Choosing games for kids with special needs

Just because a child has special needs doesn't mean they can't enjoy fun games like other kids. It just means they might need a little extra help and patience. The people over at Learning Resources and Education Insights know this and that's why they came up with this awesome list featuring some of their special needs-adaptable toys.

It's time to light things up with IllumiCraft™

My daughter's birthday is a little over a month away and boy is she going to be ecstatic when she unwraps these two crafting kits. She's big time into crafting, journaling, music, and things that light up. So yeah, you can probably imagine how much she's going to enjoy these two sets. It will be our first experience with the IllumiCraft™ and I for one am pretty excited about it. Not only does the line provide tween kids the opportunity to be crafty and creative it also challenges them a bit by making them use their minds and problem-solving skills to make it work (light up). As a mom I like those things and that they are actually making something useful in everyday life. Not a little trinket that will sit in a corner and collect dust. I can actually see my daughter using the journal and speaker dock at the same time in her bedroom.

IllumiCraft™ Light-Up! Cell Phone Speaker Dock
This two-in-one cell phone dock and speaker keeps your phone in place AND amplifies sound. Kids learn to engineer simple circuits, then customize this delightful docking station to light up! Compatible with all smartphones up to 6.5" x 3.5".

Includes cell phone/speaker dock, 2 LEDs with screw-in back units, battery case with lid and CR2032 battery, 2 feet of adhesive conductive copper tape, 2 sheets of sparkly decorative shaped foam, plastic and paper decorative shapes, 5-color paint set, and instruction guide.

IllumiCraft™ Light-Up! Journal
Jazz up your journal! Kids can stash their secrets in journals decorated with working, light-up circuitry they lay themselves.

Includes hardcover journal, LED with screw-in back unit, battery case with lid and CR2032 battery, 2 feet of adhesive conductive copper tape, 2 sheets of sparkly decorative shaped foam, plastic and paper decorative shapes, 5-color marker set, and instruction guide.

Buy it: You can find these and other IllumiCraft™ projects on the Educational Insights website.

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands. 

Build - Play - Learn!

I remember some of my favorite toys growing up were the ones that I could build things with. I just loved being able to put pieces together over and over in different ways to get a new creation each time. I think that passion has passed down to my daughter because she's all the time stacking things up in her room making forts and tunnels for her stuffed animals. Toys that can be used more than one way to me are the best because they are less likely to get tossed in a corner and forgotten. Especially when kids can be creative and make their own ideas come to life with them.

Holiday Gifting made easy with Educational Insights

I enjoy Christmas and gift giving just as much as the next person. But one thing I'm not fond of is all of the toys out there that in my opinion are pretty much useless and dust collectors. I can say that because after two kids I've seen it happen time and time again. They want something "because everyone else has it" and then once they have one it sits on a shelf and collects dust. It's so frustrating to me. And that's why I started shopping in a different way for my kids and for others on our list. I now look for gifts that aren't just popular, but are also functional too. I want them to have more than just a purpose of just sitting and looking cool. That's one of the fun parts about shopping the Educational Insights website. They have a ton of things that I consider to be cool, and they are useful too. I love the way that they make learning fun for kids so they don't even always realize they are learning. Take for instance their Once Upon a Craft kit called The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It's not just a storybook, it's also a craft kit where kids get to color their own princesses and decorate two mosaic pieces that go along with the story. Now to me that's both useful and fun for kids.

Another fun thing I found is their Puppet-on-a-Stick™ Markers. It includes three fun unicorn puppets that open their mouths and have markers at the ends. I mean who wouldn't love to write and color with a unicorn?!

And if you're really into gifting learning products you might want to check out their line of Hot Dots products. I got the Hot Dots® Jr. Ultimate Science Facts Interactive Book Set with the plans to gift it to a little special needs girl from a family that we "adopted" for Christmas this year. She's a little behind in reading at school and I thought this was a great gift for her because she loves science facts. I figure she will be playing with this and not even realize she's learning at the same time. And with the Hot Dots pen helping her along the way she will learn to read the words and feel more confident doing so in a fun way.

Buy it: You can find these and other great educational themed toys at the Educational Insights website.

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Play & Learn with Playgro Toys

I've always been one to lean towards educational toys, especially when my kids were younger. I wanted to make sure they were not only being entertained but also learning from their play time. Sometimes it was something as basic as problem solving by putting a shape into a cube, but at least it was teaching them along the way. And it was always fun to see the look on their face when one went inside. It ranged from the excitement of it finally going in to fear of having "lost" the shape because they didn't know how to get it out. That's why I like toys from the Playgro line. They not only are super bright and cheerful so that they get younger kids attention they also provide them with some well needed learning through play. Take the two toys featured in this post for example. They are both full of bright colors and fun shapes that get a child's attention. I like this because it also gives us as parents the opportunity to teach them the shapes and colors through play together. They also have parts that can be removed and then put back teaching them how trial and error as they figure out exactly where they all go. So much fun and all the while they are learning too!

Summer Boredom Busters from National Geographic Kids

As summer break is wrapping up for most kids many are starting to get "bored". I don't know how many times I heard my daughter tell me she was bored and there wasn't "anything" to do. Of course I could give her a list of things she could do, but I would still get the same thing the next day. Thankfully these books arrived and saved me from the boredom speech. My daughter loves to read things that teach her interesting facts that she wouldn't learn in just everyday life. She's all about telling other people when she learns them too. Books from the National Geographic Kids line are PERFECT for her and her inquisitive mind for sure. Plus the keep her busy and stop the "I'm bored" train from running through the house.

Learn about feelings Moodsters Style

Summer is almost over and it's time to start thinking about back-to-school planning and preparation. Buying notebooks and scoping out sales is the easy part, but there are less tangible things you can do as well like teaching your child emotional intelligence skills (EQ). The Moodsters is a first-of-its-kind brand, developed by renowned child development expert Denise Daniels, to educate, entertain, and enhance children’s social and emotional development in the lead up to the new school year.

With the help of The Moodsters, children learn the fundamentals of feelings and develop the ability to recognize, understand and manage their emotions. What better time to get started then before school starts!

Moodster Feelings Flashlight
Squash those afraid-of-the-dark fears with the Feelings Flashlight. Shining a light on feelings has never been easier or more fun than with The Moodsters! Before naptime or bedtime, point the flashlight toward the ceiling or a wall, and The Moodsters will magically appear, offering wisdom and humor for every emotion. Includes full-color, 32-page storybook, “The Scary Sleepover.”

Moodster Meter
Young children often don’t have the verbal skills to put their feelings into words. The Moodster Meter puts those tools in the child’s hands—literally! This interactive teaching toy gives children a basic vocabulary of feelings and helps them express themselves. The Meter has a special Power Up button enabling children to point the arrow to the Moodster that represents how they are feeling, opening doors for calm communication about emotions. Includes full-color, 32-page storybook, “Meet the Moodsters.”

Meter Mirror
Preschoolers are often blissfully unaware of how their emotions show on their faces, or how to read others’ faces for clues to their feelings. The Moodster Mirror helps them make the connection between feelings on the inside and facial expressions on the outside. Kids make a happy, sad, angry, scared, or loving face into the Moodster Mirror, and they are able to see what these feelings look like to others. By turning the dial, kids select the matching Moodster to hear the character’s wisdom about that particular feeling, which will help kids recognize their own emotions and non-verbal cues. Includes full-color, 32-page storybook, “A Time to be Kind.”

Connect with The Moodsters:
Facebook | Twitter

New Learning Apps from Kids Academy

If you have younger age children you might want to check out Kids Academy on iTunes. They have some new apps that feature activities for preschool and kindergarten, and they are FREE!

This app from Kids Academy is probably one of my favorites. Not only do kids get to trace letters to learn them, but they also get to collect fireflies along the path and then they are deposited into their jar. The jar then fills up as they progress through the alphabet, a perfect way to keep kids motivated to not give up and keep trying if they have trouble with a letter. It also has the option of creating multiple profiles if you have more than one child using the app, and you can even track their progress along the way to see just how well they are doing. I like this option because you can let them play independently, then check how they did later.
 

Another app from Kids Academy that's a must if you have a preschool age (or even below) children is all about learning. From the graphics and sounds to the fun and interactive learning activities they will definitely stay engaged while learning the basics they will need to know for school.

This app is also great for early learners. It teaches them letter recognition as well as the sounds of the letters and examples of words they appear in. I like that it's so easy to navigate that children can open the app on their own and pretty much just do it all with out any help. It keeps them entertained, but also teaches them useful information instead of just wasting their time.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Kids Academy. However all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by the sponsorship.

Primary Science Mix & Measure Set #Giveaway 6-12

Primary Science Mix & Measure Set
• Chunky, colorful tools are contoured for little hands
• Scale, bowl, 3 self-standing spoons and 6 unique cup designs help children visualize quantities
• Activity Cards guide children in making mystery goo, puffy paint, slime and more!
• Bowl measures 4.75”H x 6” in diameter

My take:

I have to say this set was not only educational for my daughter, but really a ton of fun too! We started out by making the slime...my favorite by far.  I remember making it when I was a child in science class in school.  To be able to make it so simply at home really surprised me. Maybe it was just the age, or maybe that it was being done at school but I thought back then it was a pretty big deal being able to make slime! Well, I am happy to report it's a fairly easy task to complete in your vary own kitchen with the Primary Science Mix & Measure Set.  I love how all of the pieces are bright colors and just the right size for little hands.  My daughter thought she was so cool measuring, pouring and mixing all the ingredients.  Then to see the end result was something she could actually play with and show someone else she made pretty much all on her own was even more rewarding. Now she's wanting to invite her little friends over to make puffy paint...not sure how this mom feels about a bunch of 6-year old girls and home made puffy paint. But hey, it's nice outside now so looks like a great outdoor project to me!

Buy it: You can purchase the Primary Science Mix & Measure Set through Learning Resources online web store.

Win it: One lucky reader will win a Primary Science Mix & Measure Set. This giveaway will end June 13th at 12:01 AM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form for ALL entriesa Rafflecopter giveaway .

Disclosure:  Thanks to PR Firm/sponsor I was provided with this product(s) for the purpose of my personal review. This blog post is not a paid post and the honest opinions stated are my own. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, entry via Facebook like is completely optional.

Letter Box Activity Set #Giveaway 2-14

Open the mail “slot” to reveal the whiteboard and display pockets

Includes 104 double-sided alphabet cards with real-life photos and 13 double-sided letter cards (plus 8 blanks)

Activity Guide with reproducibles for home connections

Magnetic chart features reverse storage pocket — measures 24"H x 18"L

My Take:
This is a really cool activity set.  It's really very basic, but the concept and actual usefulness is amazing. It's pretty easy to figure out right out of the box, but if you need them there is an instruction guide inside too.  I love how the cards are all in full color, I think this gets kids attention so much better and allows them to make the connection with the physical for of the item shown. And it even has a pocket on the back where you can store all the extra cards you aren't using! This is perfect for early preschool age children on up.  I say it's never too early to start showing kids the basics. Plus if you have something like this hanging for them to constantly see it's always fresh in their minds. I also like that the set came with some pages you can make copies of for kids to make their own postcards and practice their letters. I think the actual doing of activities is just as important as the visual aspect.  So why not let them create a postcard with their favorite letter, or even simple word giving them the satisfaction of having created something specifically for their mailbox.

Win it: One lucky reader will win a Letter Box Activity Set. This giveaway will end February 6th at 12:01 AM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.

LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party #LeapFrogParty

Hosting a LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party was an amazing experience.  As a mom I couldn't believe the products I received from LeapFrog and how much the kids enjoyed them. I remember not long ago my daughter seeing the LeapPad Explorer in a store and asking for one for Christmas.  She thought it would be so cool to have a "tablet" of her own.  So of course when she received this one to test out at the party she was ecstatic!  I was really proud though the way she shared it with the other kids.  I think telling her she got to keep it after they all went home helped.  They each took turns playing games and taking pictures of each other making funny faces. The LeapFrog Tag system was also a big hit, but of course not as much as the Explorer.  Of course it gave the kids something to play with while waiting their turn for the Explorer. I was really impressed at how easy it was to use, and how clear it was when speaking.  With my daughter being in Kindergarten this is really going to help her along with her reading skills and confidence in reading.  I can't wait to find some new games and books for both of these products for her for Christmas!

LeapPad Explorer is the personalized learning tablet just for kids with a built-in camera and video recorder! LeapPad o ers limitless learning and endless play through a library of 100+ cartridge games and activities with innovative creativity and reading apps!

The amazing touch technology of Tag brings words and pictures to life. And a library of 40+ interactive storybooks, maps and more feature favorite characters based on favorite TV, movie and classic tales as well as new friends to help inspire children to learn to read. Winner of 55+ awards worldwide, the Tag system engages children's senses to make reading—and learning—a rich, ful lling
experience.

Disclosure: I was provided with the above mentioned products to host a LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party.  All opinions and toughs are my own.

Time Tracker® Mini

Time Tracker® Mini

A hands-on, take-anywhere timer that’s perfect for homework help, bedtime countdowns, timed activities and more! Top dial sets total alarm time from 5 minutes to 2 hours, in 5-minute increments. Lower dial provides warning time. Count down until the colored light glows and the tone sounds. Includes volume adjustment dial. Measures 3 1/4"L x 3 1/4"W x 4 3/4"H. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.  Ages 4+. SRP: $19.99. Available at www.LearningResources.com, other online retailers and specialty stores.

My Take:

This thing is an excellent tool to have around the house.  Whether using it for timed homework, as a way to notify your child of when it's time to stop a task, or just for fun you'll love it!  We've been using it in the mornings to help my daughter know when it's getting closer to time to leave for the bus.  Being in kindergarten this year she isn't quite ready to read and watch the clock all on her own.  So I set the first time to go off letting her know she has 5 more minutes till we leave. This gives her enough time to finish up whatever she is doing and be ready for the go alarm.  Then the second alarm goes off when it's time for us to put on our coats and head out the door.  It's worked perfect. No more having to holler down the hallway reminding her to get ready!

Disclosure:  Thanks to PR Firm/sponsor I was provided with this product(s) for the purpose of my personal review. This blog post is not a paid post and the honest opinions stated are my own. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, entry via Facebook like is completely optional.