We had fun two years ago with our amphibian unit, but this is even more fun! We’re starting an axolotl unit to study my (and many others’) favorite amphibian! I already have two granddaughters who are obsessed with axolotls and even a toddler granddaughter who loves them!
Here, you’ll find links to free axolotl printables used to prepare hands-on activities and a new Montessori-inspired axolotl pack for our newsletter subscribers’ resource library!
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).
M0ntessori Shelves with Axolotl-Themed Activities
Montessori Shelves with Axolotl-Themed Activities
You’ll find Montessori-inspired axolotl-themed numbers, letters, and and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) Note: The Montessori-inspired axolotl pack isn’t designed as a complete axolotl unit but as supplemental materials. I design the packs using realistic images that I’ve often looked for when preparing a unit study (such as font cards and phonogram cards featuring the letter and phonogram related to the theme and math cards with realistic images that fit the theme and can be adapted for math activities at a variety of levels.)
You could mix your axolotl-themed activities among your shelves according to curriculum area. Or you could have a special axolotl-themed area something like the one pictured. My shelves at the beginning of our unit have a mixture of skill levels. Many of the activities can be adapted for a variety of levels. Many of these are designed for early elementary as well as preschoolers. If you’re a homeschooler, just choose the activities that work for your child’s interests and ability levels. If you don’t have room for all the activities you’d like to do, simply rotate them.
Montessori Shelves with Axolotl-Themed Activities and Axolotl Art Print
Notice the framed art print Axolotl (2015) by Erika Hernandez. It’s a free download from Wikimedia Commons.
For our monthly featured art print, I purchased a Li’l DAVINCI art frame that opens in the front for easily changing a free art masterpiece printable or vintage illustration to fit with the month’s theme. The frame can be switched from horizontal to vertical without changing the hanger, which is perfect!
If you’re wondering about the rugs and rug box I use, both the rugs and wooden rug holder are from Montessori Services. I love the Montessori Services rugs and rug holder! I used to use an umbrella stand something like these. I loved that for 1-3 rugs, but I needed something different when I had more grandchildren and some projects that needed more than one rug.
Favorite Shelves, Trays, Baskets, and More for Montessori Homeschoolers
I often get asked about the trays, baskets, etc., that I use, so I published a post with many of the items. You can find lots of helpful resources here. They’re not all essential, so don’t feel you need to have everything. Just choose what’s best for your budget and your unique family’s needs. You’ll find more ideas in the Living Montessori Now Amazon shop
Axolotl-Themed Books for Kids
Even though I have books on shelves, I’m now keeping many of my themed books in a forward-facing display after placing a plant where the themed book basket was before. Most of my seasonal books are now in that book basket.
For toddlers and preschoolers, about ¾ of the books I use are typically Montessori friendly (focusing on reality without smiling or talking animals or smiling or talking vehicles).
Books for an Axolotl Unit
Top Shelf of Main Themed Shelf:
- Cute as an Axolotl:
- Axolotl Facts for Curious Kids: Learn and Explore Everything You Need to Know About Axolotls Living in the Wild‘ is recommended for ages 6-12, although true axolotl fans of all ages will enjoy much of it.
- “Awesome amphibians” pages from My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things (on the shelf to the right of the main themed shelf)
Top Shelf of Forward -Facing Display:
- Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth
- Amphibian Pages from DK’s First Animal Encyclopedia
- DK Smithsonian Animal Book
2nd Shelf:
- National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia
- National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians
- DK Find Out! Reptiles and Amphibians
3rd Shelf:
4th Shelf:
- P Is for Pangolin: an alphabet of obscure, endangered & underappreciated animals
- Hello, I’m an Axolotl
- Alex, the Awesome Axolotl: Mental Health Strengthening for Young Children (Positive Affirmations)
Bottom Shelf
- Emotions Aquarium: A Tank Full of Feelings
- Emotions Aquarium: Anxious Axolotl
- No One Really Knows an Axolotl
On our peace/mindfulness table is The Glowing Axolotl about self-love and acceptance.
You can see lots of Axolotl Books for Kids here.
Cute as an Axolotl Book with Amphibian Cards
Cute as an Axolotl Book with Amphibian Cards
Free Printable: Amphibians Cards by Silvia Ford at TPT
The book is Cute as an Axolotl:
Axolotl Facts for Curious Kids with Safari Ltd Axolotl
Axolotl Facts for Curious Kids with Safari Ltd. Axolotl
The book is Axolotl Facts for Curious Kids: Learn and Explore Everything You Need to Know About Axolotls Living in the Wild. It’s recommended for ages 6-12, although true axolotl fans of all ages will enjoy much of it. It has lots of facts and even information on virtual axolotl adoptions through MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. I placed two adoptions for my grandkids who are siblings. They get an adoption certificate and fact card. There are different levels of adoptions/donations, and it’s a fun way for kids to help conserve these critically endangered animals. Note: There are also virtual adoptions through the World Wildlife Fund and a campaign in Mexico (the only place where axolotls remain in the wild).
There isn’t a free printable for this activity, but I wanted to highlight some axolotl facts along with the Safari Ltd. axolotl.
Large DIY Hundred Board with Axolotl Greater Than, Less Than Activity
Large DIY Hundred Board with Axolotl Greater Than, Less Than Activity
Free Printable: Hundreds Board/Hundreds Chart Large (printed at 75%) by Jessica Stanley at Teachers Pay Teachers (You can see where I used this before with rubber ducks and glow-in-the-dark stars.)
I love this set of 100 cute axolotls. They’re all the same color, which is perfect for Montessori activities. They can be used for a variety of math activities.
Free Printable: Axolotl numbers 11-30 and greater than/less than symbols (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber). If you’re looking for a fun way to teach greater than and less than, check out this post.
Large Hundred Board with Axolotl Greater Than, Less Than Activity
There are so many different ways to use the 100 board. Here, the child chooses a number from the number cards placed upside down, lays out the axolotls on the number board, and then chooses another number card to see if that number is more or less than the first number.
Sand Writing Tray for an Axolotl Theme
Sand Writing Tray for an Axolotl Theme
Free Printables: /ă/ for axolotl and /er/in external gills phonogram for sand writing tray (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber).
You’ll see a variety of simple letter writing trays in my previous unit study posts. I often used the wooden tray from the Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Shapes. You can use whatever tray or container work best for you, though.
The sandpaper letters I use are available in print or cursive.
I typically now use this lovely spelling/alphabet tray from FamilyTreeWW on Etsy. I like it for writing more than one letter or spelling words. (Note: If that sand tray is currently unavailable, you’ll find lots of other options for Montessori sand trays on Etsy.)
I added a miniature axolotl from Etsy. Safari Ltd. doesn’t have any TOOB-size axolotls yet, but these are cute although very small!
If you would like help with introducing phonetic sounds, introducing objects with sounds, or beginning phonics in general, check out my DIY Beginning Montessori Phonics with Preschoolers.
External Gills /er/ Phonogram Work
External Gills /er/ Phonogram Work
Free Printable: /er/ phonogram in external gills(part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber)
Free Printable: er Dobble Game from MontessoriSoul (MontessoriSoul has other free er printables, such as the printable I used in our backyard birds and summer units.)
Also, check out these free printables:
- Free Printable: er Words Game from 123 Homeschool 4 Me
- Free Printable: R Controlled Vowel ER Sound Words with Pictures from Tutorified
These are the double sandpaper letters I use.
Axolotl Alphabet Cards
Safari Ltd. Axolotl with Axolotl Alphabet Cards and Letter A Font Cards
Free Printable: /ă/ for axolotl (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber).
Free Printables: Axolotl alphabet cards in print and cursive (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber)
I have a new themed alphabet card set each month now, and each set is very adaptable. You can use them for activities such as matching the letters with sandpaper letters to matching print to cursive letters to spelling words with the alphabet cards used as a themed movable alphabet.
The Axolotl Song and Preposition Work
The Axolotl Song and Preposition Work
Free Printable: Axolotl Song Adapted Book by Bedford’s Busy Bees at TPT
Free Printable: Parts of Speech Posters (Montessori Symbols) by A Wise Old Owl at TPT (I used this as a fun extension to work with Montessori preposition materials.) I just cut out the preposition parts of the printable.
I made the printable into a book that the child can add the axolotl or penguin to when singing the song. The axolotl is a fun way to focus on prepositions!
This is a very silly song … and kids love it! I put it out a couple of days ago, and I often find my 7-year-old grandson singing the song and going through this book!
YouTube Video of the Axolotl Song (another version)
How to Draw an Axolotl Activity
In the bottom right shelf, you’ll see our how to draw an axolotl activity. I included a number of options inside the clipboard, so the child can choose which one to draw.
- Free Printable: How to Draw an Axolotl from We Draw Animals (the printable on the top)
- Free Printable: How to Draw an Axolotl from Hello Artsy
- Free Printable: How to Draw an Axolotl from We Draw Animals
- Free Printable: How to Draw an Axolotl from Emily Drawing
- Free Printable: How to Draw an Axolotl from Drawing Tutorials
- Tutorial: How to Draw an Axolotl from IHeartCraftyThings (probably the most realistic looking but doesn’t include a printable)
I didn’t have room for another tray, but I added this free, fun printable to the clipboard as well: Editable Axolotl Student Name Bookmark by SB – Teacher Resources at TPT
Shelf with Axolotl Activities
These aren’t free, but they’re great for an axolotl unit.
Shelf with Axolotl Activities
There aren’t a lot of free axolotl printables yet, other than coloring pages. Because I have granddaughters with an extreme interest in axolotls, I’ve purchased more materials for this unit than I typically do.
Axolotl Printables
This uses an organizer I love. It’s classified as a bookshelf, but it’s perfect for printables for elementary-age kids. These are the printables on the bookshelf:
- Axolotl Study Lapbook on Etsy
- Spanish Foldable Life Cycle of an Axolotl on Etsy
- Axolotl Unit Study on Etsy
- Also, check out the Axolotl Unit Study from Montessori Nature
Axolotl Photo and Modeling Clay Activity
Our axolotl clay tray uses an axolotl outline cookie cutter, axolotl cookie cutter labeled “realistic,”and swimming axolotl cookie cutter. The clay is Creative Paperclay Modeling Compound. We used it for our red panda unit and loved it! I used a free photo as an example for painting the axolotl when the clay is dry: Free Axolotl photo download (public domain).
LEGO Axolotl and Amphibian Pages from My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things
This is a LEGO axolotl that my grandson put together for me (from a LEGO Creator 3 in 1 kit with flamingo, axolotl, or cockatoo) along with amphibian pages from My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things, a fun, fact-filled book that I’ve used for a number of units.
Free Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Pack
Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).
More Amphibian Printables and Activities
Axolotl Products for Kids on Amazon
Axolotl Products for Kids on Etsy
Montessori-Inspired Amphibian Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).
Montessori-Inspired Frog Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, and DIY Movable Alphabet (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber) This is from our earlier unit with Free Frog Printables and Montessori-Inspired Frog Math Activities. It’s still available in our resource library!
Free Amphibian Printables and Montessori-Inspired Amphibian Activities
- Free Amphibians Do-a-Dot Phonics Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
- Free Frog Printables and Montessori-Inspired Frog Math Activities
- Montessori-Inspired Frog Activities for Leap Year or Anytime
- Simple and Fun Frog Leap Activity for Kids {Free Printable} from ChrissyChitwood.com
- Free Frog Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
- Free Frog Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
- “5 Green and Speckled Frogs” with Props and Free Printables
- Lots of Learning and Fun with Frogs Sensory Bin
- Montessori-Inspired Pond Unit
- Free Oviparous Animal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Oviparous Animal Activities
- Kids’ Frog and Leap Year Activities Pinterest Board
Favorite Books for an Amphibian Theme
Helpful Animal Classification Posts
- Living and Non-Living
- Plant and Animal Sorting
- Montessori Animal Classification
- Free Zoo Printables and Montessori-Inspired Zoo Activities
- Montessori-Inspired Animal Units
- Montessori Vertebrate Resources for Preschool Through Elementary
- Free Amphibian Printables and Montessori-Inspired Amphibian Activities
- Free Reptile Printables and Montessori-Inspired Reptile Activities
- Free Fish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fish Activities
- Free Bird Printables and Montessori-Inspired Bird Activities post
- Free Mammal Printables and Montessori-Inspired Mammal Activities post
- Montessori Invertebrate Resources for Preschool Through Elementary
If you’d like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout May and June, see my May Themed Activities for Kids. and my June Themed Activities for Kids.
Have fun with axolotls!
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