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Home | Companion Crate | Companion Crate: Explore Marine Life - Extra Supplies

Companion Crate: Explore Marine Life - Extra Supplies

$89.00
$89.00
Sold Out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This Companion Crate requires the Explore Marine Life Preschool-Early Elementary Unit Study (sold separately). It does not include books or shared core items.

The Companion Crate is a simple, stress-saving add-on that lets siblings work through the same Knowledge Crates unit study side by side—without buying a second full crate and without ending up with duplicate books you don’t need. These are also a great option for co-ops! 

A Companion Crate is a material-only homeschool unit study add-on that pairs with any of our unit studies. It includes the child-specific, hands-on activity materials from the full crate (especially consumables and project supplies), but skips the shared extras families can easily use together. Most importantly, it does not include the book bundle—because one set of books is usually plenty for a family. In units that include a shared game or together-play item, the Companion Crate skips that too, since it’s meant to be used together.

This is the easiest way to keep your homeschool day moving when you’ve got multiple kids who want to do the same theme at the same time. Instead of negotiating over who gets the last craft piece (or trying to recreate a second set of materials from random drawers), each child gets their own project supplies. You get less prep, fewer substitutions, and a calmer, more realistic “everyone’s learning together” day.

The Companion Crate works especially well if you’re teaching siblings close in age, teaching the same unit in a homeschool co-op, or if you simply want to streamline your routine by keeping everyone on one theme. You’ll still use your full Unit Study Crate as the main guide and resource, but the Companion Crate gives you the extra hands-on materials so each child can fully participate.

Additional Resource: Want to see this unit study in action? See Our Blog Post Here

    Additional Information: Items may vary due to current availability. This unit study crate contains products not manufactured by the seller. Please be advised that crates may contain small parts that may not be suitable for children under 3 years. Do not consume crate contents.

    What's Included in your Crate:

    • Sea Turtle Life Cycle Diorama: Build a 3D scene that shows the life stages of a sea turtle.
    • Saltwater Shells: Create a Sea Turtle
    • National Geographic Ocean Animals Sticker Activity Book
    • Exploring Ocean Animals & Fact Cards
    • How Big Are Ocean Animals? (Size & Measurement Activity)
    • Ocean Wave Art
    • Color Diffusing Sea Shapes
    • Coral I-Spy Activity
    • Creating Coral Sculptures
    • Sea Otter Directed Drawing
    • Printing Practice Mats
    • Explore Magic Sand
    • Kinetic Sand Sensory Play

    Who Is This Companion Crate Perfect For? 

    • Families with siblings who want to work through the same unit side by side, homeschool co-ops, or anyone who wants less sharing drama and fewer supply substitutions.
    • A Companion Crate is a materials-only add-on that pairs with any Knowledge Crates unit study so a second child can complete the same unit without duplicate books or shared extras.

    Q: Does the Companion Crate include books?
    A: No. The Companion Crate does not include the book bundle. Families can share the books from the full crate.

    Q: Does it include everything from the full crate?
    A: It includes the child-specific activity materials (especially consumables and project supplies), but it excludes shared “one-per-family” items like books and, in some units, shared games.

    Q: Do I need to buy the full Unit Study Crate too?
    A: Yes. Companion Crates are designed to be purchased alongside a full Unit Study Crate, since the full crate includes the books and core components.

    Companion Crates ship with your full Unit Study Crate. If you’ve already purchased the full unit study, your Companion Crate will ship separately.

    We work hard to process and ship all in-stock orders as quickly as possible! While we strive to ship same day, but please allow up to three business days for processing. As a small business, we appreciate your patience and are committed to getting your order out the door as fast as we can.

    • For out-of-stock items, please contact us for a more specific timeline on when the item will be restocked, we're happy to help!
    • For new releases, including our upcoming unit crates, will ship after the product's official release date. Crates are released on September 1st, December 1st, March 1st, and June 1st.

    Shipping Methods & Tracking

    • We ship via UPS and USPS, with shipping costs calculated at checkout based on your location. 
    • Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking notification to keep you updated on its journey. While we can’t control what happens to packages once they leave our hands, we want to ensure they arrive safely. 
    • If there’s an issue with your shipment, please contact us—we’ll do our best to assist. If your tracking shows the package was delivered but you haven't received it, you'll need to follow up with the shipping carrier for further assistance.

    At this time, we only ship within the U.S. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our small business! 

    🎯 Why You'll Love This

    • It’s genuinely open-and-go. The activities, books, and hands-on materials are already planned and packaged so you can jump in without a prep spiral. 
    • It hits multiple subjects naturally. Science, art, math, early literacy, and sensory play are woven together so learning feels connected instead of chopped into “separate school bins.” 
    • Your child gets “big project” pride. The sea turtle life cycle diorama and wave canvas art are the kind of keepsakes kids remember (and want to display). 
    • It builds real early skills without worksheets. Observation, vocabulary, fine motor strength, measuring, and number practice show up through play-based activities and games. 
    • The book stack is strong. You’re not hunting for read-alouds to match the theme—the unit already includes a curated set that supports the learning. 
    • It’s flexible on timing. Use the free 4-week plan for structure, or move faster/slower depending on your homeschool season (because kids + life happen).
    • It supports standards-minded homeschoolers. NGSS, Common Core, and national arts connections are spelled out for families who like to document learning. 
    • It’s the kind of theme kids obsess over. Ocean animals naturally spark questions, pretend play, and “can we do one more?” energy—aka the good stuff. 

    🎯 What Will Your Child Learn?

    • Ocean Science Through Play: Introduces early life science concepts like marine habitats, animal characteristics, and ocean ecosystems through engaging, hands-on activities.
    • Math & Measurement Skills: Builds foundational math knowledge with activities like estimating and measuring animal sizes, counting in games, and comparing lengths.
    • Fine Motor Skill Development: Strengthens hand muscles and coordination with activities like clay sculpting, watercolor painting, drawing, and tracing.
    • Creative Thinking & Self-Expression: Encourages imagination and artistic confidence with open-ended art experiences like sea otter drawings, coral sculptures, and ocean wave designs.
    • Environmental Awareness: Fosters an early appreciation for marine life and encourages conversations about how to protect the ocean and the animals that live there.
    • Early Literacy & Language Development: Builds vocabulary, comprehension, and curiosity through themed books and guided questions that support discussion and critical thinking.

    🎯 What Academic Standards Does This Crate Align With?

    Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

    • K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
    • K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals and the places they live.
    • Science & Engineering Practice: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
    • Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.C (Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms), ESS3.A (Natural Resources)
    • Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns; Systems and System Models

    Common Core State Standards:

    • Counting and Cardinality: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4 – Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities.
    • Measurement and Data: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.2 – Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute.
    • Reading Informational Text: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.1 – With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
    • Speaking and Listening: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2 – Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or presented through media by asking and answering questions.

    National Core Arts Standards:

    • Visual Arts / Creating: Anchor Standard 1 – Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
    • Visual Arts / Responding: Anchor Standard 7 – Perceive and analyze artistic work.

    Companion Crate: Explore Marine Life...

    $89.00
    $89.00
    Sold Out

    The best educational activity kits for kids are hands-on, engaging, and provide a mix of learning and fun. They should include high-quality materials, clear instructions, and opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Some of the best options include:

    • STEM Kits – Focus on science, technology, engineering, and math with experiments and building projects.
    • Art & Craft Kits – Encourage self-expression and fine motor skill development.
    • Literacy & Language Kits – Introduce new vocabulary, storytelling, and early reading skills.
    • Cultural & Geography Kits – Explore different countries, traditions, and history.
    • Sensory Play Kits – Help develop fine motor skills and encourage exploration through textures and hands-on activities.

    Knowledge Crates stand out as one of the best educational activity kits because they combine all of these elements into themed, hands-on learning experiences. Each crate is thoughtfully curated with books, a variety of projects, and all the materials needed—making it a stress-free way for parents to provide enriching activities at home.

    Homeschooling can be overwhelming, especially when planning lessons and gathering materials for activities. Knowledge Crates simplify the process by delivering pre-planned, hands-on learning experiences straight to your door. Here's how they make homeschooling easy:

    • All-in-One Convenience – Each crate includes everything needed for activities, eliminating extra shopping trips.
    • Books & Guides Included – Every crate features carefully selected books and a step-by-step guide to walk kids through each lesson.
    • Hands-On Learning – Engaging, screen-free activities help kids learn through play and exploration.
    • Saves Parents Time – No need to search for lesson plans or supplies—everything is ready to go!
    • Variety of Topics – From science and art to geography and life skills, kids get a well-rounded learning experience.

    With Knowledge Crates, homeschooling feels less like a chore and more like an adventure! Whether you’re supplementing a curriculum or looking for engaging activities, these kits make learning at home easy, fun, and stress-free.