One of our centers this week is Trim the Tree Dramatic Play. This super fun and festive activity is not only dramatic play but works on fine motor development. In the pictures you can see how hanging the small objects onto the tree works the small hand muscles and promotes eye hand coordination.

Trim the Tree Dramatic Play for Preschoolers

Needed:

small tree – craft store
small non-breakable ornaments – ours are from The Dollar Tree
string of beads – ours were necklaces that are taken apart
bells
tray

The girls also found some curling ribbon in the Holiday Wrap Cutting Bin so they put some ribbon on it too, which is a great idea.

Decorating a miniature tree is one way for children to experience the holidays in a hands on way. They use the tree when playing house or just stop in for a little tree decorating during free play time.

Its not always so pretty and it tips over and things get tangled, but isn’t that real life??

Trimming the tree is always a favorite activity here at holiday time. I leave the tray out all month and vary the ornaments so there’s plenty of time for everyone to explore and get a chance to decorate the tree themselves.