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SensoryEdge Kids Furniture and Educational Toys Blog
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Sand and Water Outdoor Fun!
 What could be more fun than a sandbox? A sand AND water box! The Activity Sand and Water table has the best of both worlds for your kids to explore and enjoy. And you're not limited to just sand and water, you can fill the "water" bin with not only water but pinto beans, marbles or just use good old H2O and you can vary the sensory input the kids get. The size of this table allows four to six children to play at once and it encourages group play. For easy clean up and storage, the lid snaps on and keeps the items in the sand table - inside. The table stands 24-inches and has 4 caster wheels. There is a handy drain valve on the water side of the sand table that lets the water drain out easily. This is a great toy for kids 3-years old and up to enjoy outdoor play along with different sensations. Your kids can spend hours creating different play scenarios and this is a wonderful toy to encourage not only group cooperation, but also pretend play. Labels: boys, girls, outdoor-toy, pretend-play, pretend-play-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Levels of Discovery Spring Sale 10% off at SensoryEdge
Our friends at Levels of Discovery asked us to run a 10% off sale on all LOD items until April 25th. Levels of Discovery offers a very unique line of painted kids furniture including table and chair sets, step stools, toy boxes, vanities, and more. 
About Levels of Discovery: After spending most of his adult life in the development of emotion-based products for Hallmark, The Franklin Mint and Enesco, Jeff Hutsell decided that he wanted to bring fun and innovative children's products to the marketplace that are truly something special. Thinking back over the years with his own three children, he realized that there is nothing so wonderful as to see the look of sheer delight on a child's face when they've discovered something new and unexpected! The name of our company comes from a lesson Jeff learned about creating products that will touch people's lives. Anyone can produce a product that is exactly what it appears to be. He wanted to take that a step further and create products that allow children to discover the "unexpected"!  An example from the Rock A Buddies product line shows what he means. The award-winning Schoolhouse Rocker has a fun "school" theme with primary colors, apple finials and movable abacus beads to help little ones learn counting and colors. Take another look and you'll find a flip-up desk (great for reading and writing) and an armrest pencil box with a sliding lid. Pull the chalk on the seat and the music box plays the "ABC Song!". Look again, and you'll find an understamp beneath the seat that can be "personalized" with the child's name, the name of the gift-giver and the special occasion when the chair was received.  We invite you to spend some time with us and discover all the little "extras" you'll find at Levels of Discovery! Thanks again for visiting our site and come back often! Labels: kids-furniture, Levels-of-Discovery, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Worried About Plastic Toy Safety?
 Again and again in the news you keep reading about the ingredients in some plastic children's toys that contain lead and other hazards, one way to be sure that the toys you give your kids to play with are to do a little research yourself before you buy for either your own children or as a gift. Green Toys is a company that has made their name selling environmentally friendly and safe-for-kids toys by using safe, recycled materials. A great example that will provide hours upon hours of fun play is their simple Sand Toys.It consists of a bucket, a sand mold, a rake and a shovel. Getting your kids outdoors when the weather is nice is paramount and a sandbox is a great way to do it. Even better, if you live locally to a body of water, take a day trip to your lakeside or oceanside beach for the day and let your kids play the day away safely. The Sand Toys set is made from recycled milk containers as the major ingredient and this set is made in the USA. Additionally, the set comes packed in an earth friendly container of corrugated boxes and there are no plastics, cellophane or even those annoying (and not very earth friendly) twistie-ties. Take note of how "green" the toys your kids play with and if you don't already have some of the more simple, yet very green toys that instigate fun pretend play, indulge and get your kids into the fun of simple sand toys! Labels: green-toys, outdoor-toy, pretend-play, sand-toy
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Dream Come True
 Does your little one love to play with dolls? If you have a daughter or granddaughter that loves to play with her dolls, take her fun to a whole new level of pretend play with her very own doll house. The beautiful design of the KidKraft's Glamour Doll House doesn't miss a thing. This fun doll house has lights, sounds, and four full levels of pretend play fun. It's as tall as your child is and will let her feel like she's really part of the world within her doll house and will give her hours upon hours of fun. This gorgeous doll house comes packed with 21-pieces of furniture, the lights on the vanity mirror, the two chandeliers and the stove light up when they are in use with just a push of a button and the piano, toilet and stove also make realistic sounds when a button is pushed. The walls of each room are detailed and decorated so every room is different. There are 6 large windows to she can look in from different angles and watch the action as she plays. Any fashion doll up to 11-1/2-inches tall can be used in this doll house and best of all, batteries are included so it will work right out of the box! Labels: girls-toy, make-believe, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
Learning Through Living History
 By the time your little one is entering or about to enter school, you will have read and been told a hundred thousand times that children learn and retain knowledge easiest through pretend play. Have you ever thought about how much you can expand on that? Pretend play doesn't have to be about playing house or coffee shop and learning just colors, numbers and shapes. It is also a valuable way for kids to learn to interact, be considerate of other's ideas and opinions and also develop valuable social skills that are paramount for classroom activities and getting along in a group. These are all skills your child will take throughout his or her life. If your little one can't get along in a group and never learns social skills, he won't fare much better as an adult in an office job and may wonder why he never gets that promotion or special project to work on. It all goes back to the basics we learn as kids and you can give your kids a headstart in life by letting them learn through group play and other social building skills. Another fun way to learn that develops young imaginations as well as teaches history is to let your child dress up in a costume and learn about figures or historical times past. Dressing up as an colonial and learning about the early Presidents is a great way to both teach your kids how America was founded as well as making history come to life. Let him dress up as General George Washington and act out Crossing the Delaware. There are tons of preschooler and early reader history books at both your local bookstore as well as your library - indulge your child's love of learning and let him really live the part too! Labels: boys, children, costumes, dramatic play, dramatic play for children, girls, make believe, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
Think Spring!
 Today was Valentine's Day and now you know spring isn't far around the corner. If you have a little girl that loves to go to slumber parties or is looking forward to attending her very first one; make sure she has a great sleeping bag and make it a Sugar and Spice. This child sized sleeping bag is perfect for every little princess from the age of 2-6 years old and has so much to look at! If your little girl likes anything but to the ordinary - she will love this sleeping bag. Made in a soft lilac color and the sleeping bag has butterflies and flowers stitched right on. A larger flower can serve as a pillow or just something to hug when she's going to sleep. This sleeping bag is machine washable and will take your little girl through many overnight adventures. Also if your kiddo enjoys staying overnight occasionally at their grandparents or other relatives, a sleeping bag can make it something special. When you're an adult, camping out in the living room and sleeping on the floor has little to no appeal; but to a preschooler, that's how you spell real FUN. Make an addition that will make your little girl squeal with delight when she sees that you have gotten her not just any old sleeping bag - but a very special one - made just for her! Labels: children's-bedroom-furnishings, kids-sleeping-bags, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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Saturday, January 19, 2008
A Cool Kids Step Stool For Your Valentine
 Looking for a fun gift for your favorite little Valentine? Make it something they can use all year round - like a step stool. For the future football star this is a fun step up stool that will let him be a big man and step up to a multitude of tasks. From brushing his teeth to getting down his own juice cup. Let him join in watching the games on this solid American-made wooden stool. The stool is made with safety in mind and has no sharp edges and a rounded top making it easy and safe to carry. Best of all, there's no mistaking who this stool belongs to, it has his name written right on it with a painted picture of a football. For your Valentine princess, there is a gorgeous, brightly colored Kids Step Stools that will be her helper for a lot of activities around the house. The stool has fun butterflies and flowers painted all around and will be perfect for getting items just out of her reach as well as the flip top will hold her very necessary items. The pull out drawer under the bottom step is handy for placing small items in and the stool can function as a chair for herself or her favorite stuffed animal for an impromptu tea party. The flip top is equipped with safety hinges so there are no mashed fingers from the lid slamming down and the entire stool comes fully assembled and ready to use right out of the box. Get your Valentine a gift they can really use every single day in a multitude of ways - get them a step up to independence with their very own step stool! Labels: childrens-step-stools, kids-furniture, pretend-play, toddler-toys, wood-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Give in to Your Baby's Need to Spill!
 Fill and Spill that is. It's never too early to stimulate your baby with a toy that will encourage development on many levels - along with being a whole lot of fun. Babies love repetition as a part of play. Many babies become unsure or even frustrated when a toy doesn't perform the same sound or movement over and over. Most babies have an innate need to know what to expect and this in turn helps them gain confidence. Pour objects out and watching them fall again and again through the grace of gravity is a never ending fascination for most babies. Give your little one a fun toy that will also work on building up his or her fine motor skills as well as grasping skills. Melissa and Doug have put out so many wonderful toys for kids and the Fill and Spill is no exception to that rule. The Fill and Spill will keep your baby entertained for hours with four buggy friends that each make their own sound. One buggy rattles, while another jingles. Another squeaks and that last one crinkles. The toy is completely washable and easy to keep clean. The bugs can be put into the container again and again and then poured out. Your baby will have so much fun experimenting with putting his or her hand inside the "bug jar" and then swirling the buggies around and then tipping the entire container and pouring them out. They can be stacked, counted and you an even play games and ask your baby to give you the bug that jingles or tell your baby to show you the color blue on a bug. There are so many levels of learning with just this one toy! Delight and stimulate your baby with the fun of a Fill and Spill Toddler Toy and watch your child's mind and skills grow. Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, learning toys, Melissa and Doug Toys, pretend play, pretend-play, special needs kids, toddler toys, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
Keeping the F-U-N in Toys
In a previous post we talked about age appropriate gifts for kids and how important it is to make sure that your children get the right toys for their developmental levels. No one wants your kids to have more fun than we do, however we want your kids to always have their fun in the safest possible ways. Another concern many parents have, especially with the recent rash of major toy retailer recalls, is the overall safety of the toys their kids are playing with - most pointedly - the materials those toys are made from. A great example of a simply designed yet very fun toy is the Pretend Play Fruit and Vegetable Set. Getting your kids to eat their fruits and veggies is a challenge nearly all parents face. Making their food something they associate with fun and good times is a great way to get your kids to see those veggies on their plates in a whole new light.  The Pretend Play Fruit and Veggie set is created using naturally processed rubberwood. It is a replenishable resource and also created preservative free. The toys are made using designs that have no sharp edges and the toys are completely non-toxic from top to bottom. Safety considerations are part of every level of this toy's manufacture and even the glue that holds the interior parts together is made from a proprietary non-formaldehyde glue in place of the traditional and toxic wood glues commonly used on other toys made of wood. Pretend play is a powerful way for children to learn and study after study has shown that kids learn and retain knowledge at greater rates when they learn through their own methods, largely including pretend play games. Give your child a jump start on learning about their fruits and veggies with their own pretend play set and know you're giving them a great toy that is safe! Labels: cooking toys, educational toys, girls toy, learning toys, pretend play, pretend-play, special needs kids, toddlers toys, toys, wood toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
It's a Bicycle, It's a Skateboard...It's a SKOOOCH!
 For over ten years, Skoooch has quietly been making kids all over the world very happy with their combination skateboard and bicycle scooter. The beauty of a Skooch is that kids can learn to ride it with a very small learning curve unlike both skateboards and bicycles that usually cause injuries (although mostly minor) during the "learning to ride" process. The Skoooch will also encourage your kids to get away from their computer screens and video games and go outside and get some exercise. The age appropriate range for Skoooch is 3-6 years of age. Kids that are too big for a scooting toy and too small for a "big kids bike" will love to ride their very own Skooch. As with any riding toy, make sure that your kids wear the appropriate safety gear when riding this toy. This can include a helmet and knee and elbow pads. The Skoooch has dual read skids and a hand brake that most children learn to use with ease. The non-skid footboard makes it easy for little feet to grip and best of all, the Skoooch comes 98% assembled in the box, so no waiting to go play! Labels: boys, exercise, girls, Kids Exercise, Outdoor Toy, pretend-play, ride-on-toy, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, December 06, 2007
ARGHHH! It's a Pirate Filled Holiday!
 The bad part about winter weather is that the kids basically get cooped up inside and when there's a lot of excess energy they aren't expending, you can have some grumpy kids. The good part about winter is you can make it fun by adding an indoor play toy that will keep the kids occupied and playing. Kids love pirates and the "Pirates of the Carribean" movies have done nothing to diminish that and with that in mind, you can give your kids a fun pirate filled holiday season. Start off with the Pirate Ship Loft by Guidecraft which is a colorful and feature-filled toy that not only will keep your kids occupied, it also encourages the expansion of young imaginations as well as group play. Your kids will love playing on their own pirate ship and it has fun extras such as stairs to the upper decks where your kids can slide down to the floor again and again while pretending that they are in charge of their very own pirate ship. Include a pirate costume for each of the kids and maybe even let them create their own treasure maps and "treasure". This loft will deliver hours of fun for your kids - don't lament the long days of winter - let your kids be pirates! Labels: boys, girls, Guidecraft, kids, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
Creating with Foam Blocks
 If you have a little one on your holiday shopping list that you want to get a toy for that will allow him or her to exercise a growing imagination instead of playing a toy that requires either staring at a computer screen or video game screen for hours or basically plays by itself'; the answer you're looking for is found in Wonder Foam Blocks. This is an age appropriate gift for kids ages 3-years old and up. This amazing set of blocks comes with 152 pieces, the largest being 12-inches by 6-inches and 2-inches thick. These are made in bright colors and not only help children maximize their learning of their colors and shapes, but also their hand and eye coordination skills and in a group setting it's great for encouraging group play. Best of all these fun blocks can be used in the bathtub! It's also easy to keep these blocks neat, when you're kids are done playing - the blocks fit neatly in their own storage bag that comes with this set. Give your kids a fun gift that will light up their minds with all the new structures and creative buildings they can make, get them Wonder Foam Blocks this holiday season. Labels: boys, building block toy, children, learning toys, playroom toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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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
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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
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Imaginations at Work
 If you happen to hear something similar to "yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" coming from inside your child's room, don't panic, he is just pretending to be a pirate. Pretend play is probably one of their favorite activities and more than likely it is the same for the parents or caregivers because it gives you an inside peek at the fascinating mind of a child. Imagination rules a child's playtime which is great and should be encouraged while they are young because the real world comes far too quickly in their life. It's not uncommon to hear someone tell a child to grow up and while, yes it is a necessary step in their development it should not come too soon. Nor should it happen all at once. It should be a gradual process, helping them to adjust to this new world of reality and responsibility. This can be accomplished in any number of ways, perhaps beginning with small age (and size) appropriate chores or jobs. Do not get frustrated when he seems like he comprehends everything you are trying to teach one day and the next its back to what? This is very normal and expected since their attention span is often very short for a number of years. Just be patient, he will eventually understand what is expected of him and will also begin to learn why these lessons are important. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, dramatic play, girls, kids, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, October 06, 2007
Holiday Cooking With Your Kids
 You know just how much you always wanted to cook with your mother or your grandmother as a child each and every time they were hard at work in the kitchen. The smells of something delicious baking in the oven were enough to draw you in. However, once you caught a glimpse of what they were putting together, you couldn't help but want to join in. As your children begin to grow and explore around the kitchen, there are going to be times when they will want to get right in there and help with the cooking just like you did. For these times, you might want to set aside little projects that they can help you with. Simple cookie recipes are always nice when the holiday season rolls around, or they can even help you put together some delicious decorate chocolates. Either way, this will be the starting point for the kinds of cooking skills that your children will carry on with them as they grow into teenagers and then to adults. The Little Farm House Table & Chair Set is a delightful selection of furniture that you can have in your kitchen for your children to use when they are helping you cook and create. Either use while they are mixing and kneading or even let them sit down and reap the rewards of all of their efforts after they are finished helping you. Holiday goodies and the perfect place to enjoy them are the best ways to create special moments of bonding that you can cherish for a lifetime. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, childrens furniture, girls, home furnishings, kids, kids furniture, pretend-play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, September 14, 2007
To The Moon!
 If you have children or you work with them on a regular basis, you are fully aware of the kinds of projects that they like to get involved in and anything they get to touch and have a "hands on" experience is a big plus. No matter where you go, they are constantly looking for things that they can get their hands into. Whether you are going to the park to play on the playground or even the beach so they can build sandcastles. However, what do you do when they ask about sandcastles and you have absolutely no way of getting them to the beach? Luckily for parents and teachers today, there is Moon Sand! One of the coolest hands-on kits that you can get your children, you will swear that the sand that comes in this set came straight from the beach. If you have never heard of Moon Sand, it is a great way for your kids to play with what feels like dampened beach sand, only it never dries out. There will be hours upon hours of time that your children will be able to spend while working and molding this terrific sand product. Non-toxic and full of fun, Moon Sand is completely re-usable as well as allergen free! If you think that this handful of sand cannot get any better, you even get a great inflatable tray in the package along with two pounds of sand and fun molds to shape the sand in castle form and more.. No matter what time of year it may be wherever you live, kids can get right into the thick of things with Moon Sand and it will almost feel like they were able to enjoy a great beach adventure. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, crafts, girls, kids, make believe, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
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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
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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
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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
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Friday, August 03, 2007
Blast Off into Learning
 If you are like most parents, you tell your child that they can become whatever they choose to become. Therefore, naturally, you want to help them realize and achieve their potential. Things that you do or say as a parent, and as a person, stay with them for the rest of their lives. These life lessons can be of monumental proportions or they can be on a smaller scale. It is important to remember that even those small ones make a big impact on your child. Remember that children can become easily frustrated and while you don't want every lesson to be overly simple you do want immediate goals to be within reach and age appropriate. No matter what they are actually doing they are also learning all the time. Help them pick out little lessons that they may not realize they have learned. It may be something along the "social graces" line when they were polite or perhaps they correctly spelled a word or understood its meaning. Kids love it when you make a big deal out of something they have done, because to you it was perhaps small and obvious, but to them nothing is small and obvious. It is also important to let them play and have fun. You know that they are still learning during "fun times" but they do not have to know that. Maybe along with the you can be anything speech a fun visual aide would be in order. If you are telling your child that they can even be an astronaut why not include the Rocket Blast Off Play House. It is easy to assemble, has a padded door, roof and shutters all designed to stimulate your child's imagination. Remember, if they can dream it, they can become it. Labels: exercise, kids, learning toys, outdoors, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Beat the Heat
 Everyone loves the summer, especially kids and who can blame them? They get to play outside, ride their bikes and go swimming along with a myriad of other favorite activities. However, there are days that it rains or it is just plain too hot to be playing outside safely. Those are the days that can cause fear and dread among parents and caregivers. Possibly the mere thought of trying to keep a child busy and entertained inside is too much for you to even think about. And the thought of entertaining more than one child may be cause for panic as far as you are concerned. Sit back, take a deep breath and relax. Just because the weather is not on your side for the day doesn't mean the kids can't have fun. Nor does it mean you will be pulling your hair out by the end of the day. Do you remember those wooden blocks you had as a kid? Well, they sure have changed. There are some really amazing sets available now. For example, there are blocks relating to different types of cultures and their architecture. There are Greek blocks with lots of pillars and sleek lines. The Oriental block set has a pagoda style to it and the Arabian block set is just how you would think it would be with the more rounded and exotic designs. Of course, there is a favorite among kids and that is the Castle block set where they can build towers and have moats surrounding their castle. Wooden blocks are great for when you have more than one child too. They can work together on a big project or on their own with a smaller version. Kids love these wooden blocks and you just may end up on the floor with them building together. Labels: boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, July 13, 2007
Wanna Play School?
 If there is one thing that kids love its pretend play. They have the best time pretending to be all kinds of people in all kinds of places. This type of play can also be educational and a good example of this is the Pretend Play School Set. This award winning set is great for kids that are not quite school age as it has many of the things they will encounter when they start school. Even kids that are in school will have great fun making their "own" school and rules. It offers a chance for exploring all the wonderful things they may encounter once they start attending school. It can also be quite a learning tool when a sibling or friend who already goes to school is willing to play or act out things that really do happen to them while they are at school. This set comes with everything they will need to create the ultimate pretend classroom. There is a clock so they know when they are supposed to be in what class. A bell to let them know when it is time for lunch or to go home. A dry erase board where they can write down assignments, a map, pointer, and even a calendar. Don't forget the hall passes you don't want to be caught out of class without one. And all of this is stored in a convenient tri-fold carry board. The Pretend and Play School set is an exceptional learning toy and will provide hours of fun for your child. Labels: boys, children, dramatic play, girls, kids, learning toys, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, July 06, 2007
Kid Friendly (and Parent Approved) Carpeting
 Children spend a good part of their time on the floor. And no, its not always because grandma doesn't like feet on her couch or mom is going to freak if she sees those jelly-covered hands anywhere near her new chair. However, it has been said they prefer the floor when watching television simply because they can be close to it and they don't have to worry about anyone being in their way during their 50th viewing of a Barney video. Hey, you never know, Barney might say something new this time. For whatever reason, they do tend to be on the floor a lot. So why not stimulate their learning process a little with kid friendly carpets and rugs. Depending on the age, there are several bright, colorful and yes, educational themes to please everyone. As a parent or caregiver, you realize that due to a child's innate curiosity they want to know and touch everything. It just makes sense that even if the rug was not the first thing they noticed (it is more likely that they noticed some other kid playing with one of "their" toys), it will soon capture their attention as much if not more than the original toy they had their eye on. With everything from alphabet carpets, numbers and shapes rugs, rugs about animals and nature to biblical rugs and even geography carpets, there is bound to be something that a child would adore. And remember you are not required to tell them it is also educational. Why ruin a good thing? Labels: boys, girls, home furnishings, learning toys, pretend-play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, May 19, 2007
Life's Building Blocks
 Have you ever watched a child play with blocks? Sometimes the younger ones are still learning about objects by touching or even tasting them. No matter how many times you tell them not to put it in their mouth your words are largely ignored. Sometimes they at least try to hide it by turning their back to you. Yet other times they just look at you with that lower lip quivering hoping that you will give in. Once they see that you are not going to let them do it they simply go back to building and try to slyly sneak peeks to see if you are watching. They love to have you try to guess what they are building just knowing that you would never in a hundred years get it right. Their imaginations are vivid and they know exactly what they are trying to build. Attempting to create what is in their mind helps them develop more controlled motor skills. The are trying to figure out if that tall tower they built will stay up or crumble to the ground if they put just one more block on the top. And just because they think it is funny they will build that tower over and over again just to watch it crash when they put that "one more block" on the top. But don't let anyone else put that block on there and make it fall or they will face the wrath of a two year old that didn't really want to share to begin with. So get out those blocks for your child and stand back, they will have that bridge built in no time. Oh yeah, if you ask very nicely they may let you join in the fun. Labels: children, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Power of Pretend Play
One of the most powerful ways that your child can learn is through pretend play. Study after study has shown that children learn faster and retain that knowledge when they indulge in pretend play. It's also a fabulous way to encourage growth of their imaginations, something that is sorely lacking in a lot of the toys of today. Video games have their place, some teach children their letters, numbers and more. Plus they are good for hand and eye coordination. The downside is that a video game is only programmed to do so much and there is zero room for expanding the imaginations of your children. A simple set of blocks can be built into a small city, making castles with a princess to rescue from a dragon and other scenarios. Hand puppets are also a marvelous way for the kids to make up stories, play school and practice the things they've learned. If you have an older child in school that has learned her A-B-C's, by playing with younger children they will pick up what she knows and retain that knowledge even easier than if they were in a classroom. Pretend play with everyday scenarios is another way children can learn important life skills. Something as simple as a pretend play kitchen will let your kids whip up meals, play house, or throw a glamorous dinner party. Some kids like to pretend they have cooking shows and they can also practice important kitchen safety skills such as washing hands and being careful with "hot" pots. Pretend play can go a long way towards helping your children learn important skills as well as indulge in group play. If you don't have pretend play toys for your kids, add at least one to your children's favorite play area and watch their minds grow. Labels: pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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