Welcome to KidLit Grove

I’ve always believed the most meaningful learning…the kind that sticks… begins with an invitation. The kind of invitation that invites wonder through stories, and blossoms through hands-on discoveries.

This is a space where themes and concepts from picture books come alive through STEAM-inspired challenges, book-based sensory and nature play, and simple, meaningful experiences that nurture creativity, literacy, and whole-child development.

And I’m so glad you’re here.

I’ve spent over 15 years in education, wearing many hats along the way. My combined experience as a Montessori guide, outdoor educator, preschool teacher, early childhood director, Tinkergarten leader, and science teacher, have shaped my approach to education in such a way that I view learning as something that should be low-pressure, hands-on, constructivist, and completely filled with discovery.

(Left) My face made it on a giant poster at Great Lakes Aquarium after exploring types of rocks with a Scout group. (Right) Investigating tiny critters with a preschool nature group.

And everything began with a book.


StorySprouts

Rooted in literacy concepts, StorySprouts grows from my experience as a Tinkergarten leader, where the mission was to nurture the whole child. Our work focused on developing character skills that help children grow into capable, compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to their world.

We centered our programming around eight core skills — problem-solving, empathy, communication, wellness, persistence, creativity, and sensory development — all woven through hands-on nature play.

A recent sensory activity that explored the sounds of Letter P with pumpkins boats and pinecones.

You’ll find themed curriculum that focuses on a single letter for two weeks. We explore the sounds of that letter through seasonal sensory play, simple crafts, outdoor explorations, and fine-motor activities, with opportunities to learn life skills sprinkled in.


The STEAM Lab

This is where KidLit Grove began. I noticed a gap in my own children’s science education. To be clear, it wasn’t from a lack of care or effort by their teachers, but because so much classroom time is devoted to meeting standards and preparing for tests nowadays.

As a former science teacher, I wanted to bring back the joy of discovery. The kind that happens when curiosity leads the way.

By pulling themes and concepts from my kid’s favorite books, we began exploring their world in concrete and meaningful ways by tapping into their natural tendency to build, create, discover, question, and solve.

One of our first units where we explored the interdependence of ecosystems through Rube Goldberg chain reactions.

Every unit I put out is tried and tested by my kids and I. We explore ideas that connect to the real-world through a constructivist, project-based approach. We begin with a driving question, design experiments and investigations to uncover the answers, and learn by doing, reflecting, and creating along the way.

As a former teacher, I understand the realities of limited time. That’s why I also create shorter, easy-to-implement workshops designed to be simple, purposeful, and engaging.

Each educator guide includes background information, material and prep lists, step-by-step instructions, differentiation ideas for diverse learners, and meaningful extensions to keep the learning growing. Everything is provided so educators can focus their mental bandwidth where it matters most: connecting with students and nurturing their curiosity.


I’m a firm believer that stories don’t end with the last page, but rather open opportunities. Books are more than a tool for literacy.

They are springboards that explore science, art, and engineering.

They help grow capable humans through lessons in empathy, kindness, and discovery.

That’s the spirit behind everything you’ll find here. Books are only the beginning. Let’s help children linger in their favorite stories beyond the last page.

I hope you’ll stay awhile and meander through the Grove. There’s always something new taking root, and so much more waiting to be planted.

Warmly,

Lindsay

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