Let’s Get Real About Science Education After 13 years teaching science in public schools, homeschooling my daughters during their early years, and now watching them return to public school, one thing has become undeniably clear to me: children learn best when they are curious, observant, and connected to the world around...
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I’ll be honest, it’s harder for me to get outside as much as I’d like with my kids. Between bundling up and the chilly wind, sometimes it feels tempting to stay cozy indoors. But here’s the thing: even in winter,...
As the cooler weather rolls in, I find myself loving those cozy moments curled up under a blanket with my kids, diving into a good read-aloud. There’s something magical about settling in together with a book that sparks curiosity and wonder, especially when that book opens doors to the exciting...
Learn how to guide your kids from noticing the natural world to truly caring for it, all through wonder and exploration. You can’t ask someone to protect something they don’t love. This truth echoes across environmental education: if we want kids (and adults) to care for nature, they first need to...
September and October are great months to explore the wonders of fall through educational activities! The air feels crisp, the leaves shift into fiery colors, and the natural world is full of changes waiting to be noticed and understood. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, fall offers countless opportunities...
Science is a world of exploration, curiosity, and discovery. It’s a playground where every child can thrive, no matter their abilities. At Little Monsters Universe, we’re committed to inspiring young minds to think like scientists; whether they're in the classroom, outside, or at home. But for many children, especially those...
As parents and educators, we want to inspire kids to connect with the natural world around them, fostering creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking. One of the most powerful tools for this is nature journaling. But with so many terms floating around—Nature Journal, Nature Study Book, Nature Notebook—it can get confusing...
Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking I love having low-prep, screen-free activities for kids that encourage independent play and exploration. Activities that promote important life skills such as creativity, critical thinking, observation, and resilience. And if it gets my kids outdoors or moving their bodies, that’s a bonus! Here are some...
Nature journaling is an incredible way to spark curiosity, build observation skills, and connect kids with the world around them—but if you’re new to it, getting started can feel a little overwhelming. What if my child isn’t into drawing? What if we don’t have time? What do we even write about? Good...
You’ve probably heard the terms STEM, STEAM, and maybe even STREAM floating around in education circles. Schools, homeschool groups, and even toy companies use these buzzwords to promote learning resources, but what do they actually mean? More importantly, what do they mean for your child’s education and outdoor learning? If you’re...
