Should You Use Unit Studies?

There are many different styles of homeschooling, and unit studies is one of them. But unit studies don’t have to be used exclusively. Should you use unit studies?

Regardless of the time of year, there may be a place for unit studies in your homeschool.

We combined a trip to visit grandparents with Will’s interest in Ancient Egypt and a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum. Terry, Christina (2) and Will (7), 1992.

For many homeschool families, unit studies (themes or topics that integrate a range of subjects and learning styles) play an essential role. Even though my kids are grown now, I don’t think my family could imagine homeschooling without unit studies. For us, unit studies were a way to bring a subject to life through living books rather than textbooks and a way to add hands-on activities to any subject.

Some families aren’t comfortable using unit studies all the time but use them as a break from their regular schooling when they want to add some excitement or delve into a special area of interest for their child.

If you find that a traditional learning style doesn’t work for your child or family or just want to change things up a bit every now and then, you might want to consider unit studies.

Why Use Unit Studies?

Unit studies work well for multi-level learning. You can often read books or do activities together when the book or activity will work for more than one age. Otherwise, you can work on complementary activities on the same topic, allowing the younger child to feel a part of the unit. Like Montessori education, unit studies naturally encourage cooperation and older children helping younger children.

Our homeschool had lots of reading, sometimes even in a treehouse. Christina (2) and Will (7), 1992.

Unit studies use library books or books you’ve purchased on a particular topic rather than textbooks. They’re often called “living” books – and they really do bring a topic to life much better than the condensed information presented in textbooks.

We used unit studies for science, social studies, art, music, literature, reading, health and safety, and religious education. Our unit studies didn’t cover math, phonics, grammar, or spelling, although we often did unit-based activities in those subjects as well.

Unit studies are interesting. They encourage creativity and learning through discovery. For the greatest interest and fastest learning, try an interest-based unit study centered around your child’s favorite topic at the time. But you can still follow your child’s natural tendencies even if your topic isn’t solely interest-based.

We used KONOS character-based unit studies. We would focus on a character trait such as attentiveness, responsibility, or courage. One year when we were studying orderliness, for example, we spent two weeks mainly focusing on planets and seasons, a week on sequencing and house construction, two weeks on animal classification, two weeks on plant classification, and a week on rock classification. During other units, we emphasized social-studies topics like settlers or the Revolutionary War or our nation’s government.

Of course, you don’t need to have unit studies based on character traits. You can just choose a particular topic and create activities based on that. For preschoolers, you can even center activities around seasonal themes. When Will was a preschooler, our Montessori activities weren’t theme-based except for Montessori-inspired holiday activities. Christina had some theme-based Montessori activities to fit in with our unit studies. Both ways worked wonderfully.

Retention of knowledge is better with unit studies.

Unit studies are much more effective than reading a textbook and memorizing information for a test. Both the interest and hands-on learning involved in unit studies increase retention of knowledge.

Will (14) and Christina (9) in the 16-foot walk-through heart at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, 1999. This inspired a mini unit on the heart.

Individualized- and hands-on learning fit well with unit studies. You can make your unit studies as hands-on as you wish. If your child or children prefer reading together or alone, you can allow extra time for that. You can adjust your unit studies for visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners. You can use Montessori materials and activities that fit with a particular unit. When my children were a number of different ages, we brought out hands-on Montessori materials to add to our study of vertebrates and invertebrates, constellations, or whatever our topic was.

Whether you like field trips, traveling, learning through music, doing hands-on projects, or whatever you enjoy as a family, you can make it a part of your unit studies. In short, unit studies work well with the freedom of homeschooling – the freedom to fit your school to your home and your family.

Worries about Learning Gaps

Often parents’ biggest fear about unit studies is that there will be gaps in their children’s education. With all the knowledge available today, it’s impossible for there not to be gaps with any type of education. Even when I was going to school, we seemed to study the early explorers at the beginning of EVERY year. And I NEVER studied World War II until college – because we never got that far in the textbook!

Considering that no one can know everything, I felt most comfortable homeschooling my children with a greater amount of hands-on learning, reading books that were more interesting than textbooks, helping my children be more creative and develop analytical skills, and individualizing our learning style for my children. If I wanted to be sure we didn’t miss something, we would read a more thorough book on a particular topic.

Both Montessori education and KONOS use timelines, and we found that timelines really help tie everything together. I highly recommend timelines of historical events to fit everything into place – whether or not you’re using unit studies!

Posts with More about Our Use of Unit Studies:

How to Create a Unit Study

How to Be a Relaxed Homeschooler

How We Homeschooled

Unit Studies Posts by Theme:

If you’d like themes and unit studies organized by virtues, see my post at Bits of Positivity: “Free Songs about Virtues {with Character Education Themes and Unit Studies}.”

Updated 3/23/2024

If you’re interested in trying a unit study, here’s an alphabetical listing of theme-related posted I’ve published with lots of resources. (Alphabetized according to bold print – with some grouping of posts.) I add to this list as I publish new posts on unit studies.

Africa: Montessori-Inspired Study of Africa, Montessori-Inspired Continent Activities Using Replicas – Africa, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – South Africa, Free Zoo Animal Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Simple African Animal and Continent Map Cut-and-Paste Activity {Free Printables} Africa Educational Resources Pinterest Board

All About Me/Me on the Map: “All About Me Free Printables and Activities”, DIY Cosmic Nesting Boxes, Map Towers, and “Me on the Map” Activities, DIY Montessori Globes, Continent Map Work, Montessori Continent Boxes, Creative Ideas for Montessori Continent Boxes from Around the World, Continent Box Posts, Montessori-Inspired Map Activities Using Pin It! Maps, Montessori-Inspired Compass Rose Activities and Outdoor Compass Walks, Free Me on the Map Printables and Montessori-Inspired Me on the Map Activities

Anatomy: Montessori-Inspired Skeleton Activities, “All About Me” Free Printables and Activities for Back to School, Handwashing Activities for Kids – Free Songs and Lessons, Free Skeleton Printables and Montessori-Inspired Skeleton Activities, Hands-on Fun with Montessori-Inspired Human Skeleton Activities, Free Brain and Growth Mindset Printables and Montessori-Inspired Brain Activities, Brain Hemisphere Hat and Montessori Activities to Learn about Parts of the Brain, Free Brain Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Brain Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Heart Printables and Montessori-Inspired Heart Activities {Human Heart and Valentine Hearts}, Montessori-Inspired Heart and Circulatory System Activities, Montessori-Inspired Heart Unit {Hundreds of Human Heart and Valentine Heart Resources}, Free Heart and Valentine Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Downloads), The Best Heart Books for Kids {Human Heart, Love, and Valentine’s Day Books}, Human Body Unit Study Pinterest Board

Apple: Montessori-Inspired Apple Unit, 30+ Apple Sensory Tubs, Free Apple Printables and Montessori-Inspired Apple Activities, 20+ Apple Phonics Activities, Fall Sensory Bin with Practical Life and Math Activities, Fun with Montessori Apple Coring, Slicing, Spreading, and Sharing, Free Apple Printable for Ten Apples Up On Top Activities (Instant Download), Ten Apples Up On Top Sensory Bin & Table (Free Printables), Ten Apples Up On Top Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Playdough Math Activities for Fall {Free Printables}, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Free Apple Printables and Activities for a Montessori-Inspired Apple Unit, Montessori Apple Color Matching for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Montessori Apple Fraction Activities for Multiple Ages, Free Apple Songs and Educational Videos, Free Apple Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Apple Books for Kids, Free Apple Picking Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Apple Unit Study Pinterest Board

Arctic and Antarctic: Montessori-Inspired Arctic and Antarctic Unit {Hundreds of Resources}, Montessori-Inspired Continent Activities – Penguins of Antarctica, Montessori-Inspired Multi-Level Penguin Activities, Montessori-Inspired Toddler Geography Activities with Baby Beluga, Free Arctic Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Arctic Animal Activities, Free Polar Bear Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Arctic Animal Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Simple Arctic Sensory Bin with Vocabulary or Grammar Activity, Free Penguin Printables and Montessori-Inspired Penguin Activities, Free Penguin Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Penguin Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Simple Arctic vs. Antarctic Cut-and-Paste Activity {Free Printables}, Free Arctic Animal Songs and Educational Videos, Free Penguin Songs and Educational Videos, Free Arctic vs. Antarctic Songs and Educational Videos, Easy and Fun Antarctic Sensory Bin for Winter or Summer, Free Inuit Printables and Montessori-Inspired Inuit Activities, Free Igloo Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Inuit Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori Winter Activities Printables for Preschool Through Elementary from Every Star Is Different, Penguin Game, Puzzle, and Editable Tracing Pack in Print or Cursive, Kids’ Winter Activities Pinterest Board, Antarctica Educational Resources Pinterest Board

Art Appreciation: Montessori-Inspired Art Appreciation, Art Appreciation and Creation for Kids, Art Appreciation Activities from Montessori By Mom, Art Postcards: Montessori Art Appreciation for a Variety of Ages, Free Art Appreciation Resources for a Mystery of Easter Tray, Montessori Art History Resources for Preschool Through Elementary, I Have, Who Has? Autumn Art Appreciation Game Pack in Print or Cursive, Forest Art Appreciation Printable Packs in Print or Cursive, I Have, Who Has? Winter Art Appreciation Game Pack in Print or Cursive, I Have, Who Has? Spring Art Appreciation Game Pack in Print or Cursive, I Have, Who Has? Summer Art Appreciation Game Pack in Print or Cursive, Spring Art Appreciation – Meditation and Puzzles, Summer Art Appreciation – Meditation and Puzzles, Autumn Art Appreciation – Meditation and Puzzles, Winter Art Appreciation – Meditation and Puzzles, Kids’ Art Appreciation Pinterest Board

Astronomy: Astronaut Unit, Montessori-Inspired Astronomy Activities, Montessori-Inspired Moon Unit, Montessori-Inspired Solar System Activities, Montessori-Inspired Astronomy Units, Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Montessori-Inspired Phases-of-the-Moon Playdough Tray, Free Moon Printables and Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities, Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Free Moon Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Moon Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Moon Books for Kids, Free Star and Constellation Printables and Montessori-Inspired Constellation Activities, Fun Montessori Hundred Board Extension – Count 100 Glow-in-the-Dark Stars, The Ultimate Star and Constellation Unit, The Best Star and Constellation Books for Kids, Free Constellations Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Create a Glow-in-the-Dark Constellation with Dictation or Writing Tray, Free Constellation Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Astronomy Cards from KHT Montessori, Free Solar System Printables and Montessori-Inspired Solar System Activities, Free Solar System Songs and Educational Videos, Free Y for Year Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Space Books for Kids {Featuring Solar System Books}, Free Solar System Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori Work with Scale Distances of Planets from the Sun, Montessori Astronomy Printables for Preschool Through Elementary, Free Sun Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Building a LEGO Mars Rover Plus Montessori Space Exploration Resources, Astronomy Unit Study Pinterest Board

Bear: Montessori-Inspired Teddy Bear Activities, Montessori-Inspired Brown Bear, Brown Bear Activities, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Teddy Bear Picnic, Free Polar Bear Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Bear Printables and Montessori-Inspired Bear Activities, Free Bear Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download, Free Bear Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Panda Printables and Montessori-Inspired Panda Activities, Free Panda Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Panda Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Teddy Bear Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Kids’ Teddy Bear Activities Pinterest Board

Birthday: Montessori Birthday Celebration – A Lovely Celebration of Life Ceremony, Free Celebration of Life Songs and Printables for a Montessori Birthday, Montessori Birthday at Home – How to Have a Simple Celebration of Life Ceremony, Simple Montessori Birthday Celebration for a 1 Year Old, Birthdays as Homeschool Holidays, Montessori-Inspired Age and Birthday Activities, Free Birthday Printables and Montessori-Inspired Birthday Activities, Favorite Books for a Birthday Theme

Black History: Montessori Inspiration for Martin Luther King Day, Free Martin Luther King Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School, Best Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes, Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Teachers, Free Juneteenth Songs and Educational Videos, Free Black History Printables and Montessori-Inspired Black History Activities, Favorite Black History Books for Kids, Free Family Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Black Family Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Black History Songs and Educational Videos for Kids, Multicultural Education Pinterest Board

Character: Character Education Resources from Bits of Positivity, Free Songs about Virtues {with Character Education Themes and Unit Studies}, Character Education Pinterest Board

Cleaning and Tidying: Montessori Practical Life Activities, Age Appropriate Chores for Children {Free Printables}, Helping Hands Practical Life Activities + Free Printable from Montessori By Mom, Montessori Practical Life Cleaning Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Fun with Cleaning, Movement, and Music Appreciation, Montessori-Inspired Sweeping Activities, My Family’s Favorite Clean Up Song, Free Clean Up Songs (Tidy Up Songs) and Rhymes, Free Cleaning and Tidying Printables and Montessori-Inspired Cleaning and Tidying Activities, Trash Multiplication and Clean-up Game {with Easy DIY Montessori Multiplication Board}, Free Duster Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Cleaning and Tidying Books for Kids, Free Kids Cleaning Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Colonists: Historically Accurate and Culturally Sensitive Thanksgiving Printables for Preschool Through Elementary

Community Helpers: Talking with Children about 9/11 – Ideas and Activities, Free Police Printables and Montessori-Inspired Police Activities, Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Free Ambulance Printables and Montessori-Inspired Ambulance Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Free 9-1-1 Songs for Kids {Non-Scary Emergency Preparedness}, Free Emergency Preparedness Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}, Free Water Safety Songs for Kids, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Free Fire Truck Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Firefighter Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), How to Teach Children Fire Safety in a Non-Scary Way, Free Medical Worker Printables and Montessori-Inspired Medical Worker Activities, Free Doctor and Nurse Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Medical Worker Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Non-Scary Montessori Fire Safety Resources for Preschool Through Elementary, Free Construction Vehicle Printables and Montessori-Inspired Construction Vehicle Activities, Free Construction Printables and Montessori-Inspired Construction Activities, Free Construction Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Construction Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Songs About Getting a Shot {Kids’ Vaccination resources}, Free Dental Health Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Activities, Free Dentist Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Dental Health Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Construction Printables for Preschool Through Early Elementary, Roadwork: Road Construction Printable Pack for Hands-on Fun and Learning, Free Road Construction Printables and Montessori-Inspired Road Construction Activities, Free Labor Day Songs and Educational Videos, Free Detective Printables and Montessori-Inspired Detective Activities, Free Women in Science Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Favorite Books for a Women in Science Theme, Women and Girls in Science: Free Songs and Educational Videos Community Helpers Pinterest Board

Construction: Montessori-Inspired Construction Unit, Free Construction Vehicle Printables and Montessori-Inspired Construction Vehicle Activities, Free Construction Printables and Montessori-Inspired Construction Activities, Free Construction Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Construction Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Construction Vehicle Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Construction Printables for Preschool Through Early Elementary, Roadwork: Road Construction Printable Pack for Hands-on Fun and Learning, Free Road Construction Printables and Montessori-Inspired Road Construction Activities, Favorite Books for a Construction Theme, Construction Unit Study Pinterest Board

Corn: Montessori-Inspired Corn Unit, How to Use Flint Corn (Ornamental Corn) for Montessori Practical Life and Language Work, Corn Unit Study Pinterest Board

Dental Health: The Ultimate Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Unit, Free Dental Health Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Activities, Dental Health Unit Study Pinterest Board

Dinosaur: Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Unit, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Fun with Printables, Water Beads, and Glass Gems, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Activities Using Dinosaur Replicas, Make Fossils from Montessori at Home!, Free Dinosaur Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Math Activities, Dinosaur Ice Melt Science Experiment for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Free Dinosaur Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Language Activities, Free Dinosaur Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Dinosaur Cutting Strips {Montessori-Inspired Instant Download}, I Have, Who Has? Dinosaur Game, Free Oviparous Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Oviparous Animal Activities, Dinosaur Unit Study Pinterest Board

Directionality: Montessori-Inspired Compass Rose Activities and Outdoor Compass Walks

Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss with a Touch of Montessori, Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, Montessori-Inspired One Fish, Two Fish Math Activities at PreK + K Sharing, Montessori-Inspired Lorax Activities, Cat in the Hat Practical Life Activities, 50+ Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, 30+ Dr. Seuss Inspired Phonics Activities, {Dr. Seuss Inspired} Cat in the Hat Sensory Bin, Free Apple Printable for Ten Apples Up On Top Activities (Instant Download), Ten Apples Up On Top Sensory Bin & Table (Free Printables), Ten Apples Up On Top Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Fun with Dr. Seuss and the Montessori Movable Alphabet, Dr. Seuss Unit Study Pinterest Board

Election: Montessori-Inspired Election Unit, Free President Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Kids’ Government Activities Pinterest Board

Eric Carle: Montessori-Inspired Eric Carle Activities

Explorers: Historically Accurate and Culturally Sensitive Thanksgiving Printables for Preschool Through Elementary

Fire Safety: Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities , Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos , The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Free Fire Truck Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Firefighter Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), How to Teach Children Fire Safety in a Non-Scary Way, Non-Scary Montessori Fire Safety Resources for Preschool Through Elementary, Community Helpers Pinterest Board

French: Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – France, Free French Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board

Friendship: Montessori-Inspired Peace Education Activities, How to Prepare a Peace Corner, Montessori-Inspired Friendship Activities, Free Friendship Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources}, Free Taking Turns and Sharing Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources}, How to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers to Take Turns and Work Together, The Best Children’s Books about Taking Turns and Sharing, How to Prepare a Montessori Peace Tray, Montessori Services Peace Activities and Resources Review, Our Favorite Picture Book about Inclusion and Friendship, Does Your Preschooler Have This Fabulous Multicultural Children’s Book?, Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Teachers, How to Prepare a Book Basket That Encourages Kindness, Free Empathy Songs and Educational Videos {Character Education Resources}, Free Friendship Printables and Montessori-Inspired Friendship Activities, Free Golden Rule Songs and Educational Videos {Character Education Resources}, Free H for Help Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Favorite Books for a Friendship Theme, Free Friendship Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Fostering Kids’ Friendships Pinterest Board

Frog: Montessori-Inspired Frog Activities for Leap Year or Anytime, Montessori Frog Life Cycle Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Free Frog Printables and Montessori-Inspired Frog Math Activities, Free Frog Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Frog Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), “5 Green and Speckled Frogs” with Props and Free Printables, Lots of Learning and Fun with Frogs Sensory Bin, Free Oviparous Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Oviparous Animal Activities, Free Amphibian Printables and Montessori-Inspired Amphibian Activities, Free Amphibian Songs and Educational Videos, Free Frog and Toad Songs and Educational Videos, Favorite Books for an Amphibian Theme, Free Amphibians Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Kids’ Frog and Leap Year Activities Pinterest Board

Fruit: Montessori-Inspired Fruit Unit, Montessori-Inspired Food Art, Montessori-Inspired Fruit Matching and Tasting for Toddlers, Healthy, Yummy, Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins, Kids’ Kitchen: Berry Yummy and Healthy Protein-Rich Popsicles, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Free Fruit Rainbow Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Fruit and Vegetable Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fruit and Vegetable Activities, Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board

Gardening/Botany: Activity of the Week – Friendship Flower Activities, Montessori-Inspired Gardening Unit, Montessori-Inspired Flower Activities, Free Flower Printables and Montessori-Inspired Flower Math Activities, Shoots and Sprouts Activities + Free Printable from Montessori By Mom, Montessori Flower Identification and Arranging for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Montessori Nature Tray Sorting and Counting for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Nature Walk and Nature Cutting Tray for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Montessori Nature Tray with Magnification Work and Flower Arranging, Spring Book Lists for Preschool and Elementary Kids: Garden Adventures Around the World, Montessori Nature Tray with Vocabulary – Parts of the Plant, Flower Cutting with Great-Grandma {Montessori on the Go}, How to Help Children Experience Nature and Growing Plants Outdoors without a Garden, How to: Montessori Indoor- or Small-Space Gardening in a DIY Sensory Table, Encouraging Kindness with Gardening Activities and the Kindness Elves, Life Cycle of a Bean Plant and Seed Planting Activities, Montessori-Inspired Flower Activities with Spielgaben, Free Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Tree Activities, Free Montessori Botany Materials for a Gardening Unit, Family Fun with Small-Space Gardening in a Vertical Planter, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Free Tree Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Gardening/Botany Unit Study Pinterest Board

Government: Montessori-Inspired Election Unit, Montessori-Inspired Activities Teaching about Money and Presidents, Montessori-Inspired President’s Day Activities, Free Presidents’ Day Printables and Montessori-Inspired Presidents’ Day Activities, Free President Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Montessori U.S. President Printables for Preschool Through Elementary, Montessori U.S. Government and Constitution Printables for Preschool Through Elementary, Kids’ Presidents’ Day Activities Pinterest Board, Kids’ Government Activities Pinterest Board

Gratitude: How to Help Your Kids Have an Attitude of Gratitude, How to Help Your Kids Have an Attitude of Gratitude, Part 2 (November Gratitude Activities), Montessori-Inspired Gratitude Activities, November Gratitude Inspiration and Activities, 20+ Family Gratitude Activities, Free Gratitude Songs and Rhymes for Home or School, 30+ Free Thanksgiving Gratitude Printables for Kids, 20+ Free Year-Round Gratitude Printables for Kids, Free Guided Gratitude Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources}, Free Guided Gratitude Meditations {Mindfulness Resources for Teens and Adults}, Free Gratitude Printables and Montessori-Inspired Gratitude Activities, Free Gratitude Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), How to Use Flint Corn (Ornamental Corn) for Montessori Practical Life and Language Work, Free Gratitude Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Thank You for Planet Earth (or Thank You, Planet Earth) Mindfulness Cards and Booklet, Gratitude Activities and Inspiration Pinterest Board

Growth Mindset: Free Growth Mindset Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}, Best Growth Mindset Quotes for Kids and Adults, Don’t Give Up {Growth Mindset Inspiration from Famous Failures}, The Ultimate List of Free Growth Mindset Printables for Kids and Adults, Free Brain and Growth Mindset Printables and Montessori-Inspired Brain Activities, The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids, What Is Growth Mindset? (And Why We All Need It), Beautiful Growth Mindset Resources from Big Life Journal, Free Resilience Printables and Montessori-Inspired Resilience Activities {Growth Mindset Unit}, Free Resilience Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Resilience Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Daniel Tiger Songs About New Experiences {Social Emotional Learning}, Free Daniel Tiger Songs About Big Feelings {Social Emotional Learning}, Free Daniel Tiger Songs About Taking Care of Your Body {Social Emotional Learning}, Free Daniel Tiger Songs About Growing Up and Being Independent, Free Daniel Tiger Songs About Family, Growth Mindset Resources Pinterest Board

Horse: Montessori-Inspired Horse Unit, Farm Unit Study Pinterest Board

Hunger Awareness: Are You Going Orange for No Kid Hungry? Fighting Hunger through Social Media, Using Children’s Books to Raise Awareness about Hunger, Hunger Awareness Activities for Kids, The Kindness Elves Meet Pete the Cat … and Go on a Great Adventure, Using Kindness Elves and Pete the Cat in a Food and Toy Drive, Teaching about Hunger and Poverty through a Food and Toy Drive

Hygiene: Handwashing Activities for Kids – Free Songs and Lessons, Montessori-Inspired Hygiene Lessons to Help Kids Stay Healthy, Fun with Handwashing + Handwashing Song by a 2 Year Old, The Ultimate Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Unit, Free Dental Health Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Activities, Free Germ Printables and Montessori-Inspired Germ Activities, Free Germ Songs and Educational Videos, Favorite Books for a Germ Theme

Kindness: Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Simple Ways to Make a Difference in the World, Family Fun with 100 Acts of Kindness and Operation Beautiful, Including a Toddler in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Using Montessori Principles in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Teaching Kids to Be Kind, The Ultimate Guide to Having Kind Kids This Christmas, Focusing on Toddler Manners in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Free Kindness Songs and Rhymes for Home or School {Character Education Resources}, Completing 100 Acts of Kindness (Toddler Manners Challenge) and Starting 100+ Acts of Kindness, The Ultimate Guide to Kindness Elves, Encouraging 100 Acts of Kindness with the Kindness Elves, Introducing the Kind Words Challenge with the Kindness Elves, Fun with Kindness Elves, 100 Acts of Kindness, and the Kind Words Challenge, Encouraging Kindness with Gardening Activities and the Kindness Elves, Encouraging Kindness with the We’re All Wonders Picture Book, Encourage Kindness with the Wonder Books #ChooseKind, Simple Literature-Based Ideas with the Pink and Green Kindness Elves, How to Do a Simple Version of Camp Kindness, How to Help Your Kids Get the Most out of the Wonder Movie, Teaching about Hunger and Poverty through a Food and Toy Drive, 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge for Big Sisters and Big Brothers, Free Inspirational Kindness Videos for a Variety of Ages, How to Add Kind Words from Books to the Kind Words Challenge, How I Prepared a Simple Kindness Elves Activity for Giving Tuesday (or Any Time), The Kindness Elves, Pete the Cat, a Baby, and a Toddler Join Our Food and Toy Drive, Family 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge for Babies and Older Children, The Kindness Elves and Pete the Cat Join Our 5th Annual Family Food and Toy Drive, Family and Neighborhood 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge for Toddlers on Up, How to Make a 100 Hearts Sensory Bottle (100 Hearts Calming Bottle), Our Online and Curbside Family Food and Toy Drive, How to Prepare a Book Basket That Encourages Kindness, The Kindness Elves, Pete the Cat, and Our 7th Annual Family Food and Toy Drive, Free Empathy Songs and Educational Videos {Character Education Resources}, Ways to Be Kind to Humankind for Kids and Adults, Free Kindness Printables and Montessori-Inspired Kindness Activities, Free Kindness Do-a-dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Favorite Books for a Kindness Theme, Free Kindness Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Kindness Elves, Pete the Cat, and Our 8th Annual Family Food and Toy Drive, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages {100 Acts of Kindness}, The Kindness Elves, Pete the Cat, and Our 9th Annual Family Food and Toy Drive, Kindness Projects Pinterest Board

Kings and Queens: Free Royal Tea Party Videos {Grace and Courtesy Resources}, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Royal Tea Party, Free Kings and Queens Printables and Montessori-Inspired Kings and Queens Activities, Free King and Queen Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Palace and Castle Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Middle Ages Unit Study Pinterest Board

Leaves: Montessori-Inspired Autumn Leaf Unit, Free Leaf Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fall Leaf Activities, The Ultimate Guide to Montessori-Inspired Leaf Resources and Activities, Free Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Tree Activities, Easy, Colorful Chalk Marker Leaves for Any Climate, Fall Leaf Sensory Bin with Parts of a Leaf Scavenger Hunt and Activities for Babies and Toddlers, Free Fall Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Fall Songs and Educational Videos, Free Fall Cutting Strips ( Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Autumn Leaf Unit Study Pinterest Board

LEGO: Free LEGO Printables and 70+ Lego Learning Activities

Little House on the Prairie: Little House on the Prairie Unit Study, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Montessori Washboard Activity, Free Pioneer Printables and Montessori-Inspired Pioneer Activities, Frontier Life Unit Study Pinterest Board

Magnets: Montessori Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity, Simple Magnetic or Velcro Calendar Activity Using Free Printables, Phonics Fun with Magnetic Letters and Pictures, Free Magnet Printables and Montessori-Inspired Magnet Activities, Fun Magnetic Vehicle STEM Trays and Activity Bags, Free Magnet Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Magnet Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Magnet Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Manners: How to Teach Your Child Manners Using Montessori Principles, Grace and Courtesy Games at Home or School, How to Manage Interruptions in Your Montessori Classroom or Homeschool, Montessori at Home or School: How to Teach Grace and Courtesy Is Out!, Free Grace and Courtesy Printable {Manners Matching Cards}, Free Manners Songs for Home or Classroom, 20+ Free Printable Manners Cards, Booklets, Charts, and Games, The Best Books about Manners for Preschoolers

Maps and Directionality: DIY Cosmic Nesting Boxes, Map Towers, and “Me on the Map” Activities, Continent Map Work, Montessori-Inspired Compass Rose Activities and Outdoor Compass Walks, Free Me on the Map Printables and Montessori-Inspired Me on the Map Activities, Free Globe Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Continent and Ocean Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Globe and Map Songs and Educational Videos {Me on the Map Resources}, Free Globe and Map Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Money: Montessori-Inspired Activities Teaching about Money and Presidents

Months and Seasons: Montessori-Inspired Months and Seasons Work, Simple Magnetic or Velcro Calendar Activity Using Free Printables, Enliven Your Homeschool with Some Calendar Fun, Monthly calendar observances and themed activities for kids, Free Back to School Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time (includes songs about days of the week, months, and seasons), Free New Year’s Songs and Rhymes for Circle Times (includes songs about months of the year), Montessori Birthday Celebration – a Lovely Celebration of Life Ceremony, Montessori-Inspired Months and Seasons Activities for Hands-on Learning, Montessori New Year’s Celebration (includes a fun way for young children to understand the science behind months and seasons), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Months and Seasons Printables and Montessori-Inspired Months and Seasons Activities, Free Seasons Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Months and Seasons Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Months and Seasons Books for Kids, Free Months and Seasons Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Phonics Download), Calendar Activities for Kids Pinterest Board

Multicultural Awareness: Montessori-Inspired Respect for Diversity, Montessori Inspiration for Martin Luther King Day, Free Hanukkah Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Kwanzaa Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Martin Luther King Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Chinese New Year Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Cinco de Mayo Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Equality and Peace Resources for Parents and Teachers, The Snowy Day Eggshell Crushing and Pin-Poking Activity, Promote Peace with Holidays Around the World Resources, The Best Peace Books for Kids, Free Multicultural Songs Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion {Character Education Resources}, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I?, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School, Does Your Preschooler Have This Fabulous Multicultural Children’s Book?, Best Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: B Is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings, Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Teachers, Free Juneteenth Songs and Educational Videos, Free Black History Printables and Montessori-Inspired Black History Activities, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: The Switch (The Misadventures of Tarah and Darah), Favorite Black History Books for Kids, Free Family Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Black Family Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Black History Songs and Educational Videos for Kids, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: 10 Gulab Jamuns: Counting with an Indian Sweet Treat, Free Colors and Diversity Printables and Montessori-Inspired Colors and Diversity Activities, Free Multicultural Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Multicultural Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess – A Little Magic, Multicultural Education Pinterest Board

Native American: Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit, Free Inuit Printables and Montessori-Inspired Inuit Activities, Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit, Historically Accurate and Culturally Sensitive Thanksgiving Printables for Preschool Through Elementary

New Baby: 20+ Baby Doll Washing Activities for Indoors or Outdoors, Baby Doll Washing: Practical Life for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Welcoming a New Baby into Our Montessori Family, Using Kindness Elves to Help Prepare a Child for a New Baby, Preparing a Montessori Newborn Baby Space at Home, 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge for Big Sisters and Big Brothers, Free New Baby Printables and Montessori-Inspired New Baby Activities, Free New Sibling Songs and Educational Videos, Favorite Books for a New Baby Theme, Babies – Activities and Ideas Pinterest Board

Nocturnal Animal Activities: Free Nocturnal Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Nocturnal Animal Activities, Favorite Books for a Nocturnal Animal Theme, Free Loris Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Nocturnal Animal Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Woodland Animals and Montessori-Inspired Woodland Printables (Not all woodland animals are nocturnal, but this includes some that are, such as the fox and hedgehog, Montessori-Inspired Owl Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Raccoon Printables and Montessori-Inspired Raccoon Activities, Free Bat Printables and Montessori-Inspired Bat Activities

Patriotic: Montessori-Inspired Patriotic Unit, Montessori-Inspired Fun with Golf Balls and Ping Pong Balls, Montessori-Inspired Memorial Day Activities, Montessori-Inspired 4th of July Activities, Patriotic Practical Life and Math Activities, Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time , Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities , Kids’ Patriotic Activities (U.S.) Pinterest Board

Pets: Montessori Care of Pets, Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities, Talking with Children about Death: Creating an “I Remember” Book, Best Children’s Books aboutthe Death of a Pet, Pets Unit Study Pinterest Board

Photography: Montessori-Inspired Photography for Kids, Go on a Smile Hunt with Your Child, Photography for Kids Pinterest Board

Pirate: Montessori-Inspired Pirate Unit, Pirate Unit Study Pinterest Board

Poetry: Montessori-Inspired Poetry Activities, Montessori-Inspired Rhyming Fun for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kids’ Poetry Activities Pinterest Board

Practical Life – Care of the Environment: Montessori Practical Life Activities, What Does Practical Life Look Like for Older Preschoolers Through Elementary Kids?, Free Practical Life Videos, Age-Appropriate Chores for Children {Free Printables}, Baby Doll Washing: Practical Life for Toddlers and Preschoolers, 20+ Baby Doll Washing Activities for Indoors or Outdoors, How Montessori and Fly Lady Help Me Keep My House Clean, Helping Hands Practical Life Activities + Free Printable from Montessori By Mom, Montessori Flower Arranging with Many Practical Life Skills, Montessori Practical Life Cleaning Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Fun with Cleaning, Movement, and Music Appreciation, Montessori-Inspired Sweeping Activities, My Family’s Favorite Clean Up Song, Free Clean Up Songs (Tidy Up Songs) and Rhymes, Free Cleaning and Tidying Printables and Montessori-Inspired Cleaning and Tidying Activities, Trash Multiplication and Clean-up Game {with Easy DIY Montessori Multiplication Board}, Free Duster Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Cleaning and Tidying Books for Kids, Free Kids Cleaning Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Practical Life – Care of Self: Montessori Practical Life Activities, How to Help Your Preschooler Help Himself (or Herself), Favorite Montessori Practical Life Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, What Does Practical Life Look Like for Older Preschoolers Through Elementary Kids?, Free Practical Life Videos, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Care of Self, Easy DIY Montessori Dressing Frames and Alternatives, Fun Shoe and Coat Tricks for Toddler and Preschooler Independence, Handwashing Activities for Kids – Free Songs and Lessons, Montessori-Inspired Hygiene Lessons to Help Kids Stay Healthy, Montessori Toddlers in the Kitchen (Food Preparation and Healthy Eating Activities), Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers, Kids in the Kitchen Posts, The Ultimate Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Unit, Montessori Self-Care Printables for Multiple Ages, Free Dental Health Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Activities

Pumpkin: Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Unit, 20 Pumpkin Phonics Activities, Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Hammering for Toddlers, 20+ Pumpkin Hammering Activities for Preschoolers, 20+ Fabulous Fall Gourd Activities for Kids, Yummy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Playdough Math Activities for Fall {Free Printables}, Delicious and Nutritious Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie Squares, Simple Fun with Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds for Toddlers and Preschoolers , Pumpkin Unit Study Pinterest Board

Rainbow: Montessori-Inspired Rainbow Activities, Montessori Color Mixing Activities – Rainbows of Color, Water-Bead Sensory Bottles for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers, Easter Egg Rainbow Practical Life and Sensorial Activity, Montessori-Inspired Rainbow Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Free Rainbow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Rainbow Activities, Montessori-Inspired Mess-Free Finger Painting and Color Mixing, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Free Fruit Rainbow Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Rainbow Unit Study Pinterest Board

Rocks and Minerals: Simple Excavation Sensory Tubs, Rocks and Minerals Unit Study, Story Stones – Farm Animal Families Treasure Basket, Free Rocks and Minerals Printables and Montessori-Inspired Rocks and Minerals Activities, Free Rock and Quartzite Do-a-Dot Phonics Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Rocks and Minerals Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Rocks and Minerals Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Rock and Mineral Books for Kids, Free Geology Lessons (20 Pages from KHT Montessori, Rocks and Minerals/Geology Unit Study Pinterest Board

Safety: Free Police Printables and Montessori-Inspired Police Activities, Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Free Ambulance Printables and Montessori-Inspired Ambulance Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, Phone Number Bracelet: Focus on Child Safety in a Cute and Sweet Way, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Free 9-1-1 Songs for Kids {Non-Scary Emergency Preparedness}, Free Disaster Preparedness Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}, Free Water Safety Songs for Kids, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Free Fire Truck Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Firefighter Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), How to Teach Children Fire Safety in a Non-Scary Way, Non-Scary Montessori Fire Safety Resources for Preschool Through Elementary, Family Safety and Emergency Preparation Pinterest Board

Senses: Montessori Sensorial Activities, DIY Montessori Sensorial Materials {Hundreds of Resources}, Montessori Sensorial Materials I Recommend Buying, Sensorial Size Extensions, How to Present the First Montessori Sensorial Materials, Sensory Bin Posts, Free Senses Printables and Montessori-Inspired Senses Activities

Shark: Free Shark Printables and Montessori-Inspired Shark Activities, Shark Water-Bead Number or Letter Sensory Bin, The Ultimate Montessori-Inspired Shark Unit, Non-Scary and Montessori-Friendly Resources for a Shark Tooth Dig, The Best Ocean Books for Kids, How to Make a Simple Ocean Animal Water Table or Sensory Bin Featuring Sharks, Free Fish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fish Activities, Favorite Books for a Fish Theme, Free Fish Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Fish Songs and Educational Videos, Free Shark Songs and Educational Videos, Ocean Unit Study Pinterest Board

Sign Language: Free Sign Language Color Songs for Circle Time, Free Sign Language Alphabet and Phonics Songs, Free Baby Sign Language Videos {Signs and Songs}, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board

Spanish: Montessori-Inspired Snowman Spanish Color Activity, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – Mexico, Montessori-Inspired Color Tablets, Yarn Balls, and Spanish Colors, Free Spanish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spanish Color Activities, Free Cinco de Mayo Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Montessori-Inspired Spanish Activities and Resources, Free Spanish Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Spanish Animal Alphabet Do-a-Dot Pack and Mi Libro del Alfabeto de Animales, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board, Kids’ Cinco de Mayo Activities Pinterest Board

Spider: Free Spider Printables and Montessori-inspired Spider Math Activities, Free Tarantula and Spider Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Downloads), Free Spiderweb Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Squirrel and Nut: Montessori-Inspired Squirrel and Nut Activities, Outdoor Acorn Math Activities, Free Woodland Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Woodland Animal Activities, Squirrel and Nut Activities Pinterest Board

States: Montessori-Inspired State Box – Colorado (Booking Across the USA)

Teddy Bear: Montessori-Inspired Teddy Bear Activities, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Teddy Bear Picnic, Free Teddy Bear Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Kids’ Teddy Bear Activities Pinterest Board

Trees: Montessori-Inspired Arbor Day Activities, The Ultimate Guide to Montessori-Inspired Leaf Resources and Activities, Free Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Tree Activities, How to Make a Tree Book Featuring Real Parts of a Tree, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Thank You for Planet Earth (or Thank You, Planet Earth) Mindfulness Cards and Booklet, Free Tree Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Evergreen Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Evergreen Tree Activities, Favorite Books for an Evergreen Tree Theme, Free Evergreen Tree Songs and Educational Videos, Free Christmas Tree Songs and Educational Videos

Vegetable: Montessori-Inspired Vegetable Unit, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Fruit and Vegetable Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fruit and Vegetable Activities, Free Vegetables Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board

Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Free Volcano & Earthquake Printables and Montessori-Inspired Volcano & Earthquake Activities, Free Volcano and Earthquake Songs and Educational Videos, Free Disaster Preparedness Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}, Free Volcano Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Volcano Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Rocks and Minerals/Geology Unit Study Pinterest Board

Women’s History: Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School, Free Black History Printables and Montessori-Inspired Black History Activities, Favorite Black History Books for Kids, Free Black History Songs and Educational Videos for Kids, Free Women in Science Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Favorite Books for a Women in Science Theme, Women and Girls in Science: Free Songs and Educational Videos

World Travel: Resources for a World Travel Unit Study, Continent Map Work, DIY Pin Maps, Montessori Continent Boxes, DIY Cosmic Nesting Boxes, Map Towers, a nd “Me on the Map” Activities, Montessori-Inspired State Box – Colorado,Laura Ingalls Wilder and Montessori Washboard Activity (South Dakota and Booking Across the USA Tour), Montessori-Inspired Map Activities Using Pin It! Maps, Earth Exploration Activities from Montessori By Mom, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Global Adventure (with links to all my Little Passports activity posts), Easy-to-Prepare Animals of the Continents Activity, The Ultimate Guide to Montessori Geography Activities for Preschoolers, Creative Ideas for Montessori Continent Boxes from Around the World, Extending Montessori Animals of the Continents Work, Montessori Animals and Plants of the Continents Circles from the Nature Printables library, Montessori Continents and Oceans Printables for Preschool Through Early Elementary, Fun with Montessori-Inspired World Travel Activities and Games , Free Travel Printables and Montessori-Inspired Travel Activities , Free Jet Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Transportation and Travel Books for Kids, Free Family Travel Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Global Adventure Pinterest Board (introductory geography resources and 7-continents activities) *South America Educational Resources *Asia Educational Resources *Europe Educational Resources *Africa Educational Resources *Australia Educational Resources *North America Educational Resources *Antarctica Educational Resources, Kids’ Geography Activities Pinterest Board

Unit Studies, Holidays, and Calendar Observances Organized by Monthly Themes

January Themed Activities for Kids

February Themed Activities for Kids, Montessori-Inspired Transferring Activities for February, Water Pouring and Water-Bead Pouring

March Themed Activities for Kids

April Themed Activities for Kids

May Themed Activities for Kids

June Themed Activities for Kids

July Themed Activities for Kids

August Themed Activities for Kids

September Themed Activities for Kids

October Themed Activities for Kids

November Themed Activities for Kids

December Themed Activities for Kids, Hundreds of December Holiday Activities for Kids

Holiday-Themed Posts (Starting with New Year’s)

New Year’s: Starting and Nurturing New Year’s Traditions, Preparing for New Year’s Family Celebrations, Simple Magnetic or Velcro Calendar Using Free Printables, Free New Year’s Songs and Rhymes for Circle Times, Montessori-Inspired Months and Seasons Activities for Hands-on Learning, Montessori New Year’s Celebration, Kids’ New Year’s Activities Pinterest Board

Epiphany: Family Christmas Celebrations through Epiphany and Celebrating Epiphany with Your Child

Martin Luther King Day: Montessori-Inspiration for Martin Luther King Day, Montessori-Inspired Peace Education Activities, How to Prepare a Peace Corner, Montessori-Inspired Respect for Diversity, 100 Acts of Kindness Project Starts, Free Martin Luther King Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, How to Prepare a Montessori Peace Tray, Montessori Services Peace Activities and Resources Review, Equality and Peace Resources for Parents and Teachers, Free Peace Printables and Montessori-Inspired Peace Activities, The Best Peace Books for Kids, Free Peace Songs and Educational Videos, Free Peace Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Peace Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Multicultural Songs Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion {Character Education Resources}, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I?, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School , Does Your Preschooler Have This Fabulous Multicultural Children’s Book?, Best Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes, Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: B Is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings, Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Teachers, Free Juneteenth Songs and Educational Videos, Free Black History Printables and Montessori-Inspired Black History Activities, Multicultural Education Pinterest Board, Kids’ Martin Luther King Day Activities Pinterest Board

100th Day of School: Montessori-Inspired 100th Day of School Activities, 100th Day Activities – Free Printable Extensions for the Hundred Board, Free Songs about 100 {Free Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time}, Kids’ 100th Day Activities Pinterest Board

Groundhog Day: Groundhog Day Activities for Your Classroom or Homeschool, Free Groundhog Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Kids’ Groundhog Day Activities Pinterest Board

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year): Montessori-Inspired Chinese New Year Activities, Free Chinese New Year Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Panda Printables and Montessori-Inspired Panda Activities, Free Panda Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Panda Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Hundreds of Montessori-Friendly Resources for Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year), Montessori Chinese New Year Printables for Preschool Through Elementary, Kids’ Chinese New Year Activities Pinterest Board

President’s Day: Montessori-Inspired Activities Teaching about Money and Presidents, Montessori-Inspired President’s Day Activities, Free Presidents’ Day Printables and Montessori-Inspired Presidents’ Day Activities, Free President Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Montessori U.S. President Printables for Preschool Through Elementary, Montessori Money Printables for Preschool Through Early Elementary, Kids’ Presidents’ Day Activities Pinterest Board

Leap Day: February 29 once every 4 years (February 29, 2016): Montessori-Inspired Frog Activities, Montessori-Inspired Life Cycle Activities, Montessori Frog Life Cycle Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kids’ Frog and Leap Year Activities Pinterest Board.

Mardi Gras: Mardi Gras Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads, Free Songs and Educational Videos for Mardi Gras/Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday, Kids’ Mardi Gras Activities Pinterest Board

Pi Day (March 14 – 3.14): How to Celebrate Pi Day the Montessori Way {for Multiple Ages}, Free Pi Songs and Educational Videos for Pi Day, Pi Day Princess Crafts: How to Make a Pi Bracelet and Crown, Montessori-Inspired Pi Day Resources for Preschool Through Elementary

St. Patrick’s Day: Homeschool St. Patrick’s Day, Montessori-Inspired St. Patrick’s Day Activities, Free St. Patrick’s Day Printables and Montessori-Inspired St. Patrick’s Day Math Activities, 40+ St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Tubs, St. Patrick’s Day Playdough Activities, Montessori Color Mixing Activities – Rainbows of Color, Free St. Patrick’s Day Printables and Montessori-Inspired St. Patrick’s Day Phonics Activities, Free St. Patrick’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, St. Patrick’s Day Cutting Tray with Strings of Beads, Free St. Patrick’s Day Printables and Montessori-Inspired St. Patrick’s Day Activities, Free St. Patrick’s Day Hat Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Phonics Instant Download), Free St. Patrick’s Day Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Kids’ St. Patrick’s Day Activities Pinterest Board

Lent: Montessori-Based Lenten Activities, Homeschool Lent and Easter, How to Prepare a Montessori-Style Lenten Tray, Free Art Appreciation Resources for a Mystery of Easter Tray, How to Use Resurrection Eggs the Montessori Way, Lent Pinterest Board

Easter: Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Sound Set for Preschoolers, Montessori-Inspired Easter Activities, Free Spring Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spring Math Activities, Homeschool Lent and Easter, Free Easter Egg Printables and Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Activities, Easter Egg Rainbow Practical Life and Sensorial Activity, Easter Tree Sorting, Math, and Decorating Activity, Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Sound Shakers for Babies and Toddlers, Montessori-Inspired Snacktime Subtraction Activity, 20+ Easter Phonics Activities, Free Easter Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Montessori-Inspired Easter Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Recycle Plastic Eggs with an Open and Close Basket, Free Art Appreciation Resources for a Mystery of Easter Tray, Sweet Easter Egg Kindness Project with the Kindness Elves, Montessori-Inspired Fun with Easter Eggs and Oviparous Animals, How to Use Resurrection Eggs the Montessori Way, Free Oviparous Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Oviparous Animal Activities, Free Egg Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Rabbit Printables and Montessori-Inspired Rabbit Activities, Free Rabbit and Kitten Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Phonics Instant Download), Free Rabbit Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Baby Animal Themed, Editable Name and Word Tracing Pack, Kids’ Easter Activities Pinterest Board

Arbor Day: Montessori-Inspired Arbor Day Activities, The Ultimate Guide to Montessori-Inspired Leaf Resources and Activities, Free Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Tree Activities, How to Make a Tree Book Featuring Real Parts of a Tree, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Thank You for Planet Earth (or Thank You, Planet Earth) Mindfulness Cards and Booklet, Free Tree Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Evergreen Tree Printables and Montessori-Inspired Evergreen Tree Activities, Favorite Books for an Evergreen Tree Theme, Free Evergreen Tree Songs and Educational Videos

May Day: Montessori-Inspired May Day Activities

Cinco de Mayo: Montessori-Inspired Spanish Activities, Montessori-Inspired Snowman Spanish Color Activity, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – Mexico, Montessori-Inspired Color Tablets, Yarn Balls, and Spanish Colors, Free Spanish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spanish Color Activities, Free Cinco de Mayo Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Spanish Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board, Kids’ Cinco de Mayo Activities Pinterest Board

Teacher Appreciation Day: Mother’s Day- and Teacher’s Appreciation Gifts for Kids to Give, Thumbprint Keepsake Keychain Gift for Mothers, Grandmothers, and Teachers, Best Teacher Appreciation Quotes to Say Thank You, “The Best Teachers” Word Art Freebie, “2 Teach Is 2 Touch Lives 4Ever” Word Art Freebie, “A Truly Special Teacher” Word Art Freebie, The Best Gifts for Montessori Teachers, Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board

Mother’s Day: Montessori-Inspired Mother’s Day, Mother’s Day- and Teacher’s Appreciation Gifts for Kids to Give, Handprint Keepsake for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparents Day, Rose Petal Treasure Basket, Sensory Bin, and Sensory Bottle, Thumbprint Keepsake Keychain Gift for Mothers, Grandmothers, and Teachers, Montessori-Inspired After Mother’s Day Flower Petal Transfer for Toddlers and Preschoolers, 30+ Breakfasts Kids Can Make for Mothers and Fathers, Simple and Sweet Craft Stick Photo Frame Gift Kids Can Make, How to Make Rose Petal Perfume, Free Mother’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Simple Mother’s Day Card with All About My Mom or Grandma Questionnaire, Kids’ Mother’s Day Activities Pinterest Board

Memorial Day: Child-Led Patriotism, Montessori-Inspired Fun with Golf Balls and Ping Pong Balls, Montessori-Inspired Patriotic Unit, Montessori-Inspired Memorial Day Activities, Patriotic Practical Life and Math Activities, Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities, “In Flanders Fields” {Free Remembrance and Honor Resources for Kids}, Kids’ Patriotic Activities (U.S.) Pinterest Board

Flag Day: Kids’ Flag Day Activities on Pinterest, Patriotic Practical Life and Math Activities, Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities, Kids’ Patriotic Activities (U.S.) Pinterest Board

Father’s Day: Montessori-Inspired Father’s Day, Talking with Children about Death: Creating an “I Remember” Book (with free printables for children who’ve had a special male relative die and for children from military families and other families separated by distance), Montessori-Inspired Father’s Day (2012), Handprint Keepsake for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparents Day, 30+ Breakfasts Kids Can Make for Mothers and Fathers, Simple and Sweet Craft Stick Photo Frame Gift Kids Can Make, Free Father’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, 20+ Free Father’s Day Questionnaires, Father’s Day Ideas Pinterest Board

Juneteenth: Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review: Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School, Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Teachers, Free Juneteenth Songs and Educational Videos, Free Black History Printables and Montessori-Inspired Black History Activities, Favorite Black History Books for Kids, Free Black Family Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Black History Songs and Educational Videos for Kids, Multicultural Education Pinterest Board

4th of July: Child-Led Patriotism, Montessori-Inspired Fun with Golf Balls and Ping Pong Balls, Montessori-Inspired Patriotic Unit, Montessori-Inspired 4th of July Activities, Patriotic Practical Life and Math Activities, Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities, Kids’ Patriotic Activities (U.S.) Pinterest Board

Back to School: Montessori-Inspired Kindergarten Readiness Activities, Starting a Montessori Playgroup or Montessori Homeschool Co-op, Start the School Year with a Celebration, 30+ Free Printables for First Day of School Photos, How to Manage Interruptions in Your Montessori Classroom or Homeschool, Montessori-Inspired Name Recognition Activities for Preschoolers, 100+ Back-to-School Celebration Ideas, Back-to-School Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, “All About Me” Free Printables and Activities for Back to School, Free Kissing Hand Songs, Poems, and Videos to Ease Separation Anxiety , Sweet Kissing Hand Craft with Handprint and Poem , Free Raccoon Printables and Montessori-Inspired Raccoon Activities {Kissing Hand Unit}, First Day of Montessori Photos {Free Printables – Instant Downloads}, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous First-Day-of-School Tea Party, Fun Shoe and Coat Tricks for Toddler and Preschooler Independence, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Back-to-School Tea Party, Free Songs about Obeying the Rules {Character Education Resources}, Free Taking Turns and Sharing Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources}, How to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers to Take Turns and Work Together, The Best Children’s Books about Taking Turns and Sharing, How I Like to Use the Ultimate Montessori Planner for Multiple Ages, Free Brain and Growth Mindset Printables and Montessori-Inspired Brain Activities, Grace and Courtesy for a New School Year, Grace and Courtesy Games at Home or School, The Golden Rule for Back to School, Best Inspirational Back-to-School Quotes, Free Me on the Map Printables and Montessori-Inspired Me on the Map Activities, Free Friendship Printables and Montessori-Inspired Friendship Activities, Fabulous First-Day-of-School and Back-to-School Free Printables and Activities, Free Golden Rule Songs and Educational Videos, Back to School Pinterest Board

Grandparents Day (First Sunday of September after Labor Day): Celebrating Grandmotherhood, the World’s Best Job, Handprint Keepsake for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparents Day, Simple and Sweet Craft Stick Photo Frame Gift Kids Can Make, Best Grandparent Quotes (Including Grandmother and Grandfather Quotes), Free Grandparent Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Grandparents Day Ideas Pinterest Board

Day of the Dead: Non-Scary Day of the Dead Resources for Preschool Through Elementary

Veterans Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Commonwealth countries) – Montessori-Inspired Fun with Golf Balls and Ping Pong Balls, Montessori-Inspired Patriotic Unit, Patriotic Practical Life and Math Activities, Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities, “In Flanders Fields” {Free Remembrance and Honor Resources for Kids}, Kids’ Patriotic Activities (U.S.) Pinterest Board

Have you used unit studies?

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Comments

Min says

August 23, 2011 at 8:19 am

This is an excellent post on unit studies! I’m getting back into using Montessori for our studies so I appreciate all the links you’ve provided. Thank you!

- Deb says
  
  August 23, 2011 at 9:26 pm
  
  Thanks so much for your kind comment, Min! I’m glad I can help! 🙂
  
Adrienne says

August 23, 2011 at 9:12 am

I really enjoyed this article! Very useful info that I will have to go through! I even checked out the Konos website. My boys have a significant age gap that can be challenging. I have been wanting to find a good unit study for the family. Thanks for a great article, and I found one here! Thanks! Following you from the HS hop!! 🙂

- Deb says
  
  August 23, 2011 at 9:33 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Adrienne! Our situation was a bit challenging, too, with a 5-year age gap. We found Montessori education and KONOS unit studies worked really well! 🙂
  
Kayla Arrowood says

August 23, 2011 at 9:19 am

we love unit studies… after all your talking about “gaps” no one knows everything lol…

- Deb says
  
  August 23, 2011 at 9:35 pm
  
  Thanks for your comment, Kayla! I sometimes think we homeschoolers worry more about gaps than anyone else – and we’re the only ones to worry about finishing a textbook! 🙂
  
jeannine: waddlee-ah-chaa says

August 23, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Definitely a big fan of unit studies! Since my children are still young, I’ve been able to follow many of their interest during our unit studies. You are so right, the children’s retention of information is amazing when they are given the opportunity to explore a topic at length. We also incorporate the topic into all subjects: reading, writing and math.

- Deb says
  
  August 23, 2011 at 9:37 pm
  
  Thanks, Jeannine! What you’re doing is wonderful … it’s awesome when you can incorporate the topic into every subject! 🙂
  
Dayamonay says

February 10, 2013 at 10:02 am

Thank you! I just came across this wonderful resource that you have compiled! I absolutely love this and just wanted to be sure to thank you!

- Deb says
  
  February 10, 2013 at 10:03 pm
  
  Thanks so much for your kind comment! I appreciate it! 🙂
  
Katie says

August 18, 2014 at 5:21 pm

Do you have any units that are suitable for three-year-olds?

- Deb says
  
  October 27, 2014 at 9:03 pm
  
  Hi, Katie! There are activities suitable for 3 year olds in almost all the unit studies (since there are activities for a mixture of ages), but some of the book units (such as Goodnight Moon and Brown Bear, Brown Bear) are especially good for 3 year olds. Have fun! 🙂
  
Montessori Mama says

January 6, 2015 at 1:41 am

Thank you for such an awesome list. I’ve recently introduced themes in our activities and books. I can’t wait to use themed units with my Little Bean when he’s older.

Carolyn says

December 7, 2021 at 9:58 am

Hello. Thank you for sharing this amazing information. Would you recommend using this in a Montessori children’s house classroom or is this more geared for homeschooling? Thanks,

- Deb Chitwood says
  
  December 7, 2021 at 11:52 pm
  
  Thanks, Carolyn! Unit studies are used often in homeschooling, although many Montessori children’s house classrooms have a themed area. Some call it a feature shelf and others simply refer to it as a theme. My blog posts with themed activities will typically work well in a homeschool or Montessori classroom. I hope that helps. 🙂 Deb

Should You Use Unit Studies?

Why Use Unit Studies?

Worries about Learning Gaps

Posts with More about Our Use of Unit Studies:

Unit Studies Posts by Theme:

Unit Studies, Holidays, and Calendar Observances Organized by Monthly Themes

Holiday-Themed Posts (Starting with New Year’s)

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Why Use Unit Studies?

Worries about Learning Gaps

Posts with More about Our Use of Unit Studies:

Unit Studies Posts by Theme:

Unit Studies, Holidays, and Calendar Observances Organized by Monthly Themes

Holiday-Themed Posts (Starting with New Year’s)

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