The solar system -- the planets, stars, moon, space travel, all of it -- is endlessly fascinating to kids. (And many of us adults, too.) Read these nonfiction and fiction books with your children to learn more about space -- how to be an astronaut, what Mars life would be like, facts about the moon, and what happened to Pluto. Best Books for Kids About Space Hello World, Solar System by … [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...]
New Favorite Coding Toy for Kids: Cubetto
We absolutely love Cubetto -- it's our new favorite coding toy designed for young kids to learn coding skills as early as age three to six in preschool but also educational and fun for older kids as well. (Like my daughter.) Cubetto is an adorable wooden robot with a wooden screenless(!) coding control board and function blocks that introduces kids not just coding skills like sequential … [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...]
13 Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books
Want to find picture books that inspire engineering, tinkering, and invention in kids? Read one or all of these engaging-themed books. You'll love how they show the STEM concepts in such a positive light. And, I bet they'll put some new ideas in your child's mind. Ideas like inventing their own wonderful something... Standout STEM Engineering and Invention Picture Books Magnolia Mudd … [Read more...]
25 Best STEM (STEAM) Chapter Books for Kids
I'm so excited to see more STEM and STEAM chapter books (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). The stories on today's list make STEM enticing to readers. If it isn't already, that is. Whether or not your kids are even interested in STEM, see what develops after reading one of the book on this list. Maybe an interest will grow? I've divided this into two sections: beginning … [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...]
DIY STEM Solar System Bracelet (A Great Stocking Stuffer)
Want a cool STEM stocking stuffer? We do, too. And we found it with Rosie Research's DIY Solar System Bracelet! Of course, you can make and gift this crafty learning bracelet anytime of the year. Rosie Research is the brain child of Dr. Erica, a scientist mom who wants kids to be passionate about science. Read more about her journey here. DIY STEM Solar System Bracelet (A Great Stocking … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why My Kids LOVE Anki Overdrive Fast and Furious Racetrack
We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious racetrack. Like, my kids are addicted. They like how it’s super interactive with technology (their favorite). They love building and rebuilding the track and racing against each other, friends, dad, or the computer — one of the most fun things they do every day! (Yes, they keep the track set up to play with it daily.) Buy It … [Read more...]
The Coolest STEM Gifts for Kids for 2017
If you're shopping for 2017 Christmas or other holiday gifts for kids, include a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) gift or two. These do double duty-- they're fun and educational! I've found the hottest (new) STEM toys you can give as gifts to kids ages 2 - 12. See last year's top STEM gifts here. Find cool stocking stuffers here. And all my 2017 gift ideas HERE. Also … [Read more...]
Introduce Preschoolers to STEAM with LEGO Education’s STEAM Park
Get preschoolers excited about STEAM topics with the motivating new LEGO® Education STEAM Park Kit with DUPLO bricks. This kit develops a preschooler's skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play and hands-on activities. Not to mention, it gives they an early, positive experience with these important STEAM topics. Introduce Preschoolers to STEAM with LEGO Education's … [Read more...]
STEM Skills in ThinkFun’s Roller Coaster Challenge
We've been loving ThinkFun's Roller Coaster Challenge. Kids get the STEM skills of logic, spatial reasoning, and engineering plus a satisfying end result in a fun loop de loop roller coaster game. The game is for ages 6 and up. Both my 12 and 15 year old enjoy playing with it so it's engaging enough to span a wide range of ages. I've added The Roller Coaster Challenge to my 2017 Coolest STEM … [Read more...]