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Home | Companion Crate | Companion Crate: Explore the Woodlands Elementary - Extra Supplies

Companion Crate: Explore the Woodlands Elementary - Extra Supplies

$89.00
$89.00
Sold Out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This Companion Crate requires the Explore the Woodlands 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 based on availability. Crates contain products not manufactured by the seller and may include small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Contents are not for consumption.

What's Included in your Crate:

  • Owl Pellet Mystery – 10 Discovery Activities
  • Animal Tracks Exploration
  • Safari LTD TOOB: North America Animals
  • Exploring Woodland Animals
  • Crayola Play Dough
  • 3D Woodland Animal Models (2 Animals)
  • Clay Forest Animals
  • Leaf Imprint Plates
  • Crayola Model Magic Packets x2
  • Watercolor Leaves
  • Watercolor Pallet
  • Woodland Diorama:
  • Nature Scavenger Hunt
  • Exploring Trees in the Forest
  • Eyes in the Night: An Owl’s Tale Writing Activity
  • The Cozy Den Chronicles Writing Activity
  • Creative Movement

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 a complete, hands-on woodlands unit study with 23 activities and materials included. 
  • The owl pellet dissection is a standout science experience with 10 discovery activities that builds real observation and classification
    skills. 
  • Strong nature study + ecosystem learning without relying on worksheets as the main method. 
  • A free 6-week plan gives you an easy path, but the unit flexes shorter or longer based on your family’s pace.
  • Outdoor-friendly (scavenger hunts and nature journaling) and indoor-friendly (sensory play, art, diorama, movement). 
  • The book list supports both science and story-based learners, including The Wild Robot and kid-favorite nonfiction like Gail Gibbons’ Owls. 
  • The companion blog post shows the plan in action and shares practical homeschool tips that work in real life.
  • Built-in standards connections are clearly listed for
    science, ELA, art, and physical education (NGSS, CCSS ELA, National Core Arts, SHAPE America).

🎯 What Will Your Child Learn?

  • Nature Science & Ecology: Learn about habitats, food chains, and animal adaptations through hands-on experiments and creative play.
  • Language & Literacy: Strengthen reading and writing skills through engaging journaling activities and captivating nature-themed books.
  • Art & Creativity: Explore nature’s patterns with leaf prints, clay animals, and watercolor projects.
  • STEM Learning: Introduces biology, ecology, and scientific observation skills in a fun, interactive way.

 

🎯 What academic standards does this crate align with? 

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
  • 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
  • 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals' food was once energy from the sun.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS ELA):

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4: Report on a topic or text, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

National Core Arts Standards:

  • VA:Cr1.2.3a: Apply knowledge of available resources, tools, and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.
  • VA:Re7.1.4a: Compare responses to a work of art before and after working in similar media.
  • VA:Cn10.1.5a: Apply formal and conceptual vocabularies of art and design to view surroundings in new ways through art-making.

SHAPE America – National Standards for K-12 Physical Education:

  • Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
  • Standard 2: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.
  • Standard 5: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.

Companion Crate: Explore the Woodlands...

$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.