Updated: 2/22/2024
I'm not sure how to start the LHL Schoolroom. How do I begin and what materials do I need?
After you purchase, you will need to create an account on the landing page (www.littlehandslearn.com) and LOGIN and check your email for your login and password. Check your spam folder too. If you do not see the email, then please reach out to us at mylittlehandslearn@gmail.com and we will get right back to you.
The basic materials needed to START:
Shelf (optional, but nice to have)
8 trays to put activities on the shelf
Small baskets and bowls
Basic art & craft materials (various color felt sheets)
Printer/Ink
Printing Paper (copy paper)
Sharp Adult Scissors
Metal Rings & Brad Clips
Writing Pencils & Pens
Tape & Glue
Hole Puncher (single)
Child-sized scissors
Storage Containers for Printable Materials
How old should a child be to start the LHL Schoolroom?
Depending on the child and where they are at developmentally, a child as young as 2 years can start with the LHL Toddler Schoolroom.
Will anything physical be mailed to me?
No physical items will be shipped to you. The unit studies are an online product with printable PDF downloads.
When can I access Little Hands Learn unit studies/plans?
When you join the monthly membership, you will have access to the Little Hands Learn Schoolroom and at the beginning of each new month you will be added to the new unit study.
You will need to create an account on the landing page (www.littlehandslearn.com) and LOGIN and check your email for your login and password. Check your spam folder too. If you do not see the email, then please reach out to us at mylittlehandslearn@gmail.com and we will get right back to you.
No documents (PDFs) will be emailed or physically sent to you. They can be located and downloaded from the platform at www.littlehandslearn.com.
How long do I have access to Little Hands Learn Schoolroom Membership?
You will have monthly access to the LHL Schoolroom for as long as you are a paying member.
What are the ages for the LHL Schoolrooms?
The Primary Schoolroom is for ages 3-7 years, however younger or older siblings will still enjoy the play based hands-on learning. The Toddler Schoolroom is for ages 2-3 years old.
How much time will it take to prepare the printable and hands-on materials each week?
Please note that there is approximately 1-2 hours of prep time needed every other week. Because we have designed DIY materials and printables, it does take time to create these materials. However, you do NOT have to do ALL the DIY materials and printables. You can pick and choose what will work for your home and your child's specific developmental needs.
What if I am unhappy with Little Hands Learn Schoolroom?
We would never want you to be unhappy and we are open to feedback on how to improve Little Hands Learn plans! Send all your feedback to
mylittlehandslearn@gmail.com
and we will happily make changes as is needed.
*PLEASE NOTE:
due to the extensive digital (downloadable PDF's) within the content of this program and online resources, REFUNDS are NOT available.
I have different-aged children at home. How does this plan work for various ages?
The themed unit study style of learning is flexible for various ages. For a younger child (toddler), you can slow the pace down. For the older child, you can study the same theme and go into more detail with each topic. And don't worry if you skipped a topic this year because next year you can repeat and expand on that topic! That is the beauty of unit studies... you can repeat and expand each year as your children grow. Because children learn best with repetition.
Doesn't the Montessori method encourage you to "follow the child's interests" and how does that work with unit studies?
We like to remind parents that we are to "prepare the environment" for our children to be inspired to learn. This is especially true for the younger ages (infant to 5 years). As the child grows older, they will begin asking questions of discovery. This is a great time to visit the library for books on the topic of interest and dig in! And over time, if you have unit study themes built up, you can grab the materials to help with hands-on learning questions as they arise.
How do themes or unit studies work?
The beauty of unit studies is that the caregiver can plan and create a prepared environment for the child that embraces hands-on learning. I love unit studies because teaching can be simplified for a younger child or expanded for an older child. There is great flexibility within a themed study for the child to ask questions and explore deeper into a topic of interest… if they so desire. Or basic information can be presented and then all can move on.
Can unit themes be used for multiple ages?
Yes! I like to repeat the main monthly themes each year. When my child was 1-2 years old, we enjoyed these themes by concentrating more on sensory play and simple hands-on toys to match the theme. Then in preschool, more detail was added and then for kindergarten… even more detail was added. So the themes can grow and expand each year as your child develops and grows older.
How do young children learn?
It is normal for a young child to do an activity very quickly and then be ready to move on.. The child’s brain is like a sponge and they are absorbing information rapidly. This is not a time to require memorization or long periods of time concentrating. With LHL, we are INTRODUCING information that is being absorbed and helps them recognize this information later when it is repeated. We are starting to build connections and pathways in the brain. However, the child can have “sensitive periods” where they will do one activity over and over again that fascinates them. If you see your child engaging this way, do not break their concentration and try to encourage them in their interest. For example, my son was into garbage trucks and pretend play recycling and trash. He would play like this for hours as a 2-3 year old. The main point is... let them play! And let them learn with as much hands-on learning as possible, but never push them at these young ages into learning. Let them learn with play.
What is the benefit of repeating the unit studies with my child?
It is important to repeat these topics again with our little ones because children learn with repetition. Repetition will only help them better retain the information.