The early years of a child’s life are packed with opportunities to build skills that will last a lifetime. And while school is important, research shows that some of the most valuable learning happens at home. That’s the philosophy behind Learning with Kelsey, a subscription box company founded by teacher and mom of four, Kelsey Cook.
Each month, families receive a box filled with ready-to-use, screen-free activities designed to spark curiosity and make learning fun. Here are five ways hands-on learning at home, like the kind supported by these boxes, helps kids thrive.
- Builds Fine Motor Skills
From holding pencils to tying shoelaces, fine motor skills are essential for independence and school readiness. Craft-based projects, like cutting, coloring, and gluing, strengthen these muscles in a playful way.
- Encourages Early Literacy and Math
Hands-on activities weave in pre-reading and early math concepts. Counting, sorting, pattern-making, and storytelling are embedded into projects so kids practice important skills without even realizing it.
- Supports Social-Emotional Growth
When parents and children work together on an activity, kids build patience, resilience, and communication skills. They also learn that mistakes are part of the process—a key ingredient in developing confidence.
- Creates a Routine of Learning
Children thrive with routine. Unboxing a new set of activities each month builds excitement and creates a rhythm of learning at home. Some families make it a weekend ritual; others use the projects as after-school enrichment.
- Strengthens Parent-Child Connection
At its core, hands-on learning is about connection. These shared moments of discovery are what kids remember, and they lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Kelsey explains it simply: “I know the most valuable learning takes place at home, and my goal is to give parents the confidence and resources to create an environment of learning in their homes.”
Why Parents Trust Learning with Kelsey
Kelsey’s background as a certified teacher gives her a unique perspective on what children need in the early years. After teaching kindergarten and third grade, and later running her own preschool, she saw firsthand how much parent involvement matters. Her subscription boxes are designed to make that involvement easier for families, no matter their schedule.
In today’s digital world, carving out time for screen-free learning is more important than ever. With thoughtfully designed activities that combine fun and education, Learning with Kelsey helps parents feel confident as their child’s first teacher, while kids build skills, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
About Learning with Kelsey
Learning with Kelsey was founded by Kelsey Cook, a certified teacher and mom of four. After years in the classroom and running her own preschool, she created subscription boxes that bring screen-free, hands-on learning right into families’ homes. Today, her boxes reach thousands of families across the U.S., helping parents feel confident as their child’s first teacher.