adds a sensory element that enhances play and makes the experience even more engaging. Plus, playing with playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play, whether kids are rolling out pretend cookies, crafting mini chocolate bars, or stamping heart shapes. Best of all, it provides a calming, screen-free activity that keeps kids engaged while stimulating their senses.

More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore

Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

ocean sensory bin on activity table by 7 days of play. Child playing with marine creatures animals and taste safe jello for the ocean and cherros for the sand. great activity for toddlers

Ocean Animals and Beach Bin

diy sensory sand play taste safe toddler baby

Taste Safe Sand

Taste Safe Foam

how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

Taste Safe Mud

Taste Safe Slime

activity for toddlers colorful taste safe cereal sensory bin

Colorful Cherrios

spaghetti sensory play scissor skills rainbow pasta sensory table

Spaghetti Cutting

Lemonade Sensory Bin

Discover the magic of color mixing for kids using Oobleck. This is a great hands on way to discover primary and secondary colors!

Color Mixing with Oobleck

shaving cream activity sensory play for kids

Rainbow Ice Cream Bin

make oobleck with a fall twist pumpkin spice soup sensory play

Pumpkin Soup Bin

Fizzy Cubes

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

Sensory Sand

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Modelling Dough

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Rainbow Rice

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Slime & Putty Kit

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Chia Slime Recipe: How to Make Taste-Safe, Squishy Sensory Play Fun

chia slime for kids sensory play sensory table dinosaur small world

Make a fun, taste-safe chia slime recipe for kids! This squishy, mess-free sensory play idea is easy to make and great for hands-on learning.

What is Chia Slime?

Looking for a fun and squishy sensory play idea that’s easy to make and taste-safe for kids? Say hello to chia slime!This gooey, stretchy, and naturally textured slime is perfect for little hands to explore. Made with simple ingredients like chia seeds and water, it’s a safe and non-toxic alternative to traditional slimes. Because chia seeds are edible, this slime is a great option for younger kids who might still be in the phase of exploring with their mouths. Whether your child loves messy play or you’re looking for a hands-on activity to boost their fine motor skills, this chia slime recipe is a must-try. Plus, the best part? It’s easy to clean up and provides endless hours of fun!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Chia Slime Benefits for Kids

Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.

Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!

Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!

Chia Slime Benefits for Kids

Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.

Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!

Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!

Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play

Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!

BUY IT HERE!

Materials

Sensory Play Table
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup water
½ to 1 cup cornstarch (as needed)

Optional: Food coloring for fun colors
Scoops and Bowls
Figurines and other Loose Parts (pictured are dinosaurs, rocks, and leaves, but keep reading for 5 more small world set ups you can combine with chia slime!

Sensory Play Table
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup water
½ to 1 cup cornstarch (as needed)
Optional: Food coloring for fun colors
Scoops and Bowls
Figurines and other Loose Parts (pictured are dinosaurs, rocks, and leaves, but keep reading for 5 more small world set ups you can combine with chia slime!)

How to Make Chia Slime (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds

In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.

Step 2: Add Cornstarch

Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency

Step 3: Customize Texture

If it feels too dry, add a little water.
If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.

Step 4: Play & Store

Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.

Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds

In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.

Step 2: Add Cornstarch

Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency

Step 3: Customize Texture

If it feels too dry, add a little water.
If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.

Step 4: Play & Store

Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.

6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups

Dinosaur World 🦖

Dinosaur Figurines
Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
Leaves and Rocks

Under the Sea Theme 🌊

Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
Mini mermaid or diver figurines
Tiny shells or coral pieces
Boat or submarine toys

Swamp Adventure 🐊

Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
Dragonflies or butterflies
Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism

Outer Space Galaxy 🌌

Astronaut mini-figures
Mini alien figures
Rocket ship and UFO toys
Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets

Bug and Garden Theme 🐛

Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
Mushroom or flower figurines
Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)

Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌

Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
Crystal or gem stones for magical play
Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements

6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups

Dinosaur World 🦖

Dinosaur Figurines
Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
Leaves and Rocks

Under the Sea Theme 🌊

Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
Mini mermaid or diver figurines
Tiny shells or coral pieces
Boat or submarine toys

Swamp Adventure 🐊

Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
Dragonflies or butterflies
Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism

Outer Space Galaxy 🌌

Astronaut mini-figures
Mini alien figures
Rocket ship and UFO toys
Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets

Bug and Garden Theme 🐛

Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
Mushroom or flower figurines
Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)

Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌

Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
Crystal or gem stones for magical play
Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements

More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore

Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!

Ocean Animals and Beach Bin

Taste Safe Sand

Taste Safe Foam

Taste Safe Mud

Taste Safe Slime

Colorful Cherrios

Spaghetti Cutting

Lemonade Sensory Bin

Color Mixing with Oobleck

Rainbow Ice Cream Bin

Pumpkin Soup Bin

Fizzy Cubes

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!

Sensory Sand

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Modelling Dough

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Rainbow Rice

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Slime & Putty Kit

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Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Card with a Secret Love Message

make your own valentine's card with a secret message with free printable

How cool is it to create and exchange Valentine’s Day cards with these secret message?! Keep reading to get all the details on how to easily make this too along with the FREE printable, which includes 5 card designs.

Secret Message Valentines Day Cards

Discover a magical touch to Valentine’s Day cards with this exciting secret message technique! This fun and easy activity is perfect for kids who want to create their own personalized cards for friends. Using a white crayon on our FREE printable, children can craft hidden messages that add an element of surprise. When the recipient brushes watercolors over the message, the secret words magically appear, creating a memorable Valentine’s Day experience. It’s a playful way for kids to express their creativity and share the joy of giving with their friends in class.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Make Your Secret Message Valentine’s Day Cards

Watch this video to see how easy it is to make your own Valentine’s Day card with a secret message! See how we use a white crayon to write hidden messages on our FREE printables.

We then add a paint circle and a paintbrush for the recipient to reveal the message. It’s a cool and simple process, and watching the message suddenly appear adds a fun and exciting element.

These secret message printables offer a memorable and interactive way to celebrate friends and loved ones, making Valentine’s Day truly special for both the sender and the recipient.

Make Your Secret Message Valentine’s Day Cards

Watch this video to see how easy it is to make your own Valentine’s Day card with a secret message! See how we use a white crayon to write hidden messages on our FREE printables.

We then add a paint circle and a paintbrush for the recipient to reveal the message. It’s a cool and simple process, and watching the message suddenly appear adds a fun and exciting element.

These secret message printables offer a memorable and interactive way to celebrate friends and loved ones, making Valentine’s Day truly special for both the sender and the recipient.

Tips for Making Your Own Secret Message Valentine’s Day Cards

Watercolor Paper. You’ll need some thick paper to create this art project! If you use regular paper, the water from the watercolors will make your card too soggy!

Use Our Printable Designs – It’s FREE! Start by selecting your preferred card design from the available options. The variety allows you to personalize the experience for your loved ones

Apply Pressure with the White Crayon: Use a white crayon to write a secret message on the card. Make sure you apply plenty of pressure to be sure the crayon will resist the watercolors.

Use Watercolor Circles: These watercolor circles are a fantastic budget-friendly addition to this card-making process, providing an affordable yet effective way for recipients to unveil the hidden messages with the joy of watercolors.

For more arts and crafts projects, be sure to visit our comprehensive list!

Valentine’s Day Card with Secret Message - Printable

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Choose a card design from the free printable and print it out on watercolor paper.

Step 2

Use scissors to cut out the card design(s).

Step 3

Write a secret message using a white crayon. The white crayon ensures that the message remains hidden until revealed.

Step 4

Include a paintbrush and a watercolor circle in the designated area on the card. This adds an interactive and artistic element to the gift.

Step 1

Choose a card design from the free printable and print it out on watercolor paper.

Step 2

Use scissors to cut out the card design(s).

Step 3

Write a secret message using a white crayon. The white crayon ensures that the message remains hidden until revealed.

Step 4

Include a paintbrush and a watercolor circle in the designated area on the card. This adds an interactive and artistic element to the gift.

Why We Love Making (& Giving) Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration for adults; it holds immense importance for children as well. One cherished tradition that adds joy to this special day is the exchange of Valentine’s Day cards among kids. These cards play such a great role in shaping young minds and fostering essential values.

Expressing emotions: Choosing and giving cards to friends and classmates becomes a tangible expression of affection.
Promoting creativity: This creative process enhances their artistic skills and allows them to take pride in their unique creations.
Building relationships: Children learn about the importance of relationships and the joy of giving. It’s a subtle lesson in empathy and caring for others.
Spreading love and compassion: They teach kids the significance of reaching out to others, making someone’s day brighter, and creating a positive impact through simple acts of kindness.

The tradition of Valentine’s Day cards for kids goes beyond the surface-level exchange; it becomes a meaningful experience that contributes to their emotional development and understanding of human connections.

Why We Love Making (& Giving) Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration for adults; it holds immense importance for children as well. One cherished tradition that adds joy to this special day is the exchange of Valentine’s Day cards among kids. These cards play such a great role in shaping young minds and fostering essential values.

Expressing emotions: Choosing and giving cards to friends and classmates becomes a tangible expression of affection.
Promoting creativity: This creative process enhances their artistic skills and allows them to take pride in their unique creations.
Building relationships: Children learn about the importance of relationships and the joy of giving. It’s a subtle lesson in empathy and caring for others.
Spreading love and compassion: They teach kids the significance of reaching out to others, making someone’s day brighter, and creating a positive impact through simple acts of kindness.

The tradition of Valentine’s Day cards for kids goes beyond the surface-level exchange; it becomes a meaningful experience that contributes to their emotional development and understanding of human connections.

Other DIY Valentine’s Day Activities

Looking for more Valentine’s Day fun? Check out these printable resources.

hot glue pendant printable make your own jewlery with hot glue

Hot Glue Pendants

Craft beautiful customized crystal pendants effortlessly to embellish your bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Designed for individuals aged 6 and above, utilizing a low-heat glue gun ensures safety. An elegant and considerate gift suggestion!

SHOP NOW

Valentine’s Craft

Ignite your child’s artistic spirit with our exclusive Valentine’s Hot Glue Craft – Printable. Simply print the provided illustrations and embark on a crafting adventure. To ensure safety, adult supervision is recommended when using hot glue.

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Valentine’s Play Dough Mats

Introduce a touch of magic to your Valentine’s Day festivities with our delightful Valentine’s Day PlayDough Mats. This printable product is specially crafted to ignite creativity in young hearts, providing an enchanting addition to your celebration.

SHOP NOW

15+ Valentine’s Day Activities

Elevate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for your little ones with our printable set of over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities! Tailored to foster early childhood education skills, these delightful worksheets are designed to be both enjoyable and educational.

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DIY Valentine’s Day Card – So Simple and Fun!

DIY Valentine's Day Card candy free 3D Personalized

Searching for a simple (and fun) DIY Valentine’s Day card for your child to bring to school? Look no further! This personalized card is easy to make and your child will love gifting one to each of their classmates.

The Cutest DIY Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a personalized touch for your child’s classmates? This card is designed to make it seem like your child is literally giving the recipient a gift straight out of the card! This year, we’re going to do a DIY Valentine’s Day Card that has a candy-free artificial rose gift (though, if your school allows candy, feel free to swap it for a lollipop if you prefer)!

This creative craft adds a personal touch to Valentine’s Day cards for classmates. It’s an easy and enjoyable project that not only brings joy to your child but also spreads love and smiles in the classroom.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Tips for Making the Perfect DIY Valentine’s Day Card

Tip 1: Capture the Moment

Take a picture of your child while instructing them to hold a closed fist towards the camera, simulating the act of holding a flower. Try to choose a background that’s not too busy, and leave ample space around your child for adding text.

Tips 2: Print Your Photo

Stores like CVS can usually print photos in just a couple of hours. Check to see if they have any promo codes running (as they often do!) so you can get the prints for cheap! You can also use a printer at home if you have one!

Tip 3: Adding Text

You can choose to add text before you print your photo or after you print your photo. We created “Happy Valentine’s Day” stickers as well as a signature sticker you can download for free and add to your printed cards if you like! Or if you are tech savvy, you can add your preferred graphics in photo-editing apps before printing. Or even more simple, you can just write your note directly on the printed card!

Tips for Making the Perfect DIY Valentine’s Day Card

Tip 1: Capture the Moment

Take a picture of your child while instructing them to hold a closed fist towards the camera, simulating the act of holding a flower, lollipop, or other prize on a stick!

Tips 2: Print Your Photo

Stores like CVS can usually print photos in just a couple of hours. Check to see if they have any promo codes running (as they often do!) so you can get the prints for cheap! You can also use a printer at home if you have one!

Tip 3: Adding Text

You can choose to add text before or after you print your photo. We created “Happy Valentine’s Day” stickers as well as a signature sticker you can download for free and add to your printed cards if you like! Or if you are tech savvy, you can add your preferred graphics in photo-editing apps before printing. Or even more simple, you can just write your note directly on the printed card in pen!

Tip 4: Prize on a Stick!

When choosing the prize for your Valentine’s Card, make sure it is one that is on a thin stick – both artificial flowers and lollipops work perfectly. We got our artificial flowers from Dollar Tree.

Free Printable Stickers for Your DIY Valentine’s Day Card

As mentioned above, you can decorate your card lots of different ways, but if you want to use the graphics we created, you can! Click here to downloadable and print the labels we used for free!

You can add them to your photo digitally, or you can print them out on sticker paper and stick them to your photos.

For another Valentine’s Day card idea, check out our Secret Message Valentine’s Day Card Templates!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Personalized Valentine's Day Card - Printable

Materials

Camera/Smartphone
Our Free Printable Stickers
Printer or Printing Service (like CVS)

Craft Knife
Stick-Based Prizes (like an artificial rose or lollipop)

Camera/Smartphone
Our Free Printable Stickers
Printer or Printing Service (like CVS)
Craft Knife
Stick-Based Prizes (like an artificial rose or lollipop)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Instruct your child to hold a closed fist towards the camera, simulating holding a flower. Use a camera, focusing on your child’s face, and choose a background that’s not too busy.

Step 2

Decide whether you want to add text to your photo before or after printing. You can always add our free printable graphics to the card as stickers if you like!

Step 3

Print the photos at home or upload the finalized image to your preferred printing service. Choose 4×6 prints and double-check cropping placements.

Step 4

With printed photos in hand, use a sharp craft knife to cut two small slots – one at the top and one at the bottom of the closed fist. Choose sturdy cardstock or photo paper for printing to ensure durability.

Step 5

Insert your prize (artificial flower stems, lollipops, or other stick-based gift) through the slots, creating the illusion of your child holding the present.

Your candy-free DIY Flower Valentine’s Day Photo Cards are now ready to be shared with classmates!

Step 1

Instruct your child to hold a closed fist towards the camera, simulating holding a flower. Use a camera, focusing on your child’s face, and choose a background that’s not too busy.

Step 2

Decide whether you want to add text to your photo before or after printing. You can always add our free printable graphics to the card as stickers if you like!

Step 3

Print the photos at home or upload the finalized image to your preferred printing service. Choose 4×6 prints and double-check cropping placements.

Step 4

With printed photos in hand, use a sharp craft knife to cut two small slots – one at the top and one at the bottom of the closed fist. Choose sturdy cardstock or photo paper for printing to ensure durability.

Step 5

Insert your prize (artificial flower stems, lollipops, or other stick-based gift) through the slots, creating the illusion of your child holding the present.

Your candy-free DIY Flower Valentine’s Day Photo Cards are now ready to be shared with classmates!

Benefits of DIY Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids

Creating DIY Valentine’s Day cards can be a wonderful and enriching experience for kids, offering a range of benefits beyond simply exchanging store-bought cards.

Personalizing homemade cards encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing children to personalize their messages and designs, fostering a sense of individuality.

Creating DIY cards instills a sense of thoughtfulness and effort, teaching children the value of putting time and care into expressing affection for others, so I highly recommend you involve the kiddos in every step of the process in creating these cards!

Ultimately, DIY Valentine’s Day cards provide a unique and meaningful way for children to celebrate friendship and express their emotions while fostering creativity and interpersonal connections.

Benefits of DIY Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids

Creating DIY Valentine’s Day cards can be a wonderful and enriching experience for kids, offering a range of benefits beyond simply exchanging store-bought cards.

Personalizing homemade cards encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing children to personalize their messages and designs, fostering a sense of individuality.

Creating DIY cards instills a sense of thoughtfulness and effort, teaching children the value of putting time and care into expressing affection for others, so I highly recommend you involve the kiddos in every step of the process in creating these cards!

Ultimately, DIY Valentine’s Day cards provide a unique and meaningful way for children to celebrate friendship and express their emotions while fostering creativity and interpersonal connections.

Other DIY Valentine’s Day Activities

Looking for more Valentine’s Day fun? Check out these printable resources.

Hot Glue Pendants

Craft beautiful customized crystal pendants effortlessly to embellish your bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Designed for individuals aged 6 and above, utilizing a low-heat glue gun ensures safety. An elegant and considerate gift suggestion!

SHOP NOW

Valentine’s Craft

Ignite your child’s artistic spirit with our exclusive Valentine’s Hot Glue Craft – Printable. Simply print the provided illustrations and embark on a crafting adventure. To ensure safety, adult supervision is recommended when using hot glue.

SHOP NOW

Valentine’s Play Dough Mats

Introduce a touch of magic to your Valentine’s Day festivities with our delightful Valentine’s Day PlayDough Mats. This printable product is specially crafted to ignite creativity in young hearts, providing an enchanting addition to your celebration.

SHOP NOW

15+ Valentine’s Day Activities

Elevate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for your little ones with our printable set of over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities! Tailored to foster early childhood education skills, these delightful worksheets are designed to be both enjoyable and educational.

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Valentine’s Alphabet and Number Activity with Printable

valentines day alphabet and number activity printable feed the heart

This “Feed the Heart” Valentine’s alphabet and number activity is a fun and interactive way to play and learn. Keep reading to see the step by step instructions on how you can do it too!

A Heartfelt Way to Recognize Letters and Numbers on Valentine’s Day!

This educational activity is one of our favorites during the Valentine’s season. The “Feed the Heart” alphabet and number activity provides a fantastic opportunity for children to explore the world of letter and number recognition in a fun and engaging manner.

In this Valentine’s alphabet and number activity, you can choose between strips of written letters or number symbols, and then kids can physically interact with matching manipulative symbols to “feed the heart.” This hands-on approach creates a multisensory experience, reinforcing their understanding through touch and visual engagement.

In this post, we will delve into the details of this educational resource, highlighting its benefits, what you need to do, and how it effectively fosters not only alphabet recognition but also fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities in young learners.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Make This Valentine’s Alphabet and Number Activity!

Creating this DIY Valentine’s alphabet and number activity is easy to do, especially if you use our printable images!

Start by preparing the necessary materials, ensuring you have our printed activity sheet, a suitable box, glue, scissors, and a craft knife. Engage your child in the creative process as they cut out the heart illustration, alphabet and number strips, and pictures of objects from the printable, fostering a hands-on approach to learning.

Incorporating interactive activities not only makes the alphabet and number learning experience fun but also enhances fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. By infusing creativity into the learning process, you’ll not only be fostering a love for letters but also nurturing valuable skills that extend beyond the realm of academics.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch How to Make This Valentine’s Alphabet and Number Activity!

Creating this DIY Valentine’s alphabet and number activity is easy to do, especially if you use our printable images!

Start by preparing the necessary materials, ensuring you have our printed activity sheet, a suitable box, glue, scissors, and a craft knife. You can make it yourself or engage your child in the creative process as they cut out the heart illustration, alphabet and number strips, and pictures of objects from the printable, fostering a hands-on approach to learning.

Incorporating interactive activities not only makes the alphabet-learning experience fun but also enhances fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. By infusing creativity into the learning process, you’ll not only be fostering a love for letters but also nurturing valuable skills that extend beyond the realm of academics.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Creating This Valentine’s Alphabet and Number Activity!

Download Our Printable. You can draw your own heart and create your own letter or number strips, or you can make things easier and download our printable images!

Cut Extra White Strips: Since we will be threading the strips through the box don’t forget to tape plain white strips of paper at the front and end of your alphabet and number strips so that they will properly thread through.

Tape it Up! If you have some strong double-sided tape, you can tape the box to the wall and make this a vertical activity – one that you kiddo does while standing and moving about which is great for concentration and gross motor skills!

For more arts and crafts projects, be sure to visit our comprehensive list!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Print out our downloadable “Feed the Heart” images or create them yourself!

Step 2

Cut out the heart shape and the alphabet and number strips, be sure to add extra white paper strips on each side of the letters and numbers strips to ensure the paper will thread fully through the box.

Step 3

Glue the heart shape to a box and use a craft knife to cut along the dotted line around the heart’s mouth to make a hole all the way through the cardboard. Make sure there is a hole in the back of the box to retrieve the manipulative symbols.

Step 4

Cut two vertical lined slits under the heart with 1.5 inch of space between the slits. Also cut a hole on each side of the box.

Step 5

Thread the alphabet or number strips through the slits and run the ends of the strips through the holes on each side of the box. Once this is done, you or your child should be able to pull the strip to reveal one letter or number at a time that is visible underneath the heart shape.

Step 6

Provide alphabet and number manipulative symbols for your kiddo to match to the letter or number visible and feed it to the heart. Pull the strip to view the next letter or number and repeat the process.

Step 1

Print out our downloadable “Feed the Heart” images or create them yourself!

Step 2

Cut out the heart shape and the alphabet and number strips, be sure to add extra white paper strips on each side of the letters and numbers strips to ensure the paper will thread fully through the box.

Step 3

Glue the heart shape to a box and use a craft knife to cut along the dotted line around the heart’s mouth to make a hole all the way through the cardboard. Make sure there is a hole in the back of the box to retrieve the manipulative symbols.

Step 4

Cut two vertical lined slits under the heart with 1.5 inch of space between the slits. Also cut a hole on each side of the box.

Step 5

Thread the alphabet or number strips through the slits and run the ends of the strips through the holes on each side of the box. Once this is done, you or your child should be able to pull the strip to reveal one letter or number at a time that is visible underneath the heart shape.

Step 6

Provide alphabet and number manipulative symbols for your kiddo to match to the letter or number visible and feed it to the heart. Pull the strip to view the next letter or number and repeat the process.

How Interactive Activities Make Alphabet and Number Learning Easier

Interactive activities like this Valentine’s alphabet and number activity play a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience for children by providing a dynamic and engaging approach.

Here are several ways in which interactive activities contribute to improved alphabet learning:

Active Engagement and Participation: Interactive activities encourage active engagement, where children are directly involved in the learning process.

Memory Retention through Experience: The physical act of selecting letters, matching them, and feeding the heart creates lasting impressions in their memory.

Fine Motor Skill Development: Many interactive alphabet activities, including cutting and pasting components like in the “Feed the Heart” activity, contribute to the development of fine motor skills.

Visual and Auditory Stimulation: The combination of engaging visuals and auditory stimuli, such as verbalizing letter names during the activity, reinforces the learning experience.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Many interactive alphabet activities involve problem-solving components, such as matching letters with corresponding objects or images.

Positive Attitude Toward Learning: When children associate the alphabet with fun and interactive experiences, they are more likely to approach learning with enthusiasm. This positive mindset lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.