Six ways to discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles

All around our preschool are pine trees and each year during the holiday season, we like to spend time discovering and exploring with pinecones and pine needles. Today, I am sharing six of our favorite pine ideas and at the end of the post, you are invited to check out or add your own favorite holiday ideas to our Discover and Explore Linky…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Pine Wreath

The children made simple but beautiful pine wreaths last year with a paper plate, pine needles, pinecones, and a touch of red paint for the berries. You can see the entire Pine Wreath post by clicking here or on the photo below…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Pine Discovery Bottles

Another favorite way to explore pine needles in my classroom is by making a pine needle discovery bottle. You can view the entire post on Pine Needle Discovery Bottles by clicking here or click the photo below…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Pine in a Shadow Box

Our shadow boxes wouldn’t be complete without adding a few pinecones or pine needles. You can view the entire Nature Shadow Box post by clicking here or click on the photo below…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Pinecone Painting

If you haven’t ever tried painting on pinecones, then I must say you are missing out! You can view our entire pinecone painting experience and ornaments by clicking here or click on the photo below…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Pine Needle Paint Brushes

I haven’t written a post about painting with pine needles paint brushes but it is fairly simple. Just attach a few limbs with pine needles to a stick or craft stick using a length of tape and set them out with paint and paper for the children to explore…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

As you can see, we set out pine needle paint brushes out at the easel. Pine needle paint brushes create a beautiful textured painting and is an interesting process for the children to explore…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

Penguin and Pinecone book

And if you are looking for an excellent book to read aloud to your children then I highly recommend the book Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon. You can read more about this book by clicking here or click the photo below…

Discover and explore the holiday season with pinecones and pine needles by Teach Preschool

This is only the beginning of things to do with pinecones and pine needles and soon my current class will be coming up with new ways we can explore and discover the season with pine. Now be sure to check out the wonderful December holiday ideas being shared in our Holiday Linky just below…

PS. Some children may be allergic to pine. Some allergies are mild and a good handwashing can help but others are stronger so find out by checking with parents first!

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Discover and Explore Linky

Discover and Explore

Discover and Explore: December Holidays

Upcoming Themes:

Currently Open – December Holidays

December 11 – Indoor Games and Play

December 18 – Winter

Please read the following guidelines for sharing:

  • Share family-friendly posts related to the weekly topic — kids activities, crafts, recipes, nature outings, printables, etc.
  • By linking up, you are giving me permission to share your post including one photo in our weekly feature post and on social media channels.
  • Visit 2-3 other posts that have linked up, find some new ideas & meet new friends!
  • If you’d like, grab a button for your post — we love to share and want to find lots of great activities to highlight for you!

The linky will remain open for one week. Then all five co-hosts will feature activities in a separate post the Friday after the linky closes. All featured posts will be shared on the Discover and Explore Pinterest Board.  (Be sure to follow so you don’t miss any features!)



Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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