I’m Valerie, a mom and early childhood educator who’s passionate about making learning fun and meaningful.
I get it. As a parent (or teacher), you’re super busy, but I also know that you want to make sure you’re encouraging your child to be the happiest and best they can be, but its so hard to find the time and resources to do it all.
If the pandemic has you feeling like exploring new or old hobbies or you just feel like getting a little crafty, let me suggest these high contrast puzzle blocks. They are a great DIY project for babies and beyond. The black and white nature of the blocks are...
Easter is near and you may be looking for some simple, affordable activities and crafts. Maybe you want to create some beautiful child-made art for Easter decor. Well, today I bring you a simple, nature inspired Easter craft perfect for toddlers and offers a nice...
St. Patrick's Day Gold Coin Activities You may feel more lethargic than lucky with a busy toddler running around, but don't fret I am bringing you 8 gold coin activities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little leprechaun. These activities are developmentally...
Sandpaper letters and numbers are a foundational tool used in the Montessori method, so I created these Montessori tactile numbers for much cheaper than the actual Montessori materials. The purpose of the sandpaper numbers is to learn early numeracy in a multi-sensory...
My 18 month old has all of a sudden become a mini Spiderman and she wants to climb everything...especially things she is not supposed to climb. Now I am very grateful to have our Pikler triangle to redirect her climbing into a more appropriate place. When we are...
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought I would share some super easy, very low or no prep Valentine’s Day activities for toddlers and preschoolers. It might come as a surprise to you, but I honestly don’t really like Valentine’s Day (which Chris is really happy...
With a Master’s degree and 15 years of experience in everything from Montessori to Reggio Emilia schools, I’ve seen the magic that happens when kids learn through play.
But guess what? It’s not just about ABCs and 123s—it’s about sparking those big, beautiful life skills like empathy, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
When my oldest was born, my passion for play-based learning exploded, and I knew I had to share it with other parents and educators. That’s how Outside the Toy Box was born. Here, you’ll find practical, hands-on activities that fill kids with curiosity and a love for learning.
