Hi, I’m Rebecca. I write books and I write here at This Joyful Mess to inspire everyone to find JOY in the everyday messes of life. Here you’ll find inspiration, educational resources, and so much more. Please explore and connect—I’d love to hear from you!
It's Almost Back to School! Printable Planning Pages for Home or Classroom
I created these school planning pages out of desperation. I SO needed to get back on track! Did they help? Some more than others. But I can say for certain that they are 100% cute. In this download you’ll find a weekly lesson plan, semester schedule, grade report sheets, and book/media record sheets. All can be sized for any planner, including the Happy Planner.
A Sweet Slice of Thanksgiving: Some Resources to Enrich Celebration
As Thanksgiving approaches, I can't help but look for little things to do or add to make the holiday more meaningful and memorable. Especially since Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of gorging oneself before (finally!) turning on the Christmas music (actually, I start Christmas music in early November - can't help myself). Thanksgiving gets lost, slipped in between the fun of costumes and candy and the magic and mystery of Advent and Christ's birth.
Ancient History Timeline Figures, Classical Style: Featuring Famous Works of Art!
Last summer I went a little nutty. See, I was SO excited that our curriculum recommended a timeline. SO SO excited that timeline figures came with it. Until ... I opened the packaging. The timeline figures were ... ugly. So I made ancient history timeline figures using classic art! And now I'm sharing them with you, free!
Free Printable Nature Journals for for Preschoolers and Toddlers!
Picture it: the big kids are on their nature hike, and the toddler is either whining to get out of the stroller or backpack, or crying to get back in it. What if your toddler could join in the fun? What if your preschooler had a resource that needed no (or very little) reading, with cheery drawings, and easy, fun activities?
Free Printable Nature Journal Just In Time for September’s Back-to-School
Yes, to celebrate the release of my third picture book, A Year With Mama Earth, I’m creating a nature journal inspired by Rebecca Green’s illustrations and the book’s lyrical text. I’m aiming the printables at PreK-3rd graders, and plan to include an abundance of STEAM activities: loads of natural science, art, creative writing, and so much more.
Why Sequencing is So Important to Early Literacy Plus Free Printables!
Learn why sequencing is an essential skill for reading and literacy, and download free printables to practice using the picture book Violet and the Woof!
An Ordinary Extraordinary Book About Moths
I first "met" Karlin when she asked to do an author interview on the release of my first book, Halloween Good Night. Of course I had to follow suit (i.e., steal her excellent idea!) to celebrate the release of her second book, An Extraordinary Ordinary Moth.