Fall in Love with Learning: September at Creative Corner
September 6, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

Fall in Love with Learning: September at Creative Corner

Ever seen preschoolers light up at storytime, count proudly to three, or beam as they share what makes them special? That’s September at Creative Corner! Under our Fall In Love With Learning theme, kids explore shapes, colors, ABCs & 123s, family, and storybook fun. From Johnny Appleseed to playful experiments, every day brings hands-on discovery and joyful preschool moments.

Creative Corner July Curriculum
July 6, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

From Stars & Stripes to Safari Sights: July at Creative Corner

Ever seen toddlers roar like lions, march like superheroes, or create their own American flags? That’s just a glimpse into July at Creative Corner! Our new curriculum takes children on a journey through patriotic celebrations, wild animal discoveries, and imaginative superhero tales. Each day is filled with themed learning moments, messy fun, and unforgettable preschool adventures.

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers
April 27, 2025 by Amanda Key 0 Comments

The Perfect Way to Celebrate Spring: Painted Paper Plate Flowers

This article is 391 words by Amanda Key—a 3-minute read.

Spring is almost here, and what better way to celebrate the season of blooming flowers than with a fun and creative craft? These painted paper plate flowers are a perfect activity to brighten up your day! With just a few simple materials, you and your child can create colorful, layered flowers that make great decorations, gifts, or even a playful classroom project. Plus, they help improve fine motor skills and encourage creativity.

This blog includes a short video from Mini Messengers, guiding you through each step of the process. Gather your supplies, and let’s get crafting!

What You’ll Need

🌸 Four paper plates
🌸 Scissors
🌸 Glue stick
🌸 Markers
🌸 Liquid watercolor
🌸 Paintbrush

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers

Let’s Get Started!

Cut Out Your Flowers

Using scissors, carefully cut four different flower shapes from your paper plates. Each one should be slightly smaller than the last, so they can be stacked to create a layered effect. Don’t worry about making them perfect—flowers come in all shapes and sizes!

Paint and Decorate

Use liquid watercolor and paintbrushes to add vibrant colors to your flowers. Let your child explore color combinations and designs! Once the paint is dry, use markers to add details like dots, stripes, or even fun patterns.

Assemble Your Flower

Start with the biggest flower as the base. Apply glue to the center and layer the smaller flowers on top, one at a time. Press firmly to ensure they stick together.

Finishing Touches

Let your flower dry completely. You can even attach a paper straw or pipe cleaner to the back to create a stem, making it a fun display piece!

Tinkering Tots Painted Paper Plate Flowers

Creative Ideas

🌸 Turn them into a bouquet – Make multiple flowers and arrange them in a vase for a cheerful table decoration.

🎨 Experiment with textures – Try using tissue paper, glitter, or stickers for added dimension.

📸 Capture the moment – Take pictures of your child’s finished masterpiece and share it with us on social media!

Crafting is a wonderful way to bond with your child, foster creativity, and develop important skills. We hope you and your little ones enjoy making these painted paper plate flowers!

Check out the Mini Messengers video below for a step-by-step guide, and happy crafting!

Creative Corner Tinkering Tots Logo

Early Childhood Education and Care Department
April 11, 2025 by Mick Ross 0 Comments

​New Mexico’s Bold Childcare Reform: A Blueprint for Economic Mobility and Family Wellbeing

In a nation where the cost of childcare can rival a mortgage payment, New Mexico has emerged as a trailblazer. By making childcare free for most families, the state has not only alleviated financial burdens but also lifted 120,000 residents above the poverty line.

Carol's Curriculum
March 20, 2025 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

Inspiring Young Minds with Carol’s Curriculum

Early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning, and the right curriculum matters. Carol’s Curriculum supports childcare providers, centers, and homeschool families with a structured, engaging program for children from infancy to age six. With daily lessons, worksheets, projects, and crafts, it blends creativity and learning to spark curiosity and growth.

Parent Teaching Child
November 19, 2024 by Kathy Shannon 0 Comments

It Takes a Village: How Parents Shape Early Childhood Education

In early childhood, every experience builds growth—shaping physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Research shows children thrive when parents are active in their education. At Creative Corner, we know parental involvement is essential: families are the first teachers, and partnering with educators sparks confidence, strong outcomes, and a love of learning.

Mom and Preschool Daughter Talking
August 1, 2022 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

Getting a Preschooler to Talk About Their Day

As much as you might want to know everything about your child’s day at preschool or child care, you may not always get the answers you want. We can give you tips and talking points on how to handle these conversations without overwhelming your child.

Taking Child to Childcare
July 18, 2022 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

How to Say Goodbye at Drop Off During the First Days of Childcare

Is your child getting ready to start child care or preschool? If so, we have some tips on making the transition a smooth one for both of you!

Preschool Student Learning Vocabulary
May 6, 2022 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

The Importance of Building Vocabulary in Preschool

Reading is primarily concerned with receiving meaning through words, and that process begins with the spoken word. When children have meaningful language experiences, they build up a vocabulary bank that will be extremely helpful as they decode words and attempt to comprehend text.

Preschool Art Class
March 10, 2022 by Catina Ross 0 Comments

Why Art Matters for Young Children

As a dedicated parent, you naturally want your child to succeed. When it comes to early childhood education, the chances are that you’ve already introduced your toddler to subjects like reading, science and maybe even math. However, did you know that introducing children to art from a young age can improve their overall academic achievement? Check out the following ways that art can boost your child’s development at preschool.