WEEK # 10:

ELECTRONIC LEARNING TOYS, DISCOVERY TOYS & SCIENCE KITS

Electronic Learning Toys: Children love interactive toys! Electronic learning toys possess the unique ability to present information in a variety of ways. Thus, they are successful with many different types of learners. The multi-sensory approach includes visual, auditory and tactile learning strategies. For example, when using the Leapfrog Fridge Word Builder (below), children see an alphabet letter, hold the alphabet letter in their hand and hear the sound the alphabet letter makes (phonics) when they place it into the word builder. The word builder then combines the sounds and reads the word. The combination of these three approaches reinforces the learning process. It's not only educationally sound, but enjoyable as well! Children thrive on these types of interactive toys that combine both learning and fun!

Many of the more advanced learning systems like the Leapfrog Explorer Learning Game System or Leapfrog Tag Reading, have additional cartridges or books that expand and enrich the learning experience. Additional topics reinforce Math, Science, Reading or Critical Thinking skills and strategies. Choosing quality educational electronic toys like these can give your child a head start on learning. You'll find that these smart purchases are well worth your investment!

 

Discovery Toys & Science Kits: If you have a budding scientist in your midst, these prepackaged Science kits are just what you're looking for. Well-chosen Science kits provide an opportunity for children to explore and discover new principles by using a hands-on approach. Children learn basic scientific method techniques such as making a "hypothesis" or prediction about what will happen; following procedures; making observations; experimenting with the variables or conditions in their project and drawing conclusions. These kits provide hours of valuable educational experiences, and more importantly, children are having fun along the way.

(There are numerous areas of interest to choose from, but keep in mind that Science kits must be age appropriate. In addition, to insure your child's safety, make sure that the proper guidance and supervision is provided.)

Also see Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts.

 

Electronics

Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi Of all the hot holiday picks this year, our #1 choice has to be the Kindle Fire. This versatile tablet serves as a color eReader with over 1,000 children's & young adult bestselling titles; a game machine which supports your child's favorite apps and games; an awesome entertainment tablet with downloads of over 100.000 movies, TV shows & their favorite music, as well as a sophisticated web browser. Who could ask for more in one gift? Get all the details and see a demo for yourself at the Amazon Kindle Store.

See Little Ones Review of Kindle Fire for more information about children's color ebooks for young readers.

 

 

 

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green)

The LeapPad Explorer is our top holiday pick for preschoolers age 4+. The LeapPad is a highly educational personalized learning tablet that has a library of 100+ games, apps, digital books, video and flash cards. This sturdy tablet also has a built in camera and video recorder so kids can edit and share video and animation. The great news is that the LeapPad also works with Leapster Explorer games. You can't beat this type of fun, interactive learning that reinforces skills and concepts in reading, math, science, geography, art, music, language and more.  The LeapPad Ultra eBook feature builds reading comprehension and expands vocabulary at 3 different levels. Best of all, LeapPad automatically adjusts app levels to match your child's individual pace and progress. It's a wonderful investment that promotes learning and guarantees fun! Available in green or pink.

V.Reader Animated E-Book System Multiple Awards Winner! Bring reading to life with the all new V. Reader. It's a perfect choice for pre-readers and early readers ages 3 to 7 years old. Young children can practice important core reading skills while having fun with this incredible and durable touch screen learning machine. Children see the words and illustrations, hear the story recited, and interact with the story by touching the screen to learn and do more. See Little Ones V. Reader toy review.

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set Award winning learning toy! Introduce young children to letter names and sounds with this entertaining learning tool. This magnetic letter reader firmly attaches to your fridge and lets children insert letters, listen to letter names, letter sounds, phonics songs, the alphabet song and more! Develops pre-reading skills. Ages 3+.

Leap Frog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder   Outstanding & award winning educational toy teaches pre-readers and readers to build & read over 325 3-letter words. Lights, sounds & music add to the fun! Ages 3-7. (**For more information view the complete Little Ones Toy Review of this product**) 

LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set Award winner! Extremely amusing and educational toy for ages 1+. Magnetic animal set plays learning songs, teaches animal facts and sounds. Mix and match animal bodies to create actual or wacky animal combinations, and enjoy the silliness.  Plays 5 barnyard tunes. A real hit with toddlers!

LeapFrog Fridge DJ Magnetic Learning Radio On the fridge or on the go, enjoy multisensory learning with uppercase & lowercase letters and numbers that light up along with learning songs about counting, days of the week and much more. Dance to the music while you learn! ages 3+

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table Award winner! Music, learning & fun rolled into one! Choose from this amazing toy's words or music options. Learn about ABCs, colors, opposites, counting to 10 and primary shapes or play on piano keys, tap the drum, groove to over 40 songs and melodies, and listen to nursery rhymes & instrument sounds. Flip a switch to change from English to Spanish. Best of all, this toy grows with your child. It sits flat on the floor for babies and adjusts to toddler play by adding included table legs. Provides hours upon hours of visual, auditory and fine motor stimulation and skills practice. An educational wonderland sure to delight little ones from 6 months- 2+ years. Also see other LeapFrog Learn & Groove Instruments.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write  Award winner! Little fingers can practice the formation of letters and shapes with this fun learning machine. The child-size stylus along with screen lights make it easy for kids to draw simple pictures, shapes and eventually upper & lower case letters. Amusing learning games reinforce letter formation. A great way to teach writing skills. Ages 3-5.

LeapFrog Chat and Count Phone  Award winner! Babies are fascinated with phones! This baby-proof phone combines both learning and fun. Press the number buttons to count on the screen along with baby's animated pal Scout, or press the music button to hear songs about counting. Trade calls and voicemail with Scout, or enjoy 15 other fun phone activities. Includes online learning ideas for parents. Pretending to be a grownup has never been so much fun! Ages 18 months+

LeapFrog Text and Learn Award winner! Like a blackberry for kiddies! Practice letter names and sounds while having fun. Exchange text messages with your puppy pal Scout, play educational games, check your agenda, view the browser, dance to music and more. Features 3 learning modes, a qwerty keyboard and the ability for parents to connect online for customized learning ideas. Kids will LOVE this toy! Ages 3-5.

LeapFrog Learning Game System The original and best learning system on the market! Can't say enough about this portable gaming system that combines video games and learning! Kids will LOVE the huge library of interactive games (sold separately) which teach math, reading, phonics, spelling, critical thinking and more. Well-worth the investment. Also available: Leapster L-Max and Leapster2 which are compatible with TV or computer. Ages 4-10.

LeapFrog Leapster® Educational Game: Kindergarten Outstanding and award-winning interactive game teaches 45 important Kindergarten reading and math skills such as phonics, spelling, letters, numbers, counting and more. Ages 4-5.

Leapster Arcade: Number Raiders Action-packed arcade game that teaches math skills, solving simple equations, addition, subtraction, sequencing and more. Ages.

LeapFrog My Pal Violet Adorable plush puppy which can be customized to learn your child's name and favorite things via a simple computer download. Plays lullabies, learning songs and teaches numbers, animals, food and more. Select from an additional 30 songs online. Awesome cuddly and educational toy for ages 6 months-3 years. Also available LeapFrog My Pal Scout (Green).

LeapFrog® Tag Reading System Winner of 2009 Toy of the Year Award. Inspire a love of reading with the amazing touch technology of the Tag pen which make words talk, pictures sing and stories come to life. The Tag Library contains over 30 books and games based on popular characters. Develops reading skills, vocabulary, word recognition, and phonics while parents monitor progress online. Worthwhile investment for ages 4-8.

LeapFrog® Tag Activity Storybook Disney Princess: Adventures Under the Sea Follow Ariel and Flounder on their undersea adventure as they explore a sunken ship. Ages 4-8. Over 30 Tag Library titles available.

LeapFrog: Phonics Writing Desk This electronic lap-sized desk is a wonderful learning tool for practicing writing, phonics and spelling skills. Attached pen is used to practice formation of letters and desk features 6 interactive games  Ages 3-7.

Count and Learn Math Desk Spark your child's interest in Math with this electronic Math desk. Learn number recognition and formation along with important Math concepts using 6 different levels of learning from beginning to advanced. Ages 3-7.

 

 

Discovery Toys & Science Kits

Snap Circuits Electronics Kit Multiple award winning electronics kit makes building simple circuits and devices fun & easy. Over 60 snap on parts can create 300+ exciting projects with lights, sounds, motors and more. Hours of experimentation for ages 8-14. Also available Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100

Live Butterfly Garden Experience the magnificent metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly up close in your very own home. This Butterfly Garden is a reusable, collapsible habitat where children can observe 3 weeks worth of nature's "magical" changes which transform butterfly larvae into Painted Lady Butterflies. Simply mail in the enclosed voucher for 5 prepaid butterfly larvae along with special butterfly food. Kit includes clear and complete instructions, and a booklet of butterfly facts. Children will be amazed by this awesome and educational experience. Ages 4-14.

Magic Garden by Schylling This reasonably priced magical garden grows when watered with magical liquid. Watch it blossom within 3 hours and mature to full grown at 10 hours. Its delicate and fragile beauty lasts for a only temporary period of time, but is truly worth watching. A  fun activity for children ages 8+ (with adult assistance for assembly.)

Scientific Explorer's Ul timate Crystal Growing Science Kit Super Science kit for curious kids! Learn all about crystals while experimenting with 15 different crystal growing activities. This crystal growing kit produces fast and impressive results within 2-3 days. Grow glowing geodes, giant crystals and even a crystal garden. Ages 9-12.

Volcano Making Kit Kids are intrigued by volcanoes! This reasonably priced, make your own reusable volcano kit is sure to  be a crowd pleaser. Includes fast drying plaster with stir stick, volcano mold, paint and paint brush. Cool eruptions will bubble and fizz when baking soda and vinegar are added (not included.) Ages 7-11.

ScienceWiz Electricity Experiment Kit (series) Multiple Award Winner! Phenomenal Science Experiment Kit Series! Classic and fun first introduction to electricity. Discover how and why electricity works with these 18 interesting experiments accompanied by step by step visual instructions in a 40 page kid friendly Science manual. Includes materials for "make a loop; motor mania; batteries & buzzers; make a switch; send messages; and test conductivity" experiments. Spark the interest of your 5-10 year olds with this affordable and "enlightening" science kit. Check out additional titles in the ScienceWiz award winning series!

ScienceWiz Magnetism Experiment Kit (series) Another outstanding science kit from the award winning ScienceWiz series! This multiple award winning magnetism kit explores the properties of magnets and electromagnets in a fun and exciting way with its 22 entertaining experiments. Each experiment is thoroughly explained in the accompanying step by step visual 40 page instruction booklet. Includes a set of ceramic magnets for experiments such as "iron detector; go fishing; levitate metal rings; swimming ducks; play with poles; make a compass; build an electromagnet and more!" Fantastic gift for curious kids ages 5-10. Check out additional titles in the ScienceWiz award winning series!

Fascinations Antworks Illuminated Absolutely fascinating and care free illuminated ant farm! An awesome study of animal life as children watch ants create tunnels in their nutritious blue translucent illuminated gel. An easy to care for pet that requires no food (blue gel is their food) no water and no maintenance! Observe ants easily in their translucent gel with the included magnifying glass and extreme zoom lens. Night light feature gives off a beautiful soft blue glow. Also includes a detailed instruction book with interesting facts about ants. A wonderful learning experience for children ages 8+

 

For more holiday information, please see:

The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and

Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas"  Holiday Toy Series: This holiday series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.

 

 

Little Ones "Top 25" Award Winning/Outstanding Toy Picks

Visit www.littleones.com for our selection of  Great/Award Winning Children's Books, Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts, and Children's Educational DVDs along with teacher tips, parenting articles, family fun and much more!

WEEK #9:

ARTS & CRAFTS/MUSICAL TOYS

Children of all ages love to experiment with colors, textures and rhythms. If you ask children what their favorite subjects are, they will usually reply "Art, Music or Gym!" Art & Music are not only enjoyable, but they play an important role in your child's development. Creative expression, whether artistic or musical, develops your child's ability to explore and experiment with a variety of materials. Open-ended artistic and musical toys nurture your child's imagination, along with a sense of pride and accomplishment in a unique product. Children, especially younger children, enjoy having the freedom to design their own artistic or musical masterpieces.  More structured art or musical toys, designed for older children, encourage them to follow directions or musical notes in order to complete a specific arts & crafts project or perform an actual musical piece.  Art & Musical toys have the added benefit of promoting hand-eye coordination. 

Your children will have hours of fun using these "totally cool" art sets and "awesome" musical instruments. So get the video camera ready for delightful musical concerts, and your refrigerator ready to display oodles of precious artwork!

Also see Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts.

Arts & Crafts:

Crayola Color Wonder Disney Princess Coloring Book & Markers Color Wonder technology allows markers to color only on the special paper, not on walls or furniture! Create 24 beautiful Disney Princess pictures with 6 Color Magic markers provided. Ages 3-7.

Crayola Color Wonder Disney Cars Coloring Book and Markers No mess activity which is perfect for toddlers and up. Color Wonder markers' magic ink appears only on the special paper. Teaches young artists to color within the lines. Create 24 cool CARS pictures with 6 Color Magic markers provided. Ages 3-7.

Young Artist Creativity Box  High quality 60 piece art set made in the USA, comes in sturdy red wooden box. Plentiful supplies include 24 colored pencils, 24 large oil pastels, 6 watercolor tubes, 2 brushes, mixing palette and more! Makes a wonderful gift set for young artists ages 10+.

Crayola Super Art Craft Case Deluxe art set has over 50+ pieces including crayons, markers, paint brushes, model magic, sidewalk chalk, glitter glue tubes, washable paint pots, cookie cutters, blunt scissors and a pack of construction paper. Extra large clear plastic storage case holds all supplies neatly. Wow! A real value and a great gift choice!

Melissa & Doug Flower Power Wooden Bead Set Colorful jewelry making set with over 150 beads and 5 laces. Beads come in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns and store neatly in handy wooden box. Creative fine motor activity sure to become an instant favorite! Ages 4-7.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads with over 200 beads  Over 200+ brightly colored wooden letters & beads along with 8 colored cords for lots of jewelry making fun! Beads store in wooden tray. Excellent gift choice for jewelry designers ages 4-6.

Perler Bonding Bead Blast Gift Box This awesome gift box contains 8000 colorful Perler beads and can make 40+ cool bead designs. Design your own magnets, ornaments, desk accessories and much more by placing beads on pegboard shapes. With an adult's help, iron the beads to make them fuse together. Gift box also includes 4 fun pegboard shapes, ideas booklet, ironing paper and instructions. Ages 5-10.

IlluStory: Make Your Own Storybook Multiple Awards Winner! Imagine the sense of pride & accomplishment when your child creates and professionally publishes his/her very own storybook! This amazing set allows children to write and illustrate their own story on the special pages provided (or completely online using the Storymaker instructions.) Drafts are mailed in prepaid envelope (included) and in a few short weeks, your child will receive a color-copied, professionally hard bound storybook! Books can include About the Author, special dedication and title pages.This set includes 18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions and order form. Encourages reading, writing and illustrating skills! Extra copies can be ordered for family members. A truly unique gift that lasts for years to come! Ages 5-9.

Make A Plate Another Award Winner! This fantastic craft kit allows children to draw their very own plate design, mail their artwork away, and in a short period of time, receive a usable, dishwasher safe, break-resistant 10 inch melamine plate featuring their artwork! An absolutelly wonderful way to preserve children's drwaings. Makes an extra special keepsake to use each day or to give away to family members. This set includes 5 drawing sheets, markers, instructions, order form and one pre-paid certificate for processing one plate. Ages 4-10.

Creations by You My Masterpiece – Turn Your Drawing Into A Work of Art   Multiple Awards Winner!  Professionally preserve your child's artwork for a lifetime with this awesome wall art kit.  Your child's original artwork is enlarged onto your choice of background, and can be either placed into a wooden frame (your choice of colors) or changed into a museum style poster including the artist's name, artwork name and date. Many custom options are available including purchase of additional copies. Artwork can can done by hand or done completely online using Internet Production drawing & photo tools. Your child's masterpiece will be returned in a few short weeks. Makes an incredible and personal gift for any occasion! Also makes charming artwork to hang in your home, office or child's room. Ages 3+.

Alex Toys My First Sewing Kit Award Winning Beginners Sewing Kit! Start making quick & easy projects with this wonderful first  sewing kit. Includes 8 cool pre-cut patterns, 8 colors of embroidery floss, shapes to make felt animals, notebook cover, stuffing, fabric, needles, measuring tape, pins, thimble, pin cushion and more! Everything your child needs to get sewing! Excellent craft & life-learning experience. Ages 7-12.

Crayola Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack  Unique, lightweight and pliable modeling clay allows children to make and display their own clay sculptures. Won't crumble or stick! Final products can be painted, colored with marker or decorated with glitter glue. Decorative accessories such as eyes, buttons etc. can be added during air drying process. Kit includes 14 colored packs of clay along with 60 project ideas, tips and techniques. Ages 3+

Sculpey III Multipack – Classic Collection Preserve your child's clay masterpieces with Sculpey Clay! Sculpey clay can actually be baked in the oven (similar to kilns) so that children's clay artwork can be made permanent. Kit includes 10- 2 ounce Sculpey bars in classic colors, along with instructions and a project ideas booklet. Unlock your child's creative potential with Sculpey! Ages 8+

 

 

Music:

 Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube Award winning interactive musical cube lets little ones create 8 Mozart masterpieces. Cube sides include the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin which light up and play instrument sounds. Sounds can be played solo or added together to create a symphony. Features soft rounded edges and durable design. Fascinating musical toy for the wee ones!

Little Tikes Drum Strike up the band! Little ones will have a lot of fun learning rhythm & timing while playing on this colorful, sturdy 8" wide drum. Mallots cannot get lost since they are safely attached to the sides of the drum. Provides great sensory & motor skills play. Ages 18 months-3 years!

Glockentoddler Toy Instrument This perfectly tuned, musically correct Glockenspiel will be music to your ears. This brightly colored 8-note diatonic instrument features safe metal keys, a specially designed toddler safe mallet which stores conveniently underneath, and an activity guide. Ages 12 months-4 years.

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table Music, learning & fun rolled into one! Choose from this amazing toy's words or music options. Learn about ABCs, colors, opposites, counting to 10 and primary shapes or play on piano keys, tap the drum, groove to over 40 songs and melodies, and listen to nursery rhymes & instrument sounds. Flip a switch to change from English to Spanish. Best of all, this toy grows with your child. It sits flat on the floor for babies and adjusts to toddler play by adding included table legs. Provides hours upon hours of visual, auditory and fine motor stimulation and skills practice. An educational wonderland sure to delight little ones from 6 months- 3 years.

Fisher Price Rock & Play Piano Little ones can create music with this electronic piano by rocking on its seat, or playing the piano keys. Children select from 3 different play modes and from 5 different instrument sounds: piano, violin, harp, tuba, or flute. Your child will absolutely love flipping the music book to listen to a choice of 4 classical songs or 4 children's tunes. Auto shut off feature saves batteries. A real favorite!

LP RhythMix 6-pc. Rhythm Kit  Kids love a parade! This award winning 6 piece set of great sounding rhythm instruments will get children moving and shaking! Includes a handled drum, jingle stick, triangle, tone block, two Chick-Itas, two mallets, and a small backpack for storage.

Schoenhut My First Piano II Well built, bright red or white 25-key tabletop piano is the perfect choice for a toddler's first piano. Delightful sounding notes. Great for encouraging musical creativity and hand/eye coordination.  Play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers. Includes songbook of familiar tunes. Ages 3-6 years.

Loopz Game Crazy new musical game of skill & action. Players must correctly repeat the sequence of lights and music by waving their hands through the semi-circular motion sensors. Features 7 different games including solo or group play. Way cool! Ages 5+.

Wow Wee Paper Jamz Guitar – Style 4  Play like a rock star right away! This amazing circuit embedded "paper guitar" lets kids play instant guitar with the touch of their hands. Simply choose from the 4 modes of play to jam along with 3 included licensed hit songs. Each guitar style comes with a different pop music selection. In addition, have some fun playing free style, play real chords or make up your own songs. Built in speaker with volume control and guitar jack to plug in headphones (not included.) Open-ended possibilities and endless fun for an affordable price. Ages 8+.

 

For more holiday information, please see:

The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and

Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas"  Holiday Toy Series: This holiday series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.

 

 

Little Ones "Top 25" Award Winning/Outstanding Toy Picks

Visit www.littleones.com for our selection of  Great/Award Winning Children's Books, Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts, and Children's Educational DVDs along with teacher tips, parenting articles, family fun and much more!