I am so excited to celebrate Chinese New Year in our classroom this year.  It's been a while.  But with the new Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack I have all I need to create the most amazing unit ever!

This resource is 92 pages of incredible printables for Montessori preschool and elementary classrooms.

Today, I want to give you a preview of the math printables included and how we are using them.  Be sure to also check out all of the other Chinese New Year activities and printables we have available.

I hope you enjoy our Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Math Activities!

Before moving forward with our activities I wanted to mention that we have chosen to use the term Chinese New Year because these activities specifically focus on how the holiday is celebrated in Chinese culture.

The activities do not include a focus on other Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, especially those that do not take place on the same day.

Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Math Activities

Odd and Even Numbers

A couple of our younger students don't know the difference between odd and even numbers yet.  What fun it will be to teach them using Chinese Ingots.

Source:  This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Addition with Chinese New Year Lanterns

The kiddos are huge fans of clip cards and are super eager to practice math skills right now.  These addition clip cards are perfect.  The glass beads are used as markers and Chinese lanterns used as counters.

Source: This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Subtraction with Pistachios

Pistachios are often part of the Chinese New Year cuisine and given in candy boxes.  In our classroom we'll be using them to practice subtraction.  

Source: This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Multiplication with Good Luck Coins

Good luck coins are often a part of Chinese New Year celebrations.  In our classroom they're going to be used to teach multiplication with these beautiful clip cards.  We're multiplying by eight, as eight is a lucky number associated with Chinese New Year.

Source: This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Division with Red Envelopes

Red envelopes are given to children, relatives and friends during Chinese New Year. They contain gifts of money.  For this activity, the kiddos will divide money between the eight envelopes.

Source: This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

Sequencing the Days of Chinese New Year

Are you familiar with the events prior to and during Chinese New Year?  This activity is the perfect introduction.  Kiddos will match up pictures with descriptions and sequence the days of the holiday.

Source: This printable is part of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.

The math printables in the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack are absolutely beautiful.  They are culturally sensitive and researched.  When combined with hands on manipulatives they are unbelievable.

Get your own copy of the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack today!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the posts below, especiallly those that include activities in the Montessori-inspired Chinese New Year Printable Pack.  

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Children's Books About Antarctica

 As we prepare our Antarctica activities for the classroom each winter, we continue to notice that there is no list of recommended children's books about the continent. 

(This is not to be confused with books about penguins, which are plentiful in libraries and on the Internet.) 

We'd like to remedy that problem today and introduce our favorite Children's Books about Antarctica! 

Check out the list of ten fabulous books below!

10 Children's Books About Antarctica

A Trip to the Bottom of the World is a good introduction for beginning readers to the continent of Antarctica. The artwork is done in a comic-book style by Frank Viva. 

The story follows Mouse and his human companion on a cruise to Antarctica. Mouse complains for almost the whole trip, but the reader gets to enjoy the beautiful scenery while giggling at the characters' dialogue.  

Antarctic Journal by Meredith Hooper and Lucas deLeiris is a great example of detailed, in-depth nonfiction writing combined with lifelike artwork that sets the scene perfectly.

Hooper is on assignment for National Geographic.  This book is a child-friendly account of her experiences in Antarctica.

The author brings a scientists' eye for detail and an animal lover's heart to the text. This is the best kind of nonfiction writing.

Antarctica by Helen Cowcher is another good title for beginning readers who love wildlife. The text is simple, but the focus is on the beautiful artwork. Antarctica looks alive with color and energy on every page of the book.

Antarctica by Mel Friedman provides a brief overview of all aspects of the continent for more capable readers.  Scholastic produces the True Book series, so the emphasis is on vocabulary building and covering several subject areas, including history, geography and biology.

Antarctica by Wendy Vierow is another good book for more confident readers, but this one is aimed at the student who enjoys geography. Detailed maps and charts are the main focus. The author provides simple explanations for how to read maps.

The photographs inside are also very helpful, and fit this book better than paintings would. This book is part of a seven book series on the continents.

Here is Antarctica By Madeleine Dunphy with art by Tom Leonard is more poetic than any of the previous books we have reviewed so far.

The text is in the style of the song about the old woman who swallowed a fly. It builds one line per page, accompanied by the beautiful artwork of animal life and majestic scenery.

This book is fun to read aloud with a young child.

Introducing Antarctica by Anita Ganeri does exactly what the title suggests: provides young readers with a brief overview of the icy continent.

Another unique feature here is the focus on the scientists and the research that takes place on the continent. This is a good choice for any aspiring young explorers out there.

One Day On Our Blue Planet in Antarctica by Ella Bailey wins the prize for cutest book about Antarctica. Readers join a young Adelie penguin as she journeys from the nest to the open ocean, and back home again, exploring the terrain and wildlife as she goes.

The illustrations are less life-like than most of the books we've seen, but more animals are named and represented here, too. Great choice for young readers who love animals.

Sophie Scott Goes South is a favorite among the kiddos this week.  This book is unique because it is a first-person account of a voyage to Antarctica on an Icebreaker ship, written by a nine-year old girl.

She joins her ship captain father and his crew on a 30 day round trip voyage, filling readers in on every detail of the trip.

 Another great feature is the artwork, all of which was created by Sophie's classmates, who were asked to create art inspired by this adventurous young lady's experience.

When the Sun Shines on Antarctica by Irene Latham is a great addition to our list because it is the only poetry book about Antarctica that I am aware of. Even if there were others, it would be hard to top this one.  The simple, fun-spirited poems are matched perfectly with illustrations by Anna Wadham.

It's nice to break up all the hard science reading sometimes with some poetry. This book would be a great addition to your bookshelf for any study of the amazing, inspiring continent of Antarctica.

Whether you're borrowing books from your local library system or purchasing these books for enjoyment for years to come, we hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

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Gift Ideas for Dad

It's that time of year again!  Jason, my husband, has put together a fabulous set of Gift Ideas for Dad aka his Christmas wish list.

And even if some of the categories like Universal Studios and The College of William & Mary are very specific, it's easy to think about what future vacations your family may be going on and where the special man in your life went to school.

Let's take a closer look at his ideas!

Our family is heading to Universal Studios at the end of January. This is our big family Christmas gift.  The boys had such a fun time there with me in September that Jason became a little jealous. Needless to say he wants to make sure he has lots of fun when he goes.  Vacations always give Jason the best excuse to buy new t-shirts and other clothing items which he's always in desperate need of.  And of course what would The Wizarding World of Harry Potter be like without your own wand?  

Interactive Sirius Black Wand

E.T. T-Shirt-Adult Size Large

Harry Potter Gryffindor Baseball Cap

Jurassic Park T-Shirt Black

Harry Potter Weasley's Wizard Wheezes T-Shirt

Marvel X-Men Zip Up Hoodie

Returning to Virginia to live last year has definitely brought back a lot of memories from college.  I think the fact that we return to Williamsburg, VA for regular weekend getaways also adds to the nostalgia.  It only seems appropriate to be proud of your alma mater.

William & Mary Alumni License Plate Frame

William & Mary Winter Hat

William & Mary Keychain

William & Mary Baseball Cap

William & Mary Scarf

William & Mary Hoodie Sweatshirt

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Jason loves cooking and pretty much anything to do with really great food.  We share cooking responsibilities and both enjoy our time in the kitchen.  Jason can't wait to try out these new items!

The Indian Cooking Course

Made in India

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Natural Sea Salt Sampler

Laxmi Indian Spice Pack-5 Spices

MiToo Coffee Warmer

One of our favorite ways to celebrate the end of the week is to curl up on the couch when the kids go to bed and watch a good movie.  This list includes superhero movies that the boys don't like that he does, and a few others he's been wanting for a while.

Captain America: Civil War Blu-ray

Spider-Man: Homecoming Blu-ray

The Planet Earth Collection Blu-ray

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection 7 DVD

The Princess Bride (Criterion Collection Blu-ray)

A Hard Day's Night Criterion Collection Blu-ray/DVD

Music has become a part of everyday life for Jason as he works from home at the computer for several hours a day.  He has completely worn out his collection and definitely needs some new tunes.  We're still big into CDs as we always have a hard copy to use in the car or wherever else we may be, and they also don't require Internet to play.

The Beatles (White Album) 3 CD Deluxe Edition

Metallica ...And Justice for All 3 CD Set

REM Automatic For The People 2 CD Set

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Movie Soundtrack CD

David Bowie-Glastonbury 2000 2 CD Set

Joe Strummer 001 (2 CD Set)

It's no secret that Jason LOVES to read.  If he doesn't have a great book he'll read anything he can get his hands on.  These are his newest requests.

No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon

Abraham Lincoln: A Life (Volume 2)

Beastie Boys Book

Brain Games Jeopardy: Puzzles and Games

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era

Vision (The Vision) by Tom King

I hope you were able to find ideas and/or at least inspiration from this list for someone special in our life!

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Gift Ideas for Mom

It's that time of year!  Everyone wants to know what I would like for Christmas and what I'm recommending as gifts for others.

Here are my favorite picks this holiday season.  I'm so excited about the variety in this list as it shows I'm much more than a wife, mother, and housekeeper.  Plus there are some really great ideas!

I hope you enjoy looking through these Gift Ideas for Mom.

Gift Ideas for Mom

I can't remember a time when I haven't loved musicals.  My children and husband know I listen to them all the time, especially when I work.  There's just something about listening to a story told through music that motivates me to focus better and work harder whether I'm at my desk or working on home improvement projects.

I also find that musicals inspire me to be better and help me work through personal struggles and emotions I otherwise would have difficulties with.  Whether it be the fact that I sing my guts out in the process which is stress relief itself, or I can relate to a character enough to take perspective, I love having little reminders around of my own personal growth through difficult times.  Musical memorabilia does that for me.

Dear Evan Hansen CD

Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel

Today Is Going To Be A Good Day and Here's Why: Blank Journal

Dear Evan Hansen T-Shirt Size X-Large

Come From Away CD

Channel Of Peace: Stranded In Gander on 9/11

The Band's Visit CD

The Band's Visit Book

Hamilton: The Revolution

Hamilton: the Musical T-Shirt Size X-Large

Montessori is such a huge focus of mine as a mother, teacher, and entrepreneur.  I have always said next to my belief in God, I have never felt so strongly about another set of beliefs and values.  I am constantly craving more information and try to find fun ways to incorporate Montessori into my life a little bit more.

Montessori Grammar Symbols Short Sleeve Shirt in White Size X-Large

Montessori Bead Stair Key Chain

The Advanced Montessori Method

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

Sewing in a Montessori Classroom: a practical life curriculum

The Montessori Elementary Material

After a tough day with the kids or a work deadline that I've finally met, my favorite go to relaxation activity is watching a movie.  There are some I've been wanting to see for a while and haven't, and others that I find myself wanting to watch annually no matter how many years have gone by.

The Meg blu-ray

Hidden Figures blu-ray

The Martian blu-ray

Pearl Harbor blu-ray

Titanic blu-ray

Forrest Gump blu-ray

Over the past year we have worked extremely hard to take Every Star Is Different to the next level.  Next year we have even more exciting plans.  There is so much to read and learn though.  We always find we're wanting new resources.

And then there's our office space.  It used to be completely fine to just have a desk with a computer.  But now with progress comes the need to be more organized in a space that is specifically designed for work purposes.

Ask.

Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online

Will It Fly?

Framework Daily System File Bins

Set of 3 Wire Desk Accessories in Black

Barnaby Recycled Glass Task Accent Lamp

Jason and I absolutely love to cook and bake.  Some of our favorite memories are of working in the kitchen together.  This is a good thing too because with four kiddos who have very different dietary special needs, we spend a lot of time making things from scratch.

Sadly, some of our favorite kitchen items are starting to deteriorate or have been lost and it's time to replace them.

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Standard Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Odd-Sized Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Colanders Set of 3

Sugar, Butter, Flour: The Waitress  Pie Book

Littledeer Wok Paddle

Wilton Loaf Pan

I have spent the last year furnishing our new home.  It's now time to start the decorating process.  After finally deciding on a color scheme and style I have come across these items that  I can't wait to use in our home.  I already know where I want to put each and every item.

Faux Succulent & Stone Arrangement

Electric Mercury Votive Holders, Blue-Set of 6

Unscented Votive Candles, Set of 12

PB Classic Table Runner-Sailor Blue

Nantucket Silver Coastal Lantern

Unscented Pillar Candle 4-4.5 in White

Monique Lhuilier Sliver Taper Candlesticks-Set of 3

Unscented Taper Candle, Set of 6 in White

Winter Wonderland Guest Towels

Three years ago I started my journey with minimalism.  I haven't looked back since.  It has been the most freeing experience and has helped my stress and anxiety levels so much.  If it wasn't for minimalism I don't think I would be functioning as well as I am today with all that we go through with our special needs kiddos.

I love adding to my minimalism library.  These books are from some of my favorite authors. And the magazine is one that I've loved for at least a decade.

The Minimalist Home

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Masterclass on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up

Real Simple Subscription

Clutter Free With Kids

Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism

When it comes to reading for pleasure I'm quite picky.  I want to be awed and inspired in a good way.  Biographies seem to be the best fit for what I'm always on the look out for.  They also feed into my love for details about important people.  I can't wait to get my hands on these books!

Becoming

The Romanovs: 1613-1918

Wishful Drinking

Let Me Tell You My Story

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

I Am Malala

And there you have it!  Whether you're looking for gift ideas for yourself or for others, I hope you've found something to enjoy on this list.

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Gift Ideas for Little Girls

Sunshine is turning seven in less than a month.  Developmentally and emotionally she is right about four years old, which is one of my favorite ages.

Though Sunshine had an incredibly rough Spring, she is doing amazing now and has made so much progress when working through emotions, being patient with herself and with others.  

We are so excited to celebrate her success by allowing her to have items she previously couldn't handle due to safety issues.  Each and every item on this wish list Sunshine picked out on her own.  She was quite specific and opinionated about it if you want to know the truth.  Lol.

If you have a little girl on your shopping list this holiday season, these Gift Ideas for Little Girls, personally selected by Sunshine may be exactly what you need for inspiration!

Let's take a closer look at what Sunshine picked out!

Sunshine loves board games and card games so long as they are easy enough for her to play with ease.  Her siblings love playing them with her too which means we're able to fit in some extra family time on a regular basis.  We're very excited about the new games she's selected!

SET Junior Board Game

Tall Tales Story Telling Board Game

The Fairy Game (Purchased)

ZOORegatta Board Game

Pengaloo Game (Purchased)

Disney Tsum Mancala Board Game

Sunshine has been begging for dress up clothes.  This makes perfect sense as most four year olds love dress up.  However, Sunshine's size and sensory issues complicate things a bit.  She is notorious for picking off sequins, buttons, jewels, etc.  Sunshine does not like wearing anything with buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.  And then there's the itch factor.  Say goodbye to Disney Princess dress up gowns!

Thankfully there are some other options out there.  Designers have become very creative when it comes to pajamas for kids, so much that they're just sensory friendly costumes.  Sunshine is so excited to receive any and all of these dress up outfits to wear at home and on the go.  Lol.

Bell Blue Dress Size 10-12

Kids' Dinosaur Pajamas Size 10-12

DC Comics Girls' Wonderwoman Pajamas Nightgowm Size 10-12

Lion Pajamas Size 125 (Purchased)

Pink Stitch Pajamas Size 125

Color Unicorn Pajamas Size 125 (Purchased)

Last year for Christmas Sunshine received her fist doll house. She played with it for hours and hours, that is until her furniture that we bought to go along with it started to break.  I must confess, we went the cheapest route we could not knowing how she'd respond to the doll house and accessories at the time.  We definitely paid for our mistake.

Throughout the year we have been rebuilding her collection of furniture with sturdy replacements, which she's loved.  Hape has some pretty incredible doll house furniture!  The items below are ones that she's specified she still needs.  The family in particular is important to her as it includes grandparents and baby, which she doesn't have.

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Dining Room Set (Purchased)

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Kitchen Set with Accessories (Purchased)

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Family Bathroom Set (Purchased)

 Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Master Bedroom Set

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Baby's Room Set (Purchased)

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Children's Room with Accessories

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Patio Set with Accessories (Purchased)

Hape Wooden Dollhouse Furniture Family Car Play Set

Melissa & Doug 7-piece Poseable Wooden Doll Family (Purchased)

Sunshine has always loved books, but has struggled to care for them properly.  Over the past six months she has done so well with them that she's now able to keep all of her book in her bedroom.  

When asking her what she wanted for Christmas and her birthday one of the first things she asked for was more books.  She has a ton of nonfiction books, but has decided it's time for some fun ones with her favorite characters too.  

Knowing that Sunshine will literally sit down and look at books for almost an hour at a time, we went with larger books with multiple stories to keep her occupied.  I must confess Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to the variety that larger books provide as well for nighttime story time.

Disney Pixar Storybook Collection (Purchased)

Disney Story Book Collection 3rd Edition (Purchased)

Disney Story Book Collection 4th Edition

A Treasury of Curious George (Purchased)

Curious George Big Book of Adventures

Mickey and Minnie Storybook Collection

Anyone who has been to our home knows we have a very large collection Schleich and Safari Ltd. animal figures.  It all started with Dinomite who was and still is obsessed with dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and wildlife.  Our collection grew with Bulldozer's love for farm animals and elephants.  Then came our Montessori preschool journey which definitely rounded things out.

Now, it seems it's Sunshine's time to enjoy animal figures.  Of course she has her own interests when it comes to animals, preferring forest animals and horses, which none of her siblings have shown an interest in before.  She also enjoys taking care of her animals and has requested food for them, which is also new in this house.

Schleich North America Forest Babies Set

Schleich North American Forest Dweller Set

Schleich Forest Animals Baby Set

Schleich Wildlife Mountain Animals

Schleich Wildlife European Forest Dwellers

Schleich Feed Set

Schleich North America Feed for Pigs and Piglets

Schleich North America Cow and Calf Feed

Schleich Feed for Dogs and Cats

Schleich Tinker Family Set of 3 Horses with Feed (Purchased)

Sunshine loves art!  She always has, but this year her passion has grown even stronger.  With our kid friendly art area in the house, it's normal to see her working on some project at least once a day.  The products below are ones that she's requested.  Note: There are two links for paint. Each one is different.  

Crayola Washable Tempora Paint Pack of 12 (Purchased)

Do-A-Dot Art 6 Pack

Melissa & Doug Favorite Things Wooden Stamp Set

Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Pad (Purchased)

Colored Construction Paper 500 Pack (Purchased)

Crayola Pip-Squeak Skinnies Washable Markers 64 Count

All of Sunshine's siblings have loved LEGO from the moment they were old enough to build with them.  Sunshine is no exception.  This year it's her turn to start building up her own collection.  

We're not starting with just any LEGO set though.  The LEGO Juniors kits are specifically designed for younger kids who have progressed past LEGO duplos but aren't quite ready for the regular LEGO sets.  They're designed for kids ages 4-7, which is absolutely perfect in Sunshine's case.

Sunshine absolutely loves Disney, so it seemed only natural to put the specific sets below on her wish list.  She is so excited about each and every one.

LEGO Juniors Disney Princess: Beauty and the Beast-Belle's Story Time (Purchased)

LEGO Juniors Ariel's Underwater Concert (Purchased)

LEGO Juniors Ariel's Dolphin Carriage Playset

LEGO Juniors Disney Frozen: Anna and Elsa's Frozen Playground (Purchased)

LEGO Juniors Snow White's Forest Cottage

LEGO Juniors Cinderella's Carriage

Sunshine loves watching movies as much as her brothers do and looks forward to her Saturday movie night all week.  Though still frightened easily, she's watched all of the movies on this list and loved them enough to want her own copy.  I'm excited to build up our Disney collection!

The Emporer's New Groove in Blu-ray

Hercules in Blu-ray

Tangled in Blu-ray

Sleeping Beauty in Blu-ray

Peter Pan in Blu-ray

Lady and the Tramp in Blu-ray (Purchased)

I think I may be as excited as Sunshine is about her wish list this year as it has so many fun items on it. I hope you've found some great inspiration from it as well!

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