OK.

Maybe not “must-haves,” but strongly encouraged haves?

Montessori must-haves early learning supplies with hand-painted watercolor printables by Liza Dora Books

These are the items we use several times each week, if not daily. We are not a strictly Montessori family, but we are Montessori-style. So don’t freak out if some of things items are completely traditional materials. My husband’s job has us move fairly frequently, so schools, and learning styles, and standards tend to change. What I like about Montessori-style learning is that is goes with us.

Why?

Because our kids go with us, and Montessori learning is child-led.

Here are the products I recommend to my friends. Some links are affiliate which means I may get a commission based off the sale of that particular product, but I don’t recommend things we don’t already have and use. I’ve broken them down into two categories: Materials and Toys. I know this implies that one is for learning and the other is for play, but those lines are a little blurry in the Montessori school of thought. You might see a child in a sandbox scooping sand into a container and be likely to say the child is “playing” in the sandbox. A Montessori POV would call that “work.” Play being the work of children. So don’t ignore the “toys” they are so hugely important.

Materials:

Montessori Movable Alphabet (affiliate) I’m working on a free moveable alphabet for you to print, but to be quite honest this is waaaaayy better. We’ve had this wooden alphabet for 3 years and it is used at least weekly and many times unprompted. Kids love to use manipulative and these are beautiful and have lasted the test of time. This alphabet is a worthwhile investment—especially if you have multiple children.

CVC Word Spinners (affiliate) OK. I totally made up that name, but that’s what we use these blocks for. They are fantastic for early readers. You can use them for phonetic spelling (sounding out words), teaching short letter vowel sounds, and as prompts for writing exercises.

Hundred Board (affiliate) Great little counting board. Comes with a key and a little bag to keep your number tiles. We used this a lot more when my daughter was learning to count by 1’s and now we use the tiles when counting by multiples. I like the quality of this board.

Language Objects (affiliate)To be fair, I am a little obsessed with language objects. These are objects your child can use as they are learning simple letter sounds. They are miniature and adorable and highly interesting to your kiddo because of that. We’ve built up a set over time. You can buy entire sets but they are crazy expensive and I don’t love the quality from pictures I’ve seen. The link in the section is from Micheals. We’ve had great luck using miniatures from their collections and building up our own set. Another money-saving idea is using decorative buttons. Cheaper and way fun!

Montessori materials and homeschool preschool essentials for hands-on early childhood education

Sandpaper Letters With Boxes (affiliate) I tried to make these and it was stupid. Super tedious and I got a zillion tiny scratches. Get this set instead. After a year of our raggedy letters I upgraded to these and haven’t looked back. I thought my daughter might outgrown them before they got major use but I was wrong. I think we forget how much our kiddos like different textures. She is also looking like a kinesthetic learner like her daddy so any learning “experiences” I can give her will be beneficial.

Montessori shelf setup for preschool learning environment with organized educational materials

Pattern Blocks and Boards (affiliate) I’m calling this a material and not a toy for two reasons. One, we use this for shapes in math A LOT. Two, it’s great for color practice. I know. It looks fun—and it is! But I’m still calling this a material.

BOB Books (affilaite) These may not be super Montessori either, but our Montessori teacher at our last school recommended them so its Montessori by proxy. Or something. This series is wonderful. My daughter learned to read this year in kindergarten, but these were something we used again and again. They are great for CVC words and wonderful for confidence. We made it through 5 sets before she “outgrew” them.

Cleaning Set (affiliate) I know! Totally look like toys, but this set is perfect for Montessori practical life lessons. Both my kids 6 and 2, run for these anytime there’s a mess or a spill. So much of what kids learn comes through imitation. A set this size is easy for them to use and they can “help.” Such a win-win.

Cookery Set (affiliate) This is another great set for practical life. Yes, it is sized down but very realistic and much easier to step over when it’s scattered across your kitchen floor as you and “your helper” cook dinner.

Toys:

Amazon Large Wooden Blocks (affiliate) Santa brought these at Christmas as a sharing toy and they get used daily. You can use them to stack and build, but they also make great tracks for cars and train sets. Sturdy, but light these are a great product.

Stepping Stones (affiliate) These are plastic which is pretty non-Montessori-ish but I love them. We have a more expensive brand, but the next set I buy will be these guys. I like the colors better and on all other points they seem to be the same. I saw these used in a special education setting and was floored. They are so great for texture, elevation, and coordination. We also use them on Rainey days to get the wiggles out. I splurged and bought a more expensive brand because of the grips along the bottom and then we moved into a house with carpet so…whatever.

Waldorf Balance Board (affiliate) So this is NOT Montessori because it’s technically Waldorf, but it’s still awesome. These boards are expensive, and it took some convincing because my husband didn’t want me spending over $100 on “a piece of wood,” but the kids use it every single day and it the most coveted spot in the house. Also, it cost $99.00 so…

Montessori activity trays with watercolor printable resources by Liza Dora Books for ages 2 to 6

I hope you found this list helpful! For more Montessori-style learning materials please check out my shop!

Featured

Solar System Clothespin Cards

$3.00

Count and Clip Your Way Through the Solar System
These clothespin counting cards turn math practice into a tiny space mission. Each card features original hand-painted watercolor illustrations of the planets, moon phases, comets, and asteroids. Your child counts the items, finds the matching number, and clips a clothespin to their answer.
That simple pinch-and-clip motion builds the exact hand muscles kids need for writing, cutting, and buttoning. While they work on fine motor skills, they are also practicing number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and getting comfortable with the planets and objects that make up our solar system.
Perfect for space-themed unit studies, astronomy lessons, summer learning, and the kid who already knows every planet's name and wants more. Tuck the cards into your morning basket, a quiet time tray, or a road-trip activity bag and let the counting begin.
What's Inside
10 counting cards covering numbers 1 through 10
Title card and instruction card
3 printable pages (PDF, instant download)
Original watercolor illustrations of all 8 planets, the Sun, the Moon, moon phases, comets, and an asteroid field
Every illustration is painted by hand, not pulled from a clip art library. Kids see planets in different combinations across the cards (the inner rocky planets together, the gas giants together, Earth with its Moon, the full solar system in one frame), so they recognize each one in context rather than as a flashcard.
How to Use
Print the PDF on cardstock (65 lb or heavier recommended). Cut the cards apart. Grab a handful of spring-loaded wooden clothespins. Your child counts the items in the illustration, then clips the clothespin to the correct number along the bottom edge of the card.
For toddlers (ages 2-3): Start with the lower numbers and focus on the clipping motion itself. The fine motor workout is the real goal at this age. Name the planets out loud as your child clips.
For preschoolers and kindergartners: Use the full set and encourage them to self-check by counting again after clipping. Pair the cards with a quick chat about which planet is which, why the Moon changes shape, or what a comet is made of.
For early elementary (ages 6-7): Use the cards as a self-check station, then have your child write the planet names on a blank sheet of paper or sort the cards by inner vs. outer planets.
Perfect For
Montessori homeschool families, space and astronomy unit studies, preschool and kindergarten math centers, occupational therapy fine motor practice, quiet time trays, road-trip activity bags, and the planet-obsessed kid who already knows the order of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars by heart.
How It Works
Purchase and download instantly
Print on cardstock (color recommended)
Cut, grab clothespins, and start counting
Pairs With
Solar System 3-Part Cards
for Montessori vocabulary work on each planet
Solar System Counting Puzzles
to extend counting past 10, all the way to 99 with skip counting
Moon Unit Early Learning Bundle
for a deeper dive into moon phases and Earth-Moon orbits
Details
Ages: 2-7
Numbers: 1-10
Pages: 3 (PDF, instant download)
Printing: Unlimited copies for personal or single-classroom use

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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American Flag Clothespin Cards

$3.00

Count and Clip Your Way to the Stars and Stripes
These clothespin counting cards turn math practice into a celebration of the American flag. Each card features original hand-painted watercolor illustrations of waving flags, red stripes, and blue star squares. Your child counts the items, finds the matching number, and clips a clothespin to their answer.
That simple pinch-and-clip motion builds the exact hand muscles kids need for writing, cutting, and buttoning. While they work on fine motor skills, they are also practicing number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and getting comfortable with the colors and symbols of the American flag.
Perfect for July 4th, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and especially
America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Tuck them into your patriotic unit study, your morning basket, or a quiet time tray and let the counting begin.
What's Inside
10 counting cards covering numbers 1 through 10
Title card and instruction card
3 printable pages (PDF, instant download)
Original watercolor illustrations of American flags, red stripes, and blue star squares
Every illustration is painted by hand, not pulled from a clip art library. The deconstructed flag elements (just stripes, just stars, whole waving flags) give your child different visual ways to recognize and count the parts of the flag.
How to Use
Print the PDF on cardstock (65 lb or heavier recommended). Cut the cards apart. Grab a handful of spring-loaded wooden clothespins. Your child counts the items in the illustration, then clips the clothespin to the correct number along the bottom edge of the card.
For toddlers (ages 2-3): Start with the lower numbers and focus on the clipping motion itself. The fine motor workout is the real goal at this age.
For preschoolers and kindergartners: Use the full set and encourage them to self-check by counting again after clipping. Pair the cards with a quick conversation about the parts of the flag, what each color means, and why we are celebrating.
Perfect For
Montessori homeschool families, July 4th lesson plans, America 250 celebrations, Flag Day and Memorial Day activities, preschool math centers, occupational therapy fine motor practice, summer quiet time, and travel (toss the cards and a few clothespins in a zip bag for the road trip to fireworks).
How It Works
Purchase and download instantly
Print on cardstock (color recommended)
Cut, grab clothespins, and start counting
Pairs With
American Flag Counting Cards for a complete patriotic counting set in two formats
Texas Wildflower Clothespin Cards
for a spring counting set in the same clip-and-count format
Pumpkin Clothespin Cards
for a fall counting set that takes numbers up to 12
Details
Ages: 2-6
Numbers: 1-10
Pages: 3 (PDF, instant download)
Printing: Unlimited copies for personal or single-classroom use

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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American Flag Counting Cards

$3.00

Stars, stripes, and counting practice, all wrapped up in one little patriotic set.
These American Flag Counting Cards bring number recognition and one-to-one correspondence into your red, white, and blue learning rhythms. Each card features original hand-painted watercolor illustrations of star blocks, flag stripes, and waving American flags. Your little one will count their way from 1 to 10 with imagery that feels both classic and beautifully homemade.
🎨
Original watercolor art.
Every star, stripe, and flag was hand-painted by Liza Dora. No clip art, no AI, just real brushwork that makes these cards feel like a keepsake.
🇺🇸
Holiday-ready.
Pull these out for Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Patriots Day, Veterans Day, Election Day, or anytime you want to fold a little American history into your math shelf.
📚
Builds real math skills.
Number recognition 1 to 10, counting, one-to-one correspondence, sequencing, and early addition and subtraction, all through hands-on play.
🌟
Mixed visual variety.
Some cards use stars, some use stripes, some use full flags. That variety keeps young counters engaged and trains their eyes to count different objects with confidence.
What's Inside:
10 counting cards, numbers 1 through 10
Cover card with the product title and flag illustration
Reference card with usage ideas and a link to the counting cards blog post
High-resolution PDF, ready to print at home
How to Use:
For ages 3 to 4, lay out a few cards and count the stars or stripes together, pointing to each one. Pair the cards with red, white, and blue loose parts: pom-poms, buttons, beads, or even popcorn kernels painted red.
For ages 5 to 6, set the cards in order from 1 to 10 and let your child match wooden numerals or written numbers to each card. Practice number writing on a small whiteboard alongside the cards. Mix the cards up and let your child put them back in order.
For ages 6 and up, use the cards for simple addition and subtraction stories. "If we have 4 flags and add 3 more flags, how many flags are flying?" Pair with a discussion about what the stars and stripes represent on the real American flag.
Take the cards outside for a Fourth of July picnic table activity, set them up on a Montessori tray during a unit on American symbols, or laminate them and use them year after year.
For step-by-step ideas and photos of counting cards in action, visit our blog post
How We Use Counting Cards
.
Perfect For:
Montessori homeschool families, preschool and Pre-K classrooms, daycare providers planning a patriotic week, co-ops studying American symbols, and any family who wants to celebrate the red, white, and blue with beautiful, hands-on learning materials.
How It Works:
Purchase and instantly download your PDF.
Print on cardstock (color recommended). Cut along the card borders. Laminate for extra durability if you'd like.
Lay them out on a tray, the table, or a picnic blanket, and start counting.
Pairs Well With:
Nature Counting Cards Bundle:
if your child loves these, the bundle gives you three more sets to rotate through the seasons (Texas Wildflowers, Acorns, and Pumpkin Seeds).
Solar System Counting Puzzles:
ready to go beyond 10? These puzzles cover numbers 1 to 99 plus skip counting, all themed around the planets.
Fall Early Learning Bundle:
another themed Montessori-inspired bundle that pairs counting with seasonal nature study.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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Texas Wildflowers Unit Study

$12.00

Wildflower season is calling, and this unit study brings the whole roadside-bouquet, picking-flowers-on-a-Sunday-afternoon magic right to your learning table.
The Texas Wildflowers Unit Study is a love letter to the eight wildflowers that paint our state every spring. Built around original hand-painted watercolor artwork, this unit is packed with framable prints, Montessori-inspired card sets, art studies, handwriting, fine motor activities, and a special bonus mini-unit on the Texas Bluebonnet. It is designed so kids of every age can be on the same topic without being on the same page.
🎨 Original watercolor artwork of all eight Texas wildflowers, painted by Liza Dora and ready to frame, study, and admire.
🤠 Texas to the bone. Every species was chosen because it actually grows here, and the names follow the Texas vernacular Liza grew up with (yes, that's "Buttercup," not Pink Evening Primrose).
🌿 Hands-on, screen-free invitations to play. Set 2 or 3 activities out on a tray and let the kids choose their adventure.
📚 Built for mixed ages. A 3-year-old can match counting cards while a 9-year-old labels bluebonnet anatomy. Same flowers, different depth.
🌼 Bonus Bluebonnet Mini-Unit included. A complete deep dive on the state flower at no extra cost.
What's Inside
Texas Wildflower Resources
8.5 x 11" Wildflower Bouquet Print, ready to frame
(8) 4.25 x 5.5" Framable Watercolor Prints (one for each wildflower)
Texas Wildflower 3-Part Cards (Montessori nomenclature cards)
Texas Wildflower Clothespin Cards (fine motor + picture matching)
Texas Wildflower Counting Cards (numbers 1 through 8)
(4) Art Studies featuring famous artists, plus an Extension Adventure
Texas Wildflower Handwriting Practice (cursive W and F)
Paint and Play Dough Flowers Activity Mats
Wildflower Pressing Guide
Wildflower Pressing Bookmark Craft
Bonus: Bluebonnet Mini-Unit
Parts of a Bluebonnet Learning Pages
Bluebonnet Anatomy Fill-in-the-Blanks
Parts of a Bluebonnet 3-Part Cards
Bluebonnet Watercolor Project
Bb Handwriting Practice (print)
The Canonical 8 Wildflowers Featured
Texas Bluebonnet
Indian Paintbrush
Indian Blanket / Firewheel
Buttercup
Mexican Hat
Black-Eyed Susan
Drummond's Phlox
Butterfly Weed
How to Use This Unit
There's no one right way to use these activities. There's just your kid's way. Here are a few favorites to get you started:
For ages 2 to 4:
Start with the counting cards and the framable prints. Hang the prints at kid eye-level and let your toddler point to each flower as you name it. Pull out the play dough mats for tactile play.
For ages 4 to 7:
Set up an "invitation to play" with the 3-part cards, the clothespin cards, and a small vase of real wildflowers from your yard or a roadside walk. Let them match, sort, and discover. The bluebonnet anatomy pages are perfect at this age.
For ages 7 to 10+:
Dive into the art studies and the cursive handwriting practice. Press real wildflowers using the pressing guide, then make a bookmark to remember the season. Use the extension adventure to take the learning outdoors.
Together, as a family:
Frame the wildflower prints. Pick a bouquet. Talk about which flower is whose favorite. Texas wildflower season is short and special, and this unit is built to help you mark it.
Perfect For
Texas homeschool families, Montessori homeschoolers, nature study co-ops, preschool and elementary classrooms, grandparents teaching from afar, road-trip learning, spring nature tables, and any family that wants to slow down and notice the wildflowers blooming right outside the window.
How It Works
Purchase and instantly download the high-quality PDF.
Print on cardstock (color print recommended) and laminate the cards if you want them to last.
Set out 2 to 3 activities on a tray as an invitation to play, and let the wildflower season begin.
Pairs Beautifully With
Cicada Unit Study
to keep the hands-on, screen-free learning rolling right into the cicada-singing days of late spring and summer.
Moon Unit Early Learning Bundle
for another deep, multi-age unit study with the same watercolor-and-invitation-to-play feel, perfect for stargazing nights after a day of wildflower picking.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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🌸 Texas Wildflowers Paint and Play Dough Mats

$4.00

Texas Wildflowers Paint and Play Dough Mats

Spring on the Texas roadsides means bluebonnets, paintbrush, and a riot of color along every fence line. These Paint and Play Dough Mats bring eight of our most beloved native wildflowers right to your kitchen table for hands-on, screen-free play.

Each of the eight full-page mats features an original hand-painted watercolor of a Texas wildflower, with a blank space for your child to recreate it in play dough, paint, marker, or dry erase. One printable, four ways to play, and endless replay ability.

This product grows with your child. Toddlers roll snakes of red and blue play dough to fill in the bluebonnet stalk. Preschoolers paint along to match what they see. Older kids practice careful observation, mix watercolors to match the petals, or sketch in pollinators and habitat details around each flower.

What makes these mats special?

• Original hand-painted watercolor art, not clip art

• Eight Texas native species in one printable

• A blank workspace on every mat for open-ended creation

• Four built-in activity modes for different ages and materials

• A screen-free invitation to notice real flowers and their details

The 8 wildflowers featured

• Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis)

• Indian Paintbrush

• Indian Blanket / Firewheel

• Buttercup

• Mexican Hat

• Black-Eyed Susan

• Drummond’s Phlox

• Butterfly Weed

What’s Included (8-page PDF)

• Instructions and Ideas page with four activity modes and age guidance

Eight full-page Texas wildflower activity mats, each with a watercolor reference and blank workspace

Activity Modes Built In

• Play dough for fine-motor and tactile play

• Paint with watercolors, finger paints, or acrylics

• Color and draw with crayons, pencils, or markers

• Dry erase practice for reusable matching and tracing

How It Works

1) Purchase and instantly download the PDF.

2) Print the mats on cardstock and laminate them (or use page protectors) for play dough and dry-erase use. Print on regular paper for paint and color play.

3) Add play dough, paint, crayons, markers, or dry-erase tools and let your child recreate the wildflowers.

Perfect For

Homeschool families, Montessori classrooms, preschool and elementary settings, nature-based programs, and caregivers or grandparents looking for quiet, nature-focused activities that connect botany and art. Use the mats at a learning table, in a nature-study basket, as a spring activity, or alongside a real wildflower walk.

A note on the art

Every flower is hand-painted in watercolor by Liza Dora, drawing from her own Hill Country garden and roadside walks. No stock images, no AI art—just real Texas color.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped - right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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Solar System 3 Part Cards

$3.00

Blast off into the solar system with 16 hand-painted watercolor 3-part cards! This set covers all 8 planets, the Sun, Earth's Moon, Pluto, and five more celestial bodies your child will love discovering. Every illustration is original watercolor artwork, not clip art.
🪐 16 Watercolor Cards
Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto
Earth's Moon, Asteroid Belt, Meteor, Comet, Star, Galaxy
🔬 5 Built-In Activity Extensions
Classic 3-Part Card Work:
Lay out picture cards, match the labels, then remove the control cards for independent practice
Order from the Sun:
Sequence the planets outward. Pair with a mnemonic device or moveable alphabet for spelling reinforcement
Counting and Math:
Line up planet cards in order and place number tiles (1 through 8) beneath each one. Count out craft sticks or beads to match
Sort and Classify:
Spread all 16 cards and sort into groups: planets, dwarf planets, things that orbit, things that don't. Is Pluto a planet or something else? The conversation matters more than the categories
Add Manipulatives:
Pair the cards with small marbles, painted wooden beads, or planet models. The more your child can hold, move, and arrange, the deeper the learning goes
📐 3 Age Tiers
Ages 4-5:
Start with the planets and the Sun. Save the Asteroid Belt, Meteor, Comet, Star, and Galaxy cards for later
Ages 6-8:
Use all 16 cards. Introduce sorting by type and the counting extension with numbered tiles and craft sticks
Ages 9-12:
Use the cards as a launchpad for research. Look up planet sizes, distances, and number of moons. Explore why Pluto was reclassified or what the Asteroid Belt actually looks like
What makes these 3-part cards special:
🎨 Original hand-painted watercolor artwork on every card
🌍 Goes beyond the 8 planets: includes the Asteroid Belt, Meteor, Comet, Star, Galaxy, and Pluto
🧠 Five different ways to use one set of cards, from simple matching to full research projects
🔢 Built-in math connection: turn the solar system into a concrete number line
💬 The sort-and-classify activity is a conversation starter, not a worksheet. There's no single right answer, and that's the point
Perfect for:
Montessori homeschool families, preschool and elementary classrooms, science centers, morning work rotations, homeschool co-op activities, and space-obsessed kids of all ages. Print on cardstock and laminate for cards that hold up through hundreds of uses. Line them up on the table, pair them with marbles or planet models, and watch your child build the solar system from memory!
How It Works:
Purchase and download instantly
Print the picture cards, label cards, and control cards on cardstock (color print recommended). Laminate for durability
Lay out the planets, grab some loose parts, and start exploring the solar system!
No shipping wait. No subscription. Just download, print, and explore!
Pairs With:
Solar System Counting Puzzles ($5)
for number sense from 1 to 99 plus skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s, using the same watercolor planets
Nature Counting Cards ($5)
for hands-on math with Texas Wildflowers, Acorns, and Pumpkin Seeds

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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Bluebonnet Anatomy 3 Part Cards

$3.00

Get your hands on the parts of a bluebonnet! This set of hand-painted watercolor 3-part cards covers 8 parts of the Texas state flower, from the whole plant all the way down to the tiny structures inside the bloom. Designed for hands-on, Montessori-style learning for ages 3–10.
🌿 What's Inside
8 Hand-Painted Watercolor Nomenclature Cards
Control Cards (picture + label together) for self-checking
Matching Cards (picture and label separated) for independent work
Instructions + Ideas Page with activity suggestions for every age level
🔬 The 8 Parts You'll Learn:
Leaves
Roots
Stem
Flower Spike
Banner Petal
Wing Petals
Keel
Calyx
What makes these cards special:
🎨 Original watercolor artwork: every card features hand-painted illustrations by Liza Dora. No clip art.
🔬 Two learning levels: start with the four whole-plant parts (leaves, roots, stem, flower spike) for younger learners. When they're ready, introduce the close-up flower anatomy: banner petal, wing petals, keel, and calyx.
🫘 Real botany: these flower parts are the same structures your child can find on peas, beans, and clover. Bluebonnets are legumes!
🌸 Take them outside: during bluebonnet season, bring the cards into the field and match each part to a real flower. The banner petal is the large top petal with the white or yellow spot. The wing petals sit on either side. The keel is tucked underneath, and the calyx is the small green cup at the base.
Perfect for:
Montessori homeschool families, nature study co-ops, preschool and elementary science centers, and anyone exploring Texas wildflowers with their kids.
How It Works:
Purchase and download instantly
Print on cardstock, laminate if you'd like, and cut along the lines
Lay out the picture cards, match the labels, and start learning real botany!
No shipping wait. No subscription. Just download, print, and explore!
Pairs With:
Bluebonnet Anatomy Mini Unit ($3 on sale) for the full bluebonnet study with labeled diagrams, fill-in-the-blank worksheets, a watercolor painting project, and the Color Changing Mystery. Texas Wildflower 3-Part Cards ($5) for learning 8 Texas wildflower species by common and scientific name. Texas Wildflower Art Study ($5) for connecting wildflowers to famous artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Claude Monet.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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Bluebonnet Anatomy Mini Unit

$5.00

Dig into the Texas state flower from root to flower spike! This mini unit features original hand-painted watercolor illustrations and is packed with 4 beautifully illustrated core activities + 3 FREE bonus activities that turn bluebonnet anatomy into a hands-on science, art, and literacy adventure for ages 3–10.
🌿 Plant Anatomy
Labeled Bluebonnet Anatomy Page (whole plant)
Close-Up Flower Anatomy Page (banner petal, wing petals, keel, calyx)
Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet (whole plant)
Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet (flower close-up)
🔬 Montessori 3-Part Cards
8 Nomenclature Cards: Leaves, Roots, Stem, Flower Spike, Banner Petal, Wing Petals, Keel, and Calyx
Two learning levels: start with whole-plant parts for little ones, then introduce the close-up flower dissection when they're ready
🎁 3 FREE Bonus Activities:
Color Changing Mystery: Why do bluebonnets change from white to purple? A reading and science page about pollination and how bees use color as a signal.
Watercolor Painting Project: Step-by-step template so your child can paint their own bluebonnet. Includes a reference guide and painting page.
Bb Handwriting Practice: Uppercase and lowercase letter formation for the letter B.
What makes this mini unit special:
🎨 Original watercolor artwork throughout: hand-painted illustrations on every page. No clip art anywhere.
🔬 Two levels of anatomy: whole-plant parts for younger learners, close-up flower dissection (banner, wing, keel, calyx) for older kids
🫘 Real botany connections: learn why the bluebonnet belongs to the legume family, right alongside peas, beans, and clover
🐝 The Color Changing Mystery: the most fascinating page in the set. Your child will learn how bluebonnets signal bees by changing color after pollination.
🖌️ Watercolor painting project: a creative hands-on activity that brings the science to life
🌸 8.5x11" Art Print included: frame-worthy watercolor bluebonnet illustration
The 4 Core Activities + 3 Bonus:
Labeled Bluebonnet Anatomy Page (whole plant)
Close-Up Flower Anatomy Page (flower dissection)
Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet (whole plant)
Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet (flower close-up)
Montessori 3-Part Nomenclature Cards (8 parts, 2 pages)
8.5x11" Bluebonnet Art Print
BONUS: Color Changing Mystery (reading + science)
BONUS: Watercolor Painting Project (2 pages)
BONUS: Bb Handwriting Practice
Perfect for:
Montessori homeschool families, nature study co-ops, preschool and elementary science centers, and anyone exploring Texas wildflowers with their kids. Take the 3-part cards outside during bluebonnet season and match each part to a real flower!
How It Works:
Purchase and download instantly
Print the activities you need (color printing recommended)
Grab some scissors, watercolors, and curiosity, and start exploring the state flower!
No shipping wait. No subscription. Just download, print, and dig into botany!
Pairs With:
Texas Wildflower 3-Part Cards ($5) for learning 8 Texas wildflower species by common and scientific name. Texas Wildflower Art Study ($5) for connecting wildflowers to famous artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Claude Monet. Texas Wildflower Clothespin Cards ($3) for fine motor practice with wildflower matching.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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Texas Wildflower Art Study

$5.00

See wildflowers through the eyes of four world-famous artists! This printable art study pairs original hand-painted watercolor illustrations with masterworks by Claude Monet, Albrecht Dürer, and Maria Sibylla Merian. Your child will look closely at real paintings, learn about the artists who made them, and discover the connections between fine art and the wildflowers growing right outside your door. Ages 5–12.
🎨 The 4 Artist Studies:
Mary Vaux Walcott:
Alberta Paintbrush (Catilleja miniata)
, 1920,
Claude Monet: The Poppy Field near Argenteuil (1873)
Albrecht Dürer: The Great Piece of Turf (1503)
Maria Sibylla Merian: Branch with Beetles, Insects and Caterpillars (1705)
✏️ Bonus Extension Activity:
Choose your own creative path! Write a poem, write a short story, or create your own original artwork inspired by what you've studied. Three options so every learner can express what they've discovered in their own way.
🔍 Each Artist Page Includes:
"Look Closely" observation prompts that build visual literacy
"Meet the Artist" biography written just for kids
"The Art Connection" linking the artwork to wildflowers and the natural world
Fun Fact callout with surprising stories about each artist
What makes this study special:
🎨 Original watercolor artwork: a beautiful Texas wildflower bouquet on the cover, hand-painted by Liza Dora
🖼️ Real masterworks: your child studies actual paintings by Monet, Dürer, and Merian
🌸 Nature meets art: every study page connects fine art back to the wildflowers your child can find outside
👩‍🔬 Maria Sibylla Merian: one of the first women in scientific illustration. Her story alone is worth the download.
✏️ Three creative paths: the bonus extension lets kids choose poetry, storytelling, or visual art
📄 6 pages, zero filler: every page is designed to spark curiosity and conversation
Perfect for:
Charlotte Mason homeschool families, nature study groups, elementary art teachers, and anyone who wants their kids to see the world the way an artist does. Works beautifully alongside a spring wildflower nature walk.
How It Works:
Purchase and download instantly
Print the study pages (color printing recommended for the artwork)
Grab some colored pencils and a curious mind, and start looking closely!
No shipping wait. No subscription. Just download, print, and explore art!
Pairs With:
Texas Wildflower 3-Part Cards ($5) for learning 8 Texas wildflower species by common and scientific name. Bluebonnet Anatomy Mini Unit ($3 on sale) for a deep dive into the state flower's structure. Texas Wildflower Clothespin Cards ($3) for fine motor practice with wildflower matching. Nature Counting Cards Bundle ($5) for hands-on math with watercolor nature art.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped — right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

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🌙 Moon Unit Early Learning Bundle

$12.00

Moon Unit Early Learning Bundle | Montessori-Inspired | 15 Activities + 3 FREE Bonus | Ages 2-6

Take your little learner on a journey to the moon! This Montessori-inspired bundle features original watercolor artwork and is packed with 15 beautifully illustrated printable activities + 3 FREE bonus activities that turn the lunar cycle into a hands-on science, math, literacy, and STEM adventure for ages 2-6.

Ready for liftoff? This Moon Unit Early Learning Bundle is a complete, Montessori-inspired learning experience that takes little ones ages 2-6 on a journey through the phases of the moon—with 15 beautifully illustrated printable activities + 3 FREE bonus activities covering science, math, literacy, and hands-on STEM.

At the heart of the bundle is a deep dive into the phases of the moon—explored six different ways through Montessori 3-part nomenclature cards, a visual lesson sheet, an interactive moon phase board, and three different poster styles (single, double, and linear), so you can choose the perfect display for your classroom or learning space.

Your child will discover fascinating moon facts, track the real lunar cycle with a tracking chart, practice math skills with moon-themed counting and pattern activities, explore literacy with a Moon Mystery activity, and build an Earth-Moon orbits model.

What makes this bundle special?

• Original watercolor artwork throughout Hand-painted moon, Earth, and Sun illustrations on every page. No clip art anywhere.

• Montessori 3-Part Cards — A complete set for moon-phase vocabulary building and independent work.

• Real science — Moon-phase identification, lunar-cycle tracking, and an Earth-Moon orbit project.

• Six ways to learn moon phases — 3-part cards, lesson sheet, board, single poster, double poster, and linear print.

• Literacy integration — A Moon Mystery activity and rhyming work connected to the theme.

• Math and pattern practice — Moon-themed counting, missing patterns, and moon phases by number.

The 15 Core Activities

1) Moon Phases — Montessori 3-Part Cards

2) Moon Phase Visual Lesson Sheet

3) “Did You Know?” Moon Fact Cards (set of 8)

4) Moon Phase Board

5) Phases of the Moon Poster

6) Double Phases of the Moon Posters

7) Moon Phases Linear Print

8) Full Moon Print

9) Moon Math Pages

10) Orbits of the Earth and Moon Project

11) Rhyming on the Moon

12) Missing Moon Pattern Practice

13) Moon Phases by Number

14) Moon Mystery

15) Lunar Cycle Tracking Chart

3 FREE Bonus Activities

1) Moon Phase Cut-Out Coins

2) My Moon Creative Activity

3) Letter Mm Handwriting Practice

Who It’s For

Homeschool families (especially Montessori-inspired), preschool and pre-K classroom teachers, daycare and childcare providers, and any parent or caregiver looking for meaningful, screen-free learning activities. This bundle is perfect for space-themed units, science centers, morning tubs, or anytime your little one looks up at the night sky and asks, “Why does the moon look different?”

How It Works

Purchase and download instantly. Print the activities you need, gather a few simple materials, and start exploring the moon together. The Earth-Moon orbits project is designed as a hands-on model: children can physically move the Moon around the Earth and the Earth around the Sun while talking about which body is orbiting which.

Digital download. No product will be shipped.

Download is a high-quality PDF ready to print. Color print recommended. Some files arrive zipped - right-click (or use your Files app) to unzip/extract.

No refunds on digital downloads. If you have trouble with your order or download, contact support@lizadorabooks.com.

Featuring original artwork by Liza Dora. Materials may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without express written permission from Liza Dora Books. Licensed for personal / household or single-classroom use (including one daycare group). For multi-classroom, school-wide, or district licensing, see /schools or email schools@lizadorabooks.com.

Read more →

Montessori Must-Haves

Materials:

Toys:

Moon Phase Wooden Coins

DIY Galaxy Space Dough