Disclosure: I worked in partnership with Lunii to bring you this information. Lunii, My Fabulous Storyteller, is SO much fun for kids -- it's an interactive, screenless storytelling toy that narrates audio stories which kids have created themselves. Not only does this develop a child's imagination, it builds their vocabulary and builds important pre-reading strategies as well. Use this … [Read more...]
Toys That Develop Early Learning Skills
Educational Insights sent me several products from their brand new line for younger kids (ages 2 - 4) called Bright Basics. The toys help kids develop essential early learning skills through playful toys. Visual Discrimination, Early Math Skills, & Fine Motor Skills The Nest and Stack Cubes are 10 beautiful cubes the blue star design of which is based on the nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle, … [Read more...]
Meet Botley, An Adorable Coding Robot for Children 5+
"This is cool!" my daughter exclaimed after trying Botley, the new, adorable blue and green coding robot from Learning Resources. And she's right! Botley is a cool {engaging & fun} way for children five and up to learn hands-on coding. Even better, Botley does not require any other devices-- NO smartphone or tablet required. What's more, I love the growth mindset opportunities like failure and … [Read more...]
Make It Educational — Give a S.T.E.M. Themed Easter Basket!
What can you give kids in their Easter basket besides (or instead) of candy? I love to think of themes. A S.T.E.M (STEM - science, technology, engineering, and math) theme a fun educational option. Today I want to share some fun little gifts for Easter basket items that work for kids ages 6 to 12. Make It Educational -- Give a S.T.E.M. Themed Easter Basket! Top TrumpsSilicone Briks and … [Read more...]
Hey Clay Modeling Clay App for Kids
Hey Clay! just launched Talking Clay. Talking Clay is an interactive modeling clay app that teaches kids step-by-step how to make clay creations (monsters, aliens, animals, and birds). My kids tested it out by making cute penguins. I loved that it got them being creative together while on screen time! Download on the App Store Download on Google Play Hey Clay is selling a kit to … [Read more...]
Our Family Loved This Addition Card Game
Our entire family of four gives two thumbs up each (that makes 8!) for the new addition card game Check the Fridge! A Shameless Game of Bluffing from MelonRind, the game company that made the super fun money game, Clumsy Thief. (And thank you to MelonRind for this review copy.) We're pretty picky about which games stay in the game night rotation. Check the Fridge is a win for us. We loved it … [Read more...]
Tips to Teach Kids How To Be Entrepreneurs
Recently my family played a board game invented by 10-year olds. It got me thinking about how to teach kids to be entrepreneurs. Then my daughter announced, "I want to be an entrepreneur," adding, "because you have a good schedule." So clearly being a role model is helpful -- my husband and I are entrepreneurs --with flexible work hours. :) But what else supports children in their efforts to learn … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids to Knit
Teaching kids to knit develops fine motor skills and attention span. All you need are colorful yarns, bamboo needles, time, and patience -- plus a few tips and a fun rhyme which I'll share with you below. Kids in the Waldorf schools learn to knit at age 6, which is when my oldest daughter learned. My younger daughter is learning at age 7. I also recommend that you knit with your kids. Kids … [Read more...]
New Game from Bananagrams: Cobra Paw
Check out Bananagram's latest game --Cobra Paw! It's a ninja title game for 4 - 6 players ages five and up. Ninja because you must move fast to spot the right tile and grab it first. It's fast and fun. The only thing my daughter doesn't like is that it's not longer. (If that isn't an endorsement, I don't know what is!) New Game from Bananagrams: Cobra Paw How to Play: Place all the … [Read more...]
Discover New Ways to Teach Storytelling to Your Kids
Storytelling matters. We are wired for story. It's how we remember our world, our experiences, and our life lessons. Let's help our children become oral storytellers and writers of stories. Games like Tall Tales help. For kids, storytelling improves listening, builds confidence, and grows imagination. Discover New Ways to Teach Storytelling to Your Kids Even if you don't feel like you are a … [Read more...]
3 New Products that Help Kids Learn to Code
In honor of the Hour of Code the second week of December, I wanted to share with you 3 new products that will help kids learn to code: Let's Start Coding, Girls Who Code, and A Beginner's Guide to Coding. Products that Help Kids Learn to Code Let's Start Coding Let's Start Coding Kit teaches kids coding using a kit of hardware and components and a computer app with lessons and projects. I … [Read more...]
Gifts for Young Readers and Writers
You're growing young readers and writers. So why not give gifts that encourage your kids to read and write? I love products that really get kids jazzed about literacy -- even if it's just a fun shirt or new book -- don't you? Don't miss all my 2017 gift recommendations for kids here. Gifts for Young Readers Kids Room Book Storage, The Little Prince - Buy It Here I love … [Read more...]