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Teaching Children About Responsibility with Free Printable

My husband and I feel that teaching children about responsibility is extremely important.  

We work hard to help our children understand that their contributions to our family are valued.  

We teach them that working hard to improve themselves is it's own reward.

To help with this process, we created a checklist or free printable for our children to use on a daily and weekly basis.  

If they have completed all daily responsibilities they are given free time for media devices and play.  

If they don't complete all that's required on their checklist, they don't get to enjoy their fun time. 

Instead they continue working until all tasks are finished.

Exceptions to these rules include days when a child is sick with a fever or vomiting, errand days, appointment days, "going out" days, and vacations.

Saturdays are free day with unlimited fun time, so long as their weekly chores are completed. 

They are able to complete them during the week or can wait to do the weekly chores on Saturday morning.

Sunday is the Sabbath in our home.  Media devices are turned off.  If we're able to attend church, we do.

My husband and I feel that by teaching our children about responsibility when they're young, it will be much easier to acclimate to life in the real world when it comes time.  

The basic lessons we try to help them understand are that work comes before play and that hard work pays off.  
My responsibility list with free printable

Teaching Children About Responsibility with Free Printable


Our Responsibility List


The responsibility list that our children use is divided into five categories:

  • Morning Routine
  • Learning Time
  • Daily Chores
  • Bedtime Routine
  • Weekly Chores
Most often they have finished their list right after dinner and are able to enjoy the evening relaxing and having fun.  

There are moments during the day when they also take "play breaks" during transitions from one task to the other, but these breaks don't involve media devices of any kind.

Let's take a closer look at the responsibility list!

Morning Routine


The children are responsible for their rooms and themselves, being ready and prepared for the day.  


They pick up rooms in the morning because they're usually too tired to do it at night and play until they fall asleep.  


Once teeth are brushed, they're ready to move forward.


If you're looking for visuals and supports for kids to help with morning routines, be sure to check out the resource below.


Morning and Bedtime Routines Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids

Morning and Bedtime Routine Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids


Daily Chores


Daily chores usually follow the morning routine.  


The children rotate chores weekly.  


Dinomite, Bulldozer, and Princess are fully capable of completing all chores on their own without parent support.  


If you're looking for resources to create chore charts and visuals for kids, be sure to check out the resource below.


Chores and Practical Life Visuals and Supports for Kids

Chores and Practical Life Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids


Learning Time


We're a homeschooling family.  In order to complete their responsibility list the children must: 

Most often we fit in more than an hour of exercise, outside if possible.  


This usually takes place after chores as it helps the kiddos stay regulated while learning.  Their focus is so much better.


Bedtime Routine


We've noticed that once free time for media devices starts, bedtime routines go out the window. 


The kiddos are too distracted and zoned in to their play.  


If they complete bedtime routines before free time, things gets done.  


One parent usually helps kiddos with the bedtime routine (with the exception of brushing teeth) while the other prepares dinner.


Weekly Chores


Just like daily chores, Dinomite, Bulldozer, and Princess can complete weekly chores without assistance with few exceptions. 


Clearing off their bedroom tables requires them to put away all of the LEGO pieces that have piled up over the course of the week.  


Daily routines require the floor be clean, but not their table, as they're always working on some sort of building project.


FHE stands for Family Home Evening. Each child has a responsibility whether it be to prepare a snack, say prayer, lead a song, prepare a lesson, or plan an activity.  


Our family has FHE on Sunday evenings, so all must be ready.


Each child participates in meal preparation one night a week.  


They select the dinner meal, cook and then serve it to the family.


Lastly the children are responsible for completing one chore task in each living area of the home, their bedroom, and outdoors.  


They do this because they are part of the family.  It's important that everyone participate in cleaning responsibilities.


A Sample my responsibility list for kids

Some may say that we require too much, but the truth is it's our responsibility to raise our children to be capable human beings who can contribute to society.  


In order to do this they must know how to take care of themselves. 


They must understand the importance of working as a team to accomplish big tasks.  


The best place to do that is at home working with family members.

For those interested in creating a responsibility list for their own children, I have created a free printable for subscribers.  


Be sure to follow the directions at the bottom of this post for your copy today!

Your lists may look different from ours, and that's okay.  


If you don't homeschool, Learning Time and Exercise may consist of completing homework assignments, practicing instruments and playing outside.

When they reach adulthood, our children won't have someone beside them doing everything for them. 


Their ability to understand responsibility will affect their personal lives and relationships.  


It will determine their success in the work place and at home.  


Responsibility is one of the most important things we can teach our children while they are young.


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If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.


Montessori Floor Bed for Baby Tips for Helping Children Become Independent at Mealtime A Day in the Life of a Montessori Family With Special Needs Our Fallback Plan Outdoor Visuals and Supports Meal and Snack Time Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids



My responsibility chart free printable


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The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Resources for Families with Free Printables

Our family is preparing for our second trip to Disney World.  The countdown has started.  Everyone is excited.  


We can't wait to return to one of our favorite places to make more special memories as a family.  


But there's no reason that special Disney memories can't be made before we go, especially as we prepare our four special needs children for eight days in the the theme parks.

We have designated a day each week for Disney World preparations before we leave.  


After all there's so much to get ready for!  Our first Disney inspired day was dedicated to the movie The Lion King and the new popular cartoon series The Lion Guard.  


Today I share with you our Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Resources for Families with Free Printables.

The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Resources for Families


Check out all of these amazing resources for families.  You'll find everything you need for home and on the road all in one place!

Disney's Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Free Printables


The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Resources for Families with Free Printables


Lion King Free Printables and Activities


The Lion King Free Digital Bottle Cap Images
These would work perfect when creating a memory game for kiddos among many other things.

The Lion Guard Relay
There are times when kiddos just need to move.  This printable is perfect for those times whether you're on a road trip, at home, or outside.

Ono's I Spy Challenge
This will be such a great I Spy challenge while waiting in line for rides at Walt Disney World.  You could use a plastic container as recommended if you're inside and while on the road.

Disney's The Lion Guard Coloring Pages and Activity Sheets
Once again these are such great printables for at home, in the parks, or on the road to keep kiddos busy.  There's something for everyone.

The Lion Guard Activities (Free Printables)
More printable games and activities for kids!  Gather all of the printables together and keep them in a folder for easy access when needed.

The Lion King Activity Page
You can't have enough crossword puzzles and mazes to keep kiddos occupied!

Lion King Unit Study
If you're looking for fun activities at home, this post has a lot of great ideas!  I love how some of the activities focus on the culture, not just lions.

The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Party Ideas

Lion King Party Inspiration


A Lion King Party
Wow!  The family in this post definitely went all out for their little guy.  There are so many great ideas here.

The Lion King Themed Party by Save the Date Events
I just love all the little details in this party set up. The main dessert table looks absolutely stunning.

Lion King Safari Baby Shower
All the little details that went in to this shower are so adorable.  The yummy food looks amazing as well.

Safari Inspired Lion King Baby Shower
The decorations for this party are beautiful.  I love the ribbons and all of the details.  Decor colors are great too!

Party: Lion Guard  #Disney Kid's Playdate
The inspiration in this post could be used for so many different occasions!

The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Food Ideas

Yummy Lion King Food Ideas


Oreo Dirt Cups
Why not eat grub like Timon and Pumba?

Simba Party Platter
Who wouldn't love hummus, carrots and so many other yummy foods put together to make a beautiful lion feast?

Kion's Morning Sunrise Drink
Do your kiddos love smoothies?  This drink is a great healthy way to start the day!

Lion King Lunch
This actually looks quite delicious if you have a kiddo who loves pasta and cheese.

Simba's Slimy Yet Satisfying Grub Gnocchi
What a fabulous way to create a healthy meal and relate it back to The Lion King!


Disney's Lion King and Lion Guard Movies

Lion King Movies


For those movie lovers out there, here's your chance to collect all that's available!


The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Books

Lion King Books


There are so many different kinds of books out there. This list includes board books, early readers, sticker books, and so much more!


The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Toys

Lion King Toys and Board Games


Are you looking for a special gift for a little someone?  These toys are sure to be a hit!


An animal cracker buffet inspired by Disney's The Lion King


Our Disney's The Lion King movie fest was paired with an animal cracker buffet.  It's amazing how many different kinds of animal crackers are out there.  We figured we'd try these treats as they'll be easy to pack for the road when we do travel to Walt Disney World.

Watching Disney's The Lion King as a family


As you can see, everyone had a wonderful time!  We love our Disney preparation days!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the posts below.


FREE Disney Princess Inspired Learning Activities  Disney Villians Halloween Party Disney-inspired Royal Self-Affirmation Resources and Ideas for Kids Busy Bags for Hollywood StudiosDisney Princess ActivitiesBusy Bags for Animal KingdomBusy Bags for Epcot 

  The Lion King and Lion Guard Inspired Resources for Families

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The Montessori Peace Corner

The Montessori Peace Corner is an aspect of design that is encouraged in every Montessori classroom.  Though it is not original to the Montessori Method, it has been adopted as part of the theory.

The Montessori Peace Corner can be created to meet the specific needs of students in the classroom. It can also be applied to a Montessori homeschool environment or a Montessori home in general.

Montessori Peace Corner inspiration and resources for home and school.

The Montessori Peace Corner


The Montessori Peace Corner can be particularly helpful when you have children with disabilities or special needs in the classroom or at home.  It provides a place for the child to go to calm and regulate himself when needed.

This post is filled with inspiration for your very own Montessori Peace Corner.  You will note every Montessori Peace Corner is different.

Montessori Peace Corner inspiration for home and school.

Peace Corner Inspiration at Home

If you're looking to incorporate a Montessori Peace Corner into your home environment, these ideas are sure to inspire!


1.  What Is a Montessori Peace Table?  Why Every Homeschool Should Have One from Hip Homeschool Moms


2.  Setting the Peace Table:  Children & Conflict Resolution from I Heart Montessori


3.  Montessori How-To: Peace Corner & Calming Jar from Montessori Rocks


4.  Cultivating Emotional Intelligence from PreK+K Sharing


5.  Our Peace Corner from Rivendell Academy


6.  Montessori Peace Corner from Montessori Nature


7.  Our Peaceful Space from Counting Coconuts


8.  The Peace Corner and Other Problem Solving Techniques from How We Montessori


9.  Our Peace Corner from Montessori en Casa

Peace Corner Inspiration at School

If you're looking for resources when creating a Montessori Peace Corner in an educational environment, these posts are very inspiring!


1.  How to Prepare a Montessori Peace Corner from Living Montessori Now


2.  Peace from Montessori Child


3.  Peace from The Work Plan


4.  Peace Education from Carrots Are Orange



Our Montessori peace corner at home.

Our Peace Corner


Our Montessori Peace Corner was created to meet the various needs of our children with disabilities and special needs. 


It contains a comfortable place that is dark and quiet if needed.  Each child has a bin for their sensory oriented anxiety kit.  Each kid also includes at least one book.


Children's books about peace

Books About Peace


In many peace corners teachers and parents may choose to have books about peace for children to read and look through.  Looking at a book that encourages peace can help a child calm down when upset. 


These are some of our favorite books about peace.


1.  The Peace Rose


2.  Whoever You Are


3.  Somewhere Today: A Book of Peace


4.  Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace


5.  A Handful of Quiet


6.  The Peace Book


7.  Our Peaceful Classroom


8.  What Does Peace Feel Like?


9.  A Little Peace


10.  Can You Say Peace?


11.  Peace is an Offering


12.  Peace


The Montessori Peace Corner is such a crucial part of the Montessori set up that promotes emotional regulation. If you don't have one in your Montessori home or classroom, I hope this post inspires you to add one.


For those who would like more Montessori classroom resources for at home or school, be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking the link below.



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

How to Create and Use an Emotional Regulation Chart for Kids Must Have Fidget Toys Sensory resources for children who need to chew Montessori Is Much More than Shelves and Materials The Montessori Silence Game Montessori Inspired Homeschooling Support and Resources


The Montessori Peace Corner:  Inspiration and Resources


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Montessori-inspired Plant Activities with Free Printables

It wasn't until Sunshine showed a passion for botany activities that I considered an entire Montessori-inspired Plant Unit.  

Her love for plants is contagious and has rubbed off on her siblings.

This unit has been such a success with the kiddos, more so than I ever could have imagined.  

The key was providing a variety of plant activities that interests everyone.  

I am thrilled that several of the activities come with free printables.  There really is something for everyone here!

Montessori-inspired plant learning activities and free printables for kids.

Here's what we've been up to!

Montessori-inspired Plant Activities with Free Printables


Introduction to the Plant Kingdom


The Plant Kingdom


The plant kingdom match up.

We've studied the animal kingdom in great detail but have yet to tackle the plant kingdom.  This activity has been a fabulous introduction for the kiddos.  They use the word strips and pictures provided to create their own plant kingdom chart. 

A blank template is available under the control shown in this picture.

Source: The printable for this activity can be found at The Pinay Homeschooler.  This printable is not free, but included in a pack that is fabulous for studying plants.

The Plant Kingdom in Detail


The plant kingdom in detail matching cards.

It's one thing to visually understand how the plant kingdom looks, but a very different thing to understand what plants are which and why they're different.  This activity took care of this dilemma. 

The kiddos matched up picture cards to description cards, going through the parts of the plant kingdom in detail.

Source: The printable for this activity can be found at The Pinay Homeschooler.  This printable is not free, but included in a pack that is fabulous for studying plants.

Learning About the Parts of Plants


Parts of a Flower


Parts of a flower learning activities and free printables.

There are several different ways to learn the parts of a flower using Montessori materials.  Of course each of my kiddos like learning all of these things in different ways.  To encourage learning, I decided to include all variations on our shelves.

The kiddos can learn about the parts of a flower using:


Sources: The free printables for these activities can be found at The Helpful Garden.  Click on the links above to access the specific materials used for each activity.

Parts of a Leaf


Parts of a leaf learning activities and free printables.

There are several ways to learn about parts of a leaf as well! These include using:

Sources:  The free printables for these activities can be found at Trillium Montessori.  Click on the links above to access the specific materials used for each activity.

Parts of a Tree


Parts of a tree learning activities and free printables.

The kiddos reviewed the parts of a tree using the resources below.

Sources: The free printables for these activities can be found at Trillium Montessori. Click on the links above to access the specific materials used for each activity.

Parts of a Seed


Parts of a seed learning activities and free printables/

The kiddos were very interested in learning about the parts of a seed.  We used the same set up as the activities above, however using the puzzle was a little bit of challenge.  It was different from the free cards we found.  Still the kiddos enjoyed it.

Parts of a seed puzzle.
Here are the resources we used for learning the parts of a seed.

Sources: The free printables for these activities can be found at The Helpful Garden.  Click on the links above to access the specific materials used for each activity.

Parts of a Root


Parts of a root learning activities and free printables.

Lastly, we learned about the parts of a root.  Again, the kiddos were presented with the same activities.  Unfortunately, the puzzle I ordered had a defect so we had to return it.  I'm still waiting for my new one to arrive.

The following resources were used to learn the parts of a root:
Sources: The free printables for these activities can be found at The Helpful Garden.  Click on the links above to access the specific materials used for each activity.

More Plant Activities


Leaf Types Matching Game


Leaf types nomenclature cards (free printable).

The kiddos are having a blast learning the different leaf types. I must confess I'm shocked by how much they're enjoying this.  At this point we do not have a botany cabinet, so I was extremely thankful to find this printable.  It's been used on a daily basis as a memory game between kiddos.

Source:  I found the printable for this activity at Elementary Observations. Unfortunately it is no longer available. However, you can find free printables that are similar at Montessori Dollar Shop.

Who Am I? Flower Cards


Who Am I? Flower Cards (Free Printable)

The kiddos love Who Am I? activities.  For this unit, we decided to focus on flowers using those in the Safari Ltd. Flower Toob.  

The kiddos match up the cards and flowers.  All of them have enjoyed learning about these flower so much.  I see more botany Who Am I? activities in our future.

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Plants Unit Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Parts of a Plant We Eat


Parts of a plant we eat sorting activity. (Free Printable)

Edible plants can be so fun to learn about especially after you've learned about the different parts of a plant.  This sorting activity focuses on edible parts of a plant including seeds, roots, leaves, and flowers.

Parts of a plant sorting activity (free printable).

Source:  Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Plants Unit Printable Pack 1.  This printable is a subscriber's only printable. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Caring for a Plant Activities


Up until recently, I've only had faux plants in our home due to behaviors.  That changed as we introduced this unit study.  Each kiddo received their very own plant that they now care for.

One of the reasons we decided to give the kiddos each a plant is that Princess has shown a desire to learn how to care for a living thing.  

We knew caring for a pet would be too challenging, but a plant would be a great place to start.  If after a year her plant is still living, then we may work towards a pet.

Each kiddo picked their plant from the ones I selected based on what would survive in our home (plants that do well in lots of shade).  

They transferred the plant to a larger pot, using soil and water and placed them in the main living area of our home.  The kiddos also named their plants which I thought was quite cute.

From there we've been working on caring for our plants using the activities below. We're also just about ready to teach them how to care for dead or wilted leaves.

Watering a Plant


Watering a plant activity for kids.

The kiddos have loved watering their plants.  They are so diligent at checking if they need water on a daily basis. They know that if the soil feels moist, the plant is okay.  The Melissa and Doug Watering Can shown in the picture is the perfect size for little hands.

Washing Plant Leaves


Washing plant leaves activity.

The kiddos have also practiced washing the leaves of their plants to make sure they don't get dusty using the pitcher of water poured into a small bowl and cotton balls.  The sponge is provided in case the kiddos accidentally spill water and need to clean it up.

Who knew learning about plants would be so much fun!  I certainly didn't expect it to go so well. 


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7. 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, along with the password in case you forgot it.


This post is part of the 12 Months of Montessori Series.  If you're interested in more Montessori-inspired Spring activities, be sure to check out the links below.

If you're interested in more botany resources be sure to check out the links below.

Fruit Unit Vegetable Garden Unit Flower Unit Plant Activities & Free Printables Children's Books About PlantsMontessori-inspired Plant Gifts and Resources for Children



Montessori-inspired plant learning activities with free printables
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