About the store
Hi and welcome! I’m Sandy. I’m a former English teacher and university demonstrator who has transitioned to working from home, blending my passion for education with my lifelong love for science, math, and English.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of New England, a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Southern Cross University, and a Ph.D. in Entomology. My academic journey led me to spend three fulfilling years as a Biology Demonstrator at the University of New England, guiding students through hands-on scientific experiments. I also taught English as a second language to primary school students for five years in Korea, which further fueled my passion for helping others learn.
I then worked as an Animals Technician at the University of Macquarie for three years, where I supported Ph.D. students in their research. This role allowed me to immerse myself in scientific research and technical support, strengthening my skills in a practical environment.
Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom to my energetic three-year-old, working from home where I create educational resources through my business, Shoto Learning. It’s a joy to combine my love of teaching and science with the flexibility to be present for my child during these precious early years. While I sometimes miss the classroom and lab, I’m grateful for this season of life, balancing professional growth and quality time with my family. Right now, I’m loving the adventure of being a mom who gets to make learning fun and engaging, both for my little one and through the resources I create.
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Comparing PowerPoint and Speech for Kindergarten
Teach comparing in kindergarten with this engaging PowerPoint and speech! Help students understand concepts such as long and short, light and heavy, hot and cold, and fast and slow through engaging visuals and interactive slides. Key Features:Covers four comparison concepts: long/short, light/heavy, hot/cold, fast/slowIncludes PowerPoint (PDF) and Speech Script (PDF) for teachersBright, colorful slides designed for early learnersEasy-to-follow teacher narration for classroom or home usePromo
PreK - 1st
Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Measurement
Free Kindergarten Worksheet: Long/Short & Heavy/Light
Teach kindergarteners opposites with this free 2-page worksheet: Long vs Short and Heavy vs Light. Fun, easy, and ready to print for class or home use. Key Features:2-page PDF worksheet for kindergartenPage 1: Long vs Short objectsPage 2: Heavy vs Light objectsEngaging visuals for easy learningPerfect for classroom or home activitiesInstructions to Use:Download and print the PDF.Discuss the concepts of long/short and heavy/light with children.Ask children to match, sort, or color objects accordi
PreK - 1st
Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Measurement
Kindergarten Comparing Worksheets | Opposites and Measurements
Help Kindergarten students develop critical thinking and observation skills with this Comparing Worksheet Pack. Children explore differences in length, weight, temperature, and speed through fun, hands-on activities. Key Features:Long and Short comparison (3 pages)Light and Heavy comparison (3 pages)Hot and Cold comparison (3 pages)Fast and Slow comparison (3 pages)Designed for Kindergarten and early Grade 1 studentsEngaging visual activities to strengthen observation and reasoningHow to Use:Us
PreK - 1st
Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Measurement
Also included in: Kindergarten Science Bundle: 12 Topic Worksheet Set
Year 3 Science Missing Letters: Object Properties
Strengthen your Year 3 students’ science vocabulary with these engaging Missing Letters Worksheets focused on identifying the properties of an object. Students complete 20 key describing words by filling in the missing letters. The set includes two versions for easy differentiation: With a word bank for supportWithout a word bank for the challengePerfect for consolidating Chemical Sciences concepts and building spelling confidence. Answers are included for quick marking.Key FeaturesYear 3 Sci
2nd - 4th
Basic Operations, General Science, Spelling
Also included in: Year 3 Science Games & Puzzles: Object Properties
Year 3 Science Crossword: Object Properties Worksheet
Help your Year 3 students build important science vocabulary with this engaging Identify Properties of an Object Crossword Worksheet. Designed to support the Australian Curriculum (Chemical Sciences), this activity helps students learn key describing words such as hard, soft, rough, smooth, waterproof, and more. Includes a word bank for support and a complete answer key for easy marking. Perfect for review, early finishers, homework, or literacy rotations. Key FeaturesYear 3 Science – Chemic
2nd - 4th
Basic Operations, General Science, Vocabulary
Also included in: Year 3 Science Games & Puzzles: Object Properties
Year 3 Science Scramble: Object Property Worksheets
Strengthen your students’ science vocabulary with these Year 3 Identify Properties of an Object Scramble Worksheets. This set includes two differentiated worksheets—one with a word bank for support and one without for an added challenge—featuring 20 key property words and a complete answer key. Key Features:Designed for Year 3 Science – Chemical SciencesIncludes 2 scramble worksheets (with & without word bank)Contains 20 key vocabulary words on object propertiesWords include: hard, soft, rough,
2nd - 4th
Basic Operations, General Science, Vocabulary
Also included in: Year 3 Science Games & Puzzles: Object Properties
Fun Subtraction up to 10 Worksheets for Kindergarten
Help your Kindergarten students build strong subtraction skills with this engaging Subtraction up to 10 worksheet pack. Designed with cubes, pictures, sentences, and word problems, these activities make learning subtraction hands-on and fun. Perfect for classroom use, math centers, or homework practice. Key Features: 24 pages of subtraction practice (cubes, pictures, sentences & word problems) Subtraction up to 10 with visual supports for early learners Includes cube trains, word problems, and
PreK - 1st
Basic Operations, Numbers
Year 3 Science Poster: Identify Properties of Objects
Help your Year 3 students learn how to describe and compare everyday objects with this free Identify Properties of an Object Poster. Designed to support the Australian Curriculum (Chemical Sciences), this colourful and student-friendly chart introduces 20 key property words such as hard, soft, rough, smooth, waterproof, and transparent. Perfect for classroom walls, science centres, and student notebooks. Key FeaturesCovers 20 essential object property wordsIncludes texture, strength, weight,
2nd - 4th
Basic Operations, Earth Sciences, General Science
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About the store
Experience
Hi and welcome! I’m Sandy. I’m a former English teacher and university demonstrator who has transitioned to working from home, blending my passion for education with my lifelong love for science, math, and English.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of New England, a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Southern Cross University, and a Ph.D. in Entomology. My academic journey led me to spend three fulfilling years as a Biology Demonstrator at the University of New England, guiding students through hands-on scientific experiments. I also taught English as a second language to primary school students for five years in Korea, which further fueled my passion for helping others learn.
I then worked as an Animals Technician at the University of Macquarie for three years, where I supported Ph.D. students in their research. This role allowed me to immerse myself in scientific research and technical support, strengthening my skills in a practical environment.
Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom to my energetic three-year-old, working from home where I create educational resources through my business, Shoto Learning. It’s a joy to combine my love of teaching and science with the flexibility to be present for my child during these precious early years. While I sometimes miss the classroom and lab, I’m grateful for this season of life, balancing professional growth and quality time with my family. Right now, I’m loving the adventure of being a mom who gets to make learning fun and engaging, both for my little one and through the resources I create.
Teaching style
My teaching style is centered around simplicity and engagement. I believe that learning should be accessible and enjoyable, so I keep things straightforward, from the way I explain concepts to the design of my worksheets. I’m a firm believer that education doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
To make learning fun and memorable, I incorporate games into my teaching. Whether it’s a competitive quiz, an interactive puzzle, or a hands-on activity, I find that games are a powerful tool to reinforce concepts and keep students engaged. By combining simplicity with a playful approach, I aim to create a learning environment where students feel confident, curious, and excited to explore new ideas.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation at ESA12 Conference
My own education history
I hold a Ph.D. in Entomology, a Master of Environmental Science, a Bachelor of Science, a TEFL Certification, and a Small Business Certificate.
Additional biographical information
I love all things tidy and organized, favoring bright, simple spaces with natural lighting. Quiet time by myself for self-reflection is important to me, and I deeply enjoy reading and learning new things. Spending time with my family is a cherished part of my life. Most of all, I have a great love for animals and nature.
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