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Home | Companion Crate | Companion Crate: Explore Winter with Jan Brett - Extra Supplies

Companion Crate: Explore Winter with Jan Brett - Extra Supplies

$89.00
$89.00
Sold Out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This Companion Crate requires the Explore Winter with Jan Brett 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 based on availability. This unit study crate contains products not manufactured by the seller. Some items may not be suitable for children under 3 years. Crate contents are not for consumption.

What's Included in Your Crate:

  • Polar Bear Art 
  • Torn Paper Igloo Collage
  • Mosaic Hat Art
  • Paper Hedgehog Art
  • Directed Drawing: Hedgehog
  • Icicle Art Activity
  • Snowman Snow Globe Art
  • Winter Process Art
  • Watercolor Pencils
  • Snowstorm in a Cup Science Activity
  • Roll & Poke Hedgehog Science Exploration
  • Steve Spangler Insta-Snow
  • Hatchin’ Grow Arctic Friends Experiment
  • Sensory Playdough & Accessories
  • The Hat Story Sequencing: Create-Your-Own Retelling Cards
  • The Three Snow Bears Sequencing Cards
  • Cozy Winter I Spy Mat
  • Wooden Sleigh with Plush Hedgehog
  • Cozy Kindness Chart
  • Snow Bear Math Mat
  • Slip and Slide Winter Movement Activity

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

  • Open-and-go and genuinely doable: books + activities + materials are already curated and ready. 
  • Perfect winter rhythm: a free 4-week pacing guide when you want structure, and flexibility when you don’t. 
  • Strong early learning skills without worksheets: sequencing, retelling, early math practice, and observation-based science. 
  • Sensory + science that kids remember: Insta-Snow, snowstorm experiments, and hands-on observation activities. 
  • Art that feels special (not busywork): multiple winter-themed projects that are fridge-worthy and skill-building. 
  • Extra support if you want it: the blog post shows how the unit can look in real life and shares practical homeschooling tips. 

🎯 What Will Your Child Learn?

  • Literacy Development: Deepens comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary, and storytelling through Jan Brett’s rich narratives and custom retelling tools
  • Science & Inquiry: Encourages observation, cause-and-effect reasoning, and basic experimentation through winter-themed science labs
  • Math Readiness: Reinforces early math concepts such as counting, sorting, and number recognition using manipulatives and story-based mats
  • Fine Motor & Art Skills: Supports early writing readiness through cutting, drawing, painting, and sculpting
  • Social-Emotional Growth: Builds empathy and kindness through Cozy’s story and the use of the Cozy Kindness Chart
  • Creative Thinking & Imagination: Promotes expressive thinking through process art, pretend play, and storytelling

🎯 Standards Alignment

This unit supports foundational learning aligned with:

  • Common Core ELA-Literacy Standards for Kindergarten–Grade 1: Retelling key details (RL.K.2, RL.1.2)Understanding story elements and sequencing (RL.K.3, RL.1.3)
  • NGSS Science & Inquiry (PreK–K): Planning and carrying out investigationsObserving changes in materials (e.g., snow expansion, water movement)
  • NAEYC Developmental Domains: Cognitive development, physical motor skills, language and literacy, and approaches to learning

Companion Crate: Explore Winter with...

$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.