Spring Reset as a Montessori Teacher | Classroom Materials, Peace Table & Letting Go of Side Hustles

 

In this video, I’m sharing a real-life look at my spring reset—both at home and in the classroom.

During spring break, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to live and work more intentionally as a Montessori teacher.

From refreshing a space in my home to rethinking classroom systems, this week has been about clearing out what no longer works and making room for what does.

Inside this video:

-How I’m saturating the week with focused letter work (AMT approach)

-Simple ways I’m pairing hands-on materials with handwriting practice

-A walkthrough of my classroom thrift finds and Dollar Tree materials

-Why I’m reintroducing the peace table (and how it differs from a calming corner)

-A peek into my Montessori-inspired home reset

-And an honest reflection on why I’m stepping away from reselling as a side business

This is a mix of classroom strategy, teacher life, and real decisions behind the scenes—especially if you’re navigating growth, burnout, or figuring out your next step in education.

If you’re a Montessori teacher, early childhood educator, or someone building a more intentional life, I hope this gives you something to think about.

🌿 Let me know in the comments: Are you in a season of adding… or letting go?

✨ I write more deeply about Montessori leadership and teacher sustainability on Substack: 👉 https://creativityandwonder.substack....

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

 

Why I Laminate at Home

 

This morning I was laminating alphabet cards at my kitchen table before work.

Not because I had to.
Not because someone told me to.
And not because I believe teachers should martyr themselves on the altar of preparation.

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I did it because I have learned something about friction.

There are certain things that will not change right now.

I do not have unlimited prep time at school.
I do not have long stretches of observation built into my day.
I do not have an assistant who automatically anticipates what needs to be done next.

I have one work cycle.

And if the materials are not ready when the children arrive, then the work does not unfold the way it could.

So instead of fighting that reality — I laminate at home.

READ MORE

 

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES

 

 

A Montessori Teacher Reset: Thrift Finds, Classroom Setup & Quiet Reflections

 

In this video, I’m taking you through a little bit of everything

— a thrift store haul for my Montessori classroom,

how I’m setting up new works and spaces for the children,

and some honest reflections from behind the scenes of teaching.

From baskets and pouring work to calming corners and library refreshes, this is what it really looks like to build a classroom week by week — often out of your own pocket, with intention behind every detail.

I also share a glimpse into life outside the classroom… preparing for conferences, finding small moments of rest, and the role reading plays in helping me stay grounded during a demanding season. If you’re a teacher building something from the ground up — you’re not alone.

✨ I write more deeply about Montessori leadership and teacher sustainability on Substack: 👉 https://creativityandwonder.substack....

Are you needing some support with how to structure your classroom? As a Montessori teacher, I understand that feeling of overwhelm! I have created a detailed lesson plan to 'hold your hand' through each day.  These lesson plans can either be used to jump start how to create the rhythm of the classroom (monthly) or I have a full year plan that can then be used for a 3 year cycle.

Montessori Daily Lesson Plans 

Montessori INSPIRED Lesson Plans 

 

LOOKING FOR ART LESSONS FEATURING DIFFERENT ARTISTS? 

Link to my FREEBIES