If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know this about me already…
My toxic trait? Coming up with a “simple” preschool lesson, searching for hours for the perfect printable, not finding one that fits exactly what I want — and then making it myself. 😅

What starts as “just a quick idea” usually turns into a Canva deep dive with my coffee in hand, designing and laminating something new before I even realize the time. But honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

🐚 A Lesson Born from the Sea

My son has always loved all things ocean — octopus, whales, sharks, coral reefs. If there’s an activity even remotely ocean-themed, he’s hooked. 🌊

Homeschooling gives me the freedom to blend that curiosity with our lessons. It lets me follow his lead — to turn his fascinations into meaningful learning moments. And this week, that looked like bringing the ocean right onto our homeschool table.

I wanted a counting activity that felt alive and sensory — one that captured his wonder for the sea. I scrolled TPT, browsed Etsy, and searched every printable library I could find. But nothing matched the image in my head.

So… I made it myself.

✏️ From Idea to Canva Magic

Believe it or not, it started as a 2-minute Canva session. I used Canva’s Magic Media tool to quickly generate coral reef-themed image to create a simple counting mat and made the number cards while back.

What began as a spontaneous idea became a complete printable set before my coffee even got cold.

Then came the laminator (because durability is survival when toddlers are involved), and just like that — my “five-minute idea” turned into a full-on lesson plan.

🪸 When Learning Meets Joy

The best part? Watching my son dive right in. He carefully placed seashells on each number, counted out loud, and told me stories about “sea creatures swimming by.”

Homeschooling moments like these remind me why I do this — because learning doesn’t have to sit still. It can look like imagination, laughter, and tiny ocean sounds coming from your dining room table.

🌊 Why I Love Making My Own Resources

Creating my own printables allows me to:

✅ Match our homeschool themes perfectly
✅ Adjust the difficulty for each child
✅ Add visuals that truly engage my kids
✅ Make learning feel like play

When I see my son counting ocean animals, lining up numbers, and completely lost in his world of ocean life — every minute spent creating feels so worth it.

🐠 Try Our Ocean Counting Mat

💡 Play-Based Learning Tip

Add a sensory element! Use real seashells, blue glass beads, or mini ocean animals to make counting tactile and fun.
Your child can:

Sort shells by size or color
Count and match animals to number cards
Build an “underwater world” on the mat

These small touches make math more meaningful — because learning sticks best when it’s hands-on and full of imagination.

💬 Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best lessons aren’t the ones we find — they’re the ones we create.
A little Canva magic, a laminator, and a lot of love go a long way. 💙

Because around here, we don’t just teach numbers — we build memories.

🌊 My Toxic Trait as a Homeschool Mom: When I Can’t Find It, I Just Make It