It's Playtime: A Winter Feast for the Senses

I've often expressed my love of sensory bins.  I'd hoped to create my own winter "snow" bin at my house but bags of plastic snow disappear early in the season (us southern Californians find snow where we can).  I guess I'll have to be as creative as these wonderful posts shared on It's Playtime!

There's the fake snow I was looking for!  Winter White Sensory Tub from Make, do & friend

I love all the different elements this Christmas Sensory Tub from Pre-school Play has to offer!  The mirror "pond" is my favorite.  I remember one of my grandmothers having something similar when I was a child and I loved imagining the characters ice skating over it.  

H is for Homeschooling also put together a Christmas Sensory Bin.  I love how completely different it is from the one created by Pre-school Play!  

We Can Do All Things shared their Homemade Iceland created from colored salt.  The little penguins look so happy!  

If you were featured this week, don't forget to grab your special "featured button."   

<a href="http://messypreschoolers.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEYKQj4S7oHoLKfsA3PoeXgaNMJ5dxkdUxIphbmwXOlbFg78Gwl73-rT8AdMTgmqYmIJZrkJRYOqOEItkCbR_exui4YhZqLlwZaBHXhC5slGyqPScnxvq-zrQezw9-MdIUiecgW3fxKg/s1600/featured-messykids.jpg" width="150/" /></a>

Now, on to this weeks play date! 

It's Playtime is a community and Thursday link-up hosted by:

* Rachele : Messy Kids (That's me!)
* Anna : The Imagination Tree
* Rachel : Quirky Momma
* Jamie : hands on : as we grow
* Jenny : Let the Children Play

How to Play :

* Link up a post about a playful learning experience enjoyed by kids.

* Give us love and pop a button into your post/blog. Invite your readers to the weekly play date!

<a href="http://messypreschoolers.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWLA7lm_Fqc/TaNHGpGSuVI/AAAAAAAAEX0/DGSvqIT7fyU/s320/RED-itplaytime.jpg" width="150" /></a>

* Stop by one of our blogs every Thursday and add your link about play. Your link will show up on each of the blogs in the It's Playtime community.

* Each week the playtime hosts will choose favorite posts to feature. (By linking you are giving us permission to use an image and link to you, if featured.)

* Be sure to visit some of the links that catch your eye. Commenting on posts that you find interesting or inspiring is a wonderful way to develop your own playful community.

It's Playtime: DIY Christmas Decore

Ahhhhh....Christmas.  That jolly time of year when people suddenly become friendlier and kids fear the wrath of Santa.  A time for love and good cheer.  Also, it seems, the biggest collection of DIY decorations and gifts to found on the internet.  Blogs are ablaze with wreaths, garlands, cookies, and ornaments.  So was last weeks It's Playtime link party.  Therefore, this week, I've rounded-up some of my favorite DIY Christmas decoration ideas for your enjoyment.  Move over Martha Stewart, here comes some holiday family fun from mom's (and teachers) around the web.  

Garland can be made from many different materials: popcorn, cranberries, oranges, and of course, pasta!  Over at The Artful Child, you can find the recipe for coloring pasta, then using some string, your kids can make beautiful Christmas garlands for hanging around the house and/or on your tree.  

Advent Calendars come in all shapes and sizes.  Some provide treats while others provide a daily winter/Christmas themed activity.  This great Advent Calendar from Serenity You is made from  toilet paper rolls and wrapping paper!  It's festive, creative, simple and a fun way to recycle!   

Need some ornaments for your tree?  What could be easier then your kids creating ornaments with beads and pipe cleaners?!  Check out this simple idea from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas.  

Expensive candle holders are a thing of the past.  These beautiful stained glass holders from Playful Learners will add some holiday cheer to you Christmas gatherings.  

Also check out How to... Make Dried Orange Slices and Craft Ideas from Red Ted Art's Blog.  I'm hoping to make an orange slice garland this weekend.  

If you were featured this week, don't forget to grab your special "featured button."

<a href="http://messypreschoolers.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEYKQj4S7oHoLKfsA3PoeXgaNMJ5dxkdUxIphbmwXOlbFg78Gwl73-rT8AdMTgmqYmIJZrkJRYOqOEItkCbR_exui4YhZqLlwZaBHXhC5slGyqPScnxvq-zrQezw9-MdIUiecgW3fxKg/s1600/featured-messykids.jpg" width="150/" /></a>

Now, on to this weeks play date! 

It's Playtime is a community and Thursday link-up hosted by:

* Rachele : Messy Kids (That's me!)
* Anna : The Imagination Tree
* Rachel : Quirky Momma
* Jamie : hands on : as we grow
* Jenny : Let the Children Play

How to Play :

* Link up a post about a playful learning experience enjoyed by kids.

* Give us love and pop a button into your post/blog. Invite your readers to the weekly play date!

<a href="http://messypreschoolers.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWLA7lm_Fqc/TaNHGpGSuVI/AAAAAAAAEX0/DGSvqIT7fyU/s320/RED-itplaytime.jpg" width="150" /></a>

* Stop by one of our blogs every Thursday and add your link about play. Your link will show up on each of the blogs in the It's Playtime community.

* Each week the playtime hosts will choose favorite posts to feature. (By linking you are giving us permission to use an image and link to you, if featured.)

* Be sure to visit some of the links that catch your eye. Commenting on posts that you find interesting or inspiring is a wonderful way to develop your own playful community.