Sunday, June 21, 2026

Montessori-Inspired Dolphin Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

Our new unit expands on a previous unit featuring the orca, the largest dolphin. This unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free dolphin printables along with a new Montessori-inspired dolphin 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 Dolphin-Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Dolphin-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired dolphin-themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my newsletter to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Dolphin Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dolphin Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Dolphin Packs



Montessori-Inspired Dolphin 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).  



Montessori-Inspired Orca 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 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 June and July, see my June Themed Activities for Kids and my July Themed Activities for Kids. 

Be sure to go to my Free Dolphin Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dolphin Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have a wonderful summer!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb 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 51 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
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Saturday, June 13, 2026

“I’m Not Ready”: A Simple Parenting Phrase That Changes Everything

 

A young child stands at the edge of the driveway holding her bicycle.

She points toward the sidewalk and says confidently,
“I can do it!”

But inside, you hesitate.

Maybe she’s in kindergarten.
Maybe she still gets distracted easily.
Maybe the street nearby feels too risky.
Maybe your instincts simply say, “Not yet.”

Many parents respond automatically with: “No.”

And while that word may stop the behavior in the moment, it can sometimes create something else:

  • frustration
  • shame
  • power struggles
  • arguments
  • or the feeling that the child herself is the problem

But there’s another option. Instead of saying: “No, you can’t.”

Try saying: “I’m not ready for you to do that yet.”

It’s a subtle shift in language, but emotionally, it changes everything.

Why This Works

When parents say, “I’m not ready,” they place the responsibility where it belongs:

on the adult.

The message becomes:
“This decision is about my judgment and responsibility as your caregiver.”

Not:
“There’s something wrong with you.”

Children often experience repeated “no’s” as rejection, unfairness, or lack of trust. But “I’m not ready” communicates thoughtful leadership instead of control.

It keeps the relationship intact while still holding a firm boundary.

What Happens When Your Child Pushes Back?

Of course, many children will respond with: “That’s not fair!”

Or:   “When WILL you be ready?”

Parents often feel pressured in this moment to:

  • over-explain
  • negotiate
  • defend themselves
  • or give a timeline they may regret later

But calm leadership sounds more like this:

“I don’t know yet. Check with me another time.”

That response:

  • avoids arguing
  • avoids false promises
  • and keeps the parent grounded and confident

Most importantly, it teaches children that boundaries do not always come with a debate.

Parenting Is Not About Always Saying Yes

Children do not need unlimited freedom to feel loved.
They need calm adults who are willing to make thoughtful decisions—even when children dislike them in the moment.

Today it may be the sidewalk.
Tomorrow it may be:

  • social media
  • sleepovers
  • dating
  • driving
  • or being home alone

Small everyday moments help build the foundation for bigger conversations later.

Leading with Calm Confidence

Children borrow emotional stability from the adults around them.

When parents respond with calm clarity instead of emotional reactivity, children learn:

  • patience
  • trust
  • emotional regulation
  • and respect for healthy boundaries

You do not have to control every moment.
You do not have to justify every decision endlessly.

Sometimes loving leadership simply sounds like:
“I’m not ready yet.”

Read more »
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Montessori-Inspired Photography Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

Our new unit is so much fun ... a photography unit! This multi-age unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free photography printables along with a new Montessori-inspired photography 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 Photography-Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Photography-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired photography-themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my newsletter to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Photography Printables and Montessori-Inspired Photography Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Photography Pack



Montessori-Inspired Photography 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 newsletter to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

Be sure to go to my Free Photography Printables and Montessori-Inspired Photography Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have fun with photography this summer (or any time)!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb 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).
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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Love Your Child Remembers Most Isn’t Loud


We tend to think of love in big moments.

Birthdays. Holidays. Celebrations.
The kind of days that get circled on the calendar.

But the truth is, children don’t build their sense of being loved from those moments alone.

They build it quietly.

In the way you sit beside them when they’re working through something.
In the way you listen when they talk about something small that feels big to them.
In the way you notice them—without being asked.

Love, for a child, is not measured in grand gestures.
It’s measured in presence.

The Small Moments Are the Real Message

A few minutes of undivided attention.
A calm response instead of a rushed one.
A shared activity that says, “I’m here with you.”

These are the moments that add up.

Not because they’re impressive, but because they’re consistent.

And in a world that often feels busy and distracted, consistency feels like safety.

Slowing Down to Be Intentional

One of the challenges many parents face isn’t a lack of love—it’s a lack of time to express it thoughtfully.

We move fast. We juggle responsibilities. We react more than we reflect.

What if, instead of trying to “do more,” we simply paused long enough to notice what matters?

That’s where small, intentional ideas can make a difference.

Not as a checklist.
Not as something to perfect.

But as gentle reminders.

A Different Kind of Parenting Tool

50 Ways to Show Your Child Love was created with that idea in mind.

It’s not a traditional parenting book.

Instead, it invites you to slow down through simple cryptogram puzzles—each one revealing a meaningful way to connect with your child.

There’s no pressure to rush through it.
No expectation to do everything.

Just small moments of discovery…
followed by small moments of action.

Because sometimes, the best way to reconnect with what matters is to take a step back and rediscover it.


One Piece at a Time

If you think about it, love in a family is a lot like a puzzle.

It isn’t built all at once.
It comes together piece by piece.

A conversation here.
A shared moment there.
A quiet decision to show up, even when life is busy.

And over time, those pieces form something your child carries with them long after they’ve grown.

You don’t need to do more to show your child love.

You just need to notice the moments that are already there—and choose them with intention.

One small piece at a time. ❤️

Read more »
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Monday, April 20, 2026

Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

A pet theme is so much fun for young children! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free pet printables along with a new Montessori-inspired pet 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 Pet-Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Pet-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired pet-themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my newsletter to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Pet Printables and Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Pet Pack



Montessori-Inspired Pet 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 newsletter to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Pet Resources

Pet Science for Kids Don't miss our themed monthly packs! You'll get  the link and password for the Living Montessori Now subscriber library with the current pack and all the past monthly packs if you subscribe to the Living Montessori Now weekly newsletter!

Helpful Animal Classification Posts

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

Be sure to go to my Free Pet Printables and Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have a great month as we approach the end of the school year!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb 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).
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Saturday, March 21, 2026

Montessori-Inspired Life Cycle Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

I love life cycle activities ... and we have lots of them in our new unit! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free life cycle printables along with a new Montessori-inspired life cycle 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 Life Cycle Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Life Cycle Themed Activities

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



Montessori-Inspired Life Cycle 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 newsletter to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Life Cycle Resources

Life Cycle Science 
 
Don't miss our themed monthly packs! You'll get  the link and password for the Living Montessori Now subscriber library with the current pack and all the past monthly packs if you subscribe to the Living Montessori Now weekly newsletter!

Helpful Animal Classification Posts

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

Be sure to go to my Free Life Cycle Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have fun studying life cycles!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb 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).
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Friday, February 20, 2026

Montessori-Inspired Farm Animal Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

It'll be spring soon, and a farm animal theme is lots of fun ... especially when it focuses on baby farm animals! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free farm animal printables along with a new Montessori-inspired farm animal 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 Farm Animal Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Farm Animal Themed Activities

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



Montessori-Inspired Farm Animal 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 newsletter to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).  

More Farm Resources and Activities


Farm Set with Barn and Animals on Amazon 

Montessori-Friendly Farm Products on Etsy 
 If you’d like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout February and March, see my February Themed Activities for Kids. and my March Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Farm Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have a wonderful spring!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb 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).
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