Planning for the summer ahead? And time at home with your kids? These are our top eleven activity and learning materials that we always have on hand at home.

Yup, we're still here.  In the house.  For what is probably quite some time.  Whether you're planning for more distance learning or just prepping for summer vacation, I wanted to share some of our tried and true learning materials.  These are great kid friendly tools that facilitate play, exploration and learning.

Learning Materials: 11 Things We Have On Hand

Shop Items:

1. Tracing Paper: Tracing paper is a perfect material in a pinch.  We use it to trace art from our favorite books and decorate (and let's be honest, it takes a hot minute, so I know I can pull it out when I've gotta get some work done).
2. Art Paper: There's something special about REAL art paper.  It's perfect for creating masterpieces and an important learning material to have on hand.
3. Osmo: I know, I know.  I've talked about our Osmo a million times (you can read our full osmo review for tips on what games are best for what ages).  The device is an amazing tool for turning a regular tablet into an interactive learning material.  From math games to coding games, it's perfect for setting up some quiet learning time.
4. Reading Eggs: I've talked a lot about online reading programs, and there are some amazing options out there.  Reading Eggs is our favorite, and they have a free trial right now.  This is a great option for phonics instruction and comprehension practice.  It tests each child, then delivers fun lessons at their level.
5. Air Clay: THIS IS A MUST ORDER if you don't have it.  Air Clay is perfect for hands on play. For younger kids, it's great sensory input.  For older kids, they can build models and will love it!
6. Kiwi Crate: I know.  I'm talking about this again.  But I'm Kiwi Crate obsessed.  These activity kits come once a month, and I love that they're created with different ages in mind.  We've been loving our Atlas Crate that focuses on cultures and geography.  It's a ton of fun!
7. Erasable Pens: These may be a little bit of a easy trick, but man does my kid love the erasable pens.  They're a great tool to pull out in a pinch!
8. Smelly Markers: When I shared these on Instagram Stories, the messages.  Such a flashback right? Lydia is OBSESSED and they're honestly a ton of fun.  Who doesn't love learning materials that are under ten dollars?!?
9. Disney Learning Workbooks: I raved about these in our independent learning blog post…..these workbooks are SO well done, and of high interest.  I can usually set Lydia up with an assignment to do 5-10 pages at a time and it works well!
10. Creative Girls Club: This Craft Subscription box is amazing, it arrives each month with 2 craft activities for us to do.  And the price? Normally $20 a month, but this link gives you a deal so that it's only $5 the first month!
11. Story Starters Journal: This journal has been GREAT for us.  We start each day with a story starter, and Lydia fills in the story right in the book.

So tell me, what are YOUR must have learning materials right now?