Review of TripFlix DVD
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Everywhere I turn, the term "staycation" is being thrown around. Daunting gas prices and weather instability has kept many families home this summer. Kids may get bummed out about the lack of exciting new places to visit, and I totally understand. Giving them a way to learn and explore top vacation destinations, however, doesn't have to be completely squashed.
TripFLIX is a very new (and very cool) interactive DVD that lets kids teach kids about the best parts of top vacation destinations (and we're not talking amusement parks, here.) With more education than is first suspected, choice U.S. landmarks are presented in kid-friendly terms and with all the brilliance of video.
Quizzes and other interactive tools keep viewers engaged, and the featured spots are actually very fascinating. (Carhenge is in my own state, and I didn't know anything about it until watching this video.) Aimed at kids of all ages (even toddlers at my house loved watching it), it's a great way to stretch those vacation dollars from the comforts of home. 25 hot spots that kids are sure to love come alive at the push of your "play" button -- it doesn't get any better than this!
More info on TripFLIX is available at their website, or purchase today at Amazon.com
Labels: education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 3:08 PM,
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Review of Street Science School Supplies
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sure you could get a notebook with that hot new teen celebrity on the front. Yeah, it would be easy to just snag any old composition binder for your kid's English course. But what about doing something a bit different, a little funky, and very educational?
Street Science is all that the name claims to be ... it combines the hot looks of "street" with fun learning facts that are easy to remember. The products are sturdy (totally up to the challenge of lasting through a brutal school year) and will have everyone talking!
I liked toting around my sample composition book -- it actually works very well for the home office, too! (Plus I'm digging the inner pockets of the notebook.) My daughter enjoyed the designs, and I could see this working very well for a college-aged crowd, as well. And we can't complain about the fun facts printed on each and every product.
With so much to consider when picking school supplies, it's good to see a real example of form meeting function. Check out Street Science brand supplies at your local Kmart!
Labels: education
posted by Kylinsmom @ 12:10 PM,
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Review of the Zula Patrol on Qubo
Monday, July 14, 2008
School hasn't started yet, but that doesn't mean that the learning can't start now! Since preschoolers are eager to learn basic skills, it's great when a TV show meets that need with fun characters and the best music. What show am I talking about? The Zula Patrol, and it's airing this summer!
If you don't love the quirky theme song, there's something really wrong with you. Add in the engaging characters and the not-so-subtle educational value, and you have the makings of a successful show that won't waste your kid's time. After just a few minutes, even my 9-year-old was sitting down to watch, and Zula had my toddlers "at hello." What did I think? I got a refresher course in planetary rotation and I still can't get that theme song out of my head!
Science doesn't have to be overly complicated or out of reach for your kids. Thankfully, Zula Patrol takes the wonders of the universe and brings it down to a child-sized serving sure to entertain and create a new passion for astronomy. Zula is just one of many high-quality programming options offered by Qubo. If you don't have cable, you can catch Zula on Saturday mornings on NBC! Or play a game at the official Zula website. It's a blast!
Labels: education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:33 PM,
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Review of Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel
Monday, June 9, 2008
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a boy who recycles?
This is THE best "green" (or eco-aware, or environmentally-friendly, or whatever you want to call it) children's book ever. Really. With prose similar to Dr. Seuss, and a message that isn't too heavy or preachy, Michael Recycle is really fun to read. It also has a simple message: clean up your junk and use it for something else!
This book by Ellie Bethel tells the story of a boy who visits a stinky, junky town, and helps it transform into a bunch of common, everyday recyclers. They see how easy it is to recycle, and their town gets cleaned up in the process. It's that simple! Michael Recycle saves the day, and the book gives kids really easy tips to do the same at home.
While the world is going crazy for more "green" children's books, I'm glad to have one on our shelf that fits my family's view of good stewardship. It isn't radical, difficult to follow, or insane. It's just a clever, colorful, and practical book that teaches the importance of recycling. And I've read it almost a dozen times without tiring of it!
Regardless of where you stand on global warming and politics, this book speaks the truth with common sense and silliness. Check out this refreshing change of pace at bookstores near you! (Or snag a copy at Amazon.)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, education
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:33 PM,
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Review of Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs Software
Monday, May 12, 2008
Computer games are a fun hobby at our house, but I really prefer those that teach basic learning skills over those for pure entertainment. We recently had an opportunity to test out Kutoka Interactive's Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs with both my 4 and 9-year old children, and the response was overwhelmingly positive!First, let me give you a little background: Mia Reading is a DVD-ROM computer learning software game that provides hours of fun activities for reinforcing the foundational reading skills that every child needs to succeed. But this really is no ordinary educational software! The graphics are beyond amazing! My daughter and I were shocked to see that the game played much like a high-budget computer-animated movie, and she even told me that it was more realistic than games she had played on a Nintendo DS or a PS3. The game was quick-loading, and very easy to set up (it only required a short installation and allowed children to type their name for their play settings.)
In addition to really clever activities that challenged phonics, adverbs, sentence structure, and so much more, the game provided:
• Adventure game includes 12 educational activities
• Two game styles: Adventure Mode and Activities Mode
• Four age-appropriate difficulty levels
• Easy to consult evaluation report to follow the child’s progress
• Educational activities seamlessly integrated into the story
• Colorful environments and endearing characters in a rich
3D environment
• Feature-film quality animation
• Unique navigation system enabling real-time control of
the main character
• On DVD-ROM for an even better graphic quality
(This is a screen shot from our favorite activity in the game! Who doesn't love jellybeans?)This game was just as fun for me to watch as it was for my kids to play! Children will enjoy helping Mia (the mouse) find ways to rid her home of stinky, nasty bug invaders while they build upon their reading skills. Adults will enjoy having a game played in the home that is worthwhile and pleasant to be around (as we all know how annoying some video games can be).
Mia Reading is perfect for summer learning, supplementing homeschool curriculum, or just as a way to pass time in a uniquely enriching way. See more about Kutoka Interactive and the Mia Reading program at their website! (This game is available at major electronics retailers and Amazon.com)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, electronics, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:20 AM,
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Review of Millionaire Kid's Club Books by Money Savvy Generation
Friday, March 28, 2008
We've already told you how impressed we were with Money Savvy Generation's Kids at Home products.. so this review had us excited from the get-go!
Reading can be fun and educational at the same time, but how many really interesting kids books are available about finance? The Millionaire Kid's Club Series answers the call with their colorful illustrations and characters. Each 32-page book features kids as unique as your own, who go about their daily lives in search of answers to common money problems.
In Putting The "Do" In Donate, the main character is given $100 from his pastor and is told to find a creative way to put it to use. With the help of his friends, he is able to turn that simple money gift into a big blessing for others.
Garage Sale Riches puts the kids in the middle of a garage sale, where they have the opportunity to shed some material items in exchange for a little cash. They face decisions regarding what they will sell, and how they will use the money.
In both books, teamwork and responsibility are showcased in a way that children will understand and appreciate! The modern approach to classic money values helped to get my kids excited about the books. I'm sure your children will also find them refreshing and full of opportunity!
Want to win a set? Money Savvy Generation is offering one lucky reader a chance to get both books (a $26 value) just by commenting on this post! To be entered, visit the Money Savvy website, and let us know of another product you think your kids would enjoy -- here! Please be sure to include a way to reach you if you win! You have until Thursday, April 3rd to get your entries in! Complete site rules are HERE.
Good luck!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, education, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:29 AM,
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Review of National Geographic's Green Guide Magazine
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Like most moms I know, I am really trying to be more environmentally-friendly in my daily habits. I realize that it starts small: turning off the water when I brush, turning down my hot water heater a notch or two, recycling when I can. These are just a few ways to help out, but what else can I do?
National Geographic has put out another great magazine, with the claim that it is "The Resource for Consuming Wisely." Would I agree? I think so. The first of it's kind to reach a wider audience of normal families, the Green Guide doesn't assume everyone can afford to ditch their minivan for a Prius -- and they don't even ask you to.
Topics covered in the preview issue include how to improve gas mileage in your current vehicle, the 12 worst cosmetic ingredients, and how to look for safer food. All things that I care about, and each tip was applicable and easier to implement than the suggestions offered by some other green publications.
The publication has the kind of quality and class that you would expect from NatGeo, but without any snoot or sass aimed at those of us who are new at being green or only have one toe in the waters.
For complete subscription details on this quarterly gem, and to see all their great green blogs, visit www.thegreenguide.com.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:33 AM,
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Review of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Financial Aid for College
Friday, March 14, 2008
College is a long way off for my kids, but I'm no stranger to the ins and outs of financial need. Having a spouse in college makes me especially interested in new college savings plans, grant opportunities, and scholarships. But is it enough to just go through the regular hoops that I knew about in high school?
The author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Financial Aid for College doesn't think so. In fact, David Rye, M.B.A. believes that there is much more cash available to us than we may know about. The purpose of his book is to clearly explain what money exists and how to get as much of it as we can. Through simple explanations, common to the Idiot's Guides, you will be taken through college costs, planning, applications, FAFSA's, and frugal tips for college life. If you need to know it -- it's in here!
Do you need access to a checklist for High School Juniors considering college? Curious about state aid programs? Wondering if you need a financial aid consultant? You will find answers to all of this and more in this comprehensive and organized handbook. A handy Appendix makes reference to other available resources.
Perhaps the least dry of all college finance books, this is a keeper. Students and parents can find much to learn in a easy and conversational format. There's no excuse not to know the latest on college financial planning!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Financial Aid for College, Second Edition is available at Penguin and Amazon.com!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, education
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:36 AM,
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Review of Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Soft Sticks
Monday, March 10, 2008
My boys are always busy "creating" new pieces of art. The trouble is, there is often more mess than I can handle. Even the best cleaners can't keep my furniture and walls safe from a crayon casualty or a marker massacre.When we tried Crayola's Color Wonder Mess-Free Soft Sticks recently, I was more than pleasantly surprised. While more costly than other markers or crayons, these clever little art "sticks" were easy to use and had amazing results. They worked much like pencil-sized glue sticks. By twisting the bottom of each soft stick, they popped out from their plastic casings (much like lipstick) and could be rubbed on the special Crayola paper much like a glue stick. The clear coating didn't do much at first, but if you waited a few seconds, brilliant color began to appear on the pages of the notebook. Orange sticks made orange patterns, yellow sticks made yellow, and so on. Preprinted patterns made each creation perfect; there was no chance for going outside of the lines. We were even able to "blend" some colors (green and yellow) to make new colors.
The soft sticks broke off occasionally if too much pressure was applied. They are safe and effective, however, at letting even the most inexperienced and undisciplined artists run wild with artistic inspiration. In three words: "We loved them."
The entire line of Crayola Color Wonder products can be viewed at their website. Available online at Amazon.com.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, gifts
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:11 AM,
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Review of Briarpatch Puzzles
Monday, February 25, 2008
Puzzles are the favorite pastime at our house. My kids spend hours putting the same puzzles together; each child with their own favorite set. Picking up the pieces is work, but the reward of a completed puzzle is priceless!
Briarpatch has some adorable new puzzles in their lineup, ones that are classy and fun. My 4-year-old went straight to work on their new Alex Clark 63-piece puzzle. He loves animals, and we live on a farm, so this was right up his alley! Each piece was durable, so they didn't bend or rip with even the 2-year-old helping. They are colorful and make a great decoration when completed. There are also two floor puzzles that teach the ABC's and 123's (perfect for toddlers!)
Little girls will love the Fancy Nancy glitter puzzles. They really do sparkle! (Perfect for Princesses in training, ages 5 and up!)
With more puzzles featuring Pat Palermino, I Spy, Goodnight Moon, and so many more, there is a puzzle for any child in your life! (And Briarpatch has won of 250 awards for excellence). See all of them at Briarpatch's website.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:56 AM,
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Review of School Zone Educational Products
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
As a home educator and a parent, I live for products that not only make learning a priority in my children's lives, but also make it fun! That's why I was so excited to try out a line of products from School Zone publishers! Familiar with some of their workbooks and flashcards, I knew that I was in for a real treat. The products were perfect for our family, and there were so many products to choose from!
The Multiplication On-Track Software (grades 3 and 4) was a big hit! The CD-ROM and accompanying workbook were perfect for my daughter's learning level. Starting with the basics of multiplication, and then working up to more difficult division, seemed like a daunting task at first. Getting away from our traditional paper flashcards and working through fun and brightly-animated math games, however, made it so easy! What we loved best about the program was that for every few math activities she completed, there was a "just for fun" computer game waiting to reward her! It was easy to see her progress at the end of every session.
For hours of sit-down studying, we got cracking at the BIG Third and Fourth Grade Workbook! This giant 320-page, full-color book combines several of the original School Zone workbooks into one. It covers nouns and verbs, spelling, map skills, multiplication and division, adjectives, composition, and so much more! This is perfect for beginning-level and intermediate third and fourth grade students. (Can you say "summer learning fun"?) Perforated pages tear our easily. and it is priced low for extra value.
I've saved the BEST for last! That's because the most exciting product from School Zone is aimed at the little guys in my life. The Super Scholar Software Package (Preschool and Kindergarten) is a showcase of 4 of the best software programs offered. With just enough computer activities for the youngest preschooler, and an increasing level of difficulty to challenge your eager Kindergartener, this package is so exciting! Titles included in the package are: Alphabet Express, Pencil-Pal Preschool, On-Track Transition Math, and Flash-Action Wonder Words. This is a super value of some the most adorable and education games yet! (My little guys loved this one....) It was easy for the kids to begin using on their own, right away.
School Zone offers too many titles to list here (including Baby products). Check out their website for all the newest offerings, and see what they have on sale now!Labels: 2008 Reviews, education
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:11 AM,
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Exclusive Interview: A Chat with Dr. Plagio
Monday, February 18, 2008
Babies are cute. They have little toes, and button noses, and hopefully, tiny round heads. Unfortunately, 1 in 10 infants may have positional plagiocephaly, a deformation of an infant's head (one-sided flatness). It is caused by continuous pressure on one part of a baby's skull. The condition isn't just a cosmetic issue -- it can become a hardship for children who have to take invasive measures to have it corrected.
With the newer sleep practices being employed as a result of SIDS prevention, physicians are seeing an increase in this deformation. Plagiocephaly can be prevented by employing the TOTS system:
Tummy time
Opposite side of the crib
Turn your baby's head
Switch Arms
Opposite side of the crib
Turn your baby's head
Switch Arms
In addition, the development of the Symmetry Sleep System (which we review tomorrow) has been shown to be effective in preventing Plagiocephaly and is compatible with the SIDS prevention guidelines.
Recently we had the pleasure of talking to Dr. Plagio, a.k.a Ricardo Guillermo Hahn, a professor and past chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Southern California, School of Medicine. He gave us more information on this condition, the potential problems it may cause, and how we can prevent it.
Q: Do we know how many babies are diagnosed with Plagiocephaly? If so, can we assume that there are a larger number of infants that have it but are not diagnosed?
A: Unfortunately, this condition is often treated very dismissively by the medical community. Many physicians tell their patients not to worry and that the flattening will go away. In most cases, the condition will correct itself and other times it leads to plagiocephaly. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the sum of infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly because no one is really keeping track of the amount of diagnosed cases.
In my experience, and from our test study (which included a sample size of about 500 infants), I would estimate the amount at about 1 in 6 to 1 in 10.
Q: I had not heard of this condition prior to my introduction to your website. What is being done to bring this type of education to the hospitals and birth centers in the U.S. to help let new mothers know about plagiocephaly and the TOTS system?
A: This issue is one of awareness. It is my belief that awareness of Plagiocephaly should be brought forth in pre-natal classes and, first and foremost, by the media. We need the media to shed light on this phenomenon and to help communicate the ways to prevent Plagiocephaly to the general public. Together with Basic Comfort, we have launched a national media campaign to raise awareness about plagiocephaly, how to prevent and correct the condition before it is too late.
Q: How old is too old for an infant to start using the TOTS system or the Symmetry Sleep System?
A: It is best to start implementing repositioning techniques as soon as flattening is apparent. The Symmetry Sleep System is approved for infants up to 6 months. However, the product can be used until the plates are fully fused, which usually happens after the child is a year old. After a child reaches a year of age, and nothing has been done to correct the flattening, surgical intervention might be necessary.
Q: What should a parent do if, after bringing a concern of plagiocephaly to their doctor, it isn't taken seriously?
A: A good doctor knows that they and the parents are on the same team, with the shared goal of helping a child grow happy and healthy. If your doctor dismisses your questions or won’t take your concerns into account, it may be time to look for a new doctor. Parents can also contact us via the Dr. Plagio website, where we can put them in touch with specialists who are willing to listen and help.
We would like to thank Dr. Plagio for his time and expertise on the subject. If you have additional questions, would like to know more about plagiocephaly, or want to see how to adopt the TOTS system with your baby, visit DrPlagio.org
Labels: education
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:47 AM,
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Review of Your Baby Can Read!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Do babies need to know how to read? Probably not. Would it be great to see them get a head start on phonics and language comprehension? You bet!
Your Baby Can Read! is one of the most simple, yet exciting, learning programs I've had the pleasure of trying with my young children. Used with my kids (ages 1, 2, and 4) twice a day for a few weeks, I can see the gears turning in their little heads, and a love for books and reading coming alive!
Your Baby Can Read! is a fun and simple early language development system that was created by Dr. Robert Titzer, an expert of infant development and research. His research has been published in scientific journals and his own daughter was a successful student of the program! Just look at the videos of other young children using their new skills to enjoy words and reading...
At first I was really skeptical of any program that claims to teach babies to read. What I love about this program, however, is that is has been tested time and time again. Even if your tiny tot doesn't grasp the entire concept of reading as early as some of the children on the videos, I guarantee that their awareness and fondness for books and learning will increase significantly!
Each video is to be viewed twice a day. At only 15 minutes or so in length, it is not too long for your children to lose interest. Each video is highly interactive, but not so overstimulating that it disrupts their attention skills. The kit comes with 5 videos to be viewed in progressive order over a period of several months by children ages 6 months to 5 years. Several sturdy flashcards are included to get some extra learning in!
Kids like it. I love it. What's better?
Visit Your Baby Can Read! for all the details. You'll be glad you did!
Do you want Your Baby to read? One lucky winner will be taking home a Your Baby Can Read! 5 DVD Box Set & Sliding Word Cards (valued at &79.95!) Just visit the Your Baby Can Read website, and tell us the age of the child you would use this program for AND one language development skill from the guide on this page. You have until this Sunday, the 17th at 11pm CST to enter. Full rules can be seen here.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, baby gear, education, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:47 AM,
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Holiday Promotion: Braincandy
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
We love Braincandy. In our recent review of the education DVD series, we looked at how the sense of touch is an important one in a child's world. With Valentine's Day coming up, we have been given an opportunity to celebrate my favorite sense, the sense of taste!
Braincandy will be giving a FREE "Taste My World" DVD with ANY purchase from now until Valentine's Day! Simply add the DVD to your cart, and it will ring up free upon checkout! See all the details HERE.
Are you entered to win our Valentine's Day goodie bag? If not, post a comment here or on any of our other Holiday Spotlight posts to be entered. (One entry per holiday post.) The winner will receive a goody from Braincandy, along with stuff from all our other sponsors!
Labels: education, entertainment, giveaway, Valentines
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:51 AM,
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Review of Table Mate 4 Kids
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Do you have a budding artist in your home? If you do, then you know what it is like to have every surface area in your home transformed into a project workspace. Not only does this make for a lot of clutter, but it isn't the best way for your child to work.
Let me introduce the Table Mate 4 Kids: A mini-me of the original Table Mate, this portable table tray and chair is easy to use and so convenient. Brightly-colored, durable materials make up this tiny table and matching chair that fold up for easy storage in their very own take-along bag. The table itself can be adjusted to 6 heights, including a flat or slanted tray top position. The Table Mate 4 Kids can safely support up to 40 pounds, and even the smallest of children will find that this is a table all their own!
Perfect for crafts, homeschooling enthusiasts, or for anyone needing a desk on the go, the Table Mate for kids gives children a place to call their own. (Warning: This product has the potential to be extremely lovable. If you have more than one who likes to sit and work, consider getting extras!)
The Table Mate 4 Kids (and its larger predecessors) can be purchased from the company website.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, household
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:04 AM,
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Review of Compass KidZ
Monday, January 28, 2008
Learning about far away places can seem a little, well, far away to some kids. How can they possible feel connected to a place they have never seen?
Compass KidZ has developed a product that puts a little bit of worldly travel right into your home with their medallion sets for kids! Compass KidZ works hard to "build kid-to-kid connections around the globe," and I think they've succeeded....
Each golden medallion set is made from high-quality materials and weighs the same as a silver dollar. They feature a landmark or symbol from the country they celebrate, and kids won't be able to take their hands off them! Collecting them is only part of the fun, as each medallion set comes with a passport booklet, containing pages of information about a child in another country, and featuring color pictures of their world. There is also a FactZ card with trivia and a special access code to be used online, where children can explore the website or even become a PenPalZ friend!
Designed for children 8-14, this kit has alot to offer. When learning about foreign countries, isn't it easier to have a friend? My 9-year-old was fascinated by the country of Egypt, one of the 3 available sets from Compass KidZ. She learned more about their language, culture, and history than I could have ever hoped she would! (Isn't it great when learning is just fun?)
Compass KidZ has an entire world to give your child. For more information on all their Medallion sets, visit their website.
Want to be a Compass Kid? Just comment below with one fun fact about your country of choice from the FactZ page to be entered. One winner will be chosen to receive the Medallion Set of their choice (ARV $14.99)! You have until Saturday, February 2nd, at 11:00 pm CST to get your entries in. One entry per person, please. Official rules are HERE.
Get a FREE Medallion with your purchase of any Medallion Set at www.learningtreegames.com! Just type in promo code PUNKIN-CKFREE in the coupon code box at checkout. There's no limit to the number of free Medallions with each set purchase!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:40 AM,
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Review of My Choice Chart
Friday, January 18, 2008
Raising children is often about teaching them to make good choices. While it is often tempting to rely on a system of punishments and rewards to coax them along, it is a technique that won't work for all children (especially the very young ones) There is a solution that encourages positive change and quality time with your child, and it's brought to us by a Mom with a mission!
My Choice Chart by My Life Ties Positive Parenting Products is a neat option for parents and caregivers everywhere. The Mom-invented behavior chart is designed to help celebrate children and their abilities. The entire chart is magnetic, which means that it can be easily customized for one or more children at various stages in their young life!
The entire chart contains: one large magnetic chart with a hanging cord, 100 positive choice words to help with the encouragement, 50 celebration ideas for sharing in that good behavior, 66 magnetic pieces (including decorative ones for personalization), a storing case, a dry erase marker, and a parent guide to get started quickly!
This program is a wonderful system for children ages 4 and up . By establishing what a "good" choice is, encouraging that choice, empowering children to act, teaching them along the way, and celebrating their victories, this program is all about the "good" in children!
Giving children the power to act upon their abilities is the goal, and when the day is done (and they get to count up all the good choices that they've made), the whole family will feel better about this style of communication and learning. This program is perfect for foster homes, public schools, and any other situation that needs to rely solely on positive parenting solutions instead of traditional punishment and reward methods.
My Choice Chart is available at several fine retailers. So see the list, visit this link! (Note: if you are looking for additional positive parenting resources, My Life Ties lists their favorites Here.)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, household, Mom
posted by Kylinsmom @ 7:53 AM,
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Review of Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Magnetic Cookie Puzzle
Friday, January 4, 2008
Puzzles are a great way to stimulate thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age. Even a one-year-old can benefit from the joy of finding out that their puzzle piece fits!My son hasn't stopped playing with his Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Magnetic Cookie Puzzle! The pieces are large enough that I never have to worry about lost pieces or choking hazards. Each one fits perfectly into place with the help of safety magnets. My son is rewarded with a verbal praise each time he successfully places a puzzle piece!
If he just wants to hear the sounds and music, or watch the colored lights flash, he can press the large gingerbread cookie character for some silly songs! Each puzzle piece has a tactile lesson to share: Square is rough, Circle is squishy, etc. Flip the piece over for a lesson in colors!
The puzzle features three switch settings: off, music, and shapes. And the safe magnet pieces (all four) stick to the fridge! This is a fun way to learn!
The puzzle is available at Fisher-Price's online store and Amazon.com!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, baby gear, education, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:31 AM,
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Review of Mighty World Construction Site
Monday, December 17, 2007
Boys love to build. As long as my young sons were able to make sounds, they were growling at trucks, waving at construction equipment, and putting together large towers from all kinds of unconventional household objects.
The Mighty World Construction Site from International Playthings is what you would come to expect for a small building set -- friendly characters named Joe, John, and Jimmy wear authentic-looking construction gear and sport hands that grip their accompanying tools of the trade. Beyond the normal scope of a kid's building set, however, is an added dimension of fun and learning.
For example, John the Plasterer builds houses the old fashioned way -- with a wheelbarrow, paster, and trowel. (Did you even know what a trowel was?) Jimmy the Builder brought his scaffolding that really joins together for realistic construction sites! Joe the carpenter comes with his own set of realistic tools, including saws and measuring tape.
Pieces are small, so this isn't a set for kids under 4 years of age. Kids that are interested in details and learning through tactile experiences will get a kick out of this building set! I was so impressed with the detail -- a bucket of plaster, cement blocks, and construction cones are just a few of the 30 little accessories included for a day of real construction fun. Oh, and before I forget, this set even comes with a cement mixer!
Available for sale from the International Playthings website for under $20. Visit the Mighty World website for all their fun playsets!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 1:49 PM,
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Review of "Touch My World" DVD by Braincandy
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Puppets have always kind of been my thing. Growing up in love with a certain small green frog from my favorite prime-time muppet show, I always wanted the same kind of entertainment for my kids.
Braincandy has come up with a series of DVD's for kids that teach them about the 5 senses. They also use puppets -- But these are not your Mama's puppets! A little sassy, kind of weird, but totally lovable, the Sense Gang will have your little one engaged and learning in ways you probably haven't seen before.
At first I was a little surprised at the approach Braincandy takes towards teaching. It isn't a classroom-type experience, that's for sure! Through what they call "organic" learning, kids view things they are already familiar with (squishy spaghetti and holding hands) and make the connection between tactile experiences and their physical sense of touch.
The music is catchy and contagious (but not insane.) The children are adorable and easy to relate to. The end result is a very effective video for kids to explore. Harry Hand looked a little bit like a strange sea creature to me, but my two toddlers assured me that, "He's cool... not scary.." OK, it's cool with me, too!
Just one of 5 DVD's in the series, "Touch My World" is an award-winning adventure for ages 6 months to 4 years. For more information, please visit www.braincandykids.com! Available for purchase at Amazon.com and other online retailers.
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 7:20 PM,
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