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Andy Warhol’s  Four Hearts  (1993) is a vibrant offset lithograph, often featuring four bright pink hearts set against a bold, contrasting background. Today, the children were invited to recreate this iconic artwork in their very own way. We began by providing construction paper and inviting the children to cover the entire page using liquid watercolors, choosing their own colors and designs. Next came some exciting action spin art hearts! Heart shapes were placed into a salad spinner, bright tempera paint was added, and the children spun the hearts to create colorful, one-of-a-kind patterns. Once everything dried, four hearts were glued onto their painted backgrounds to reflect Warhol’s  Four Hearts  composition. Experiences like this are so meaningful for young children because they offer gentle structure while still allowing for creativity and personal choice. Through this invitation, children followed a simple process, learned about a new artist, and explored a fun and unique art technique. Art in the early years supports fine-motor development, self-expression, and confidence, and most importantly, it nurtures a lifelong love for creativity.

We have been exploring the life & work of Dutch Post-Impressionist artist #VincentvanGogh—reading stories about him, studying his paintings, & observing his bold, expressive use of color. Introducing children to diverse artistic styles and techniques from around the world nurtures appreciation, cultural awareness, & a deeper connection to the arts.  1. Invitation to Paint Roses:  In May 1890, just before leaving the asylum in Saint-Rémy, he created a remarkable series of 4 floral still lifes—featuring Irises &   Roses. The arrangements vary, with upright compositions of irises and horizontal displays of roses. Although time has softened their colors, faint traces of pink on the tabletop and petals reveal what was once a vivid scene: “a canvas of pink roses against a yellow-green background in a green vase.” We set up a still-life invitation inspired by Roses, using Colorations Construction Paper, Paint, & Brushes. The children painted their own floral arrangements. 2. Invitation to Create Irises with Loose Parts + Playdough:  Van Gogh described Irises as aiming for a “harmonious and soft” effect, placing violet blooms against what was originally a pink background.  We offered flat marbles and playdough, encouraging them to recreate and interpret the artwork in a three-dimensional form. This open-ended invitation allowed children to explore shape, texture, & composition in an innovative and tactile way. 3. Invitation to Paint a 3-D Vase : Painted between 1888–1889, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers series is celebrated for its bold use of yellow, radiant light, & expressive texture. These paintings reimagined the traditional still-life genre & showcased Van Gogh’s mastery of color emotion. Inspired by this iconic series, we invited children to think beyond the canvas by painting actual 3-D vases using a warm, sunlit palette. This activity encouraged them to experiment with color, form, & perspective.  4. Invitation to Create Starry Night:  Few paintings capture the imagination the way Starry Night does. Its swirling skies, luminous stars, & deep, expressive blues transform the night into a poetic, dreamlike landscape. More than a painting, Starry Night is a visual symphony—full of beauty. It’s no surprise that children are mesmerized by it. After reading Katie & The Starry Night, we set out an invitation using a print of the painting, loose parts, & our light table. The  glow & open-ended materials invited children to explore, design, & craft their own imaginative renditions.

Winter is the perfect season to explore art and science through ice! For this invitation, we provided trays filled with ice blocks in a variety of shapes and sizes, each embedded with winter foliage. Alongside the ice, children were offered Colorations Liquid Watercolors , pipettes, and paintbrushes as their creative tools. They were invited to create, observe, and explore the fascinating relationship between ice, color, and nature. Painting on an unconventional surface like ice offers a completely different experience than painting on paper. Children are naturally cognitively challenged and deeply engaged as they experiment, explore, and problem-solve throughout the process. This STEAM-based process art invitation encourages children to make predictions, observe changes, and form theories as they work. As they paint, children explore color theory and strengthen color recognition and descriptive language skills by mixing colors and watching them spread across the ice. As the ice melts, they witness a powerful science concept firsthand—the transformation of a solid into a liquid. Using pipettes and paintbrushes supports the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while the multisensory nature of the experience helps children retain information and build new skills organically. As the ice continues to melt, the embedded winter foliage is gradually excavated and revealed, adding an element of discovery and wonder. This process not only sparks curiosity but also encourages patience, observation, and intentional exploration. Hands-on learning experiences like this support the development of multiple layers of skill sets at once—cognitive, physical, sensory, and creative. These rich, open-ended invitations provide the continuous stimulation children need to confidently ignite their creativity and curiosity, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Ten on the Sled  by Kim Norman (Author) and Liza Woodruff (Illustrator) is a delightful counting story about animals who are having so much fun speeding down a hill on a sled. As the sled goes faster and faster, the animals tumble off one by one, then leap back on again. This book is a wonderful counting resource that can be used in different ways depending on each child’s understanding of numbers. For children who are just beginning to count, counting books help introduce the counting word sequence, the purpose of counting, and early number words such as  one ,  two , and  three . For children with more counting experience, the story provides opportunities to practice counting, deepen understanding of counting principles, explore larger numbers, and notice numerical changes as animals fall on and off the sled. After reading the book, we invited the children to explore a  Small World STEM invitation  inspired by the story. In the tuff tray , we provided Insta Snow , Excellerations® mini ice blocks , animal figurines, bottle brush trees, igloos, sleds, and engineering ramps . Children were encouraged to use their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills by counting and placing ten animals on the sled, testing whether they could keep the animals on, sliding them down ramps, building with the blocks, and experimenting through trial and error. This open-ended play experience supported problem-solving, early math skills, and hands-on exploration while bringing the story to life.

Before inviting the children to create snowflakes, we began by asking them what they already knew about snowflakes. Through discussion, the children shared that snowflakes come from the sky during winter. To build on their prior knowledge, we introduced them to Wilson Bentley, the first known photographer of snowflakes over 100 years ago. To integrate literacy and deepen their understanding of snow, we read  Snowflake Bentley ,  Curious About Snow , and  The Story of Snow . These stories helped the children explore the wonder and magic of snowflakes while supporting their comprehension through rich language and visuals. We also shared images of Bentley’s snowflake photographs, pointing out details and learning that no two snowflakes are exactly the same. The children discovered that snowflakes are six-sided, hexagonal shapes due to the molecular structure of ice, and while symmetry can occur, snowflakes are not always perfectly symmetrical. With this foundational knowledge, we set up a provocation using loose parts to invite the children to create their own unique snowflakes. The materials included acrylic ice cubes , iridescent acrylic rocks , and snowflakes , mini ice blocks , and gems in a variety of shapes. Snowflake stencils were placed on different bases, such as light tables and reflective, mirror-like plates, to inspire exploration and creativity. As the children created, they engaged in rich learning experiences. Using loose parts on drawn designs supports spatial awareness, attention to detail, and exposure to different forms of artistic expression. The children enhanced their language skills as they described what they were creating and observed. Manipulating the materials to fit inside, outside, or around the designs strengthened fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape recognition. Loose parts provide endless possibilities and unique inspiration. They challenge children to think creatively, problem-solve, and take risks through trial and error. This experience supported brain development while encouraging scientific experimentation, mathematical thinking, and imaginative exploration. Through this process, the children truly became creators—using what they already know and the materials available to them to construct something greater than the individual parts.

The Lights That Dance in the Night  by Yuval Zommer provided a beautiful starting point for exploring the magic of the Northern Lights during the winter season. The story takes children on a journey from space to Earth, highlighting how this natural phenomenon brings wonder to the animals and people who live in frozen lands. After reading the story, we extended the learning by sharing images and videos of the Northern Lights. We discussed how they are also known as auroral displays and can appear in many colours and forms—sometimes as patches, sometimes as scattered clouds or shooting rays that illuminate the night sky with an eerie glow. We explored the science behind this phenomenon, learning that the lights are created when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Before inviting the children to explore the materials, we darkened the room and used a star projector to recreate what the Northern Lights might look like in real life. This immersive experience sparked curiosity, awe, and excitement. On the table, we set up a small world invitation using iridescent fabrics in blue and white , small and large ice blocks, acrylic snowflakes , arctic animal figurines , igloos, acrylic ice cubes , iridescent acrylic rocks , plastic cups , led tea lights , bottle brush trees, cones , and more. The children were encouraged to explore freely and let their imaginations blossom. By bringing stories to life, we create meaningful spaces where children can unlock their potential through imaginative small world play. This form of play acts as a versatile canvas for endless storytelling, supporting the development of social skills, language, sequencing, and an understanding of the world around them. As children explore new materials and act out real-life and imagined scenarios, their creativity and confidence grow. When provided with inspiring environments, children’s ability to create, develop, and comprehend meaningful stories flourishes—making small world play a powerful and joyful part of their learning every day.

We rang in the New Year with three exciting, hands-on invitations that encouraged creativity, exploration, and learning. Each setup invited children to engage their senses while building important developmental skills—all with a festive NYE twist! 1. STEM Disco Ball Building on the Mood Light Table- Children explored engineering and design as they built dazzling disco ball creations on our mood light table . Using iridescent linking discs, disco balls in a variety of sizes, iridescent circles , and the illuminated table, this invitation blended STEM, imagination, and light exploration. The glowing effects inspired creativity while supporting problem-solving and fine motor development—true STEM fun in action!   2. NYE Fine Motor Ball Drop: This fine motor invitation was set up in a sensory bin filled with plastic tubes, disco ball cups, carafes, handy scoopers , Colorations® pom-pom s ( glitter , rainbow ) and disco balls. Children were invited to scoop, pick up, and transfer the pom-poms into containers of different sizes. This playful activity strengthened hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and concentration.  3. NYE Bubbly Potions: Our tuff tray transformed into a potion-making station full of fizzing fun! We used TTS clear plastic potion bottles and clear plastic champagne glasses filled with a base of baking soda and dish soap. Graduated cylinders and beakers held vinegar mixed with Colorations Metallic paint , and children used twisty droppers and pipettes to create sparkly, bubbling reactions. This invitation sparked curiosity, encouraged experimentation, and introduced early science concepts in a magical, festive way. These New Year’s invitations were the perfect way to combine celebration with meaningful play, creating memorable learning moments to start the year off right!

To continue our celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we read  Powwow Day  by Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation) and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation). This heartwarming contemporary picture book honors tradition, community, music, and healing—all shared through the voices of Indigenous creators. In the story, Powwow Day has arrived, and River longs to dance as she does every year. But this year is different—she’s recovering from a serious illness and must sit out. Through River’s experience, the book gently explores what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, and how the strength of community can help lift, heal, and reconnect us. It also offers young readers a meaningful introduction to powwows—their history, their purpose, and their importance across Native communities in the United States and Canada. Powwows are gatherings where everyone, both Native and non-Native visitors, is welcomed with respect and intention. Inspired by the story, we invited the children to create a collaborative gathering drum through open-ended process art. On a tinker tray we arranged feathers, pom poms, tissue paper, sticker shapes, craft sticks, washi tape, glue, and cutouts repurposed from our earlier   We Are the Water Protectors   art invitation. The drum structure itself was made from a recycled wooden spool, wrapped with reclaimed cardboard and covered in butcher paper. The children were invited to explore, create, and contribute freely together as a community. Each child added their own touches, layering materials, textures, and colors. Their individual expressions came together to form a single, beautiful collaborative gathering drum—a symbol of shared creativity, community, and the joy of making something meaningful together.

T he beautiful book  We Are Water Protectors  by @carolelindstrom and illustrated by @michaelagoade is the perfect read for #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. This powerful story highlights Indigenous-led movements to safeguard one of Earth’s most precious resources — water.  After reading, we engaged the children in a thoughtful discussion to deepen their understanding of water’s importance: How do we use water every day?Where does it come from? What can harm or poison it?  How can we protect it and take better care of our planet? These questions inspired meaningful conversations about community, responsibility, and how even small actions can make a big difference for the environment.  To extend the experience, we invited the children to express what they learned through resist art, using @colorations.artoflearning liquid watercolor and salt glue designs & coffee filter cut outs on poster boards from @discountschoolsupply.  Blending art with literacy not only strengthens comprehension but also gives children the freedom to explore their creativity and voice. When creativity and literacy come together — the results are truly beautiful.

As we continue exploring #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth in meaningful, hands-on ways, today’s focus was all about math—using storytelling, culture, & loose parts to bring learning to life. We read   Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!  written by Art Coulson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight . This beautiful story weaves together diversity, math, & the power of storytelling. In the book, Bo wants to find the perfect container to display his traditional marbles for the National Cherokee Holiday. He experiments with many different sizes, learning about volume, capacity, & problem-solving along the way. To bring this story to life, we set up an invitation to explore measurement through play! We placed a variety of containers alongside loose parts variety of marbles ( one , two , three ) inviting children to experiment with fitting the materials into each container. Through hands-on exploration, they naturally discovered concepts of volume & capacity just like Bo did in the story.  Measurement learning begins early — often without formal instruction. From stacking blocks & sorting objects to weighing rocks or filling containers, children are constantly exploring comparisons, quantities, & spatial relationships in their everyday play.  By combining storytelling, cultural heritage, & hands-on math experiences, we help children build a strong foundation in mathematics while deepening their appreciation for #Native voices & perspectives. Honoring #Indigenous stories through literacy & play not only celebrates cultural identity but also keeps these powerful narratives alive in the classroom & beyond.

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, a meaningful time to celebrate the diverse histories, traditions, & cultures of Indigenous peoples. Honoring this rich ancestry through stories is a powerful way for children—& all of us—to learn with respect + curiosity. To continue exploring Native American culture, we read the beautiful book  Fry Bread , written by @noblemaillard & illustrated by @juanamartinezn . This story invites readers into themes of family, history, culture, & both old +  new traditions. Fry bread—a flat dough bread meaningful to many Indigenous communities across North America—represents far more than food. It carries memory, connection, & identity. So many of our own cherished moments revolve around gathering for special celebrations, sharing comfort foods, & strengthening our communities. By exploring foods & traditions from cultures around the world, children learn to appreciate, respect, & experience the beauty of diversity. The book shares: Fry bread is food. Warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time. Bringing families together for meals and memories. Fry bread is nation. Shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. A celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference. After reading, we invited the children to make their own “fry bread” using playdough. Playdough is a staple in early childhood for good reason—it's a hands-on, open-ended material that fuels creativity while building essential skills. As children roll, squish, pinch, & shape the dough, they strengthen the fine motor muscles needed for writing & self-help tasks. Playdough also sparks rich language & literacy opportunities as children describe their creations, act out stories, & follow steps in a recipe. It naturally supports early math & science concepts through measuring, counting, comparing sizes, observing changes in texture, & experimenting with cause & effect. Plus, the sensory experience of manipulating soft, pliable dough helps children regulate emotions, stay engaged, & explore the world through touch. Because children learn deeply through their senses, pairing playdough with a culturally rich story helps them internalize concepts in meaningful ways—building comprehension, empathy, curiosity, & a stronger connection to the world around them.

When it comes to supporting our children’s schools, a little creativity can go a long way & sometimes, it even glows! This year, a team of parents wanted to make our fundraising efforts for my son’s public school not only impactful but also unforgettable. The result? A GLOW Party that lit up the school for a great cause! From neon decorations to glowing games & endless fun, our goal was to create an event that brought everyone together while raising funds for the programs that  In the Multipurpose Room we sectioned out the following areas:  1. Disco GLOW Den:  DJ Rector kept the beats pumping while the disco ball spun & lights danced across the room. Neon beach balls, LED balloons, & hula hoops added an extra pop of color & energy, creating the perfect backdrop for kids to show off their brightest moves on the dance floor.  Items Donated Oriental Trading UFO Lamp Party Light Bright Beach Balls Parents: Table Decorations  LED Hula Hoops  LED Balloons  2. The GLOW Zone:  Completely darkened & lit only by black lights, this glowing wonderland transformed into a dance-meets-discovery space. With neon floor tape, vibrant cups for building, & pops of luminous décor, every child shined—literally! Their glowing clothes, body paint, tattoos, & accessories came alive in a glowing display of color & movement. Items Donated Oriental Trading: Neon Fringe Chandeliers   Neon Stretchy Noodle Balls Parents: LED Black Lights  Neon 16oz Plastic Cups Neon Tape Lets Glow Sign + Fringe  3. GLOW Up Ink & Gear:  Right before entering the GLOW Zone, guests stopped by this station to gear up for the fun ahead! Tables were stocked with glowing accessories, temporary tattoos, & body paint—everything needed for kids to transform into radiant party-goers ready to light up the night. Items Donated Oriental Trading: Glow Bracelet & Necklace Assortment Parents: Tattoos  Body Paint  Light Up Halloween Rings  Finger Lights  LED Bracelets 4.The GLOW Slime Station:  The biggest hit of the event! This sensory-filled table invited kids to mix, stretch, & squish oozing neon slime. Black tablecloths made the colors pop, while neon bowls, cups, plates, potion bottles, gems, & glitter turned this into a mesmerizing hands-on experience. It was messy & magical! Items Donated Oriental Trading: Table Cloth Clips Black Table Cloth Colorful Slime Glow and the Dark Slime Plastic Bowls Plastic Cups Margarita Glasses Parents: Kitchen Shelves  Handy Scoopers  Potion Bottles Neon Gems  5.Color & GLOW:  Art met illumination at this creative corner! With black canvases & neon acrylic markers, kids doodled, designed, & let their imaginations glow. Every stroke and swirl lit up under the black lights, turning simple drawings into radiant works of art. Items Donated Discount School Supply: 8 by 8 Black Canvases Parents: Neon & Bright Acrylic Markers  6. GLOW-gineers:  Our budding builders got to shine as GLOW-gineers! Using glowing pebbles, cylinders, construction blocks, octagon stackers, & linking discs, kids explored creativity & design on the light panel & mood table. This area blended engineering, imagination, & illumination—true STEM fun in action! Items Donated Discount School Supply: Glowing Pebbles Glowing Cylinders Stack & Build Glow Blocks Linking Discs Rainbow Octagon Stackers Large Light Panel Mood Table 7. Bead & GLOW:  This station offered a bright twist on classic jewelry-making. With trays full of neon & glow-in-the-dark beads, kids designed their own accessories to wear proudly around the party. The result? A parade of handmade glowing awesome accessories.  Items Donated Oriental Trading:  Glow and the Dark Pony Beads Discount School Supply: Bead Bundle Fluorescent Fuse Beads Parents: Tinker Trays Tackle Box Scissors Tape A huge thank-you to our wonderful sponsors,  Oriental Trading  &  Discount School Supply , for their generous donations (everything linked in the blog) & to our incredible parent community whose efforts & support made this night glow brighter than ever!