Paint Chip Building Blocks

Paint chips are not only an easy way to start exploring the basics of color theory.  They provide a they a great material for creating colorful and sturdy building blocks! Start with a variety of colorful paint chips, showing 7 levels … Continue reading

Paper Columns

Architects and engineers have designed many clever ways to support the walls and roof of a building.  In ancient Greece, the most common supports were columns.  For a column to work properly, it must withstand the force of compression created … Continue reading

Spin Art with Snap Circuits

  Snap Circuits provides excellent interactive lessons in creating electrical circuits through a balance of guided instruction and experimentation.  By following the manual’s clear illustrations and easy-to-follow directions, little engineers use hands-on activities to gaining a valuable understanding of how electrical … Continue reading

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Geometric Prints

To engage both my kindergartener and my third grader in an art activity that allows for individual creativity, as well as reviewing a few geometry concepts, we spent the afternoon working on these Geometry Prints and Drawing Prompts. While a kindergartner’s geometry study primarily … Continue reading

Beyond Coloring

In the Montessori educational model, teaching materials build upon each other in a specific sequence that allows for students to learn at their own pace while also addressing the need for order and independence.  A clear example of this is the use of Metal Insets.  For toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary age … Continue reading

Art + Math on the Go

Successful travel with small children takes patience and preparation.   Art and math entertainment can make that time waiting or traveling much more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.  From waiting for restaurant meals to arrive to boarding an airplane for a very long … Continue reading

Exploring Positive & Negative Space – with Valentines!

Exploring Positive & Negative Space – with Valentines!

In February, it seems that so many creative projects for kids gravitate toward making Valentines or painting simple heart shapes.  We decided to go a step further in our Valentine crafting and explore positive and negative space while creating simple heart shapes. What is Positive and … Continue reading

Celery Print Flowers

Celery Print Flowers

  It’s the perfect time of year to give someone special a rose…or a rose print!   Celery Rose Printing Basics  This printmaking project uses simple materials to make a striking painting.  It can also provide a visual (and very basic) introduction to the … Continue reading

Growing Snow Crystals

Growing Snow Crystals

Have you grown crystals to make a snowflake (or rather a snow crystal!) this winter?     This winter-themed, kid-friendly project utilizes fine motor skills, creativity, science observation, and mathematical skills, including addition, multiplication, estimating and measuring. To get started, first you and … Continue reading

Architecture “Body Building”

Architecture “Body Building”

Physics can be a complicated subject for young (and old) students.  Experiencing these basic structural principles though architecture provides a fun introduction to the basic concepts of external and internal forces for elementary and middle school age children.  Plus, working in small … Continue reading