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Apple Unit 2 with Free Printables

Can you believe Sunshine is preschool age now?  It's now her turn to have her very own Apple Unit with Free Printables. She is beyond thrilled about it.

All of the activities in this apple unit for preschoolers are designed specifically for her.  

I still find it so shocking how different each one of my kiddos are, what they like, what they don't like, what their strengths are, and what their weaknesses are.  It's such a fun adventure when planning out fall unit studies

Apple themed learning activities and free printables for kids.


Here's what she's working on!


Apple Unit 2 with Free Printables


A is for Apple Tweezing Activity


A is for apple tweezing activity with free printable.

Sunshine loves letters.  They're her favorite things.  She gets so excited about them.  Needless to say, I am following her lead.  We're spending a lot of time learning our letters and sounds.

For this activity, Sunshine will place the apples on the letter A using the tweezers provided.  

The task is more difficult than it looks.  

If apples are not placed correctly, they roll all over the place.  

Sunshine has become a bit frustrated at times while trying to use the tweezers.  

On those occasions, I let her use her fingers, as she's still practicing her pincer grasp.

The tweezers and apples came from Sunshine's Learning Resources Super Sorting Pie.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Apple Unit Printable Pack 1. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Apple Themed First Letter Sounds


Apple themed first letter sound learning activity with free printable.

Usually when teaching letters and sounds, the teacher doesn't present letters that look alike at the same time.  

However, Sunshine is quite fascinated with letters that look alike at the moment. She loves turning them and creating new letters.  For this reason, I'm using similar looking letters in this activity.

Sunshine will sort the pictures by first letter sound and place them under the correct Montessori Sandpaper Letter card.  The words have been provided as a control.  Cards could also be used for matching or in a nomenclature activity style.

All of the picture cards are apple related, specifically for this unit.  We're having so much fun learning about all things apples.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of my Apple Unit Printable Pack 1. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow directions at the bottom of the post.

Apple Patterns


Apple themed pattern strips with free printable.

When it comes to math, Sunshine is not a fan of numbers, but does enjoy other math tasks, like patterns.  She is quite good at them.  

In this activity she will complete the patterns using the picture cards provided.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Apple Unit Printable Pack 1. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Greater Than/Less Than with Apples


Apple themed greater than/less than cards

Sunshine was just introduced to the concepts of greater than and less than.  She finds them quite fascinating.  I couldn't resist adding this activity to her shelves.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Apple Unit Printable Pack 1. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.


Parts of a Fruit


Parts of a Fruit

While matching up the 3 part cards presented in this activity, Sunshine will learn about the parts of a fruit, using an apple as an example.  

She has just recently started using 3 part cards and seems to be doing well with them.  I'm hoping it continues.

Source:  The free printable for this activity can be found at The Helpful Garden.

Life Cycle of an Apple


Life cycle of an apple activity with free printable.

How does an apple grow?  This is a classic activity, but for a child who's doing it for the first time it's magical.  Sunshine will place individual cards correctly around the life cycle card, verbally telling the story of an apple as she goes.

Source: The free printable for this activity can be found at Montessori for Everyone.

Life Cycle of an Apple Printable Pack


FREE Montessori-inspired Life Cycle of an Apple Printable Pack

You can now use this NEW version of the life cycle of an apple activity!

Source: I created the Life of an Apple Printable Pack. It is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Learning Seasons with an Apple Tree


Apple Tree and Four Seasons.

Sunshine is trying to understand time, particularly the seasons and months of the year.  Learning about apples provides the perfect way to help her remember her seasons.  

She will paint the tree cards provided, one for each season, using the Q-Tips and paint available. A photograph of an apple tree during each season has been provided as a control.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of my Apple Unit Printable Pack 1. This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

The free tree printable can be found at DLTK Growing Together.

Apple Lacing Card


Apple lacing card.

I am such a huge fan of lacing cards, especially Melissa & Doug's Alphabet Lacing Cards.  There seems to be a card for every theme imaginable, including an apple unit.

Sunshine will practice her lacing skills using the apple card provided. Sunshine struggles with this skill a little but, but she finds it very rewarding when she gets it rights 

Weaving Apple Ribbon


weaving with apple ribbon.

The older kiddos have practiced weaving ribbon in the past, but I hadn't introduced it to Sunshine until now. 

To my surprise, she's better at it than any of her older siblings. 

She loves the process of moving the ribbon in and out, up and down.  

There's just something about it that's soothing for her.  Yay Sunshine! 

I love our apple ribbon and closet shelf.

Apple Tong Transfer


Apple tong transfer

Sunshine loves to use scissors to cut, but struggles with the fine motor skills to do it successfully.  

I'm hoping this activity will help her improve those skills. 

She will use the tongs provided to transfer the apples from the bowl to the paint tray.  

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on the link.

7. Select the Minimalism, Montessori, or Mental Health Printables Library.

8. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page.




If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy the posts below!

Apple Activities for Kids with Free Printables 10 Amazing Children's Books About Apples Fall Harvest Week 1: Apples Apple Tot SchoolApples Language Printable Pack Apples Math Printable Pack    
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2nd Grade Book Recommendations for Kids

We feel we've created the perfect 2nd Grade Reading List for Princess to enjoy throughout the year.


Princess, age 7, in second grade, reads at a fifth grade level, once again creating a struggle of balance between age appropriate content, interests and abilities.  


Books were hand picked by us, to reflect where Princess is at right now.

She will read one book each month, or ten books throughout the year. 

Here are our 2nd Grade Book Recommendations for Kids.


2nd grade reading list


2nd Grade Book Recommendations for Kids


1. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell


This is the first book that Princess chose from her reading list.  She chose it because it had the word "dolphin" in the title.  Dolphins are one of Princess' favorite things.  Needless to say she was quite surprised by the story of adventure within the book's pages.

2. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson


We chose this book for Princess for several reasons.  Some include that it's about family and friendship.  The story takes place in Paris, which is number one on Princess' list of places to visit.  This will be such a fun book to read.

3. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes


In this day in age, it's so important to teach children about bullying.  This book is a fabulous way to do that.  We hope Princess can understand the book's message and apply it to her own life for years to come.

4. The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh


Princess struggles coping with strong emotions, especially fear.  Our goal with this book is to give her a role model.  We also hope that she'll start to understand that it's okay to be afraid, and that one can be afraid and brave at the same time.

5. Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan


Princess is a huge fan of the Little House on the Prairie Series, so we're pretty sure she'll enjoy this book.  We also like that it teaches about  abandonment, loss, and love.  Those are three issues that Princess struggles with. It's our hope that by introducing characters who have felt these things too, she will not feel as alone, and instead have the desire to conquer her emotions.

6. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary


We read the first book in the Ramona series last year and Princess loved it.  It only seemed fitting to add the next book in the series to her reading list.  I can already hear her giggling now.

7. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat


Princess has never been introduced to mysteries before. We thought this book would be the perfect one to start with.  I'm intrigued to see how she responds to it.

8. The Clue of the Left Handed Envelope by George E. Stanley


This book is another mystery book.  Princess' brothers are very much into spies and detective work.  The thrill seems to have rubbed off on Princess.  We're hoping she enjoys this fun classroom mystery.

9. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park


Princess has often wondered what it would be like to go to school.  The idea petrifies her actually.  We're hoping this hilarious story will give her some perspective, and she'll realize things aren't as scary as they seem.

10. Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows


We have heard nothing but fabulous things about this book.  Once again the theme is friendship, something that Princess is trying to understand better.  It always helps to add lots of humor and laughter.

11. A Toad for Tuesday by Russell Erickson


We're excited to introduce animal characters in this book.  Princess loves using her imagination.  Another aspect of this book that we're excited about is the concept of using kindness to work through situations.

12. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White


Princess was too young when we read this book to remember it.  We're excited to introduce her to the amazing friendships between the beloved characters.  It's a classic we hope she'll thoroughly enjoy.

13. The Littles by John Peterson


This book is a fabulous book about problem solving, yet another area that Princess struggles with.  The characters are so lovable.  We're pretty sure she'll enjoy the story.

14. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett


Renae absolutely loved this story as a little girl, and can't wait to share it with Princess.  This book was also recommended by Princess' therapists as a tool to use to help her learn to identify and cope with strong feelings.

15. Superfudge by Judy Blume


Last year we read Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing as a family.  Everyone enjoyed it.  I knew the next book in the series had to be included in our reading lists this year.  This is the second book Princess has chosen.  She can't get enough of it!


I am so excited for Princess to read all of these books. I know she will love them!


If you liked this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.


1st Grade Reading List 3rd Grade Reading List Chapter Book Recommendations for 3rd Graders Read Aloud List for School Year Lower Elementary reading List for 2015-2016 The Best Ballet Books for Kids





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Shark Gifts and Resources for Children

We've had more than one shark lover in this house for quite some time.  As such, we've collected a lot of shark themed items over the years.  Still, one can never have enough.  In celebration of our latest shark activities and in preparation for the birthday/holiday season, I have created a list of 40 shark gifts and resources for children.  I hope you enjoy and find the perfect gift or resource for the shark lover in your life!
Shark gifts and resources for children
This post contains affiliate links.

My boys were delighted to help me put this together.  You'll notice there's quite a variety for every type of shark lover out there.  Happy shopping!
shark teeth gifts and resources for kids.





Hands on shark gifts for kids.








(includes shark puzzle)


Shark board games for kids.




Educational Insights Crowded Waters Game

Shark toys for kids.

Shark Attack Figure Playset by Animal Planet

LEGO City Deep Sea Starter Kit

In My Room Wild Walls Shark Encounter Wall Decal Light & Sound Show Room Decor

Matchbox Mega Rig Shark Adventure

Shark gifts for kids.

Shark Magnets

Kids Water Bottle

Shark Pen

Puzzled Shark Plush Notebook

Shark themed kitchen items.

Silicone Shark's Fin Mold/Tray

Shark Cookie Cutter

Shark Oven Mitt

Children's Shark Dish Set

Shark figures for kids.

Safari Ltd Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Life Great White Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Hammerhead Shark

Safari Ltd WS Sea Life Tiger Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Blacktip Reef Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Nurse Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Basking Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Zebra Shark

Safari Ltd Wild Safari Sea Life Shark Ray

Safari Ltd Shark Toobs for kids.

Safari Ltd Shark Toob

Safari Ltd Preshistoric Sharks Toob

Safari Ltd Ocean Toob

Safari Ltd Prehistoric Sea Life Toob

If you're looking for other shark activities, printables and resources, be sure to visit the posts below.
Shark Unit 2 with Free Printables Shark Activities for Tots and Preschoolers Montessori-inspired Children's Books About Sharks Montessori-inspired Shark Themed Practical Life Activities Shark Unit 1 Shark Activities for Tots Montessori-inspired Shark Unit Syllabus Montessori-inspired Shark Unit Printable Pack Bundle
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FREE Camping Printables

My kiddos have fallen in love with all things camping this summer.  And I don't just mean the activities that you do while camping.  

They love learning about all things camping as well.  Their new found interest sent me on a search for the best FREE Camping Printables out there.  I hope you enjoy our collection.

The free printables below can be used for children ages 3 to 8.  There is definitely something for everyone.  A special thanks to all of those who created all of these wonderful resources.  

Free Camping Printables

Free Camping Printables


This printable pack is perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.  It contains so many great learning activities from first letter sounds to patterns.

These printables are such a great way to introduce little learners to the idea of camping.  There is so much variety in this pack.

Yet another set of fantastic camping printables for little ones.  I love the writing practice included.

Such a fun pack, including a word search and scavenger hunt!

Montessori-inspired Compass Rose Activities from Living Montessori Now


This is such a great way to introduce a compass, which is a necessity for camping.  I just love these activities.

I don't know about you, but my kiddos love I Spy activities. This camping themed one is no exception.

Does you child need pracice with who questions? How about practice using camp themed questions?

Check out these fantastic writing prompts. I love that they are all camp themed.

This is the perfect camping themed printable pack for little ones.  I love the size sequencing and so much more.

I just can't help fall in love with these do-a-dot camp themed printables. They are so precious and great at helping little ones with hand-eye coordination.

These are so cool when helping children form sentences.  I can't wait to use them with my kiddos.

I can't say enough about these printables. They are absolutely wonderful with options for tots through children in second grade.

Free Camping Writing Activities from In All You Do


More camp themed writing resources for kids.  Hooray!

Camping Pre-K Pack fom Over The Big Moon


Such a great camping themed printable pack.  I love the letter activities.  They are my favorite.

Camping Do A Dots from Blessed Beyond a Doubt


These camp themed printables are perfect for a little one who's had little experience with do-a-dot markers.  They are adorable.

Camping Pretend Play for Preschoolers from Where Imagination Grows


Check out the adorable printables in this post.  They are perfect for pretend play scenarios and also for use while camping.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt and S'mores Printables from Clean Scentsible


 I am in love with the printables in this post.  We used them for Bulldozer's birthday bash last summer.  They are absolutely perfect.

Camping and Nature Scavenger Hunt from The Bald Chick


And last but not least, if you need a camping scavenger hunt for a little one who can't read, this is perfect!

We also have free camping printables on our website!

Campfire Activities for Kids with Free Printables

Montessori-inspired Campfire Activities for Kids with Free Printables


This set of activities highlights parts of our Montessori-inspired Campfire Printable Pack and also includes some bonus freebies for you to enjoy!

Montessori-inspired Campfire Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables

Montessori-inspired Campfire Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables


This set of activities also highlights items from a printable pack and includes some new freebies as well!

There really is something for everyone here. 

Whether you're looking for free camping themed learning printables or the perfect scavenger hunt to have on the go, you can find it here!

If you've enjoyed this camping post, you may also enjoy the ones below.

A Campfire Themed Birthday Party Montessori-inspired Children's Books About Camping Montessori-inspired Practical Life Camping Activities Our First Camping Experience with Special Needs
Free Camping Printables

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