About intjane

Welcome to Intjane!

Here, you’ll find my ideas and experiences in creating purposeful play for my toddler.

It all started back in grad school, where I first learned about the 5 E’s¹ (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) while studying language and literacy education.

I used this model to design lessons for my students as a K-12 teacher, and it made every class feel like a mini adventure. It kept my lessons organized, my students engaged, and the feedback was always positive.

Now, as a work-from-home mom in Canada, I wanted to bring that same structure to my toddler’s playtime. Of course, things are a bit simpler (and a lot messier) with a little one, but the same principles apply.

Colorful, playful illustration of the words "Int Jane" with the tagline "Play plans are always: Easy to set up, Flexible, Fun" on a pastel background with abstract, hand-painted shapes in soft blues, greens, pinks, and yellows.

I also find myself exploring Montessori² and Waldorf³ principles, and I try to practice their emphasis on child-led learning, hands-on exploration, and a deep connection with nature. I’m not a purist by any means, but I’m inspired by their approaches and try to weave them into our daily routines.

I also want playtime to be:

Easy to set up (because I’m juggling work, a household, and a toddler without much outside help)
Resourceful (I love my Lovevery kits, but you can use whatever you have at home)
Flexible (because every toddler has their own pace and mood)
Fun (because that’s the whole point, right?)

So if you want to try some of these play plans, take a look at what you already have at home, grab a curious little sidekick, and let’s get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Play Plans?

Play plans are structured, purposeful activities for toddlers, designed around the 5 E’s to keep things organized and meaningful.

What Makes These Play Plans Unique:

Flexible Timing: You don’t have to complete all five stages in one sitting. You can spread the activities out over days based on your child’s interests and energy levels. For example, you might Engage on Monday, Explore on Tuesday, and Elaborate later in the week.

Adaptable Materials: Each plan includes alternative ideas for toys, books, and materials, so you can make the most of what you already have at home. While I use Lovevery toys because of their quality and educational focus, these plans work just as well with everyday items like wooden blocks, scarves, or household objects.

Screen-Okay and Screen-Free Options: Depending on your comfort level and your child’s needs, some activities can include screen elements, like short educational videos or interactive apps, while others focus on hands-on, screen-free play.

Built for Busy Parents: I designed these plans to be easy to set up, simple to follow, and low-stress, because I know how challenging it can be to juggle work, household tasks, and parenting without much outside help.

Room for Creativity: These plans are just a starting point. They’re meant to spark ideas and encourage creative, open-ended play, so you can adapt them to fit your child’s unique personality and interests.

2. What are the 5 E’s?

The 5 E’s is a teaching framework that stands for Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. It was originally developed for science education but can be adapted for any kind of learning, including early childhood play.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Engage – Capture your child’s attention and spark their curiosity. This could be as simple as introducing a new toy, asking a thought-provoking question, or sharing an interesting fact.

Explore – Give your child the chance to investigate and try things on their own, whether it’s stacking blocks, experimenting with textures, or exploring a new environment.

Explain – Help your child make sense of what they just experienced. This is when you can introduce new vocabulary, point out patterns, or share interesting facts.

Elaborate – Build on what your child has learned by connecting it to something new or more complex. This might mean adding a twist to a favorite activity or encouraging them to combine different skills.

Evaluate – Reflect on what your child has learned. This can be as simple as watching how they play with a familiar toy in a new way or listening to them describe what they’ve discovered.

I use the 5 E’s to structure my play plans because it provides a clear, adaptable framework that keeps things purposeful and fun.

It’s also a great way to spark curiosity, support skill development, and turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.

3. Do you follow Montessori or Waldorf methods?

My play plans are inspired by both Montessori and Waldorf approaches, but I’m not “classically” trained in either method.

I approach them from the perspective of a parent who is learning alongside my child, finding ways to incorporate their principles into our daily play.

Montessori emphasizes independence, practical life skills, and hands-on learning, while Waldorf focuses on imagination, storytelling, and nurturing the whole child.

I try to blend the best of both, while also keeping things practical for modern, busy parents like myself.

I’m always open to feedback, suggestions, and ideas from parents and educators who are more experienced in these methods, so feel free to share your thoughts

4. Why Intjane?

Intjane is a nod to my personality type, INTJ-A (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging – Assertive). As an INTJ-A, I naturally love creating systems, setting goals, and finding efficient ways to solve problems. It’s just how my brain works. So when I became a mom, I channeled that energy into creating play plans: structured, purposeful activities that add a bit of order and predictability to the beautiful chaos of parenting. These plans help me feel more connected to my toddler, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

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