Beyond The Box Learning

My love for education began in childhood—building fairy houses out of twigs, creating "classrooms" for my stuffed animals, and narrating nature walks like a tiny teacher in the wild. That early curiosity and joy for learning never faded. It led me to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and over the past 8+ years, I’ve taught in and designed curriculum for Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf-inspired programs. Today, I support both children and adults through education, blending deep developmental knowledge with creative instructional design. I now specialize in crafting resources for homeschool families and educators who seek meaningful, child-centered experiences grounded in nature, curiosity, and wonder. I'm currently expanding my philosophy through the works of Charlotte Mason—especially her emphasis on habit formation, living books, and the rich learning found in everyday life.

My approach is both structured and soulful—built on the belief that children learn best when they’re trusted, inspired, and surrounded by beauty. I focus on creating open-ended, nature-based activities that engage executive functioning, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. In this store, you’ll find resources that support a wide range of ages, from playful early learning materials to family-oriented projects and outdoor exploration guides. Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom teacher looking to send home something special or “shake things up,” my goal is to offer materials that are engaging, flexible, and grounded in the real rhythms of childhood.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of watching children thrive in learning environments inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Charlotte Mason philosophies. Whether it’s setting up nature-based art explorations, guiding peaceful practical life projects, or leading outdoor lessons rooted in literature and observation, I love creating moments where learning feels magical and meaningful. Many of the resources in this store are inspired by those experiences—crafted to support curiosity, connection, and deep, lasting learning across a variety of settings.

I hold a Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development. I am also certified in Instructional Design and Learning Experience Design for learners of all ages—from early childhood through adulthood. These credentials allow me to create resources that are creative and engaging and grounded in solid educational theory and best practices.

Beyond the classroom, I live a life rooted in simplicity, nature, and intention. I’m passionate about a Nourishing Traditions lifestyle—drawing inspiration from ancestral wisdom, traditional cooking, and the teachings of the Weston A. Price Foundation. You’ll see this influence throughout my page in lessons that go beyond academics: how to read ingredient labels on food and personal care products, avoid harmful chemicals and dyes, and teach learners real-life skills like baking, fermenting, and preparing nutrient-dense meals from scratch. When I’m not creating curriculum, you’ll find me outdoors with my hands in the dirt, hunting for vintage children’s books, experimenting with herbal remedies, or slowly stirring something homemade on the stove. I love blending old-fashioned values with creative learning and believe that education is as much about cultivating a love for life as it is about mastering skills. I would absolutely love to hear from you—whether you have a specific type of content you'd like to see in my store, a testimony about how my resources have supported your learner, or just want to connect and chat about all things homeschooling and holistic living! 📸 Instagram: @KrunchyKey11 🎥 TikTok: Krunchy Key @keyleelynaslade 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keylee-slade Let’s stay connected and continue building a community that celebrates curiosity, nature, creativity, and whole-child learning!