Mess-less Finger painting

It was 5 senses week at school.  Finger painting is such a great thing for using a lot of the 5 senses, but can get really messy, especially with my age group (toddlers).  So found this great idea instead.  Squirt 2 different color paints into a ziploc bag.  Flatten it and get out as much air as possible when sealing it closed.  Put a white piece of paper on the table, then lay the bag on top and tape to the table.

The kids get to experience the touch of squishy paint, see the mixing colors, and have a blast playing.  I had these ready before they arrived and it really helped in drop off.  Absolutely no tears or reluctant good byes on these days!  The kids played together on some of them too.  Plus, when we had to take them off of the table for lunch time, I just put them up on the wall and they were able to play with them there the rest of the day.

Water Color Initials

For another all about me craft, I hand drew the first initial of the kid's first names on contact paper, cut it out, then applied it to the back of a paper plate.  Each child then got to water color paint all over it.  When it was dry, peeled off the contact paper, punched some holes for the string and had a very cute personalized craft.  The little ones LOVED getting to use the paintbrushes and choose their own colors.

Play dough squishy balloons

Made these play dough stuffed balloons for the little guys to hold on to and squeeze and play with.  Saw on Pinterest (of course) the great idea of putting little faces on them as well.  It was a little difficult to hold the balloon open with both hands at the same time as trying to put play dough into it, but I managed to get it done with only minimal injuries to myself.  Not only does this help with building the muscles in their hands, will also be bringing these guys out to talk about feelings with the toddlers.  So much easier to have examples for them!

Discovery Jars ("dry")

These have been some of the most popular items in the room so far.  I have these out on the table from the beginning and only put them away when it's time for lunch and nap.  I found the jars at the dollar store near me and filled them with a variety of different objects and things to fill around them.

There are dinosaurs, colored dice, a ball and jacks set, buttons, beads and bells, even just a bag of poms that were special shiny ones.  Some are in beans, some in rice, some just by themselves.  All the lids are super glued shut for safety and I am keeping a close eye on them everyday to make sure no cracks appear (just in case they get dropped on the floor too many times).

Not pictured here are the "wet" ones I also made.  Glitter jars that swirl, beads and sequins and even butterflies that float all around when turned.  Those I'm holding back for now, and will be a floor only jar so less chance of being pushed off the table.  Will post pictures of those when they come out.

Rainbow Rings (for music time)

I made these Rainbow Rings for the little ones to use when we sing songs and listen to music.  They can wave them around and not really hurt any others while doing it.  I used shower curtain rings, ribbon, and glue.

These also really helped to calm a couple toddlers down during drop off time the other day.  Combined these with blowing bubbles and we had a great distraction technique!

Transformation of a cabinet

Remember that ugly old metal storage cabinet in the back of one of the before pictures of my classroom?

Yeah, that's the one.  Not too pretty looking is it?  I didn't think so either.  Time to change that.  Lets just say I got a little too happy with the decorative duct tape I found.

Such a huge difference even a little makes!  But wait, there's coordinating duct tape for the border as well!

It's amazing how bright it makes the room!  So now not only is it nicer to look at (bring your sunglasses, lol), but it also doubles as my magnet board for the little ones to use.  Really happy with how it turned out.