Montessori-Inspired 3-part Cards for the Safari Ltd NEW YORK CITY Toob

You probably don't know this because I don't talk about it very much on my blog, but I'm slightly obsessed with New York City, particularly the island's history.  I spend most of my evening free time reading historical fiction on NYC.  I also enjoy Broadway musicals and am oftentimes either listening to a soundtrack or watching one while I craft.  However, I have absolutely no desire to actually visit the city.  Instead, I'll enjoy my big life in a small town, while New Yorkers can keep their small life in the big city (specific musical reference).

Instead of visiting the city, I'll stick with continuing to learn about it with my kids through great products like the Safari Ltd New York City toob (and scroll down for more homeschool ideas).  I'm slowly working on remaking all my old matching card printables for all the Safari Ltd toobs, since my family loves them so much.  They're great for Montessori-inspired lessons involving 3-part cards and hands-on lessons involving sensory bins, messy play, and small world explorations.  Plus, they help kids expand their worldview and vocabulary.

Originally published on March 25, 2016 and updated on February 23, 2021.

Besides the fabulous toob of NYC objects from Safari Ltd, there are hundreds of other great ways to learn about the city in a hands-on way.  Bake up some authentic NYC style bagels or pretzels, stream a ballet or musical on TV, or build a model skyline with Lego.  Check out this tiny collection of books, toys, and more by clicking on the colored text.

Learning Fun for Kids

Yellow Taxi Pull Back Car  <>  Big Apple Threading Toy

New York City Subway Train  <>  NYC Car Play Mat

NYC Scratch and Sketch Notebook <>   Safari NYC Toob

Broadway Colors Art Pencils

Books for Kids

My First Book of New York- I absolutely love the cover of this book!  The inside pages of the book take young readers to different places around the city and introduce them to some of the sights that are common in each area.  I think each page would make a great "I-spy" activity for locals and travelers to use as they explore.  For example, can you find the street performer and hot dog stand at Times Square?

Balloons Over Broadway- If you're one of the millions of Americans who tune into the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year, then you're probably familiar with the giant balloons that have become an icon of the holiday.  Learn about the man who invented the balloons, how they're controlled, and other fun facts about these "upside down puppets."

A is for Audra- Although I don't give unlimited approval to all Broadway shows, especially in regards to my kids, but we do like musicals in this family (songs for travel here).  This ABC book talks about the famous women who make theater happen!

Kids' Travel Guide to NYC- If you're hoping to bring your family to the Big Apple for vacation, grab this kid-friendly guide book with colorful maps, pictures, recommendations, and more.  It's also an activity book full of puzzles and games.

B is for Brooklyn- This book is universally praised for its diversity both of nationalities and abilities.  It covers elements of every well-loved part of NYC's second largest burg with every letter of the alphabet.  From the bridge to Coney Island to jazz- explore it all with this fun book.

Pop Up New York- Introduce your kids to the famous sites of NYC with this adorable pop up book.  The book features many of the items that are included in the Safari toob, including the Statue of Liberty and a yellow cab.

This is a Member's Only Printable!

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After you've put in your email address into the box, check your inbox for the confirmation email.  Open the email and click on the button to confirm your subscription.  You'll get a second email with a link to download the printable.  Download the PDF from the protected page.  Print the first two pages twice and laminate them for long-term use.  Then, cut out all the cards and separate them by sets (8 in each identical pile).  Leave one set of cards exactly as they are- with the picture and label attached.  With the second set of cards, cut the label off the pictures to make two piece.  The card with a picture and label, the card with just a picture, and the card with the label now make the three parts of the traditional Montessori 3-part cards.

Once you have the three cards, you can present them to your child in the traditional Montessori method.  Have the child match the picture card with the label to the other two cards.  They can also match the Safari Ltd NYC toob animals to the picture cards or label the figurines with the cards.  The child can also spell out the words with a movable alphabet like printable cards or shaped letters.

You can also chose not to separate the picture from the label to make a set of cards for a classic memory match.  You can your child can take turns choosing two cards and seeing if they're a match.  If they are a pair, then that player gets to keep them.  If they're not a match, the player must turn them over and the other player gets a turn.

You may also want to print just one copy of the cards and allow your child to match the Safari Ltd NYC toob to the pictures.  Together, you can talk about the animal names, where they live, and sort them by type.  The figurines are great in messy play, sensory bins, and more!  My kids love to play with them, especially outside.

(all pictures from Pixabay)

More Ways to Learn About NYC

1- make authentic NYC pretzels or bagels

2- learn about rats and their history on the island

3- build the skyline with Lego

4- make a parade float

5- study why the Statue of Liberty is green

6- learn about the stock exchange 

7- explore immigration and how it shaped the city

8- learn about Central Park and it's importance for the ecosystem

Did you like what you read?  Want to save it for another day?  Be sure to Pin It to Pinterest!  Look for the red box in the upper left corner of the pictures to save them.

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Broadway Songs for Travel

All the Safari Ltd Matching Cards