Posts tagged "Child"

Educational Toys – A Perfect Gift

Educational toys don’t have to be boring!  There are many exciting, fun toys that can provide hours of entertainment as well as reinforce important concepts and skills for children.  Sometimes when the word “educational” is connected with “toys”  teachers and parents tend to assume that kids may not enjoy them as much as the popular and trendy toys.  I was recently at a birthday party talking with several other teachers who have little kids of their own.  We all started discussing the benefits of getting toys that support learning when choosing gifts for our own kids as well as other kids.

Many times parents are very appreciative when their child gets a new educational toy.  Often parents would like to get a game or toy that teaches kids as they play, but they might not know what toy to purchase, or where to buy it.  As a parent and an educator, I really try to select toys that are age and grade appropriate.  With an increase in educational toys, many manufacturers are making it easier than ever before  for anyone to select great toys.

Here are some important things to remember if you are trying to pick out an educational toy as a gift.

• Find the designated age or grade that the toy is developed for.  This will ensure that the toy is age appropriate.
• If you know the child well, think of his interests and find a gift that will provide fun learning opportunities.
• Think about some of your favorite educational toys from when you were a child.  Many of these toys are still on the market and can make wonderful gifts.
• When in doubt, ask the child’s parents, they know what  skills and concepts she may be learning and may already have some fun educational toys on their wish list.

There are many wonderful resources for finding educational toys.  Be sure to visit www.K12schoolsupplies.net and check out the great selection of toys.

Math Flash Cards and Road Trips

Math Flash Cards can go anywhere!  They can be the perfect activity to bring along for any road trip.  I just got back from a camping trip with my family.   I made sure to pack a variety of activities for the car.  Luckily, we did not have far to go, but I knew that the time in the car might be a bit challenging.  Along with “I Spy”, coloring books, lots of singing, and some old-fashioned storytelling, I brought along some simple math flash cards.  My girls loved the flash cards and the activities we did with them.  We made up story problems using the things that we saw.  For example, after we counted the cars on the train that went by, I had them find a card and tell a train story for their equation.  We would look for animals, tractors, special buildings and tell math stories about them.

Yes, there are many hand held electronic devices that have a variety of games designed to help children learn math concepts.  There is no doubt that these are fun and engaging; however, there are alternatives.  Math flash cards can provide many ways to interact with your child.  Kids spend many hours “plugged in” to t.v., video games, movies.  It is nice to show them other ways to learn new things and practice math concepts.

Parents as well as teachers can show kids a variety of games to play with math flash cards. There are many different types of flash cards to choose from ranging from cards that focus on early numeracy skills to multiplication and telling time.  Don’t worry about buying batteries for these activities!  Visit www.k12schoolsupplies.net to see all of the wonderful math flash cards available.

Do you have any suggestions for great activities using math flash cards?  If you do, please share them below.