Educational Gifts

LeapPad Ultra: The Ultra Learning Tablet for Kids

2013-07-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

The latest chapter in the kids' tablet saga is upon us, and LeapFrog has truly made a leap, creating a tablet that doesn't require the extra cartridges that were necessary with the two initial LeapPads. This is a real tablet. The icons are much like those of an iPad or other adult's tablet, but the contact is kid-friendly and parent approved. Built to withstand the rigors of child handling, the 7-inch hi resolution screen and Wi-Fi access make this a great option for safeguarding your investment. Kid-safe Web is another important consideration. The entire system is kid-safe from the very moment it comes out of the box. Parental controls provide extra management options. The Kids' tablet provides access to a LeapFrog created library of more than 800 games, ebooks, videos and apps. Onboard are 11 apps to start with or download for free. A built-in lithium ion battery is rechargeable. Front and back cameras provide lots of creative fun, and peer-to-peer play options promote cooperative learning. The system is designed to enhance learning and provoke creativity at an age-appropriate level. The system is ideal for kids from ages 4 to 9 and is available in green or pink.

Preordering of LeapPad UltraCHECK AVAILABILITY

Rugged Tablet and Ereader Cases for Kids

2013-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

One of the best educational gifts I've gotten for my teenage daughter is her Kindle. She is constantly reading, and she consistently asks for extra jobs to do so that she can earn extra money to spend on books. She's working with the basic model of the Kindle, and she likes the fact that it doesn't accidentally change pages with a touch of the screen, something she experienced when borrowing her older sister's touchscreen Kindle.

One challenge with her Kindle, though, is that she's a little careless and forgetful. I've found it left in unusual spots from time to time, and it's had a few close calls. I can't recommend enough the importance of two companion gifts if you are looking for a kids' tablet or ereader: get a good case and a protection plan!

My daughter's case isn't overly rugged, but it handles the job. However, if it's left on a couch one of these days, I can picture the potential damage. She's been warned! Hence, the protection plan. I could just let her deal with the loss, but unfortunately, I don't want to deal with the cost. The plan was worth it, and the value with such plans online can be really good. Amazon, for example, has excellent pricing on protection plans.

My younger kids are still in the handheld console mode: 3DS or DSI systems seem to be constructed for a bit more durability. However, if you have any child that is careless with his or her things, that warranty is worth its weight in gold.

You can check out Rugged Kindle Cases for Kids, Service Plans for Kindle, and the latest Kindle products and accessories .

Savings on a Kindle for a Child

2012-12-10T07:32:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for an affordable tablet for a child, today (12/10/12) is a great day to save on the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" model. The larger Kindle for a child is a great way to improve visual display and motor skill development with a tablet. While the 7" is pretty good, that extra little bit of display space is really attractive. I struggle with challenges on my small touchscreen device, and I really appreciate the size of the larger tablets. Affordability, of course, is always a concern when the budget is tight.

The 8.9" Kindle Fire tablet normally costs $299. With this offer, you can use the code FIREHD89 to save $50 (one per customer). It's a one day deal while supplies last. I do recommend that if the tablet is for a child, a protection plan is a smart investment. Kids can be a little bit rough on tech devices, and this is one you will want to use for years.

Save on Kindle Tablet at Amazon

2012-11-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

Use Code FIREDEAL, CyberMonday only, to save on the Kindle Fire

If you are looking for a really good tablet at a great price, then take note of the Cyber Monday deal from Amazon. The Kindle Fire is available, 1 per customer, at a price of $129. The device is highly regarded among its users and was a hit with the tween and teen age range last year in its first year. It's unlikely that you will see this kind of deep discounting with other retailers on their major tablets, and this makes the Kindle Fire a great choice over some of the kids' tablets on the market this year. Check out more details here.

Kindle Ebook Reader Comparisons for Kids

2012-09-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

When you are making ebook reader comparisons for kids needs, you inevitably have to think about Kindle ereaders for your children. The company has a pattern of making significant changes every year, upgrading and improving the service delivered by their ebook readers to people of all ages. The latest updates are no different, and there are two major ebook reader choices, along with an older version.

Amazon’s Kindle E-reader devices have really evolved in recent years, and the latest version is proving to be an exciting choice for those who love to read. The KindlePaperwhite provides readers with access to the massive library of material available for Kindle products and apps while improving the experience from a visual standpoint. Whether you already have experience with Kindle E-readers or whether you are entertaining the idea of buying your first E-reader, there are many positive design and use elements to explore with the Kindle Paperwhite.

Ebook Reader Comparisons for Kids
There are several choices in Kindle ebook readers,
depending on your pricing needs and the additional features you want
to have available.

The Kindle Paperwhite provides a six inch display that includes a built-in light, making it possible to read at any time and in any conditions. The white background makes the reading experience more like working with an actual book, reducing eye strain. Weighing 7.5 ounces, the device is lightweight and easy to take with you. 2 GB of storage on the device allows you to download more than 1,000 books, but with Amazon cloud storage, you have access to even more content. Touchscreen interaction makes this E-reader much like a tablet in terms of use. The battery life of the new Kindle device is as much as eight weeks, depending on settings. Wireless and light usage can reduce this time, but the device provides extended reading time between charges.

Amazon Prime members are able to rent bestselling books from popular authors on a monthly basis. There is plenty of content available in the Amazon library, ranging from magazines to blogs to short stories. Audio features make it possible to engage in multi-modal reading, using audio features to enhance your experience. If your child is an auditory learner, the Paperwhite Kindle is an excellent way to enhance his or her reading experience.

With the Wi-Fi version of the device, you can easily access new material when you have a connection. The 3G design provides the ability to access your reading material or look for new titles without having to track down a Wi-Fi hot spot. Prices start at $119, making this version of the line of ebook readers excellent in comparison to many handheld gaming systems and tablet computers.

The basic Kindle is a button navigation device, affordable for many at $69. When it comes to ebook reader comparisons for kids, the Kobo undercuts the Kindle by about $10, but the massive library and services available to the Kindle user promises to grow along with your young ereader, making the Kindle a more lasting investment.

If you want a bit of entertainment to intertwine with your childs ebook reader, the Kindle Fire is priced at $159 and the Kindle Fire HD provides a more enriched tablet experience at $199. The models get more elaborate from there if you are willing to be more spendy, but it's really nice that there are so many quality options.

Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

2012-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

If you are looking for something educational and fun, more of a real tablet than a toy, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Meep Tablet from Oregon Scientific. It's only $149 in cost, a price that's a bargain when compared with low end but high quality tablets, new release video game systems and other electronic devices. It's built tougher for kids, it's got parental controls, and it provides a more kid-friendly interface without being overly young. There are many high quality electronic learning devices to consider this year, some of which are developmentally aimed at the elementary school level. LeapPad Explorer acts like a tablet, but it is more in line with the pre-school and early elementary end of the spectrum. Upper elementary, meanwhile, may be a bit harsh on upper end tablets. Middle schoolers tend to love interactive games, and Meep has lots of the popular apps available like Angry Birds and others. It's an Android Tablet, it's a little more mature than the toy tablets, and it's more durable than some of the delicate tablet designs. Great option for 2012 holiday season giving!

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Games

2012-08-05T13:48:00.003-07:00

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Ball

One of my daughters picked up a Perplexus ball as a Christmas gift for her brothers last year. It spanned the ages, working as a gift that suited all kids from ages 6 to 15, and while they occasionally challenged each other about whose turn it was, it proved to be a lot of fun. The goal in maneuvering the tiny ball through the maze is not a novel idea, but it is more challenging in the 3D environment of working this puzzle. Occasional successes made it clear that success could be achieved in solving this puzzle, but there's enough challenge to keep it fun for everyone, including the adults in the house.

Dominoes for Kids: Fun and Learning

2012-08-05T13:42:00.002-07:00

Double Six Dominoes: Educational Games for Kids

One of my favorite educational game choices is dominoes. A simple set of double-six dominoes is perfect for provoking kids to use their mental math skills. Cooperative skills come into play as people challenge each other. In our large household, the fact is that there have to be teams for everyone to be able to participate, adding to the learning experience. While there are lots of game choices for kids, the simple and standard choices can be among the most pleasurable. Add a set of double six dominoes to a holiday or birthday gift, or make it a standard family game night choice!

LeapPad Explorer 2: A New Version of The Popular Touchscreen Toy for Kids

2012-07-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

LeapPad Explorer 2 is now available for preorder
and is an updated version of the popular kids touchscreen tablet toy.

If you are thinking about a touchscreen toy for your elementary or pre-school aged child this year, you will be excited about the updated version of the LeapFrog tablet toy. Beginning Aug. 1, 2012 the iPad like toy will be available, though preordering is already in progress. With slightly updated case design, the colors are more pronounced. Front and back cameras are particularly fun for your youngsters and more apps and activities than before will make this an exceptional choice in children's electronic learning gadgets. Find the LeapPad Tablet online.

Toy Tablets for Kids: Touchscreen Toys and Tablet Computers vie for a Share of the Market

2012-07-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

When you are thinking ahead to birthdays and holiday gifts for your kids, the tech world can't be avoided. Touchscreen toys are hot, and the market is ever more competitive. Last year's LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids was nearly impossible to find by Christmas, and only recently has it regained a spot on my local Walmart's shelf. Likewise, the InnoTab from VTech was a hot item, a little less rich in features and a little easier on the budget. Both companies are introducing updated versions of their tablets for children with LeapPad Explorer 2 due to hit the shelves in mid-August and with the InnoTab 2 due out in the fall.

LeapPad Explorer 2 and InnoTab 2 are due out in coming months,
making it possible to obtain older versions at a discount through various sources.
Even now, InnoTab prices have dropped at Amazon.

This is excellent news on many fronts. First, LeapPad will include lots of new free content. In my previous assessments, I felt that there was almost as much value in tablets like Kindle Fire for older kids because of the content costs associated with toy tablets. LeapFrog provides more value in its coming edition. InnoTab 2, meanwhile, will include added features and memory. A camera was lacking in the first model and that plus video cam are part of the new version. The older models may see some price reductions as releases near for new toy tablet games for kids, so if your budget is crimped, you should watch with eagle eyes for deals.

Both companies have a tendency to appear as Black Friday doorbusters. I've picked up things from both brands in the post-Thanksgiving shopping deals and loved the products. Keep your eyes open and plan now if you need to budget. Watch eBay, too, as the older versions are likely to be sold second hand to make room for new items. Excellent if new isn't a priority in your home.

Keep your eyes open for the Meep Tablet for kids, coming later this year from Oregon Scientific. This tablet may change the landscape dramatically as it includes parental controls and is specifically crafted for kids.

Keep your kids' interests in mind. A toy that pretends to be a tablet may not suit older children in spite of the claims of companies that they are great for the age group. My 8 year old distinctly rejected this idea for his birthday and preferred Legos. If you are looking at the 8-9 year old age range, real tablets may be a better choice.

Dealing with the possibility of touchscreen toys for youngsters, keep your eyes out and be ready to act when items release, especially if you are intent on having these quality toys for the holiday season. You can keep up with LeapPad products and InnoTab devices for kids at Amazon, among other retailers.

Kindle Touch as an Educational Gift

2012-05-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Kindle Touch is an Excellent Electronic Educational Gift

Ereaders have really provided an interesting opportunity to encourage our kids to read, and my daughter's receiving a Kindle Touch for her birthday seals my approval. I like Kindle in terms of it's usability across different devices and apps, making it possible to access a book on your smartphone or pc.

The Kindle Touch was easy to setup, easy to operate, and I am particularly thrilled with the clarity. I use my own smartphone app to access my Kindle downloads, but the sharpness and contrast on my daughter's new ereader really captured my attention. I can't say enough how much I love the clarity and sharpness. My younger children also found it exciting.

While I recognize that my youngsters can get excited about anything for a short time, I think this is an excellent tool for the child that enjoys reading. With my youngest children, I spend a lot of time reading and misplacing material. I see much value in having one device to manage. There is a lot of free reading material for Kindle. Amazon's Kindle Publishers often place their materials in promotional offers for short periods, making it worthwhile to keep an eye out for inexpensive reading options.

Text to speech and audio books add to the attractiveness of this device. As we get more opportunity to enjoy the new tool in the house, I'm sure that there will be more discoveries. If you select a Kindle for a child, it's important to consider an accident protection plan, offered with Kindles sold through Amazon. It's also wise to invest in a cover so that the device is protected.

Instruct your youngsters in proper care and storage, and help them to understand the costs associated with the system. (Read more about Kindle Touch, including customer reviews)

Make Your Own Dry Erase/White Board

2012-03-28T15:20:00.002-07:00

DIY Dry Erase

A dry erase board is a useful tool in any household, and location is key to it's being useful or useless. Dry erase boards are a great alternative to chalk boards for children's art projects, letter practice, or working out math problems. For the older child, a dry erase board is a great place to work through that tedious algebra equation. And for the parent, it can be the perfect way to keep information at hand for kids, babysitters, and your spouse. Various sizes can be purchased in stores, but sometimes, it's nice to be able to customize the dry erase board for a specific need or space, without spending a fortune. There is a method that is really quite simple and inexpensive.

White Contact Paper

With a roll of white contact paper, you can make your dry erase board lightweight, and inexpensively. The most simple method is to simply cut to the size you need, and thumb tack to the wall. For a sturdier backing, adhere the contact paper to a piece of posterboard, and tack up. If you want to be a little fancier, you can certainly use a piece of thicker material, such as plywood, and wire the board for mounting. Regardless of the sturdiness or size, the covering is simple enough. This can also be used as a wet erase board, in combination with a set of Vis a Vis markers.

More Alternative Wet/Dry Erase Surfaces

The refrigerator can be used for both wet and dry erase. Work the problems or make the notes, and when finished, wipe clean.

Your bathroom mirror will function as a wet or dry erase board. Leave a reminder for the kids to pick up the wet towels. Or, leave a love note for your spouse. Wipe clean when the note is no longer needed.

Windows, likewise, work as wet or dry erase surfaces. Any glass surface, really. I don't suggest the television screen, though. That might be getting a little carried away!
For a portable surface, a plastic covered binder. Or, make a book cover from the white contact paper, and the book now has a nice surface for doodling or working those algebra problems. Don't remove the adhesive from the contact paper, though, when covering the book. Rather, tape corners of the contact paper together on the inside cover. You really don't want the cost of text book replacement, after all.

Fun Pretend Play with Little Tikes Role Playing Toys and Furniture

2012-03-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Pretend Play

Role playing toys are a great source of inspiration in the pretend play of young children, in that a well designed role playing toy doesn't do everything for the child, but rather opens the door to using the imagination. While many toys lend themselves to role playing, the best pretend play, I think, is very open ended, giving room for a child to express his or her interests and talents in the use of their toys. Little Tikes makes many play sets and items which adapt to individual interests, providing a simple, sturdy source of hours of childhood entertainment.
Whether it's a Little Tikes car, a Little Tikes Kitchen or Little Tikes Shopping Cart, or a Little Tikes Swing Along Castle, your youngsters can have hours of interactive pretend play. Furthermore, Little Tikes is known for the sturdiness of its materials, lasting beyond your first child.

Strong and Sturdy

Little Tikes has served our family well through the years. Some of the most popular pieces are Little Tikes Toy Boxes, shaped as miniature furniture pieces. My daughter's pink Little Tikes Toy Box Couch is still in use in our home for storage, some 16 years after its purchase. It's easy to clean, and has stood, not only the test of time, but also the rough and tough treatment of active children. The furniture aspect has made it great as a part of role playing activity, whether the kids played house, or rocked their baby dolls while Mom rocked a new baby. They have covered this, and accenting pieces, with blankets and books to make tunnels and tents. Little Tikes Storage, and Little Tikes Furniture, work into pretend play, without doing it all for your kids.

Little Tikes Playhouse Sets

Little Tikes Playhouse Sets are great doors to pretend play, as children are free to create their own adventures, based upon their favorite characters, or creating their own. These Little Tikes sets provide a loose theme, upon which children easily expound. Youngsters can simply act out the everyday routine of parents, with a cottage style playhouse, or they can rescue damsels in distress in their Little Tikes Castle. These are role playing toys which provide for safe pretend play, as the materials are solid, and the themes, fun. The designs of Little Tikes Play Sets are creative and colorful, at times combining the house portion with swing set features. The sets last for years.

Little Tikes Playground Sets

Little Tikes Playground Sets are decorative enough for indoors, in many cases, sturdy enough for outdoors. I have a friend whose living room was half consumed with such a playground climber, an indoor play area during her kids' early years. Our outdoor Little Tikes Slide is still sturdy and useful, after nearly a decade of rough and tough use. Jungle Gyms and Playground sets are fun places for role playing activities of childhood, and foster fun pretend play in kids.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

The Cozy Coupe by Little Tikes is a classic, and young adults of today may have fond memories of this first set of "wheels"! A little less stressful on Moms and Dads than real driving, its fun to watch your youngsters scoot around and rev and roar in these popular ride on toys.

Little Tikes Tool Bench

Unless you have a youngster who insists on real tools, a Little Tikes Tool Bench is a fun role playing toy for boys who want to build. Daddy would much rather they had their own tools, and these are much safer. Inspire your future architect with great pretend play.

Pretend Play with a Little Tikes Kitchen

Little Tikes makes many clever play kitchen sets, and these are all fun for inspiring your daughters. As a role playing toy, this is a childhood favorite theme, and pretend play in a real looking kitchen setting is so much fun. It's not a new concept, but Little Tikes kitchen sets are so much more durable than the brittle plastic kitchen sets of my childhood. Little Tikes stands the test of time!

10+ Flying Toys for Kids

2012-03-23T23:11:00.001-07:00

15 Flying Toys Boys and Christmas means fun. Even the big boys need their toys, and flying toys are a sure fire way to encourage the pilot or astronaut in each one. Further, the flight themed toys are not restricted to boys, but are also great fun for many girls, and there are even those which are specifically designed to appeal to young ladies.

There are many fun options on the market, some remote controlled, some requiring adult supervision, some highlighting simple aerodynamics in one of the oldest flying toys known to youngsters. Regardless of your selection, you can rest assured that your Christmas morning will be a blast with an aerodynamic element!

Stomp Rockets

Stomp Rocket Super HighPerformance Stomp Rocket

A fun version of a favorite childhood theme, Stomp Rockets are safe, requiring no fuel or engines. Youngsters send the rockets skyward by jumping on the stomp pad, which sends air through a hose, to project the rocket into the air. Glow in the dark rockets make this a fun night activity!

Estes Model Rockets

Estes 810 220 Swift FlyingModel Rocket Kit

Probably the biggest name in model rockets, Estes provides a variety of levels, from beginner, to enthusiast. Spur your future rocket scientist's passion! My tween son enjoys the thrill of the launch, and the only drawback is the lack of foresight in purchasing enough engines to keep the fun going! My younger brother loved rockets in his upper elementary years, and even had the opportunity to a rocket camp one summer. Later, he went on to achieve his aerospace engineering degree! You never know what kind of future a flying toy, such as rockets, can inspire.

Remote Control Helicopters (Air Hogs)

Air Hogs Havoc Heli - ColorsMay Vary

These are tremendous fun for older children, teens, tweens, and dads, too! My husband's set of Air Hogs is a load of fun, for operators, and observers. It's a little advanced for younger children. I actually picked up the set featured below for my husband, and the chaos with two copters flying through the house is crazy...fun for the boys, but it might make mom think twice!

Radio Controlled Airplanes

Estes Xenox RC

You see them at the park, or even on a special airstrip as you are out for a Sunday drive. Remote control airplanes seem amazing, and they must be. Most of the time, it's grown up men flying them! The planes attract the attention of all the boys...including the grown up ones! Airplane withMotion Sensing Control

Kites

Prism Flip Rotor Kite,Spectrum

So much fun to watch, definitely fun to fly! Early springtime appearance of paper kites in stores is fun...for the older kids, and definitely for tweens, teens, and adults, specialty kites can be tons of fun! For educational applications, take a little time to read about the history of kites, or to actually explore a kitemaking book.

Frisbees and Boomerangs

Ultimate Bundle - 6

Not just for kids, frisbees are great therapy and exercise for people of all ages. Frisbee golf, or disc golf, is a great activity, and many parks have courses. Grandpas and grandsons can enjoy the activity together. If you have space at home, set up an obstacle course, or through the neighborhood, with some cautions for windows, of course! DiscraftUltra Star Ultimate Discs

Remote Controlled Tinkerbell

Wow Wee Flytech TinkerbellIndoor

If you have a little girl, or not so little, who loves Tinkerbell, or Disney Princesses, then a flying remote controlled Tinkerbelle could be a huge amount of fun.

Flyer Fold N Fly Paper Airplanes Kit

Nova Design Airglider 40 -Blue/Orange

Set of 4 Guillow's GuillowBalsa Wood Airplanes & Gliders

Flingshot Sling shot fun, with animal humor!

Playmaker Toys FlingshotFlying Animal - Flying CowWith Mooing Sound, Model# 4551

Great Gifts for Kinesthetic Learners: Sonic Slam

2012-03-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sonic Slam: Electronic Tennis Game without the Ball

Tennis, anyone?

If you have active children, particularly those with a bent toward hands on learning (kinesthetic, or tactile learners), then you know that sometimes it's very difficult to harness that energy, never mind channel it in a positive direction. There are lots of toys and games available which are well suited to this type of youngster, many of which I'll highlight later in the article. However, I'll begin with one that caught my attention recently, Sonic Slam.

No ball!

Sonic Slam is essentially virtual tennis, but without the need to be tied to a gaming console. Whereas activity based video game systems such as Wii require use of the television screen, Sonic Slam simply includes electronic tennis rackets. The ball is seen as a light, which is bounced back and forth between players. No running after that stray ball! This isn't strictly of interest to the young crowd. If your better half is a tennis fanatic, this is a way to tap into that interest.

My husband faithfully watches all of the tennis tournaments, and I often wake to middle of the night showings of tournaments when it's the right season. In our first year of marriage, his delight in my owning a tennis racket quickly turned to disappointment when I couldn't keep his pace. Sonic Slam provides an opportunity to enjoy his interest, without frustrating things by constant misses!

Of course, there are some plug and play sets which focus strictly on tennis games, played through television. Not nearly as intriguing as Sonic Slam, but nevertheless, another tennis option. There are also many tennis options for the major video gaming systems, including Wii, XBOX, and PlayStation.

Sports Minded Kids

Of course, if you have sports loving children, there's no absolute replacement for real sports equipment, and with tennis type action, you will want to consider a real tennis racket and ball, or perhaps a table tennis set. Electronic tennis is a hit with my children, and I see this as potentially translating into a great interest to pursue as an outdoors activity.

Kitchen Math: Education Through Discovery

2012-03-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

Education in Experiences

The kitchen lends itself well to all manner of experience. From smell to taste to temperature, we become acquainted as youngsters with the things we later study in science. We observe the changing of a variety of ingredients into solids such as cakes and brownies, and we appreciate the importance of this hub of the household when our tummies rumble, informing us of mealtime. Equally important are the beginnings of important mathematical principles, as we learn to count, sort, identify, and compare. Sets and subsets are not important, but stacking of cans of like sizes, or arranging of silverware according to size and type are the beginnings of our understanding of relationships that will later enable us to compute and solve the most basic to the more complex problems.

In the modern classroom, all too often, test scores trump understanding. What I mean is that, while intended to measure a student's understanding, most testing tools are limited to easy-to-grade answers of multiple choice or true/false. There is little opportunity for a student to provide his thinking on a topic, or to defend his answer. Further, time to develop the tactile understanding through hands on experience is limited by needs to comply with the schedule at hand for the curriculum. While the basic information needed to pass a test might be communicated, the understanding needed for essential application of these concepts is bypassed.

As parents, we can fill in some of those missing gaps by allowing our children to explore and experiment with materials that allow them to see, touch, and experience in a way that brings understandings of quantity and qualities.

Head Chefs Measuring Cup for Junior Chefs

Counting and Sorting

The activities of counting and sorting really come naturally. If a child is presented with a set of items, it won't be long before they are doing one, or both. Allow this to happen naturally in the kitchen. Encourage your child's presence as you prepare meals. Allow them to taste, touch, and smell the ingredients in your recipes....within reason, of course! Of course, we aren't going to have little ones handling raw meat or hot peppers. Nevertheless, there are many things in our kitchens that little ones can do to participate. While it may be loud and annoying for a child to play with pots and pans, these are beginning opportunities to experience sounds.
Youngsters love to help in putting away groceries. What a fantastic means to allow sorting. As cans are separated from vegetables, as pantry items are stored with like items, it's the opportunity to develop a sense of attributes and sets. Fruits are separated from vegetables, and separated from each other, as they are stored, again providing the opportunity to experience attributes and relationships.
Small materials such as rice or pasta or marshmallows may provide a great opportunity to compare or conserve. Some measuring cups, a bowl of grain, and some other assorted containers, and a pre-schooler can easily be entertained. The bonus is the understanding that is being developed.

Learn to Ask Questions

A parent who asks great questions will encourage understanding. Rather than telling the youngster how many marshmallows there are in a bowl, ask. If an incorrect quantity is reported, count together. Allow the child to have his "aha" moments. If he asks how many of something there are, encourage him to do the counting. Help him to attain understanding by enabling him to do it himself.

Fun Materials

Depending on the child's age and ability to eat certain sized foods, it's fun to purchase some special items for the purpose of encouraging sorting, counting, and measuring. For example, a bag of M&M's is lots of fun to experience. It need not be a large package, but could be a small individual sized bag. Gummy bears, gumdrops, marshmallows, and cereals are all fun materials to work with, which can be consumed during or after a planned activity. These provide lots of fun in sorting, counting, and of course, consuming! Not only are these great for mathematical understanding, but also, are nice means of discussing textures, weights, and other characteristics. Vocabulary will develop in the discussion. Comparisons and contrasts may naturally develop, for example, as large marshmallows and small are experienced. The opportunities are limitless. Many of these same food items are often used in crafts, whether stringing Cheerios and Fruit Loops, or glueing pinto beans and rice to a picture. The encouragement of exploration may ignite an artistic interest or a musical interest. As your children grow, many of these same materials may allow for understanding more advanced ideas and concepts, such as ratios and proportions, and may lend themselves to charting and graphing. The most important thing is to have fun as you facilitate learning.

You Can Do It

You do not need a credential to encourage your child's learning. You are your youngster's first and best teacher. As you learn and experience together, you are key to his or her confidence, and you are able to make a huge impact before school years approach. Take advantage of the inexpensive and ample opportunities in your own kitchen to encourage mathematical understanding and more! Learn together!

Fun Educational Kitchen Gifts

Head Chefs Measuring Spoons and Tools Make Fun Gifts

Whether you need a fun set of activities for your children for the summer or a great birthday gift, a junior cooking set can provide the opportunity for your youngsters to explore measurement and cooking at the same time. There are play sets and there are sets of real kitchen tools for junior chefs. Involving your youngster in kitchen activities will allow for familiarity and confidence in culinary skills and will allow for an intuitive understanding of measuring, number significance, fractions, and counting.

Educational Tech Gifts in 2012

2012-03-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

There are many considerations for educational tech gifts in 2012, and much of the focus will be on the improvement of existing tech items. Tablet computers are among the most popular tech items for kids, and I really love touchscreen technology because it involves the tactile modality in the learning process. While Apple products like the iPad and iPod Touch are the leaders, the Android selections have become viable alternatives due to affordability.

The iPad 3 is due to be introduced to the world March 7, which will certainly impact things. Watch for lower costs on older models. However, keep in mind the Kindle Fire and the Nook Color and Nook Tablet as alternatives. These are much lower in price than iPad, and provide a huge selection of apps and activities. The Meep! Tablet is due to be released in the summer of 2012, an Android tablet aimed at kids. Pricing will be an important factor in the reception of the device, but it provides an advanced alternative to the touchscreen toys that took center stage last year.

Interactive iPad Games
incorporate iPad, Apps, and
popular Hasbro games.

Many games and toys are on the horizon that involve apps for different touchscreen devices for kids. "Zapped" versions of popular games will integrate with iPad tablets. The Life version is already available, and Monopoly and Battleship are due out later in the year. iPod/iPhone laser tag games are on the horizon, as well. Many external devices for music playing are in development. AppTivity toys are interactive toys created for playing on the surface of iPad in concert with related apps. Watch for Hot Wheels, Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds Apptivity Toys.

Melissa and Doug Holiday Deals

2011-12-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

**Special Amazon Toys GoldBox Daily Deals Leak** - Up to 50 Off Select Melissa and Doug Toys

(only valid Dec. 8, 2011)
If you are a fan of Melissa and Doug toys, you will find a host of educational gifts and ideas, ranging from pretend play sets, to puzzles, to math manipulatives, and more. Amazon's holiday deals are in full swing, and you'll find a variety of deals through the season, including the Melissa and Doug sale linked above.

LeapPad Explorer Inventory: Where to Buy LeapPad Explorer Online

2011-12-01T20:51:00.001-08:00

If you are hunting for the popular LeapPad Explorer Tablet this holiday season, you may be a little frustrated with inventory shortages...our WalMart displayed prominently on Black Friday that it would not have any in stock, due to inventory issues beyond control. Following are some leads, though as the season proceeds, inventories will no doubt continue to dwindle.

Sears: Green LeapPad Explorer or Pink LeapPad Explorer

KMart: LeapPad Explorer

Target

As well, LeapPad Explorer is available through many third party sellers on Amazon. Be aware that the prices may be significantly elevated, compared to list price, due to the popularity of the device. If you are considering an alternative to the Leapfrog Tablet, there are still supplies of the VTech Innotab, but again, the third party sellers may have elevated prices. Some sources include those same venues linked above. Additionally, Best Buy carries the Innotab, though is out of stock on LeapPad.

Another alternative to the LeapFrog Tablet, especially with upper elementary aged children, is the Kindle Fire, or the Barnes and Noble Nook Color. Both retail at $199, and though not specifically targeted at children, have apps, ereading materials, and digital media available. While the cost is significantly higher than the list prices of the electronic learning systems, the older child will be able to continue using one of these tablets on into tween and teen years.

My Twinn Black Friday Sale

2011-11-23T17:33:00.001-08:00

Black Friday Sale Only! FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more. Up to $70 in FREE GOODS!

If you are hunting for a look alike doll for your daughter this holiday season, then check out the Black Friday sale linked here, with up to $70 in freebies.

Pretend play is important developmentally, and many children really love look alike dolls. My Twinn allows you to create a doll for your child with similar features, hairstyle...even freckles! There are many ways to customize your daughter's twinn!

Puzzle Books for Tweens and Teens

2011-11-12T12:27:00.001-08:00

Tweens and teens can benefit greatly from puzzle books as gifts, especially during the busy holiday season, or for a long, lazy summer. There are, of course, many puzzle books to choose from at all age levels, but there are many targeted at special interests, and older puzzle solvers, as in the example pictured above. Educationally, puzzle books can provide opportunity to refine vocabulary or math skills. There are extreme challenges available, whether in dot to dot format, sudoku, kakuro, or in crosswords. For an ongoing supply, consider a subscription to your tween's favorite puzzles in magazine form, or to variety magazines.

Gift Ideas for Artistic Tweens and Teens

2011-11-12T12:20:00.001-08:00

Dot to Dot Super Challenges for Tweens and Teens

If you have an artistic tween or teen, and need a great idea for a simple Christmas gift, these Dot to Dots are not your typical dot to dot puzzle activities. While the dot to dot is a great medium for young children in terms of learning number order, the series pictured above involves intricate dot to dot activities with dots numbering into the thousands, with amazing pictures. There is an entire series of these dot to dots for tweens and teens, challenges, all receiving rave reviews.

Travel Size Dot to Dot Challenges

Wooden Toy Kitchen Sets

2011-10-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Wooden Toy Kitchen Sets Promote Pretend Play

My oldest child is a wonderful baker, and her earliest kitchen experiences were as simple as waving a wooden spoon, from her walker, while Mom created gingerbread house pieces at Christmas time. Through the years, she enjoyed both real, and pretend kitchen play, and it goes without saying that her toy kitchen set was a favorite pretend play thing.

A charming blue, wooden toy kitchen set...
Image links to details and availability.

Pretend play is very much an educational endeavor, as it allows children to repeat what they've seen, though in pretend fashion. It allows them the opportunity to invent their own stories, ideas, and scenarios. It allows for informal use of verbal and mathematical skills, in a tactile environment. Sometimes, I think that formal schooling has abandoned too quickly the value of make believe.

KidKraft Wooden Toy Kitchen Set in Pink

Wooden toy kitchen sets have a wonderful charm about them, in that they are constructed of simple materials, can be created in a rainbow of colors, and can sufficiently provide a venue for imaginative play that will inspire.

Add caption

Costs for woodent toy kitchen sets can range from the $60 area, and up, and can be very simple, or quite elaborate. Your household space may dictate how elaborate the toy kitchens sets are that you will consider, or your budget may do so. Most big box retailers will host a given set, often plastic, during a holiday season, but I rarely see the charming wooden kitchen toys in my stores. There are, however, plenty of online options, from many companies...check out the newest releases in Kitchen Play Sets at Amazon..

Toy Building Sets for Kids

2011-10-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Toy Building Sets

Toy Building Sets: What are the choices?

One of the most popular toy themes for boys is building sets, especially when it comes to Lego brick building toys, K'Nex, and building blocks. These toy building sets are favorites, not just for boys, but often for girls, as well.

Toy Building Sets in Colors that Girls will Love

While these toys don't overtly seem to be educational, they do, in fact, provide a great deal of tactile interaction that allows children to develop spatial understanding, and mathematical relationships, as well. The kinesthetic, or tactile, modality is one of the least addressed in the traditional classroom, though in mathematics and sciences, the use of models and manipulatives is not only helpful in establishing concepts in geometry, but also in developing number sense and numerical concepts.

Many toy building sets provide math manipulative qualities in an informal, explorational setting. The good news is that as a parent, you don't need to do formal instruction. Your child's enjoyment of these toys makes it a fun way to make connections. That isn't to say that there's no need for formal teaching, but that the teaching can make even more sense when a child has something to relate those abstract concepts to.

Toy Building Set Tubs Provide Ample Explorational Play

Lego brick sets are great for concepts of addtition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. K'Nex sets lend themselves particularly well to understanding geometric relationships, in both two and three dimensional models. Angles and shapes come into play easily with the snap together building pieces. Advanced learning sets incorporate physics concepts, with amusement park sets, bridge sets, and educational toy building sets created especially for the instructional environment.

Duplo Building Sets Are Suited to Manual Skills of Younger Children

For younger children, a basic set of building pieces is a perfect introduction. The Lego company has Duplo blocks, which are bigger and easier to manage, for smaller hands, while K'Nex has a larger sized Kid K'Nex series. For 5-6 year olds, a building tub of Lego's or K'Nex building pieces provides a good selection for easy play and exploration.

K'Nex Building Sets Provide Explorational Activity Based in Geometry

There are also simple themed sets from both companies, aimed at younger ages, with more complicated designs and plans for older children. Kids seem to have a timeless affection for these popular building toys, and sets can easily merge for expanded building creativity.

You can find the top rated toy building sets at Amazon, along with customer recommendations, and many varied toy building sets not found on the aisles of your big box retailer.

Touchscreen Tablets for Kids: Kindle Fire

2011-09-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Kindle Fire
Tablet Interactivity with Great Educational Potential for Kids

Amazon has introduced a new series of Kindle ereaders. In particular, the Kindle Fire is interesting as a possible gift choice for kids, due to its pricing, $199. Price, alone, doesn't qualify a tech gadget as a great value, but based on preliminary information, Kindle Fire has some interesting features that provide a multimedia touch tablet experience: streaming video and music, web browsing, ereading, and popular apps. In conjunction with Amazon Cloud storage, digital content isn't stored on the device, but in the "Cloud". Amazon content is stored free of charge, and other content can be stored, at a fee.

For kids, this is an affordable alternative to the popular iPad. As a parent, you will want to oversee the content that your child accesses, and take the same precautions you would in any use of online technology, to assure your child's security and safety. For me, this would mean using the device more as a family tool, and working together to monitor the content and web browsing.

I am excited about the device for its use in educational purposes, though, as ereading looks to be a rich experience, and children's books in full color will be incorporated into the ereading experience, along with full color magazines. I love having access to National Geographic for my kids, for example, but get overwhelmed with storing the old issues.

Kindle Fire is available for pre-order now, with its release due on Nov. 15.