What Is an Invitation to Play? A Complete Guide for Busy Moms (Inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia)
An invitation to play is a thoughtful arrangement of open ended materials that gently calls your child to explore. Here is what it actually is, where it comes from (Montessori plus Reggio Emilia), why it works, how to set one up in 5 minutes, examples by age, common mistakes, and answers to the questions every parent asks.
Our Clover Lawn: A Simple Way to Help Pollinators (And Make Your Yard Easier to Care For)
Parts of a Texas Bluebonnet: A Complete Guide to Bluebonnet Anatomy
A deep dive into the anatomy of a Texas Bluebonnet, from roots and leaves to the five-petal floret structure and the fascinating color-changing banner spot that guides bees to fresh pollen.
What Is an Art Study? A Simple Guide for Parents and Teachers
What Are Clothespin Cards? A Parent’s Guide to This Simple Learning Tool
Summer Science: 10 Cicada Activities for Kids
How We Use Counting Cards
One of the questions we hear the most from parents and teachers is: "I love these cards, but how do I actually use them?"
The answer is one of our favorite things about counting cards. There is no single "right way" to use them! Counting cards are one of the most versatile math tools you can have on your shelf, and the best part is that your child will show you new ways to use them that you never even thought of.
Today we're sharing all the ways we use our Nature Counting Cards at home. Whether you're a homeschool family, a classroom teacher, or a parent looking for a simple screen-free activity, we hope these ideas spark some inspiration (and some great counting practice too!).
Cicada Unit Study: Hands-On Science, Art, and STEM for Ages 4–10
Explore cicadas through hands-on science, art, literacy, math, and STEM activities. This Montessori-inspired cicada unit study features original watercolor artwork for ages 4–10.
Easy Solar System Craft
Here’s an easy “craft” you can score at Hobby Lobby for under $10!
Pounding Pumpkin Tee Party
Easy pumpkin activity! my kids played with it for the entirety of the time it took me to cook dinner. It’s great for sharing, taking turns, hand-eye coordination, and essential skills learning.
Fall Leaf Sun Catcher
You’re going to like this one, because it is EA-SY!
I also like it because it is easy and short, and I don’t actually love making tutorials. Good thing I started this blog.
Fall Matching Game Craft
A fun matching game your children can make on their own featuring Fall Leaves and Pumpkins!
Fun Fridays: Fall Edition
When I decided/the school decided for us to homeschool this year I knew I needed some sort of reward system. My daughter is very much MY DAUGHTER and she loves a good incentive program. I came up the idea of a sticker chart but since I secretly throw away the million-microscopic-pieces plastic toys she was winning at school, I needed a better reward and thus…FUN FRIDAYS were born.
5 Moon Study Must-Haves
If you’re doing a moon or moon phase unit study it’s nice to have a materials you don’t have to prep. I also love it when my 6YO asks to play with her “school toys.” It makes me super happy. Here are five things we bought to go along with our moon unit study that I loved and would totally buy again…
The Moon and Phases Unit and Resources
Super excited to share this unit with you guys. We had lots of fun painting the moon and putting together some fun projects was a bonus. The included activities are enough for a week long focus on The Moon and Phases. The activities are designed to reinforce skills and enrich a space or moon focused study.
Orbits of the Earth and Moon Project
Moon Phases can be tough to visualize in the context of the orbits that cause them. Using a visual aide will ensure your child understand the spatial relationships of both the Earth and the Moon as they relate to the Sun.
Moon Phase Garland
I love finding new ways to use the materials in my units. Especially, crafty ways.
For this craft we used the Moon Phase Cut-Out Coins to make a sweet mini garland to hang across my daughter’s bulletin board. She loved it and is already working on another one!
Paint and Play Dough Planets
If you’re looking for a FREE and fun Solar System activity for classroom or home, I’ve got a treat for you!
This printable .pdf download features each of the planets of our Solar System including the dwarf planet Pluto. I’ve got a nostalgic affection for Pluto so we’re keeping him.
They are multi-use because you’re busy and printer ink is expensive. I recommend printing to card stock if you will be using these multiple times or if your paint of choice is watercolor.
How To Use Montessori Inspired 3 Part Cards
Montessori style 3 Part Cards consist of cards separated into 3 parts. The first card contains both a picture and label. The second card has only a picture and the third card is just the label.
This activity builds vocabulary, but also acts as a tactile learning activity. By manipulating and arranging the information as the child see fit, information is retained and internalized. The presence of the “key” card allows for children to complete self-checks and reinforces independent learning.
Moon Phase Wooden Coins
You can find these Moon Phase Cut-Out Coins in my mini unit called The Moon and its Phases. For use with the unit you don’t have to affix them to wooden coins, but in doing so you can create something your child will use again and again.
We use our Moon Phases Wooden Coins to count, to stack, to order, and along with our Moon Phases Montessori 3 Part Cards.