“This summer will be relaxed. No rigid schedule. Just fun.” And every year by about week two of summer break, everything starts to feel absolutely feral.

My two kids are bored or bickering, the house is messy because we’re home all day, and someone is asking for a snack every 12 minutes. I feel like I’m spiraling.

The days start to blur into a random mix of activities, too much TV/iPad time, and me wondering how it is only 11:17 AM!

If you’re anything like me, at first, it feels freeing not to follow a schedule. But after a few days, I start craving structure.

If you have ever paused during these summer months and thought, “Why does this feel harder than the school year?” You are not alone!

Kids thrive when they know what to expect. And honestly, so do us moms!

Without any structure, my kids are waking up at different times, everyone is wondering what we’re doing today, our time for learning starts to evaporate, I’m choosing more screen-time than usual, and I spend my day reacting and surviving.

Instead of feeling relaxed, it starts to feel like you are managing chaos all day long.

Summer does not need a strict schedule. But it does need a rhythm.

The Summer Homeschool Structure That Helped Me

Instead of recreating a full homeschool day, I started using a simple daily flow for summer homeschool. It’s nothing complicated, but predictable enough to keep me from spiraling.

Our summer homeschool day usually looks something like this:

1. Morning outside time
2. Learning activity or project
3. Lunch
4. Quiet time or reading
5. Creative play or hands-on activity
6. Family time in the evening

Why a Summer Schedule Actually Makes Summer Feel More Relaxing

This sounds backwards, but a simple schedule actually makes summer feel more relaxed.

When kids know what to expect, they stop constantly asking for directions. When you have a loose plan, you stop scrambling for ideas all day, and when learning has a small place in the routine, you avoid the summer learning slide.

My Typical Go-To Summer Homeschool Day Looks Like

I’m a firm advocate of using the summer to start your homeschool journey. You can get in some sort of groove, before the school year starts, and understand your kids’ learning styles.

If you are not sure where to start, here is a simple structure that has worked well for us for years!

1. Morning: Outside Time

Kids wake up with energy. This is the perfect time for:

• nature walks
• backyard science
• gardening
• bike rides
• chalk drawing
• water play

Fresh air early in the day makes a huge difference.

2. Late Morning: Light Learning

Summer learning does not need to be heavy. Your goal should be about 20-30 minutes. This is the time where you are reviewing and making sure they stay up to date on what they already know. We’re not teaching new concepts at this time. Think about things like:

• reading together
• simple science experiments
• journaling
• math games
• themed unit studies

Here are some awesome workbooks we love during the summer:

The Summer Before Kindergarten

The Summer Before Second Grade

Math With Confidence

3. Afternoon: Quiet Time

This is the reset button of the day, AKA my favorite part of the day! I pour myself an afternoon coffee and try to do something other than cleaning up the house/doing laundry! Sometimes this is even our transition into our late afternoon acitivity and the kids fall asleep in the car. I’ll put on a podcast, bring my coffee with me, and relax on our drive to our next destination.

This is also a work in progress for my family. My kids do not do quiet time well. They get bored, restless, and if they start feeling sleepy, they fight it…hard. Here are a few things that we try to incorporate into quiet time. I usually pair this with lunch time too to help.

Here are some ideas we use:

• independent reading
• drawing
• puzzles
• listening to audiobooks
• journaling

Although we haven’t gotten this part down perfectly, I stress to the kids that it is everyone’s time to reset. We need to rest and give our bodies a break.

4. Late Afternoon: Creative Play

This is our big activity or playdate. Think high energy, peak activity to start the descent into the nighttime.

Some of our favoirtes are

• building forts
• crafting
• LEGO challenges
• Pinterest science experiments
• Trying new recipes

These are more hands-on learning activities.

5. Evening: Family Time

Time to start slowing down in the evening. This is my second favorite part of the day because my husband is off work and we’re all together. Here are some things we do during this time

• Family walks around the neighborhood (good for the dog and us!)
• Backyard games (swing set or those giant games like Connect 4!)
• Movie nights
• Grilling dinner outside (or smores nights!)
• Local events

These moments always create those summer memories my kids remember years later!

My Homeschool Summer Scheduling Survival Guide!

After realizing how much smoother our days were with a gentle routine, I created something for our homeschool. It quickly became one of the most helpful things I use every summer. So I turned it into a free printable to share.

This printable guide helps you create structure without making summer feel like school.

Inside the guide you will find:

• A simple daily homeschool schedule planning guide
• A blank schedule page to customize
• A screen free activity idea list for bored afternoons
• Monthly learning themes for the entire summer

It is designed to help you plan just enough structure to keep the day flowing while still leaving plenty of room for summer fun.

You can download it here

Summer homeschooling does not need to look like the school year. Summer homeschool should feel slower, more playful, and less rigid, but a tiny bit of structure can make the difference. Adding some structure to your summer homeschool schedule is the difference between me having a house full of bored kids asking for snacks every ten minutes and a summer full of learning, exploring, and peaceful afternoons.

Sometimes the secret to a relaxed summer is simply knowing what comes next.

If you are planning your homeschool year or looking for more hands-on learning ideas, you might also enjoy:

Do not forget to grab the Homeschool Summer Scheduling Survival Guide to make this summer feel a little calmer.

Here are some of the reasons it is important to help kids play outside more: 

You get natural vitamin D. Did you know 1 in 4 U.S. adults has low vitamin D (source)? We all need vitamin D to help with bone health, heart disease, depression,and even weight loss. While some people resort to taking supplements with Vitamin D, it can also be obtained naturally – by spending time outside! According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D cannot be absorbed from a window (source). 

Being outside decreases anxiety, stress, and depression. There is a direct correlation with time outside and a decrease in anxiety levels. If your children or teens are experiencing any feelings of stress and anxiety, encouraging them to go outside more could have a positive impact on their mental health. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “participants who took nature walks had a significant increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions following the activity” (source). 

Time outside encourages children to stay physically active. This is important for their overall health and well-being. When children are outside, they are more likely to run, jump, lift, etc. This type of exercise is incredible for promoting physically healthier children. 

Time outside leads to longer attention spans. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’re incredibly familiar with the (selective) short attention span of children. Sometimes it is incredibly hard to get children to focus and concentrate. Did you know that spending more time outside can help kids have better focus? According to the Attention Restoration Theory, exposure to nature actually helps us concentrate. Instead of fatiguing our minds with distractions from urban settings, nature provides a restorative role, aiding in focus (source).

How Do I Encourage Kids To Want To Go Outside

Volunteer Doing an Outdoor Event

From Great American Cleanup and community gardens to wildlife surveys and tour guides, there are an incredible amount of opportunities to help your kids want to go outside!

Plan outdoor events around good weather

This is a beginner tip to help encourage your kids to want to go outside. If going outside is out of your kids comfort zone, try planning your time outdoors around good weather to start! This is a fun way to remove a barrier and help them more easily enjoy their time. When the weather feels too hot or too cold, it may be harder for kids who do not enjoy being outside to have fun. Planning your outdoor time around mild temperatures is the best way to help your child begin to create a connection with the natural world, and even if they don’t want to go outside at first, they certainly won’t mind as much.  

Utilize outdoor facilities

From new parks to nature conservancies, there is an exorbitant amount of outdoor facilities to help encourage kids to want to go outside. Depending on the age of your child, they may be too young or too old to just go outside in play on their own, so this is a way to have more structured time outdoors. Some of my favorite places to take the kids outdoors include the zoo, parks (of course), and community pools. These, of course, will vary as the colder weather sets in, but bundle up and go for it! You can even try places like farmers’ markets and outdoor malls/shopping centers. Bonus: these places almost always have outdoor games and outdoor space for kids.

Make it fun with outdoor scavenger hunts

I’ve create a few nature scavenger hunts for different age groups! Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive nature walk guide complete with an outdoor scavenger hunt, or just an easy scavenger hunt to do in your neighborhood, I’ve got you covered. Check out these options on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Invite others along with you

I call this the accountability buddy! This is an especially helpful tip to encourage kids to want to go outside if you have an older child – invite others along with you! Whether that is other family members, neighbors, some friends/classmates, or even just a friend for you to chat with while you child plays. Inviting others along with you is a great opportunity to hold you accountable to make sure to stick to the commitment of getting outside.

Check out Social Media and Facebook groups to find play groups or groups with similar interests to your child

Use social media to your advantage by finding Facebook groups to find groups of people you can connect with on your journey to spending time outside. I’m incredibly new to using Facebook groups in this way, but I’ve found it so helpful! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures for young kids or just looking for things to do to get your kids away from sitting in front of a screen, Facebook groups can offer you a plethora of options. 

This summer, I recently connected with a Facebook group for toddlers 2-5. We went to new places we had never experienced, met new friends, and had so much fun on play dates with kids the same age as mine. Even though this example is for my younger kids, there are still opportunities for older kids through Facebook groups. Especially if your kids have a particular interest or hobby. Use that as a way to search for groups to join. Another great way to use social media to your advantage to encourage kids to go outside is to use the events tab on social media platforms and enter a keyword. You can also search using hashtags!

Create a reward at the end

This helpful tip works great for older kids and younger kids who don’t spend much time outside, but may need some encouragement to get outside. Is there something your child can look forward to when they get back inside? Or perhaps something you will do after your time outside. For example, perhaps after your time outside, your child can have screen time or play video games for a period of time. During the summer, I use the incentive of getting a cold treat. My children and I will walk to the nearest store and the reward is them being able to pick a snack at the store. If we’re doing an outdoor event, perhaps we’ll get icecream or an icee after the event concludes. 

Romanticize the time

I’m all about romanticizing my life. When I reflect back to my childhood, I realize my mom encouraged us by romanticizing the things we may not want to do, but we needed to do for whatever reason. Romanticizing is a great way to make a task that kids may not want to do, like going outside, more appealing and exciting. Here is how I would suggest romanticizing outdoor time to help kids want to go outside:

Use the 5 senses to talk about what the child will experience. What will the child smell when they are outside? What will they see? What will they hear? Will they be able to taste anything when they go outside? 

How long will your kids be outside? Perhaps you can mention that you will set the timer for 30 minutes, and when the timer goes off, you all will come back inside and move on to another activity. 

Talk about how your child will feel after getting outside. Use mental, physical, and emotional feelings they may experience.  

Dress appropriately for the weather/season

Whether you’re going to a nearby park at a local playground or spending time in a big yard, dress appropriately for the weather/season. This is especially appropriate for inclement weather such as rain, snow, extreme cold weather, etc. Although this tip may seem obvious, it is a simple idea that is often missed and can drastically contribute to why a child may not want to spend time outside. 

Last week, temperatures changed drastically, and we still wanted to go on a nighttime walk. My husband was going to let the kids go outside in the same clothes they had been wearing around the house. I knew that if they were dressed appropriately,y they would start complaining and want to head back inside before we got a decent walk in. So I took the time to dress them appropriately before we went outside, so everyone was more comfortable and could actually enjoy this time. Sometimes this means bringing “just in case clothes” that you may need to add or change your child into. 

Just sit outside

Okay, this is super low-hanging fruit. Literally, just sit outside. This is an effortless idea to encourage your kids to get outside. During my own childhood, I remember hating to go outside. Between the bugs and the humid Virginia weather or snowy Connecticut weather, I much preferred the controlled temperatures of indoors. To get me outside, my mom would just encourage me to sit with her. She would tell me to grab a book, grab a drink, and just come sit. Although I didn’t necessarily look forward to it initially, I eventually began to not only enjoy that time, but also look forward to spending time sitting outside with my mom. It usually turned into conversations, discussions, and a bit of a bonding experience. 

Take the inside, outside

Encourage your kids to go outside by bringing the inside outside! Here’s what I mean: if you don’t have outdoor toys for your kids to play outside, bring some toys from inside! Although it is always great to have toys made for the outdoors, you don’t have to have the latest swing set or picnic table to spend time outside. Bring the same items you kids play with inside, outside! 

Eat outside

This is such an easy and effortless way to spend more time outdoors. I find this especially helpful for older kids. Take your child out to lunch or on a coffee date and sit outside and enjoy your food. Even though this may not be a great outdoor adventure, it does allow your child to be able to experience some time outside a building and get some fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine! 

Unstructured Play

If possible, encourage unstructured play. Again, my kids are young, so I do have to be there to supervise a bit, but I like to give them parameters – don’t go past this or this, everything else is fair game. I sit back and let their imagination run wild! If necessary, I will introduce items like sidewalk chalk or outdoor toys, but usually I let them enjoy imaginative play. 

Kids can get so creative and imaginative if we give them to space to do so. I am fascinated by the way my kids will create their own rules and the games they create when I sit back and let them do their thing. 

If your child struggles to join sports (like me!) or participate in extracurriculars, unstructured play may be for them! Remember to try not to intervene too much and allow them to put their minds to work. 

Make it a family thing

Similar to romanticizing spending time outside, make it a family thing! Instead of your child feeling like you’re forcing them outside or forcing them to turn off their devices, change it into a “this is what our family does”. This may look like a routine – on Saturday mornings, we go for a walk, or after dinner, we have our dessert on the back porch. This can also look like once a month we go on a bike ride, or each family member gets to take turns picking an outdoor activity for the family. 

Encourage Your Kids To Get Messy

As an environmental educator, I always try to add fun to lessons and activities. This often includes water, dirt, and general messiness. While most kids love it, there’s the occasional kids who clearly were not allowed to get dirty at home and refused to do the activity or asks to wash their hands immediately after. 

If you’re looking for a way to encourage your kids to get outdoors, let them get messy! Turn on the house, go outside in the rain, make dirt patties, and let them enjoy themselves. Spend less time worrying about the mess and allow more time for self discovery and free play. 

Take a hike

There a bit of a difference between a hike and a walk. Hikes are a bit longer and can include changes in elevation. Hiking takes a bit of a commitment because it is typically a bit harder than a causal walk, but when I’m hiking I feel so much more submerged in nature and my natural environment. Get on some comfortable shoes or hiking boots, find a trail or nature park and get out for a hike. You can even incorporate games like scavenger hunts, I spy, twenty questions, etc. to make it even more fun. 

Take the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge (source)

Have you heard of this challenge? It’s an awesome idea to challenge families to spend more time outside and less time on screens. According to research, children are spending 1200 hours a year, on average, on screens (source). In order to help to match some of the times students are spending on screens, the 1000 hours outside challenge was created. 

Download the free tracking sheet and get outside! I love the idea of this challenge because it makes it a bit of a competition. How many hours can you do? Can you beat the amount of hours you did last year? Maybe you can even set milestones and rewards once you hit a certain number of hours outside.

Resources To Know About That Will Help Your Kids Want To Go Outside

Read Raising An Outdoor Kid In an Inside World

Get It Here

This in an inspiring book helping to encourage you to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. The author is both knowledgeable and motivating to help you create your own relationship with nature. Although the lifestyle of this author is unique and may not apply to everyone, the principles mentioned in this book still help to cultivate an appreciation for our natural world.

Try a Green Hour (source)

1. In an effort to increase outdoor experiences for kids and parents, the National Wildlife Federation creates new activities and tips each week to encourage kids to want to get outside. Although most activities can be completed in 15-30 minutes, it is encouraged to spend at least one our doing these activities, hence the “Green Hour”. One activity I’m loving for the current colder weather is how to look for signs of winter. I love this activity because it fosters curiosity and has so much room for expansion depending on the age of your child.  

Understand nature-deficit disorder

Nature-deficit disorder was termed by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. According to Louv, elements of our urban settings has caused us to have less time (or time!) in nature. He states this has occurred in both adults and children (source). Activities that have contributed to this change include fewer natural spaces, a car-focused culture, more screen time, changes in the perception of risk, less leisure time, and increased time pressures from work or school (source). 

Based on the lifestyle most of us live in, it is so easy for us to resort to spending more time indoors. However, this is why it is even more important for us to make sure we are doing our best to connect with nature and get outside! In order for us to have empathy to protect our environment, we must create our own relationship and love ofr it. 

For more information on Nature-Deficit Disorder, check out Last Child In the Woods by Richard Louv. 

Patience is Key

Accept that if you child currently doesn’t like going outside, this won’t be an incredibly easy task at first. Just like in adulthood, there are things we just don’t want to do. Sometimes in life, we have to do things begrudgingly.

Regardless of their dislike of going outside for whatever reason, it is still our job to encourage kids to want to go outside. Not only for the benefits of getting your child outside, but also because it is important to create a routine in which children feel a part of nature. 

Please leave a comment below to let me know your best tips!

If you’re a busy mom looking to bring some order to the chaos, this post is for you! These back to school organization tips are simple, doable, and mom-tested!

Whether you’re juggling multiple kids or just trying to survive those early mornings, these genius systems will set your family up for success all school year long.

This post is about back to school organization tips for a smooth start to the school year!

1. Set Up A School Paper Station

Create a home for all the papers. Permission slips, flyers, newsletters, and reading logs should all be in one place.

Paper Station Tip #1:

Wall-mounted file organizer near the front door or kitchen

Paper Station Tip #2:

Create three folders: “Needs To Be Signed” “Keep” “Turn In”

2. Create a Homework Station

Create a dedicated homework station to ensure back to school organization for your kids. Set up a homework station with all necessary supplies like pencils, erasers, and calculators. Use a calendar to track assignment due dates and encourage your kids to tick off completed tasks. 

Homework Station Tip #1:

Set up a small table or desk with school supplies in a caddy

Homework Station Tip #2:

Keep sharpened pencils, scissors, crayons, and paper handy

Homework Station Tip #3:

Add a dry erase board or homework calendar

3. Keep A Reading Log Spot

Set a specific time each day for reading and logging it. Whether it’s right after school or before bed, consistency is key.

Reading Log Spot Tip #1:

Clip a reading log to a clipboard

Reading Log Spot Tip #2:

Keep your reading log in the same spot every day

Reading Log Spot Tip #3:

Schedule a consistent reading time after dinner or before bed

4. Organize Snacks For the Week

Let’s reduce the daily “can I have a snack?!” battles. Pre-pack snacks for the week in individual containers or snack bags. Store them in a designated drawer or shelf in the kitchen where kids can easily access them. This saves time in the mornings and ensures they always have healthy options.

Snack Organization Tip#1:

Use labeled bins in the fridge and pantry

Snack Organization Tip #2

Portion out and prepare snacks on Sundays, before the week starts

Snack Organization Tip #3:

Add a small bin in the car for emergency snacks

5. Meal Planning for Breakfast and Dinner

Plan your meals for the week ahead. Create a menu and prep as much as possible over the weekend. This could include chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or even cooking some dishes in advance.

Meal Plan Tip #1:

Use a weekly dry-erase meal planner

Meal Plan Tip #2:

Prep some meals or follow food influencers for motivation. Ideas for meals to prep include breakfast burritos, smoothies, or muffins!

Meal Plan Tip #3:

Keep freezer meals for crazy evenings. I love staying stocked up on Trader Joe’s frozen meals or freezing leftovers from a meal to eat on another day.

6. Backpack Organization

Backpack Organization Tip #1:

Create a checklist of daily items:

• Library Books
• Homework
• Lunch Box
• Water Bottle
• School Folder
• Show and Tell Items
• Additional Supplies

Backpack Organization Tip #2:

Use backpack hooks to keep the items off the floor. These hooks are the perfect way to keep the backpacks organized and in a dedicated space. 

7. School Supply Organization

Keeping school supplies mobile is helpful if you don’t have a dedicated space.

Supply Organization Tip #1:

Keep school supplies organized in clear containers or drawers. Label each container so that items are easy to find and put away. You can also create a portable supply caddy that your kids can carry to their homework station.

Supply Organization Tip #2:

I love using a rolling cart for my school supply organiztion too! I’m able to organize art supplies, items for school projects, and other school items my kids need quick access to.  This helps avoid last-minute scrambles in the morning and during homework time. The wheels on the cart make it easier to roll around if you don’t have a dedicated space for homework time.

Related Posts: Here’s The Complete Supplies Checklist You Need for Homeschool Essentials

8. Plan Outfits for the Week

Set aside time each Sunday to plan outfits for the week.

Outfit Planning Tip #1:

Use a hanging organizer with labeled days of the week.

Outfit Planning Tip #2:

Encourage your kids to help pick out clothes. In my experience, this has minimized arguing about outfits in the morning. I even have the kids look at my weather app and use it as an opportunity to connect weather and what we wear.

9. Use a Family Chore + Time Chat

Structure helps everyone know what to expect!

Family Chore + Time Chart Idea:

Create a daily chart with your school, chore, and bedtime routines.

10. Create A Calm Morning Routine

Establish a consistent morning routine to help everyone start the day on the right foot.

Morning Routine Tip #1:

Use visual routine cards: include waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting packpack, etc.

I love using this daily routine chart in my home! No matter which day of the week (school or not!) we try to use this to help the kids understand what is coming up.

Morning Routine Tip #2:

Use a timer or playlist to keep things moving.

11. Make a School Shopping Checklist

If you’re realizing a theme in this posts about back to school organization tips its make a list!

School Shopping Tip #1:

Print a checklist and tape it to the fridge

School Shopping Tip #2:

Shop your house before buying anything new

School Shopping Tip #3:

Buy extras while they’re on sale to easily restock and replace when needed.

12. School Lunch Choice Board

Lunches get boring fast and making them each day gets old, fast!

Lunch Tips #1:

Create a lunch choice board with different meal options for each day. This allows kids to pick their  meals in advance, making lunchtime more enjoyable and causing less stress for you. I love using this choice board for both lunch and after school snacks. 

Choice boards are an easy way to make your kids feel in control while also staying organized.

Lunch Tips #2:

Prep some lunch components in advance such as refilling water bottles and pre-packing non-perishable items.

13. Create a Family Command Center

This is the ultimate back to school organization hack!

Command Center Tip:

Set up a family command center with a calendar, bulletin board, and storage bins. Use it to track school events, extracurricular activities, and important deadlines. This central hub keeps everyone informed and organized. Even in a small space you can add a calendar and a small bin in your area. Think of this as a drop zone for your family to easily place important papers and 

• Calendar
• Cork boards
• File shelf with hooks

14. Establish a Sunday Reset Routine

A Sunday reset sets the tone for your entire week and helps you start the week on your own terms!I’ve found that the more I prepare myself for the week on Sunday, the less stressed and anxious I feel on Monday.

Sunday Reset Routine Ideas #1:

• Full everything shower routine
• Clean bedding and laundry for the week
• Clean the house so everything in the right place and your home is orderly
• Plan for the week (use your planner and family calendar) 
• Make your to do list for the next day
• Meal prep/meal plan
• Order groceries/ go to grocery store
• Do something relaxing (go on a family walk, go to brunch, light a candle, watch a movie together)

Sunday Reset Routine Ideas #2:

Create a fun Sunday tradition like Sunday night movie or pizza night.

15. Transition Back To School Early

A few weeks before school begins, start transitioning back to school routines.

Back To School Transition Tip #1:

Move bedtime earlier gradually

Back To School Transition Tip #2:

Practice morning routines the week before school

Back To School Tranisition Tip #3:

Create a back to school countdown

16. Organize Your Car

The car clutter is so real, especially after summer!

Car Organization Tip:

Keep your car organized with storage solutions like seat-back organizers and trunk bins. Here are some of the items I like to store in the car to keep it organized:

• Healthy snacks
• Wipes
• Extra clothes
• Utensils ( I like this reusable set!)
• Water bottles (non-plastic because plastic can leach into water as microplastics while sitting in the sun)
• Trash can (reuse plastic grocery bags from your home)

17. Perfect Your Nighttime Routine

End the day with a consistent nighttime routine! A structured routine helps kids relax and prepares them for restful sleep. I have two kids in elementary school and this is how our nightime routine looks. My goal for bedtime is 8pm.

Nighttime Sample Routine

• 5:30pm – 6pm: eat dinner
• 6pm – 6:30pm: nighttime walk
• 6:30pm – 7pm: quiet family game (board game, puzzle, reading together)
• 7pm – 7:15pm: kid’s go to their room for quiet time while I get the bathroom ready for bath
• 7:15pm – 7:45pm: bath/shower, brush teeth, lotion and get dressed
• 7:45pm – 8pm: book, prayers, and bed

18. Add Important School Dates To The Family Calendar

We live by our family calendar! I keep this calendar on the fridge so everyone can see what we have going on. Making sure that the whole family can see the calendar is a good idea because we are all in the loop! If we have a question or we’re trying to write out our to-do list, we can start at the family calendar. This is one of my best school organization solutions for maintaining structure and not dropping the ball on anything. 

19. Have a Closet Cleanout

Having a clean closet will help make the mornings so much more smooth! Plus, you’ll want to make room for new school clothes!

Closet Cleanuout Tip #1:

Sort through your kids’ wardrobes to remove clothes they’ve outgrown or no longer wear. This makes room for new school clothes and keeps their closets clutter-free. I like to organize their closet in 2 sections: summer/spring and winter/fall. During the start of the school year it is still warm outside so I will put their summer/spring clothes closer to the bottom on the closet so my son can reach them. As the colder months come, I will rotate the clothes. This helps my son be more independent with choosing his clothes, and helps me to stay organized with fewer trips to the laundry room! 

Related Posts: What is Project 333? Declutter Your Closet With This Minimalist Clothing Challenge

20. Declutter Summer Items

Put away summer gear like swimsuits and beach towels to make space for school essentials. Store these items in labeled bins for easy access next year.

You can get these bins here and these labels here.

21. Label Everything

Label school supplies, lunch boxes, and clothing to prevent mix-ups and lost items. A label maker is a great way to easily organize your child’s items for the start of school.

I’ve found that this small and inexpensive label maker works perfectly for the items I need to turn in for my elementary school children!

22. Make a List of After School Activities

Keep track of all after-school activities by creating a list with days and times for each activity. This is especially important with older children who have multiple activities during the school year. From practices and payment due dates to games and team hangouts, write down everything you know as soon as you find out! This ensures you’re always aware of where your kids need to be and helps manage time effectively.

I write everything in my planner. EVERYTHING! This is how I stay the most organized. I still use a paper planner (my favorite planners are from Happy Planner – they’re FANTASTIC!). There are also great digital planners that are paperfree and can be used digitally.  These planners have digital calendars that allow you to schedule and track your needs for the start of school

My favorite paper planner!

​Amazing, all-in one digital planner 

23. Create A Keepsake Box

A keepsake box will help you store all of the important documents from your child’s school work that you may want to save for later! It is a great idea to help organize the most important things from your child’s backpack and the items you want to keep to look back on! 

To recreate this keepsake box, grab this portable file box with a handle and use your cricut to make labels (or grab these off Etsy!) and add a file folder set to organize by grade level or subject!

Getting organized for the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be daunting. With these tips, you can create a more structured and less stressful environment for both you and your kids. Remember, the key is to stay consistent and involve your children in the process.

I hope you enjoyed learning about these genius back to school organization ideas to help create an effortless school year!

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Some of the most exciting news I’ve ever received is the news that I was bringing a baby into the world! There is so much excitement and joy that comes with becoming a new mom and that includes a lot of planning and preparation. One of the best ways to invite your family and friends along your new journey and help you best prepare is having a baby shower!

Here are 20+ ideas for the most unique nature themed baby shower ideas (WITH PICTURES).

Click the links and pictures for all the items you’ll need to pull off these nature themed baby shower ideas flawlessly!

1. Woodland Wonderland

“A little fawn is on the way to explore the forest!”

For this woodland themed baby shower idea, think of woodland creatures like foxes, owls, and deer, with earthy tones and forest elements. 

2. Boho Botanical

“Our baby is blooming into the world!”

What better way to celebrate your bundle of joy than with this nature themed baby shower idea! Focus on soft greenery, hanging plants, and macramé details.

Baby In Bloom Balloon Arch | Wildflower Baby Shower Invitations | Block Letter Decorations

3. Into the Wild

“A wild one is one the way” or “it’s about to get wild”

If you’re into safari-themed baby shower ideas, “into the wild” may be for you! Include Safari animals like lions, zebras, and elephants with leafy greens.

Safari Baby Shower Invitation | “It’s About to Get Wild” Sign | Jungle Safari Party Decor | “Into The Wold” Balloon Arch

4. Garden Party

“Our little flower is about to blossom!”

I love that this nature themed baby shower idea completely embraces nature. You can even enjoy the fresh air for an outdoor themed event! You may want to include flowers in full bloom, delicate pastels, and floral decorations. 

5. Tropical Paradise

“A little island baby is making waves soon!”

You’ll want to make sure to include fresh fruits and tropical food ideas! For decor think palm leaves, pineapples, and flamingos with vibrant, summery colors. 

6. Mountain Adventure

“A new little explorer is ready to climb life’s mountains!”

A rustic, outdoorsy vibe with mountain silhouettes and trees.

Mountain Adventure Invitation | Editable Adventure Awaits Games | Mountain Adventure Tableware

7. Butterfly Garden

“A beautiful butterfly is preparing to take flight!”

Elegant butterflies and flowers for a whimsical touch.

Butterfly Balloon Garland | Butterfly Baby Shower Balloon Sign | 3D Butterfly Centerpieces

8. Sunflower Sunshine

“Our little ray of sunshine is almost here!”

This nature themed baby shower ideas features bright yellow sunflowers paired with rustic wood.

9. Over The Move

“We’re over the moon”

Celestial-inspired with stars, moons, and deep blue skies.

Editable Over The Moon Invitations | Moon & Star Soap Favors | Over The Moon Backdrop | Moon and Space Balloon Garland | Over the Moon Baby Games

10. Rustic Farm

“Our little bundle is ready to bring joy to the farm!”

Barnyard animals, hay bales, and vintage farm décor.

11. Rainforest Retreat

“A new wild spirit is about to join the jungle!”

Lush, tropical greenery, and exotic animals.

12. Enchanted Fairy

“A magical little fairy is about to grace us with her presence!”

Enchanted forest vibes with fairy lights, moss, and tiny fairy houses.

13. Under The Sea

“A little sea explorer is ready to dive into life!”

WIth this nature themed baby shower ideas think about underwater creatures like dolphins, sea turtles, and coral with ocean blues! I love the watercolor vibe to bring a sense of softness and beauty to the baby shower!

Under The Sea Invitation and Ediable Baby Shower Games | Welcome Sign | Blue Tutu Table Shirt | Balloon Arch

14. Wildflower Dreams

“A sweet wildflower is getting ready to bloom!”

Wildflowers scream nature theme baby shower ideas to me! You’ll want to grab a colorful array of wildflowers and add natural textures to execute this theme.

15. Seaside Serenade

“Ahoy it’s a boy”

I love that you can make this theme more beachy, or you can make it more natical and sailor focused. For beach themes you can stick with light blues, sand and sea shells. If you’re going for a more nautical seaside theme you can add deeper navy blues and whites.

16. Birds of a Feather

“Something wonderful is hatching”

Birds, nests, and eggs with soft, pastel hues.

17. Whimiscal Mushroom

“A Little Shroom Is In Bloom”

This theme gives me cottage core vibes and it would be perfect for a rustic, whimsical, and foresty event.

Hanging Mushroom Decor | Editable Invitation Set | Guess the Due Date Calendar | Disposable Tablewear

18. Succulent Soiree

“A tiny succulent is ready to thrive in our family!”

Succulents, cacti, and desert-inspired colors.

Baby In Bloom Succulent Party Favors | Editable Baby Shower Invitation Bundle | Baby Shower Succulent Theme Welcome Sign | Baby Shower Games

19. Floral Wreath

“Baby in Bloom!”

Wreaths of delicate flowers, greenery, and ribbons to create a soft, floral-inspired theme.

Floral Tabletop Garland | In Bloom Balloon Garland | In Bloom Tissue Pom Pom Backdrop | Baby In Bloom Welcome Sign | Baby In Bloom Cookies

20. Honey Bee Haven

“A little honey is on the way”

Busy bees, honey jars, and hexagonal honeycomb patterns with golden yellow accents.

Baby Bee Bingo | Bee Party Decor Kit | Bee Baby Backdrop | Brown and Neutral Decor

21. Orchard Bliss

“The apple of our eye”

Apples, pears, and fruit-filled baskets with a farm-to-table vibe. 

Ediatbale Apple Of Our Eyes Invitations | Editable Apple of Our Eyes Games | Kiss Candy Sticker Labels | Apple Themed Cookies | 6-piece Fondue Set | Large Fondue Set

22. Herb Garden

“A fragrant little sprout is ready to join our family garden!”

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil with potted plants and earthy tones. 

23. Baby Sprinkle

“Let’s sprinkle mom and dad with love”

This fun nature themed baby shower idea can include decor with rain. I even love the idea of having donuts with sprinkles on it if you were going for a brunch. 

Which of these nature themed baby shower ideas would you try?

Each of these themes can be personalized with creative decorations, favors, and games to make the baby shower extra special!

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Even as an adult, I still have vague happy memories of Valentine’s Day as a child. My parents would always get us a box of our favorite chocolate and at school we would make boxes to collect our Valentine’s Day cards from other kids.

As an adult, the meaning of Valentine’s Day seems to shift a bit, but being able to still gift students a small token of appreciation is thoughtful and doesn’t have to be complicated.

I’ve created 10 science Valentines Day cards that are perfect for the kids in elementary school through high school!

This post is all about science Valentines Day Cards from teachers

Get your 10 Valentine’s Day Cards From teachers here!

Grab Your Valentines Day Tags Here:

1. HAP-BEE Valentine’s Day!

Bees are incredibly important to our environment because they are pollinators. Pollinators help to transfer pollen from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. This Valentines Day science card is a great reminder of the importance of pollination. Due to the fact that bees help to populate about 1/3 of the world’s crops, it would have a noticeable impact on our food supply chain.

Some of the main reasons for the decline in bee populations is habitat loss, pollution, use of pesticides, and parasites – among others.

Here are some ways to help:

• plant a bee-friendly garden
• buy locally sourced honey
• buy organic, when possible

Ideas to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Teddy Grahams
• Bit of Honey
• Honey Roasted Peanuts
• Honey Nut Cheerio Bars

2. I hope this LIGHTS up your day!

Light is good for us! Not only for the plants but for us humans. Although we have developed a dependence on artificial light, there are several benefits to natural light. Sunlight provides Vitamin D, helps us focus, and makes us happier! These science Valentine’s Day cards are a great way to light up your students’ day with a small light-up prize. You can easily find light-up toys from Five Below, Amazon, Walmart, and sometimes Target.

Ideas to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Glow sticks
• Items that light up

3. Wishing you an EXPLOSIVE Valentine’s Day!

Volcanoes are essential to our planet! A volcano is an opening in a planet or moon’s crust through which molten rock and gases trapped under the surface erupt, often forming a hill or mountain (National Geographic). Some eruptions have slow lava flow while some are more abrupt. Share the Valentine’s Day love with the students in your class with this explosive science Valentine’s Day card.

Ideas to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Pop Rocks
• Pop It Toy
• Popcorn

4. You’re Out Of This WORLD!

Let your student know they’re out of this world! Our sun, Earth, and other planets are all part of our solar system.

Items to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Milky Way
• Mars Bar
• Starburst

5. You’re a Breath of Fresh Air!

Items to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Airheads
• Blow Pops

6. You’re TREE-MENDOUS!

Items to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Apple chips
• Apple sauce
• Fruit strips
• Candy or snacks containing items that grow on trees

7. There’s no one on EARTH like you!

Ideas to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Yum Earth Lollipops
• Yum Earth Fruit Snacks
• Moon Pie
• Space Bookmarks

8. Your future is as bright as the SUN!

Ideas to pair with this science Valentine’s Day card:

• Sun Chips
• Starburst
• Sunkist Candy
• Capri-Sun

9. You’re COOLER than the tundra!

Ideas to pair with a science Valentine’s Day card:

• York Peppermint Patty
• Mints
• Andes

10. You’re in your ELEMENT!

Ideas to pair with science Valentine’s Day card:

• Fruit snacks
• M&M’s
• Nerds
• Rock Candy

I hope you enjoyed this post all about Science Valentine’s Day Cards from teachers! Check out these made-for-you cards in my Teachers Pay Teachers store for only $1.99!

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I’ve got you covered with fun, eco-friendly stocking stuffers that’ll make you feel like Supermom—saving the planet and giving your kids a magical Christmas, all while keeping your wallet intact. Because who said saving the Earth had to be expensive?

1. Reusable Stickers

Made from non-toxic materials, these stickers can be used over and over, perfect for endless fun without the waste of single-use stickers.

2. Wooden Puzzles

Small, eco-friendly wooden puzzles are a great way to keep kids entertained and are often made from sustainable wood.

3. Bamboo Toothbrush

Start eco-habits early with a kid-sized bamboo toothbrush. They come in fun colors and are biodegradable.

4. Recycled Crayons

Crayons made from recycled wax are just as vibrant as regular ones but are much more eco-friendly.

5. Plantable Pencils

Once these pencils are too short to use, kids can plant them in soil and watch them grow into herbs or flowers.

6. Organic Cotton Socks

Keep little toes warm with socks made from organic cotton or bamboo, which are super soft and sustainable.

7. Eco Friendly Paint

If your kids love painting as mine do, they’ll adore this non-toxic and eco-friendly paint. This paint is made from natural food color and creates long-lasting coloring, offering a more natural way to create art.

8. Reusable Snack Bags

Perfect for carrying snacks on the go, these fabric or silicone bags can replace plastic zip bags.

9. Eco Friendly Play Dough

Made from natural ingredients, eco-friendly play dough is safe for kids and better for the environment.

10. Glo Pals Water Cubes

Why these bath toys are a great stocking stuffer

• Non-toxic toy for your kids
• Whether or not your child loves the bath, these cubes will be a hit. Every time you place them in water, they light up! My daughter doesn’t even want to leave the bath most nights because she’s having such a good time.
• See them in action here!

11. Plastic-Free Gum

Why plastic-free gum is a great eco friendly stocking stuffer

• Did you know most gums are made from plastic?
• Throwing away gum (littering it in the streets) contributes to our plastic pollution problem

12. Zollipops

Why Zollipops Lollipops are great stocking stuffers for kids

• Zollipops are sugar-free and have dentist-approved ingredients.
• These lollipops actually help clean your teeth!
• Although they won’t replace daily brushing, your kids can enjoy them without the concern of sugar overload or cavities

13. Sustainable Bubbles

Why Bubble Tree Bubbles are great eco friendly stocking stuffers

• These bubbles are non-toxic and made in the US
• The bottles are made of aluminum instead of plastic! Unlike plastic, aluminum is indefinitely recyclable and can be recycled over and over again without losing quality
• You can easily buy a refillable box to continuously refill your bottles!

14. Fun Character Reusable Sandwich Bags

Why reusable storage sandwich bags great eco friendly stocking stuffers

• Each disposable plastic bag can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. An item that you use for minutes, can be around for centuries.
• These bags come in many different characters that your kids love like Super Mario!
• These bags are easy to clean with soap and water and air dry! You can use them over and over again.

15. Water Wow! – Water Reveal Pad Bundle 

Why Water Wow are a great eco friendly stocking stuffer

• Each of these books are filled with reusable pages! This makes it a reusable coloring activity. You purchase once and can use it over and over again.
• The pen is easy to hold and uses water as opposed to toxic and messy ink. This also makes cleanup much easier!
• These books are easy to carry, and store, and great for travel. Both my 2-year-old and my 4-year-old love them. They recommended age is 3-7, but I have friendly with kids that are 18 months that love these as well!

16. DIY Squishy Toy Kit

Why makes a great stocking stuffer

• These are SO MUCH FUN! Your child will absolutely love making these squishy toys which act as fidget toys once complete.
• The kids mix and pour the non-toxic solution to create mini figures.

17. Reusable Coloring Book

A variety of coloring books that are sure to keep your kids entertained! These can be used over and over again which is not only good for your wallet, but a way to practice reuse instead of single-use.

16. Wooden Sorting Stacking Rocks

Not only are these wooden sorting stacking rocks fun, they’re also great to use in the classroom as an independent activity or for kids who may need some quiet calm down time. They’re small and smooth, making them perfect for small kids hands – just make sure they’re used for play and they don’t put them in their mouth! I’d recommend ages 3 and up for these eco friendly stocking stuffers for kids.

16. Silicone Bath Toys

These fun silicone bath toys are eco friendly stocking stuffers for kids that will have them not wanting to get out of the bath! Let your kid be their own scientist with these STEM-focused silicone bath toys. My daughter loves that you can build different varieties and make the water come out in different ways!

17. Recycled Plastic Barbie Accessories

Kids can enjoy their Barbie play with the environment in mind using these recycled plastic Barbie accessories. The Barbie Ocean line is made of recycled ocean plastic to emphasize the importance of decreasing our plastic consumption in order to prevent plastics from littering our oceans. The volleyball set is fun and a perfect addition to your child’s Barbie world.

18. Lego Pen

Many Legos are made from recycled and reused plastic materials. They’re a company committed to finding sustainable solutions to our plastic problem. These Lego pens are a great addition to your eco friendly stocking stuffers for kids. The pens work well and you can add your own Legos to the pen!

19. Recycled Plastic Mini Truck Set

I put one of these in each stocking and it’s a perfect eco friendly stocking stuffer for kids! These cars are non-toxic and made from recycled plastic jugs. They’re durable and will last for years!

So there you have it—eco-friendly stocking stuffers for kids that’ll make you feel like the queen of green without draining your holiday budget!

Related Posts:

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Congratulations on deciding to cloth diaper! Cloth diapering has to be one of the best-kept secrets in motherhood. It may require a few extra steps, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Even with working 40-plus hours a week, I still find the time to cloth diaper successfully, and you can too!

I’ll be honest in saying when I first got started cloth diapering I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed or how cloth diapering worked. I wasn’t even sure how to put on the diapers! For the struggling momma, I figured it would be helpful to make a quick guide filled with everything you need to successfully cloth diaper.

This blog post is about cloth diapering success!

Types of cloth diapers

There are several types of cloth diapers. Do not be intimated by different kinds and brands.

Just like there are various brands of disposable diapers, the same is true for cloth diapers. Each type of diaper is a little different and there may be several brands for a specific type.

Flat Cloth Diapers

This is what comes to mind when most people think of cloth diapers! They’re traditional in style and require a little work on your end. These are large, single-layer squares of fabric you fold to fit your baby. They’re affordable, dry quickly and can be used for multiple tasks (like burp cloths!)

Learn how to fold flat cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

• The DIY mom who loves a good challenge and doesn’t mind folding. If you have some extra time at home, love to be hands-on and want a budget friendly option, these cloth diaper types are for you!
• The Minimalist who wants a solution that can be used for different purposes (like burp cloths, changing pads, etc.)
• Sustainable mom who wants quick-drying, easy-to-wash, and long-lasting diaper options

Prefold Cloth Diapers

Prefolds are already in a smaller, more manageable shape which makes it a bit easier to fold (in my opinion!). They’re already in sections with the thicker layers in the middle so there’s less guesswork. Prefolds are still affordable and a great middle-ground to traditional flat diapers because they offer a bit of assistance.

You’ll need:

• pins, velcro or snaps to hold them on to your baby
• a waterproof cover to prevent leaks

Learn how to fold pre-fold cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

• The practical planner who likes a simple and cost-effective option, but prefers more structure than flats.
• Parents on a budget who want a straightforward solution without the extra bells and whistles
• Stay at home or work from home moms who can dedicate a little extra time to diaper changes but still want reliability.

Fitted Cloth Diapers

These diapers are already folded and ready to wear. They’re elastic around the legs to contain leaks, but you’ll need a diaper cover to make these waterproof. Fitted diapers are amazing for heavy wetters and nighttime because they’re so absorbent!

You’ll need:

• velcro, diaper pins, or a snapee if you don’t have a closure

Learn about fitted cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

• Parents of heavy wetters who need something reliable to stay dry longer without leaks (especially overnight!)
• Parents with toddlers who want an option with extra absorbency
• The no-fold parent who wants a structured diaper without the folding!

Pocket Diapers

Out of all cloth diaper types, pocket diapers are my favorite. These diapers contain a waterproof outer layer and a removable cloth in the back. You can choose microfiber inserts, bamboo, or charcoal inserts for extra absorbency. Generally, the microfiber inserts are sold with the pocket diapers. For more absorbency, add more inserts!

Who Would Love These:

• The hands-on mom who loves customization and wants to be able to control the level of absorbency by adding or removing inserts.
• On-the-go families who need a diaper that is easy to throw in the diaper bag. Perfect for familes who don’t mind a tiny pit of prep, but want flexibility.

See pocket cloth diaper types here:

All-In-One Diapers (AIOs)

These diapers are just what they sound like – all in one. These diapers are similar to the fitted diapers but already come with a waterproof diaper cover attached. Most people choose these diapers because they don’t require any extra steps – no adding an outer cover and no stuffing pockets. These diapers tend to be a bit more expensive and they take a very long time to dry since everthing’s attached.

Here’s an example of All In One cloth diaper types:

Who Would Love These:

• The busy mom who wants a cloth diapering solution that’s as easy as disposables.
• Parents who send their baby to daycare or babysitters who will want to be eco friendly.
• The first time parent who wants convenience, but still wants to cloth diaper for their wallets and the planet.

Hybrid

These diapers are also called All-In-Twos. They’re like an All-In-One diaper plus a pocket diaper. Hybrids give you flexibility! This is super convenient when you’re on the go or traveling.

See Hybrid cloth diaper types here:

Cloth Diaper Items To Add (Regardless of Your Cloth Diaper Types)

• Wet bag

• Wipes – you can also choose to use reusable wipes!

• Diaper Liners – if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you won’t need these until your baby starts solids. You can also opt for a sprayer to be a zero-waste cloth diaper momma.

Where to buy cloth diapers

Do not get overwhelmed by all the different types of cloth diapers and various places you can buy them.

Think of it like this…there are various types of disposable diapers and you can buy each of those types of diapers at hundreds of different stores. It’s the same concept here.

Window shop until you find what you like and don’t be afraid to buy one or two of one type of brand until you find the kind you and your baby prefer.

• Second-hand baby store
• A friend (or a friend of a friend!)
• Amazon
• Target
• Walmart
• Alva Baby
• Thirsties
• Bum Genius
• Charlie Banana

Cloth diapering tips

• Diapers should be changed every 2-3 hours.
• Diapers should be washed every 2-3 days.
• It’s not all or nothing. You can supplement cloth diapering with disposable diapers.
• No matter the diaper type, disposable or cloth, there will be blowouts, but you got this!
• Prevent leaks by securing the diaper well and changing the diaper frequently.
• Wash diapers for a normal cycle on hot, followed by a quick cycle on cold with a small amount of baby detergent.
• Dry diapers in the washing machine or line dry. Note: Fitted and all-in-one diapers tend to have longer drying time.
• You’ll need 18-24 diapers for your stash.
• Once your baby starts solids their poop will change. They’ll either need diaper liners to add to their diaper or you’ll need to use a spray attachment to rinse the poop into the toilet before washing.
• Diapers are adjustable to grow with the baby in time. It will take time to adjust to fitting the diapers correctly on your baby, but you’ll get the hang of it!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about cloth diapering success!

Cloth diapering can be overwhelming, but the best way to overcome the overwhelm is to get started. Just like with parenting, we learn by doing.

No matter how old, kids and family members can benefit from a prayer walk. To make it even easier, I’ve created a prayer walk journal printable that is perfect for children’s ministry, homeschoolers with Christian principles or parents with their kids.

This post is all about how to do a prayer walk for kids!

Here are some things to include in your prayer walk for kids:

• Preparation
• Observations
• Reflections
• Prayer Prompts
• Bible Study
• Prayer Requests
• Extension Activities
  • Coloring Pages
  • Nature Prayer Walk
  • Read a chapter from the children’s bible with each stop

Preparation

Let’s prepare for our prayer walk for kids with prayer time to center ourselves to connect to God. 

With my kids, I typically remind them that this is a time for us to be focused. We can open our hearts, our minds, and our ears, but we close our mouths and if we’d like, our eyes. 

First, I like to give the kids an opportunity to get their wiggles out. This is especially great for younger children when they can’t get outside as much because of the weather. I will have the students take 5 minutes to do an exercise

• Stretch
• Run in place
• Jumping Jacks
• etc. 

Next, ask the students to take a deep breath to recenter themselves. Here, I will begin to lead in a prayer asking for guidance, gratitude, and openness to experience God’s presence. 

Observations

Track your observations during your walk through your home or church space. 

Write down the date, time, and how you are currently feeling at each stop. How can you express gratitude in this space or with the people you are with?

5 Senses

What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What can you touch? What can you taste? You can also colors, shapes, sizes, behaviors, and any other distinctive features.

Reflections

Here are some bible verses to reflect on during your walk:

Have your students explore their thoughts, observations, and reflections. Have them consider what feelings came up during your walk. Did they feel gratitude, forgiveness, healing, guidance, love, anger, sadness, guilt? Where did their thoughts drift during the prayer walk? Ask what might God be trying to communicate to you?  

Did your students experience anything that bothered them? Did they see anything that evoked an emotional response? Did anything surprise them? 

Prayer Walk Scavenger Hunt

Create a scavenger hunt of items students may find in the home or classroom space you are doing your prayer walk in. While on the scavenger hunt, ask the students how they can find God in each object they find. God is with us everywhere and in everything. How can we practice creating a connection to God in the everyday objects we interact with? 

Bible Study

Reflect on the following bible verses. Write the bible verse and then write down on a sheet of paper how the gospel passage makes you feel. Sit with Jesus’ words and reflect on the ways god works in us, through us, and with us. Dive deeper into the passages to really understand the context of the passage and how it can apply to your life.

Prayer Prompts

Consider the prayer walk with kids prompt ideas to place in your prayer journal! If you have young kids, you may want to just do this exercise out loud instead of with an actual journal. This can be a great way to start conversations with each member of the family and hear how the exercise differentiated with each person.

Prayer Requests

While walking, do you have any prayer requests? Write them down! 

Coloring Pages

If you’re doing this prayer walk with young children, they’ll love these coloring pages! Teach them about how to spend quality time with God and how we can use our creative ideas to express our love for God. 

Nature Prayer Walk

While I love the option of a prayer walk with kinds indoors for a rainy day, if you have a chance do a nature prayer walk I highly recommend it! Nature prayer walks are a lovely reminder of what a special place our Earth is. Getting fresh air and understanding god’s love through nature is incredible. A bonus exercise is to allow the students to collect items and store them in a resealable bag! 

Read a chapter from the children’s bible with each stop. We read this book every night at dinner. It takes major chapters of the bible and breaks them down so the kids can understand. This helps develop their spiritual growth at a young age. 

I hope you enjoyed this blog post to help you create a prayer walk for kids!

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When I was preparing to return to work I was frantically researching to try to make sure I had packed and purchased everything I needed to have a successful day. I want to help you have everything you need to make your return to work as smooth as possible. 

This blog post is all about everything you need to prepare for breastfeeding at work!

Pump

Having a good pump for breastfeeding at work is key to successful pumping at work. Everyone is different and breast pumps are different. You’ll want to find one that is comfortable and can efficiently express breastmilk. The key to finding the right breast pump is testing out the pump before you return to work. Here are some things to consider when thinking about choosing the right breast pump for you:

• Type of pump. Will you choose manual, electric, or hospital grade? 
• Portability. Can you easily carry the pump home and to work? Can you wear it while working?
• Noise. Is the pump loud and distracting? 
• Comfort. This one is obvious! And why I suggest trying out the pump before bringing it to work. You’ll need to make sure it is adjustable and you understand all the modes and parts necessary.
• Insurance coverage. Most insurance will cover a free breast pump. If I didn’t like the breast pump covered by the insurance, my insurance at the time would cover up to a certain amount and I could pay the difference for another breast pump.
• Features: Consider additional features such as battery operation, double pumping capability, quiet mode,

Tip:  Put your pump together the night before! This ensures you don’t forget parts of your breast pump! Trust me, I’ve been there and I wish that on none of you. 

Some Breastpump Reccomendations From My Experience:

Hands-Free Breastpump

Electric Breastpump

Cooler

You’ll want a cooler to store milk! Consider getting a small, compact cooler, similar to a lunch box that can easily fit in your work fridge. If you have a mini fridge in your office, that is even better! Do not forget the ice packs for the cooler! On your commute from work, you’ll want to make sure you keep your breast milk on ice to preserve your hard-earned breastmilk. 

Manual Pump

I would suggest having both and electric and manual pump when you’re breastfeeding at work. Manual pumps are perfect for quick pumping sessions or just to relieve yourself in between pumping sessions. For me, a manual pump was perfect when I needed relief and didn’t have time to have a 30 minute pumping session. 

I also love how compact the manual pump is and that it is easy to travel with. Your manual pump can be kept  in your desk drawer or in your car. I would suggest leaving this pump at work and not bringing it home with you! That way you always have a backup if you ever forget your electric breastpump.

Breastpads

When you’re first starting out with breastfeeding at work, you’ll need remember your breastpads! Leaking is inevitable and work is not necessarily a suitable place for leaky boobs. I love reusable breastpads because they are more gentle on my breasts and they save me time and money. Instead of continuously buying new breastpads, I can simply wash and reuse these. In addition, I never like the sticky reside left from the single-use breastpads. 

Tip:  ​store extra everywhere – in your purse, in your car, in your work bag, in your desk, etc.

Your cellphone/e-book

This one is obvious, but I wanted to include it so you remember to charge your phone because you may not have the opportunity depending on the type of private space you have for pumping at work. 

Tip: I use my pumping time to Facetime my son and read. I don’t enjoy pumping, AT ALL. So I must be doing something to occupy my time to make sure I give myself a full 30 minutes to pump. Use this as a reasonable break time to recharge while you express breast milk. 

Pumping Bra

Along with your breast pads, pumping bras are so essential. Make sure you have a bra that helps you be able to be hands-free while pumping! 

​Breastmilk Storage

I prefer to use breastmilk storage pods as opposed to breastmilk storage bags because they’re reusable, better for the planet and plastic free! These are so easy to use and you can place in.

​Tips for breastfeeding at work/ pumping at work

• In the United States, you are covered under law to have time for milk expression in a functional area that is not a bathroom toilet stall (source).
• Communicate with your employer to understand the rules for breastfeeding employees in your specific workplace
• Before you return to work, make sure there is a dedicated space or lactation rooms available for you. Having a private place you feel comfortable pumping is key! Your space should have a door that can lock and an electrical outlet. A bonus is private room that also has a sink or fridge!
• When you first return, give yourself a reasonable amount of break time. I recommend 45 minutes to get comfortable in your lactation space, set up, change, pump, and pack up.
• Over time, you’ll get faster. Eventually, my duration of optimal breastfeeding at work was about 30 minutes.
  •  I took 10 minutes to get ready, 20 minutes to pump, and 10 minutes to put everything away. 
• Resources and federal government websites for a nursing employee
  • Understanding Federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Understanding the basic accommodations and your legal rights
  • How to file a complaint for lack of reasonable accommodations

How much breastmilk will you need when breastfeeding at work?

If you’ve been exclusively breastfeeding, the hardest part of knowing how much milk to pack is knowing how much your baby actually drinks each time they feed. 

Here is how I figured out how much milk to pack each day:

​According to research babies at 2 – 4 months eat 4-6 ounces of milk per feeding every 3 to 4 hours. 

• I am away from the baby from my son from 7 am – 4:30 pm = 9.5 hours. 
• During that time, my son will most likely eat 3 to 4 times from a bottle. 
• Each of those feedings will be about 4 to 6 ounces. I tend to go with higher numbers to be safe.
• Calculation: 4 bottles X 6 ounces = 24 ounces/day

My Pumping Schedule while breastfeeding at work / pumping at work

5:30am – Wake up and get dressed and ready for the day

6:00am – Baby wakes up

6:00am– 6:10am – Nurse baby

6:10am – 6:30am – Get baby dressed for the day

6:30am – 6:40am – Cuddles and a little playtime before leaving the house

6:55am – Arrive at daycare/caregiver’s house

7:05am – Commute to work

7:30am – Arrive at work

9:00am – 9:30am – First breast pump session 

11:30am – 12pm – Second breast pump session

3pm – 3:30PM – Final breast pump session

4pm – Commute to daycare/caregiver’s house and back home

5pm – Breastfeed as soon as we get home

5:30pm – Dinner, playtime

6:30pm – Bedtime routine

7pm – Bedtime for baby

Remember, you should have adequate support on your newest journey as a breastfeeding at work mom. Be sure to check out the resources I provided to make sure you have suitable facilities for pumping at work and consider the federal law and state laws that protect your rights as a female employee during the duration of breastfeeding. 

I hope this blog gave you everything you needed to know for breastfeeding at work. 

Check out the other blogs in my breastfeeding series:

• How to Nail Breast Pumping At Work
• Breastfeeding Tips Every New Mom Needs to Know
• 10 Breastfeeding Foods Guaranteed To Increase Your Breastmilk Supply (with Meal Ideas!)
• Are you making these breastfeeding mistakes?

Let’s learn about recycling with this game to bring awareness of the importance of environmental care. 

Here’s exactly how we play the recycling sorting game!

Recycling has changed so much over the years and continues to change! This is important because recycling contamination is one of the number reasons why recycling is struggling in the United States. This is in addition to an unreliable market for recycling items. I talk all about 6 painful recycling truths in this blog post here if you’re interested in learning more about our recycling program in the United States.

Earth Day is a perfect time to present this recycling sorting game with your students! I created an activity packed with sort materials that you can use as a waste sort. Let’s chat more about this printable educational game!

Recycling

​With your students, talk about what recycling means! To talk about recycling with younger students, I typically start more broadly, talking about our Earth. I ask questions like

• What are some things we do on the Earth that are good for the Earth?
• What are some things we may see or see others do that are not good for the Earth? 

​Of course, if necessary, give some examples of things that are good or not good for the Earth. Some of my favorites to talk about are

• Turning off the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth – good for the Earth
• Picking up your dog’s poop (kids always get a kick out of this one!) – good for the Earth
• Only flushing pee, poo, and toilet paper (another round of kiddie giggles!) – good for the Earth
• Picking up litter – good for the Earth
• Recycling – good for the Earth
• Leaving lights on when you leave the room – not good for the Earth
• Throwing/leaving trash on the ground – not good for the Earth
• Throwing away stuff items that you should be composting or putting in the recycling bin – not good for the Earth

I also like to bring in items to use to talk about recycling with the kids! For example, I’ll bring various items like plastic bottles, paper, aluminum cans, snack bags, food packaging, etc., and talk through each of them with the students. I use storytelling to discuss how these items are used in our everyday lives and the resource types that make these items. 

I love using this book to talk about recycling! It’s great for 1st grade – 3rd grade. Michael Recycle teaches about recycling on a level that children can understand.

For older kids (middle school and high school), consider watching the movie Wasteland. I’ve included some discussion questions for the movie here. Here’s a trailer and you can watch the full movie here.

For older kids, I use a similar narrative about each of the items in my bin, but I may add more complicated items. In addition, I go into more depth about natural resources. I talk about how glass is made from sand, plastic from oil, paper from trees, etc. 

​Next, I’ll discuss why recycling is so important to our planet and model what recycling looks like! 

You can even assign each student one of the items from your bin and ask them if is it recyclable and have the kids come up and place it in the correct bin. Remember, there are different rules of recycling depending on where you may live so double-check what is recyclable in your city before this activity.

Trash

I love talking trash! The reason the topic of garbage, or waste management is so interesting to me is because once we throw an item away, we seldom think of it again! 

Explore what happens when we throw our trash away. Where does it go? Who takes it? Where do they take it? 

For older students, I pose the question, does our trash really go away? I combine this concept with the video from The Story of Stuff Project. You can check it out on YouTube here. I also like this video from them about Where Does Your Trash End Up.

For younger kids, if you’re okay with a little Blippi, this is a great video about Garbage Trucks. This is a great way to facilitate a conversation about garbage!

Compost

I love composting! Composting is the recycling of organic material. The material breaks down or decomposes, to form rich soil. 

I have a full blog post all about Making Composting Understandable For Kids. It’s one of the most popular blog posts on my site so if you’re interested, definitely check it out! 

I even mention an extension composting activity I use as well as the special needs for good compost. Discussing compost is a great way to bring food waste into the conversation and talk about what items are appropriate to be recycled into healthy and fertile soil through decomposition.

Here are the videos I love to use to discuss composting: Peppa Pig for younger kids and One Small Step Video for older kids. 

Recycling Sort Activity

After you introduce the terms and concepts, let’s start playing this recycling sorting game!

I am one of the TPT sellers so I offer this printable game on my Teachers Pay Teachers site! While the game is focused on Pre-K – 5th grade. It can even be used with middle school students. I love using this activity as a center game, but of course, it can also be used for independent work as well. 

1. Download and print out the resource. You can even print on white cardstock for longer-lasting products! 
2. Personally, I would recommend laminating the recycling sorting game because it makes it so much easier to reuse from class to class and year to year. I am in my laminate era! We put so much work into making these resources, we might as well preserve them to cut back on the prep time later on, right?!
3. Make sure you cut out the different sorting pieces so the students will be able to sort the different objects according to the following mats. For this Earth Day sort, depending on your students’ level of understanding you can always take out certain items that may be too difficult to explain and leave in easier items.
4. I’ve included fun items as well as practical items in this sorting game to help students develop their recycling skills and understand that certain items go into certain bins. Students may also realize that a different item can go into many different categories. 
5. Depending on the age of your students and what activity you’re teaching, there are several different trash sorting maps:
   1. Compost sorting sheet: nitrogen (greens) or carbon (browns)
   2. Compost versus Trash sorting mats
   3. Compsot versus Recycling sorting mat
   4. Recycling versus Trash sorting mat
6. On the second worksheet, you’ll find 42 different icons that can be used as a sorting image. Each unique page in the bundle of sorting mats will work as a game board for the students. 
7. The icons have both digital images and real words to make it a product for many different age levels. Set a timer and have the students sort the items in the appropriate category. 
8. If your students were working in groups, go over the recycling sorting game board as a class. How did the students do? Were they able to place the right icons in the right spaces? 

Don’t forget to incorporate this recycling sorting game into your lesson plans! Your students will LOVE this composting activity for kids! With this bin sorting activity, kids will be able to complete a recycling sort, a compost sort, a trash sort, and combinations of each! To make the activity reusable, simply laminate the sheets and use velcro on the icons.

This can be used over and over again! Use this activity to reinforce the types of items that can be composted and whether they are carbon or nitrogen items. Your kids will love learning about what goes into the right bin and how to recycle right. This reycling sorting game education activity can be used for students in pre-k to 5th grade. This hands-on Earth Day activity is completely done for you! It is perfect to incorporate into center time! Just print and cut with the option to laminate for longer use. 

This recycling sorting game includes:

• Compost sorting sheet: nitrogen (greens) or carbon (browns)
• Compost versus Trash sorting sheet
• Compsot versus Recycling sorting sheet
• Recycling versus Trash sorting sheet
• 42 icons to mix and match for the sorting activity
• general answer key

I hope you loved this blog post all about this recycling sorting game!

Looking for an online version of this game? Check out this electronic recycling sorting game that your students can use on their Chromebooks!

Related Posts to Recycling Sorting Game That Will Make Waste Understandable For Kids:

• 15 Great Ways to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Week: Caring for the Earth With Lorax Activities
• Here’s How To Make An Awesome Nature Walk Journal Printable
• Unbelievably Good Earth Day Preschool Activities For Your Preschool Curriculum