|
 |
|
|
SensoryEdge Kids Furniture and Educational Toys Blog
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Teach Your Kids About Nature the Fun Way
 Want to teach your kids to appreciate nature? Growing their own garden is a great way and you can do this one even if you reside in a little apartment in the middle of the concrete jungle. Gardening is easy and most children take to it like ducks to water. What's not to like? There's dirt, learning and fun to be had! The Indoor Gardening Set by Green Toys is a great way to let your kids learn the value of patience. This indoor gardening kit is not only fun and educational but also very environmentally friendly as it is made in the United States by recycling plastic milk containers. This is a safe plastic that you can feel good about using. The set includes a planter tray to hold your pots that is shaped like a peapod, 3 planting pots, 1 hand trowel, enough soil for your project, 3 packages of organic seeds and very easy to follow instructions for setting up your indoor garden. Even if your own thumb is brown, you'll learn right along with your kids about the right wayt to water, let the light hit your plants and watch them grow! After you get your feet wet with this project, try planting green beans and let your kids pick them, wash them and "snap" them - you'd be amazed at how much your kids will finally enjoy their vegetables. Labels: boys, girls, green-toys, learning-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Counting is a Piece of Cake!
 Along with learning letters, you can jump start your preschooler learning her numbers simply by making it fun. The secret is to give her an activity that is enjoyable and combines learning with counting. Th e Stack and Count Layer Cake by Learning Resources is a different way to learn numbers and counting. Each cake is painted either "chocolate" or "vanilla" and has a number on the side. The individual cake pieces are in a graduated size with number 10 being the largest and number 1 being the smallest. Along with numbers, this fun toy also teaches spacial reasoning; that is, learning what goes on what. Can she balance all the larger pieces on the tiny number 1 piece? Experimentation will show her the results. Pretend play is a wonderful way to learn. Let your child pretend she is a baker or a caterer to an important event and she needs to prepare cakes. This is also a great toy for group play as each child can participate in the building of cakes along with counting them too. If you have a preschooler that is yearning to learn her numbers, give her a little boost and make learning to count as easy as, well baking a cake! Labels: educational-toys, learning-resources, learning-toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, March 22, 2008
It's Potty Time!
 To this day, no one really knows why but boys seem to categorically take longer than girls to potty train. There are exceptions to every rule of course and your little boy may have been easy as pie to learn to use the toilet on his own, wear the big boy underwear and say good-bye to diapers and pull-ups forever. However the majority of boys will take a little longer but there are some things you can do to get your kiddo to use the bathroom on his or her own a little easier. First of all, don't make a federal case out of it and don't be upset if your child ignores your repeated requests to use the toilet instead of going in their underwear or pull-ups. In most cases this will do one of two things, it will set your child back and make them fearful of the bathroom because the connection winds up displeasing you - something your child doesn't want; or you will start a battle of the wills and your toddler will happily take up that challenge to see who can wait the longest. Rewards work for some children. A much wanted toy, very special "big kid" underwear or maybe a special day like to a local park or other fun event as a reward. One little girl desperately wanted a new dress she saw while out with her mother and was promised that dress if she'd just learn to "go" in the toilet instead of her pull-ups. The little girl immediately started trying harder and within a week, was wearing her prized dress. Another way to inspire your child, especially one that is afraid of the toilet, is to give him a place of his own. A potty chair made for a small child is perfect. It's built just his size and you can sit him on it shortly after eating and drinking and when he goes, praise him and do make a big deal out of it - he'll want more and start going on his own quickly to get more praise. Give it to him - he earned it! Those are just a few random tips that have worked for some mothers - what worked best for you? * The potty chair above is courtesy of our friends at Levels of DiscoveryLabels: learning-toys, Levels-of-Discovery, potty-chair, toddler-furniture
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Time Traveling With Your Kids!
 Do you ever stop and marvel at how "modern" the world is that your kids live in? Depending on your age group, many parents actually managed to grow up with only a black and white television in their homes, no cable, no MTV; children's song were listened to on 45 records or 12-inch albums; no CDs or DVDs, early models of cell phones were a huge clunky affair to lug around and the reception was terrible and books were often our best friends when it was too wet or cold to go out and play. Fast forward to today and you probably have a 3-year-old that can program your DVD player or a 5-year-old that asks permission to go to Noggin online and knows how to get there if you say it's okay. Finding toys that challenge your kids and keep them learning and most importantly, interested in learning, is a real challenge. Time Travel for Kids is an amazing creation written just for the 3-5 year old crowd and will give your preschooler and great idea of what times were like at different points in history. Your child will go through space and time and land at each place and learn through seeing interesting stories present other cultures and historical facts. Through the use of interactive games, creative arts and amusing musical activities your child will learn about dinosaurs, find out about the habits of prehistoric man, visit Native Americans in their village to discover their traditions, and enjoy an Alien's visit from space to learn about the stars above. Learning about history doesn't have to be dry or boring, make it fun and your kids won't even know they're learning! Labels: boys, children, girls, learning-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Groundhog Said Six More Weeks of Winter....
 Today was Groundhog Day and if that little critter is accurate, he foretold that the United States will be experiencing another six weeks of wintry weather. If you have spirited little ones, the prospect of another six months cooped up indoors and keeping them interested and entertained can seem daunting. The fine folks at Bazoongi have a wonderful creation that will stimulate young imaginations as well as allow your kids to learn while they play. The Learning Cottage Playhouse has so many features to keep your kids busy you'll be amazed at how much fun and learning has been packed into this design. The attention to detail is outstanding. The doors and windows open shut for an impromptu game of "peek-a-boo" and your little ones will also learn concepts such as "inside" and "outside" and as you're well aware, study after study has shown that learning done through play is much more easily grasped by the child as well as retained. More features on the playhouse include a padded door, shutters and roof in case your kids decide to engage in a little light hearted horseplay and in case that cup of apple juice you asked not to go into the playhouse sprouts legs and finds its way in there and spills as things tend to do; the floor of the playhouse detaches and is easily cleaned. There is so much to learn in the playhouse too! A clock with removable hands lets your kids learn to tell time and create scenarios around time ("You're late for school/work!"); other features include an interactive coat with zippers and velcro attachments so little ones can practice dressing themselves. There's a fun side game with learning to match numbers and letters that is on detachable squares so they can be removed and reused over and over. Ideal for when your kids want to play school. The playhouse also has a learning shapes section with a soft-fill circle, square and heart. If your kids have wanted to practice tying their shoes, there is also a shoe laces feature and last but not least, there is a read and match color words game to play. Keep your kids busy over the next six weeks and beyond with their own fun playhouse! Labels: bazoongi toys, dramatic-play, learning-toys, make-believe, pretend-play, toddlers, toddlers-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, January 17, 2008
New Skills for the New Year
 No matter if you have a very young child or an older child - make it a priority that they acquire at least one new skill this month for the New Year. Melissa and Doug's basic skills board is fantastic for little ones to learn the basics of dressing themselves. Another fun activity many little tykes enjoy is the simple activity of pounding wooden pegs into a board. While it's just plain fun for your little one, it's also teaching hand and eye coordination and even colors when you play games like "Pound the blue peg first" or "Hit the red peg" and let your child do so. Older children will enjoy learning skills such as cause and effect in building blocks and even how the world of retail works by owning their own snack shop. Learning life skills can't be done early enough and kids can learn a lot though pretend play. Group play is especially beneficial as it allows your child to learn to listen to the ideas of others and even compromise when necessary. Learning to play well with others is paramount to getting along with other people throughout his or her life - learning those skills can't be done early enough. If your elementary school age child has been asking for his or own savings account, you can let them practice with their own pretend play checking account. It comes with a calculator and you can practice with your child for saving and spending before they have the real thing. If they got a check from Grandma or Grandpa for their birthday, let them spend the money at the bookstore or wherever you normally take your kiddo and then let them keep track of what they have spent in their checkbook.
Learning life skills through pretend play is so powerful and will enable your kids to develop lasting skills they carry throughout their lives. Labels: Alex Toys, learning-toys, make believe, Melissa and Doug Toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Artfully Smart Indoor Activities Your Kids Will Love!
 Keeping your kids busy with activities that are stimulating and creative during the winter months can be a challenge. When you are on the lookout for the right supplies to fill your playroom with, it is always a good idea to find items that can be used for a variety of children. After all, each child has their own ways to explore and play, along with creating and experiencing arts and crafts. To be able to cater to all kinds of young minds, you might want to look to a terrific item such as the 4 Way Adjustable Easel. Encourage creative thinking, the sharing of ideas and other facets of group play with an easel that lets 4 children have their own individual creation space. This also easily accommodates special needs children and adjusts to fit a standard wheelchair height so all the kids can enjoy creating. When it comes to the various artwork that can be created with this easel, the sky is the limit! You have the choice of the addition of extra chalkboard or write and wipe panels, making this piece of playroom furniture the ultimate in arts and crafts. You are sure to be amazed at all of the beautiful things that children can create once they have all of the right tools to work with. Let your kids expand their minds this winter when it's too cold to go outside and play, the 4 Way Adjustable Easel will offer up hours of fun and mind stimulating play. Labels: art tables, childrens furniture, kids easels, learning-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Building Blocks of Basic Learning
 Did you ever consider how powerful of a learning tool a simple bunch of blocks can be? There are so many ways to work with your child no matter what his or her age and teach them so many things with a simple group of building blocks. The first thing that children can gain from playing with blocks is the development and fine tuning of gross and fine motor skills. Stacking blocks takes practice and even very small children will enjoy practicing carefully putting one block on top of another until it becomes unbalanced or an unsteady handy hits the wobbly tower of blocks and it comes crashing down - an action which delights most children too! With practice, your child will learn to cause and effect. What happened when he or she stacked up the blocks too high? Finely placing blocks one on top of another also develops manual dexterity needed for grasping and picking up the blocks as well as learning to place them on top of each other in a straight manner. You can move on when your child is older and talk about the shapes of the blocks. Squares and make rectangles and other shapes by stacking up blocks. Play guessing games and create shapes or have races and stack all the blocks of a like color together. All of these create fast thinking and decision making skills in your child. Older children love and appreciate pretend play. Build a simple block house. Decide if it's really a house, a school, an office and talk about what could be going on inside. There are so many ways to learn with a simple set of blocks, if your child doesn't already have a set, get one this week and watch how many ways your child can blossom! Labels: boys, building block toy, children, girls, learning-toys, playroom toys, pretend-play, special needs kids, tactile play, toddler toys, toddlers, toddlers toys, toys, wood toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Ready, Set, Action!
 With the cold days of winter here you kids may be spending more time inside than they usually do and when they do the walls of the house can seem more closed in and smaller than ever when you have a couple of bored kids in the house. Even if you live in the parts of the country that stay warmer during the winter months - there will still be cold, rainy days your kids are indoors. Pretend play is a great way to pass the days and encourage group play, turn taking and stimulate imaginations - all they need is the right tools to do so. Something as simple as a play tent can do the trick. The Train Station Play Tent is a marvelous way to give your kids a place to play and create imaginary scenarios. This pop up tent is perfect for providing hour upon hour of fun play. There's lots of space with mesh roof windows for plenty of fresh air, as well as roll-up windows. The tent is made of long wearing 70 Denier 190T polyester and combined with the Pacific Play Tents exclusive "G-3" patented pole system, the indoor/outdoor tent is a breeze to assemble with the color-coded tent pole system and attached connectors; the train station will be ready to begin hosting endless imaginary play with your kids within minutes. An accessory that is very fun but must be purchased separately is the 19" tunnel portal that your kids can run through to get to the train station. The Train Station itself has flaps and velcro stays and is easy to keep clean with mild soap and water. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, childrens exercise, childrens furniture, dramatic play, dramatic play for children, girls, kids, learning-toys, make believe, pretend play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Learning to Read Through Play
 There is one way to divide children into two groups. Those that love to read and children that will do anything to avoid reading. Many parents bargain, plead, punish, make deals and still can't get their kids to crack open a book. The secret is to make it fun. Knowledge gained through play is the easiest and most effective way for children to learn any task, including reading. Wordspot is a great way for kids to learn to read and they'll be having so much fun doing it they won't notice they'll learning! The object of the game is very simple. Find hidden words among the lettered tiles and mark them using the included WordSpot tokens. Words may be spelled in almost any direction. They can go up, down, across, backwards, and diagonally. The first player to use all of his or her tokens wins the game! This game is so easy to learn and kids will play round after round. Not only are they developing their cognitive skills for recognizing words quickly no matter what order they are laid out in, your kids will be encouraged to awaken the creative sides of their minds and create new words. When your child has mastered small words in this game, increase the minimum word length to accomodate growing skill levels. This is a great game to have on hand to keep the kids busy and interested, adults too enjoy this game. If you're tired of toys that are little more than gadgets that don't expand the minds of your children and teach them little to nothing, get them a fun toy that will let them learn to read and enjoy every minute of it. Labels: boys, childrens games, educational toys, girls, kids, learning-toys, reading
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Ultimate Dollhouse for a Very Good Girl
 Has your little girl been showing signs that she wants to engage in more pretend play? As you know, pretend play is a wonderful way for kids to work out socialization skills, engage in group play and also expand little minds through creative thinking. Children love playing out the things they see every day and no way brings that type of play out better than a doll house. The KidKraft Glamour Dollhouse is a great gift for your child that will give her hours of fun play alone or with others and this isnt' just a dollhouse. This dollhouse has lights, sounds and four full levels of pretend play waiting for your child. Also this dollhouse comes with a 21-piece furniture collection and certain built in pieces light up with just a push of a button. The bedroom vanity mirror, two gorgeous chandeliers, and the stove all will light up and appear to be "on" enhancing the pretend play time. Other features include a piano, toilet and stove that make realistic sounds when their buttons are pushed. Each room in the dollhouse is brilliantly decorated and there are six large windows on the outside of the doll house so a larger number of kids can see in and watch the action while they play. If your little one already has some favorite fashion dolls, this dollhouse will easily accommodate dolls up to 11.5-inches in height. The dollhouse is made from sturdy materials and will deliver hours of fun play for years to come and no sad faces on Christmas morning with this present - batteries *are* included! Labels: bedroom, boys, children, dramatic play, dress up, girls, girls toy, home furnishings, learning toys, learning-toys, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
It's a Brush, It's Paint, It's Super Art!
 Have you been looking for an activity for your kids that doesn't involve staring at a television screen for hours on end or simply watching a toy "play"? Go back to the basics and provide an activity that will give them enjoyment for hours on end. Let your kids turn their imaginations loose and let them run wild with a Super Art table. This table has room for more than one child because creating is more fun with a friend and it comes with storage for everything your kids need to unleash their inner artist. This isn't a cheap plastic table either, the table is constructed of durable hardwood and has a paper roll holder that will stay hidden away underneath the table so your kids will always have paper neatly stored away until they feel the need to create. When they are tired of creating on paper, the chalkboard-like tabletop surface will let them switch from crayons or paint, to chalk . There is a wood paper cutter, three recessed cup holes and a printed canvas storage bag to keep the art supplies both neatly put up as well as handy and within easy reach. The intelligence of design even translates to the two benches that come with this table. They both have side handles making it easy for the toddler crowd to scoot right up to the table and create along with the big kids. The Super Art Table comes with three cups, a roll of 18" paper, and a storage bag. Give you kids the gift of the art and encourage their the expansion of their minds through creative play - the rewards are limitless. Labels: Alex Toys, art table, childrens furniture, girls, hobby's for kids, kids tables, learning toys, learning-toys, pretend-play, SensoryEdge
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Sensory Integration is the Edge for Kids
 Autism is one of the most often misunderstood diagnosis given to children today. Many people think it means the child is locked only in their own head or is in some way mentally challenged and unable to learn - those assumptions couldn't be further from the truth. There isn't just one type of autism and depending on the type the child has been diagnosed with, the therapy to help the child will be a little different. However, many caregivers agree, nearly all children with autism thrive on sensory integration. Sensory integration is simply learning to combine our given basic senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste) to coordinate and interpret the world around ourselves. This is something most people do effortlessly as they grow up, however autism can rob a child of the ability to do this automatically and it must be learned. One way it can be learned is through play. There are a large number of sensory developed toys that can enrich the lives of autistic children and help them learn to coordinate what they are feeling, seeing, etc; and interpret it to the world around themselves. Toys that encourage movement, touching, or change as they are played with are all good choices to use. Tactile bars are a great example of sensory play. These bars have several different textures on them and the children can feel of them and learn the different ways that various items "feel". The sooner the child starts sensory integration, the sooner you can start seeing results. Make sure that your child has tactile toys outside the therapist's room and keep his mind working and growing through sensory stimulating play. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, learning-toys, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Learning Science Through Play
 As you know, learning new skills and knowledge through play is one of the most powerful ways for a child to gain and retain knowledge. Combined with science, this can really give your kiddo a head-start in school as science is a necessary and valuable subject for your children to have a firm grasp on. Not only does it teach factual and logical thinking, it is also important for teaching children to think in terms of cause and effect for the things they do in their daily life. There are science kits that are geared to hold the interest of both boys and girls. A terrific science kit for either is the Blood, Bones and Body Bits Science kit that is based on the extremely popular Horrible Science series of books published by Scholastic. There is a 32-page Top Secret Lab Notebook and is packed full of awesome experiments guaranteed to make you feel a little squeamish. Your kids can create a bulging bag of brains, squirt blood through a heart and make a bottom burp machine. This is all about cause and effect in a very unique way! Girls will adore the The Ultimate Spa and Perfume Kit which includes everything needed to create a complete spa experience. Your child will learn the necessary ingredients for creating bath oils, oatmeal soap, foaming baths, bath balms, and more. She will also be able to blend 5 different kinds of perfume. Another popular way to learn about science, also brought to you by Horrible Science is the Crazy Balloon racers. This fun kit creates two balloon racing cars and lets your kids learn about idle inertia and the power of propulsion, how it's created and how to guess what will happen. With the colder winter months fast approaching, your kids will be spending more time indoors, give them activities that will expand their minds and they'll be winners in the classroom! Labels: learning-toys, science kit for kids, science toy
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Friday, September 21, 2007
Self-Entertainment Encouraged
 Ok, we all know that keeping a child entertained can, at times, be difficult. That may have something to do with the fact that many adults, whether parents or other caregivers, might have a slightly different concept of entertained. To most children it means 100 percent of our undivided attention at all costs. Naturally while giving this undivided attention they assume that it also entails them getting to do whatever they have their hearts set on. Who cares if it involves stomping through every mud puddle in the area and then making cool prints on a freshly washed kitchen floor? It's not a big deal that those gorgeous bright paints they were using a minute ago are no longer on the table, or that the cat has suddenly become a blue blur. Adults, however, tend to want to keep the area as neat and clean as possible. (Although, remember how much fun it was getting dirty as a kid?). So, in order to keep the peace in the household there are rules that you set up for playing, etc. Something that really helps when it comes to making a child understand this concept is to have one particular place where most of their activities are allowed and encouraged. It does not have to be a completely separate room or area, it can be a small area or table just for them. A great example of this is a new arrival here the Transform and Play Kids Table. This sturdily built wooden table is great for art, reading and even snack time as it is very easy to clean. And just in case your child doesn't already have enough paint supplies, or at least they don't think they do, it comes with a roll of paper, 2 paint cups and pallet. Everything they need to let their artistic souls express themselves. Labels: art table, hand eye coordination, kids, kids furniture, learning-toys, painting
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Perfect First Play Date
 Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot get toddlers to interact with one another without a little bit of coaxing. Even if one child is willing to play and socialize with others, there may always be one or two in a group that just want to sit on the sidelines for a while. When you have a first play date planned for your child along with one or more children, you might want to think of having a couple of toys handy that will promote interaction as well as socialization. While crayons and crafts are wonderful, sometimes it takes a little more to get kids on the path to making friends and playmates. At toddler age, it can also be a bit difficult to find a way to get children to share with one another, since this is a trait that they really have not had too much experience with as of yet. Having a toy or collection of toys that can be used by multiple children at once could be the best move you ever make with a first play date. The Brick Me Building Set is a great choice for toddlers, especially when they like to put together colorful pieces in stacks and patterns. This is a nice set of large blocks made from plastic, which makes for easy handling and plenty of ways to build, share and interact with one another. Having such a set of blocks on hand could make life easier for any parent that would like to enjoy a memorable play date with their children. Labels: boys, building block toy, children, girls, hand eye coordination, learning-toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Mother's Little Helper
 As a parent or caregiver you have probably heard "I can do it myself" or "I want to help" from your child more times than you can count. Many times this comes out during an activity that you may not feel comfortable having your child do or help. Naturally, they get their feelings hurt and your reasoning, if they listen at all, goes in one ear and out the other. All they hear is the word no or not now. That is one reason it is important to try to find some activity or chore that they can do or help you do. It does not have to be a big job, just something that makes them feel useful and important. Perhaps the next time you are cleaning the living room you can ask them to straighten up the magazines on the coffee table, or the cushions on the couch. If you are folding laundry, consider letting them fold the towels or carry the clean clothes to the appropriate room. Many children love to sweep, give them the broom and let them go sweep the kitchen or bathroom. It may not be the best job you have ever seen, but praise them for a job well done and that smile on their face makes it worth it every time. Many times, they want to help cook or something similar but are just a little too short. Consider a Guidecraft Kitchen Helper that children can stand on. Its wooden construction and childproof folding design make it the perfect helper for your little helper. You may want to take them up on their offer to help you clean as often as you can since you know that their sincere offer disappears quickly the older they get. Labels: childrens furniture, Guidecraft, home furnishings, learning-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
1 comments
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Imagination Central
 Whether you are a parent or caregiver, you realize that stimulating a child’s mind is very important in helping them grow and mature. Many experts agree that there is a vast difference in children that are encouraged to use their imagination opposed to those that have little or no stimulation. The ones that have been encouraged to be curious and explore are far more likely to grow and mature into a well-rounded adult. Most children begin to really display curiosity and seek out things that catch their attention around their first birthday. Some may do this sooner and some later, the time frame itself is not written in stone, it's just a guideline. No one knows your child as well as you do, so you will need to watch for individual signs that your child is ready to explore. One way to help them along is to provide ways for them to start developing and shaping their own individuality. This can be done in a variety of ways, from scheduled instruction times to free play. Naturally, the ideal would be to combine the two, as this seems to get the best results. If you are attempting to insert a little educational instruction, keep in mind the younger the child the harder it may be to keep their attention. It does help to make it as fun as possible while still keeping it age appropriate. An excellent choice for this type of educational toy is the Purple Play Panel Wall Toy. As the name indicates, it can be mounted on a wall, which leaves more space available for a play area on the floor. It has a great variety of games that children love to play and the bright colors are pleasing to the eye. It can also be great fun trying to teach your child how to say the name, they love those P's. Labels: boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, kids, learning-toys, make believe, pretend-play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
2 comments
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A Pretend Kitchen - Fun That Teaches Life Skills
 Children love to help, but it's not always practical. The kitchen can be a dangerous place for your child even though you're supervising. While you still let them help out with stirring the cupcake batter (and yes, you know there's the occasional "taste" that happens when the kiddo thinks you're not looking); or help by getting a stick of butter out of the fridge, they can't help cook things on the stove or take items in and out of the oven no matter how badly they'd love to really help you and do that too. A pretend play kitchen brings a wonderful solution that can let your children have fun while also learning valuable life skills. Teach your children to "wash" their hands in the sink to get rid of any germs on their hands and explain germs can make people sick so it's important to get rid of them before you handle foods that everyone will eat - it's another way to instill good habits that will last a lifetime. Also, you can let them show you what they've learned just helping out in the kitchen with you when they play. Such as stirring their pretend batters, baking a pie or making entire pretend meals for you or their stuffed animals gathered around a table. Talk to your kids about good food choices and bad food choices. You'll hear your words come out in their play. Afterwards, let them pretend to do the dishes (another skill you hope you can coax out of them in later years). You can even give the kids real foods to prepare such as sandwiches or encourage them to make up menus and have a restaurant. A pretend kitchen will lend itself to so many scenarios and all of them will have your kids learning something new! Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, learning-toys, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Friday, July 20, 2007
A-B-C's of Fun Learning
 As parents, you naturally want the best for your children and that includes education. While watching your toddler you may think it's too soon to be thinking about their education. Nothing could be further from the truth. Keep in mind that they are literally like sponges, watching and absorbing everything around them. Obviously, they take their cues from parents and caregivers, their role models. It is never too soon to set examples or begin to expand their horizons. Take the time to really be a teacher, role model and parent to your child. Show them the benefits of being curious about things and of learning everything you can about them. Not all of this learning and education pertains to actual scholarly knowledge; it may be about animals, people or anything else that interests them. However, this does not mean that formal education should take a backseat to everything else and it is important to make that a part of your teaching also. Of course, not all children learn at the same rate as their peers, but there are some things that you can watch for to make sure they are getting what they need. Watch for signs that they are not really understanding what is being taught. Sometimes this is shown in their frustration of the subject. A great tool for encouraging learning while still being fun is the ABC Chalk Talk, a winner of the Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year. This amazing toy is an interactive touch pad with over 30 sensors to help teach kids the alphabet, phonics, colors and numbers. With five fun activity modes and many levels of play it keeps children motivated to learn. Who says learning isn't fun? Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, language, learning-toys, reading
posted by SensoryEdge
0 comments
Have a question? Our phone number is 800 734 8019 Fax 818 716 5376
|
Get an Instant 5% off Coupon emailed to you by joining our Newsletter.
Previous Articles
Syndication
Article Archives |
