Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Activity 1: Sticky Heart Art (Contact Paper Hearts)

What We Do: Children stick Valentine-themed tissue paper and soft pom poms onto clear contact paper taped to a surface.

Skills Practiced:

• Fine motor development – Peeling and placing small items strengthens little fingers and improves hand-eye coordination.
• Sensory exploration – Children enjoy the textures of soft pom poms and crinkly paper.
• Creativity and self-expression – They get to make their own unique heart designs!

 

Activity 2: Sensory Table Fun

What We Do: Children explore a themed sensory bin (such as colored rice, Valentine confetti, or scooping tools).

Skills Practiced:

• Tactile sensory development – Exploring different textures supports brain growth and sensory regulation.
• Language development – Caregivers and staff label textures and actions, building vocabulary.
• Focus and calm – Sensory play can be soothing and helps children practice sustained attention.

 

Activity 3: Heart Stamp Painting

What We Do: Children use cardboard rolls shaped into hearts and dip them in red, pink, or white paint to stamp on paper.

Skills Practiced:

• Fine motor control – Holding and stamping with a cardboard roll builds grip strength and control.
• Cause and effect understanding – Children learn that pressing the stamp makes a heart shape appear.
• Color recognition and creativity – They explore colors and enjoy free-form art.

 

Activity 4: Cheerio Heart Spaghetti Beads

Materials: Children string Cheerios onto uncooked spaghetti noodles that are stuck upright in playdough.

Skills Practiced:

• Hand-eye coordination – Threading small pieces onto spaghetti helps with early writing readiness.
• Concentration and patience – This quiet activity encourages focus and persistence.
• Early math concepts – Counting Cheerios or making patterns introduce simple math in a fun way.