PrettyGeek Studio

What does play-based learning look like in an elementary resource room?

Here’s a quick look at our winter thematic learning cycle in action.
While I work in a traditional public school, my resource room supports students with a wide range of needs — from self-contained services to academic and social-emotional support.

At the elementary level, thematic learning doesn’t replace curriculum.
It supports access.

Themes help guide pacing, language, materials, and entry points so students can meaningfully participate — regardless of where they’re starting.

In this space, you’ll see:
• Life-skills learning built into shared routines
• Fine and gross motor practice through hands-on materials
• Collaborative, multi-day projects
• Sensory supports designed for regulation, boundaries, and independence
• Intentional opportunities for communication, cleanup, and transitions

Sensory play here isn’t free-for-all or filler — it’s structured, purposeful, and responsive to student needs.

Play-based learning at the elementary level is not about lowering expectations.
It’s about creating access, honoring development, and teaching skills that carry far beyond the classroom.

🌟✨ WE’RE HERE RIGHT NOW! ✨🌟

I’m all set up at the YMCA Manitowoc and the table is PACKED with magic — and I’ll be here until 3pm today! 💛

Here’s what you can explore when you stop by:

🔹 Sensory bins + refill kits (including brand-new seasonal themes!)
🔹 Mini + MEGA kits — soft, sparkly, colorful, and curated with love
🔹 Keychains in tons of fun designs
🔹 Bookmarks for little readers and grown-up book lovers 📚✨
🔹 Plug protectors in cute, kid-friendly styles
🔹 Handmade learning games + activities created with my special-educator heart in mind

Everything you see on this table was mixed, created, packed, and designed by me, and I’m so excited to finally share it all in person! 🫶✨

PLUS — I’m celebrating the upcoming website reopening in January 🎉
That means:
📦 Pre-orders coming soon
🌈 A brand-new flexible subscription option (monthly, bi-monthly, or seasonal!)
💌 Early access to new themes + refill kits

If you’re nearby, come say hi, check out the textures, smell the yummy bases, and see all the tiny details up close. Kiddos are absolutely welcome to explore!

📍 YMCA Manitowoc
⏰ Here until 3pm TODAY!
Can’t wait to see you! ✨🌟

💙❄️ MEGA KIT TIME! ❄️💙
(Yes… mega. As in: it literally didn’t fit in one container 😅)

Introducing the Winter Blue Luxe Kit — a two-part sensory experience packed to the brim with beautiful textures and elevated materials:
💙 A full-size bag of blue rice in layered shades
🤍 A medium container for a snowy ombré moment
✨ Sparkly whites + shimmering blues
🪵 REAL wood-turned toys
❄️ Plush faux snowballs (my personal favorite!)
🔹 All the small themed accessories your winter sensory dreams could want

This set is made for a large tray — think big scoops, big pours, big creativity. It feels luxurious, wintry, and totally magical.

I filmed a step-by-step video of the packing process so you can see exactly what’s inside — because the new windowless bags protect the materials, but I still want you to experience the excitement of opening it up!

You can check it all out TODAY at the YMCA Manitowoc vendor event fundraiser! 💙❄️
And don’t forget — pre-orders + flexible subscription sign-ups launch when the website reopens in January!