Everyday Magic: Sandcastle Math Warm-Ups, Cheesy Apple Muffins & New Goodies in the Math Kit

From My Desk: A Sandcastle Warm-Up, Apple Muffins & Teacher Appreciation Cheer

Hello, lovely teacher friends!

First things first — Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Whether you're celebrating with coffee, quiet moments, hugs from your students (or all of the above!), I hope you feel truly seen and celebrated. Thank you for the joy, patience, and heart you bring to your classroom every day.

Over here at From the Pond, I've been busy behind the scenes creating and refreshing resources for your classroom. There's a brand new door display just added to the 10-pack display bundle (now officially an 11-pack!), plus some fresh goodies landing in the latest Pond Update newsletter. Check your inbox!

 
Math Warm-Up: Build a Number Sandcastle!

I’m so excited to share a new math play idea using one of my newest resources: the Sandcastle Play Mats (part of Math Kit Bundle 2!). These colorful mats feature a 3-layer sandcastle with 10 total dots (5 on the base, 3 in the middle, 2 on top), perfect for helping young learners explore numbers in parts—especially those small-but-mighty numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Here’s a simple warm-up game you can try:

You’ll need:

• A 1–3 dice
• Numeral cards (2–10)
• Sandcastle Play Mat

How to play:

• Flip a numeral card – that’s your target number (e.g. 7). Place it on the flag at the top of your castle.
• Roll the dice and add that number of counters to any section of the castle. For example, roll a 3 and add 3 counters to the middle section.
• Ask: How much more do we need to reach the target? (In this case, 4 more to make 7).
• Keep rolling and adding until you reach the target number.
• As students play, they’ll naturally explore how numbers like 3 are part of 5… but also part of 10… and sometimes part of a smaller target like 7. They’ll be composing and decomposing, counting on, and thinking flexibly — all through play! Just like building a real sandcastle, math happens in layers.

Everyday Magic Muffins (Apple & Cheese, Egg-Free)

In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, I wanted to share a little something from my kitchen to yours — because sometimes magic shows up in the smallest, coziest ways. 

These are my Everyday Magic Muffins — soft, savory-sweet little bites made from ingredients I have most days (hello, cheese and apple snack combo!), turned into something golden and delightful. They're also egg-free, which was a happy accident thanks to an empty fridge and a bit of kitchen improvising.

Everyday Magic Muffins: Apple & Cheese Mini Muffins (Egg-Free)

Ingredients:

• 120g plain flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 80g grated cheese (cheddar or gouda)
• 100g apple, finely diced
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon or fresh thyme
• 100ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 40ml neutral oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt or mashed banana (egg replacer)

Method:

• Preheat oven to 170°C fan and line a mini muffin tin.
• In a small jug, whisk milk, oil, lemon juice, and yogurt/banana. Let it rest.
• In a larger bowl, combine flour, baking powder, bicarb, and salt.
• Fold in the cheese, apple, and any extras like cinnamon or thyme.
• Add wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
• Spoon into muffin cups (¾ full).
• Bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden and springy.
• Cool slightly, then enjoy warm.

Notes:

• Swap apple for pear or zucchini for variety
• Perfect with butter or an extra slice of cheese on top
• Because every day you teach, care, and create—you’re making magic. 🧡

Don’t Miss the TPT Sale!

There's a sitewide sale happening right now on TPT!

• Save 20% across the store
• Use promo code: THANKYOU25 for an extra 5% off
• A perfect time to grab Math Kit Bundle 2, or check out the new additions to your favorite math stations!

Wishing you a week of celebration, creativity, and maybe a few muffins along the way. Thanks for stopping by my desk!

With love and appreciation,
Mel x

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