www.prekandksharing.blogspot.com

Friday, December 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Beluga Whale Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

Beluga whales are so cute ... and perfect for a winter theme! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free beluga whale printables along with a new Montessori-inspired beluga whale pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now!

You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities.

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Shelves with Beluga Whale Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Beluga Whale Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired beluga whale themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber)

Go to my Free Beluga Whale Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Beluga Whale Pack

Montessori-Inspired Beluga Whale Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Arctic Animal Resources and Activities

Arctic Science

More Ocean Resources and Activities

Ocean Science

More (Non-Human) Mammal Resources and Activities

Mammal Toys on Amazon

Helpful Animal Classification Posts

If you’d like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout December and January, see my December Themed Activities for Kids. and my January Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Beluga Whale Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.

I hope you have a wonderful winter!

Deb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 50 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

A reindeer theme is so much fun in December ... whether or not you want to focus on Santa's reindeer. Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free reindeer printables along with a new Montessori-inspired reindeer pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now!

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Shelves with Reindeer-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired reindeer-themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber)

Go to my Free Reindeer Printables and Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Pack

Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Advent and Christmas Resources

You can find many reindeer books here: Reindeer Books for Kids (including books as they’re published) Advent

Christmas

If you'd like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout November and December, see my November Themed Activities for Kids. and my December Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Reindeer Printables and Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Monday, November 3, 2025

Teaching Gratitude at Christmas: A Gift that Lasts Beyond the Season

The book Christmas Gratitude Journal for Kids

Because I once taught parenting classes in Montessori classrooms in New England, I know you strive to teach children to explore with their hands, hearts, and minds, to notice, reflect, and find joy in meaningful moments. Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to extend that philosophy beyond the classroom and into the realm of gratitude.

Why Gratitude Matters

Gratitude helps children recognize abundance, not in things, but in relationships, experiences, and acts of kindness. When children pause to reflect on what they’re thankful for, a warm home, a caring friend, a teacher’s encouragement, they begin to see life through a lens of appreciation rather than expectation.

This mindset builds emotional resilience, empathy, and self-awareness, qualities that Montessori educators strive to nurture daily. Gratitude teaches children that joy isn’t something we wait to receive; it’s something we practice.

Christmas as a Season of Reflection

Amid the excitement of lights, presents, and parties, children benefit from gentle, daily moments of reflection. A short gratitude practice before lunch, circle time, or at the end of the day helps them slow down and connect with the deeper meaning of the season, love, kindness, and community.

One simple practice you can try in the classroom:

Have each child share one thing that made them smile today, one thing that made them think, and one act of kindness they noticed. This not only builds verbal expression but also cultivates emotional vocabulary and awareness.

A Simple Tool to Guide the Journey

To help families and classrooms bring this practice to life, I created the Christmas Gratitude Journal for Kids, a 25-day guided journey of reflection, creativity, and kindness. What it is NOT is an empty journal with the same thing on every two pages like many other low-content journals. In this journal is a 2-page section each day which includes writing prompts, coloring activities, and small “kindness missions” that help children celebrate what truly matters during the holidays. You will also find four pages in the beginning with clear instructions, along with a parent/teacher guide at the end and a certificate of completion.

It’s designed for ages 7–12 and works beautifully in Montessori environments that value reflection, independence, and emotional intelligence.

You can find it now on Amazon by CLICKING HERE.

But I want to give away 5 copies FREE of charge and I will pay the shipping. Everyone who leaves a reply to this post that you want to be considered will go into a drawing for one of 5 copies of my new journal.

Let’s make this Christmas not just merry, but mindful. When we teach children to give thanks, we give them a skill that lasts a lifetime.

How to Use Your Magical Hand to Get Kids to Pick Up Their Toys (and Other Things)

The outstretched hand is the technique for lovingly guiding children back to something they agree to do

AKA: The Secret Loving Hand Technique

Every parent knows the pain of stepping on a Lego at two in the morning — that sharp, unforgettable reminder that the kids didn’t clean up again. We’ve all been there, asking (or begging) our children to put their toys away, only to find the same mess waiting later.

But what if there were a calmer, more loving way to teach kids responsibility — one that doesn’t involve nagging, yelling, or power struggles?

Over the years, I discovered one of the most effective and heart-centered methods I’ve ever used. I call it the Loving Hand Technique, and it’s all about connection, agreement, and gentle follow-through.

(If you'd rather listen to the podcast version of this blog post, CLICK THIS LINK now. Or watch the Youtube video version by CLICKING HERE.)

1. The Two Types of Toys (and Why It Matters)

When it comes to toy clutter, not all toys are created equal. I like to think of them as two types:

Big, Bulky Toys

These are the stuffed animals, guitars, and books — the kind of things that can easily be tossed into a toy box or kept neatly in a playroom.
If your toy box is overflowing, don’t just buy a bigger one. Instead, rotate or donate some of the toys.

Create a fun nightly routine to make cleanup part of the day — I like to call it a “pick-up party.” Before bed, everyone joins in, music playing, and together you get everything off the floor. It doesn’t really matter who picks up what — what matters is that it gets done, together.

Chaos Toys

These are the sets with a hundred tiny pieces — Legos, doll accessories, or building kits. They’re the toys that can turn your floor into a minefield, and they’re the hardest for kids to manage.

Here’s the key: these toys should not be freely available all the time. Instead, keep them in a closet or on a high shelf, and have your child ask for permission before taking one down.

2. Setting Clear Rules for Chaos Toys

When your child asks to play with a set, take it down yourself and use the moment to set expectations.

Say something like:

“Okay, before we play, let’s talk about the rules for this toy set. What do we do when we’re done playing?”

Coach them into saying:

“I have to pick up all the pieces when I’m finished.”

Then smile and affirm:

“That’s exactly right, honey! I love that you know how to take care of your toys.”

Once they’ve agreed, let them play freely. When they finish — and forget to clean up (which they will!) — that’s your moment to step in with calm guidance.

CHECK OUT THE NEW COOPERATIVE KIDS PUZZLE BOOK NOW ON SALE

3. The Loving Hand Technique

This is where the magic happens.

When your child walks away from a mess, don’t say a word. Instead, quietly find them, gently place your hand on the middle of their back, and guide them back to where the toys are scattered.

No lectures.
No frustration.
Just calm, silent direction.

Look at them with warmth, guide them to the toys, and walk away.

The silence speaks louder than any words.

If They Resist

If your child pulls away or refuses, stay quiet. Simply pick up the toys yourself and put them away indefinitely.

Later, if they ask to play again, calmly explain:

“I was disappointed last time because the toys weren’t picked up. That set is in time-out for now.”

Let natural consequences do the teaching.

If They Have a Meltdown

Sometimes, they’ll see the mess and collapse in frustration. That’s okay. Let the meltdown happen, stay calm, and walk away. You’re teaching self-regulation by modeling it.

If they start to pick up and then walk away halfway through, quietly finish the task yourself and put the set away for a while.

THE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS PUZZLE BOOK NOW AT AMAZON.

If They Ask for Help

If they say, “Mom, will you help me?” — go for it! Working together builds teamwork and makes the task feel less overwhelming.
When you’re done, thank them for helping:

“Thanks for being my cleanup partner — that was great teamwork!”

4. Using It Beyond Toys

Once you’ve mastered this approach with toys, you can apply it to almost any daily task:

Hanging up backpacks after school
Putting shoes in the closet
Bringing dishes to the sink
Clearing homework off the table

Start by making a clear, loving agreement:

“Hey buddy, we have a new rule for your backpack. What is it?”
“It goes on the hook when I get home!”

Then, the first time they forget, don’t talk — simply guide them back with your hand on their back and point to the backpack.

5. Why the Back?

The middle of the back is a neutral, calming place. You’re not grabbing their arm or pulling them along — you’re gently guiding them with love.

And yes, they’ll probably protest at first! My kids used to say:

“Dad! Don’t touch me! Just tell me what you want me to do!”

But over time, they began to understand what that gentle touch meant: a reminder to follow through on what they’d already agreed to do.

Agreement → Follow-through → Loving Hand → No Talking.
That’s the cycle.

THE NEW WHIMSICAL FROGS ADULT COLORING BOOK FROM A.J. ZENWELL.

6. The Moment It Came Full Circle

One day, my son used my own technique on me — and I’ll never forget it.

I was packing for a conference and had walked out of my bedroom, forgetting to turn off the light. My preteen son noticed the light on and decided to “parent” me.

He found me in the living room, leaned in with that familiar look, and gently placed his hand on my back. Without a word, he guided me back to my room, pointed to the light switch, and walked away with a triumphant grin.

I burst out laughing — and felt so proud.

He had learned the lesson so deeply that he used it on me, and in that moment, I realized something powerful: our kids imitate the parenting we model.

7. The Gift That Keeps Giving

Today, my children are grown with families of their own — and I see them using the same gentle guidance with their kids.

There’s no better reward than watching positive parenting ripple through generations.

When we lead with love, patience, and consistency, our children don’t just follow directions — they carry those lessons forward, creating calmer, more respectful homes of their own.

Final Thought

The Loving Hand Technique isn’t just about toys or chores. It’s about teaching follow-through, respect, and connection — all without a single harsh word.

Try it this week. Stay silent, stay loving, and use that gentle hand on the back.

You’ll be amazed at how much more cooperation — and peace — shows up in your home. Everything I wrote in this post is absolutely true! As I stated, the best gift is watching your kids immitate you at first, then develop these skills into their adulthood.

Below is a free link to the handout I created you can downoad with all the details and more, to help you adjust and begin the process of using the loving hand to get your kids to do what you need them to do. Go to this link: https://payhip.com/b/jlhY7 to download it for FREE.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Scarecrow and Corn Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

A scarecrow and corn theme is perfect in the fall! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free scarecrow and corn printables along with a new Montessori-inspired scarecrow and corn pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now!

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Shelves with Scarecrow and Corn Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Scarecrow and Corn Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired scarecrow and corn themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber)

Go to my Free Scarecrow and Corn Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Scarecrow and Corn Pack

Montessori-Inspired Scarecrow and Corn Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Montessori-Inspired Scarecrow and Corn Activities

You can see many scarecrow and corn books here: Scarecrow Books for Kids and Corn Books for Kids (including books as they’re published).

Free Scarecrow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Scarecrow Activities (completely different activities to give you more options!)
Free Fall Scavenger Hunt Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities (includes some scarecrow activities)
Free Fall Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time (includes some scarecrow songs)
Montessori-Inspired Corn Unit
How to Use Flint Corn (Ornamental Corn) for Montessori Practical Life and Language Work
Corn Unit Study Pinterest Board

If you’d like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout October and November, see my October Themed Activities for Kids. and my November Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Scarecrow and Corn Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.

I hope you're having a fun fall!

Friday, October 17, 2025

Six Laws about Kids That Parents Need to Accept

Much of the frustration we experience with our children’s behavior is caused by a lack of understanding kids. Expanding our thinking about our children and accepting some basic, rudimentary facts will help us change the way we see their behavior and also change our behavior as a parent. We will be much more successful as caregivers if we see the world from our child’s point of view. Here are six irrefutable laws about kids that will change the way we use discipline.

A child in her own little world while adults lood on behind her

They Live Only In The Moment. Whatever the young child happens to be doing at the moment is his entire
world. His full attention and focus is on the activity in front of him and he is usually unable to think about anything else unless another activity offers more incentive than the current activity.

What Adults Can Do:

Establish rules prior to the start of each activity
Use visual timers to create limits for some activities
Be patient when moving him from one activity to another
Point out “what’s in it for him” in the next activity

They Don’t Care About Order and Cleanliness. It drives us crazy when our child won’t pick up her toys when she’s finished playing with them, or when she’s thirteen and seems perfectly fine living in a bedroom that is in total disarray. Forcing her to clean things up by yelling and punishing doesn’t work and can harm our relationship with her.

What Adults Can Do:

Relax and make cleanup fun
Demonstrate excitement when it does occur
Set up agreements prior to the start of an activity
If the child doesn’t follow thru, guide them back silently and respectfully

They Get Frustrated Very Easily. There are a few things that cause children to become frustrated, resulting in

Mom is saying NOT to the extra cookies from the cookie jar

COOPERATIVE KIDS HAS A NEW PUZZLE BOOK FOR PARENTS

tantrums and meltdowns; wanting to be just like us and do what we do, becoming easily overcome by the physical effects of fatigue, hunger, and illness, and a lack of firm and consistent boundaries. When we say, “No cookies before dinner,” and then give in, we are actually teaching them to have meltdowns to get us to give in more often.

What Adults Can Do:

Be patient and help them address what is causing the frustration
Detach from their emotion and be there with them in silence
Let them be frustrated without reprimanding or sending them to timeout
Avoid caving in to their demands to break a boundary or limit

They Learn By Testing Our Boundaries. One day, when my daughter was a preschooler, I drew a chalk line across the driveway to mark the farthest point she could ride her new tricycle to keep her a safe distance from the street. I explained to her the consequence of breaking this boundary was the loss of her tricycle for the remainder of the day. With a twinkle in her eye, she crossed the line one day to see what I would do. Immediately, I silently and gently took her tricycle from her and hung it on a hook in the garage. It broke my heart to watch her cry, but she didn’t get it back until the following day.

What Adults Can Do:

Accept children’s testing as normal and not misbehavior
Set clear and consistent boundaries and keep them in place
Create consequences that are related to the infraction
React without emotion and in silence

They Need to Feel Powerful. Every human strives to feel a sense of power and value within the social unit to

The child is wearing a judge robe, signifying that kids need to feel powerful once in a while

which they belong. Employees work more collaboratively when they clearly know what their role is on a work team, athletes perform better when they know what position they play on the sports team, and children become more cooperative when they feel a sense of power in the family or the classroom. A successful leader as a manager, a coach, a parent, or a teacher helps the members of the social unit feel powerful in appropriate ways.

What Adults Can Do:

Provide appropriate ways for children to feel powerful
Allow the child to teach the adult something
Find creative ways to allow the child to be the boss of something
Let the child take a turn at being the family meeting facilitator

They Don’t Always Like Their Playmate or Sibling. When a playmate begins to hit another child, it is basically a message to the caregiver that she has had enough of the other child. Because of their egocentric point of view, small children do not naturally like to share and they also see the other child as a threat to the supply of love and attention they receive from the adult caregivers.

What Adults Can Do:

Avoid putting a child in timeout for hitting or not getting along
Use modeling to teach small children how to share, not by force
Be sure that adult relationships around the child demonstrate kindness
Allow each child to have alone time away from playmates or siblings

Pages

Friday, December 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Beluga Whale Activities Using Free Printables

Montessori Shelves with Beluga Whale Themed Activities

Free Montessori-Inspired Beluga Whale Pack

More Arctic Animal Resources and Activities

More Ocean Resources and Activities

More (Non-Human) Mammal Resources and Activities

Helpful Animal Classification Posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Activities Using Free Printables

Montessori Shelves with Reindeer-Themed Activities

Free Montessori-Inspired Reindeer Pack

More Advent and Christmas Resources

Monday, November 3, 2025

Teaching Gratitude at Christmas: A Gift that Lasts Beyond the Season

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

How to Use Your Magical Hand to Get Kids to Pick Up Their Toys (and Other Things)