Your Child Never Gets Bored with the Busy Zoo Activity Center

Have you been looking for a toy that offers hours of fun while still offering your young one a great learning experience?  Babies a year of age and older simply love the Busy Zoo Activity Center and never get bored with it.  It offers five sides of fun that stimulates not only learning, but hand eye coordination too.

This toy is large and made from wood and plastic with no small parts that are detachable.  The squiggly tracks are placed on the top with brightly colored beads that can be moved back and forth.  Each side of the toy has a different theme with one side having brightly colored animal print doors that when opened show a picture of the animal and the name printed out.

Other side’s offer alphabet learning and hand eye coordination.  This toy is big enough for children to stand or sit beside and play comfortably.  While the age limit starts at twelve months, many parents found that their younger babies enjoyed all the activities with a little help from mom and dad.

The Busy Zoo Activity Center is a great addition to any baby’s toy box.  The sturdy construction coupled with the brightly colored graphics keeps babies and children entertained for hours.  This toy is well worth the higher price tag and can be saved for future children.

Toddlers Love the Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug

The Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug is a ride on toy for toddlers and children who weigh up to fifty pounds.  It is durable and yet light enough for even the smallest toddlers to handle easily.  It is not meant for carpeting and can only be used on hard wood floors or surfaces that are smooth such as concrete.  Keep in mind, when use outdoors on concrete, parents should always be next to the children to make sure they do not fall off.

One of the best things about this riding toy is that it is not intended just for riding.  While older toddlers and young children may prefer to ride it constantly, the smaller ones may get more enjoyment from pushing it around the house.  They can have hours of fun navigating their own little tiger around the furniture and other obstacles.

The wheels are orbital which means that no matter what direction the child is riding or pushing it, it does not get stuck which can be frustrating to the little ones.  The cost is a bit higher than other riding toys but this is because of the durability of the craftsmanship.  Those who are planning more children or who have a friend or relative with a baby can always recycle it by handing it down or giving it away.  This is a toy that can last for many years and through many owners.

More Toys Kids LOVE!

Plan Toys Dancing Alligator

Plan Toy Pull-Along Snail

Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack, Owl

The Soft Spot Play Mat is Incredibly Versatile

Any parent with an infant or toddler knows that it is important to have a soft play area for them.  The problem with many of the mats on the market today is that they are too bulky and do not transport easily.  This is never a problem with the Soft Spot Play Mat.

The Soft Spot Play Mat is incredibly versatile and is made of one inch thick foam.  For parents, this can be a bonus because not only does it have enough cushioning, it is also firm enough for toddlers who may try to walk or stand on it.  It is comfortable enough for changing baby’s diaper or for nap time.

Because it folds up compactly, it can be taken anywhere baby goes.  When going to the park or a sporting event, it can be unfolded and laid directly on to the ground so baby is not forced to be on a blanket on the grass.  Parents can also purchase covers for them that are easy to clean and highly decorative without being gaudy.

Any parent who wants to have the proper cushioning for the baby whether they are in a play area or taking a nap should consider the SoftSpot by Wozzy Play Mat.  The covers are easy to wash and keep clean for baby and it is a great place for play or nap time.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Christmastime is a season for togetherness and sharing. There is no better time of the year for family to get together and enjoy each other’s company. One of the many ways in which people can enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season is to make Christmas ornaments.  This is not difficult at all as there a number of different ways in which the ornaments can be made. Many of the materials that are utilized to make these ornaments can be purchased locally, and it gives everyone the opportunity to make something special to place on the Christmas tree.

There are many different websites that offer ideas for making homemade Christmas ornaments. For those that are stumped for ideas these sites offer a number of different creative ways in which to make ornaments. There are craft ideas available for all levels of expertise. There are the simpler ornaments that can be made using craft sticks, paint, glue and glitter. Then, there are the more complicated ornaments that may require embroidery, sewing or other advanced crafting skills. Selecting an ornament project that everyone can participate in is recommended.

The advantage in making homemade Christmas ornaments is that everyone can add a little bit of themselves to the Christmas tree. People can choose to use little mementos as the foundation for a Christmas ornament. By simply decorating a very special item with different craft products something ordinary such as a picture can be turned into a special ornament for the Christmas tree. Some people choose to purchase plain glass bulbs and decorate them with glitter, colorful glue and paint to create personalized ornaments for the tree. It is also possible to bake ornaments using clay. With this method, the clay is molded into a particular shape as desired and then placed in the oven to be baked for firmness. Once the clay is fully baked it can be decorated as desired.

For those individuals that have advance crafting skills there are a number of different types of homemade ornaments that can be constructed in no time at all. Individuals that have sewing skills can knit and/or sew ornaments in a variety of different designs such as stars and bells. These particular types of ornaments can be used year after year without the worry of breakage and depending on what type of material is used they can also be machine washed. People that are good with constructing items from wire can create a number of very beautiful ornaments by hand. With the use of a wire cutter in different colored pliable wire a variety of different homemade ornaments can be created.

Making ornaments for Christmas is an activity the even children can enjoy. Such Christmas decorations that can be easily made by children include popcorn chains and Christmas themed crafts sticks. Children can also be allowed to form their own ornaments from clay, and decorate them once they have been baked. Children will enjoy seeing the ornaments they made placed on the Christmas tree.

In all, making Christmas ornaments is a very fun craft idea that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The Uniqueness of African Children Toys

Children all over the world enjoy having toys to play with. In some places, such as the United States, people can easily go into a store and purchase toys. There are other places, such as some countries in Africa, where children basically make their own toys. There are numerous reasons for this. Oftentimes, mainstream toys may not be available to many African children mainly because of monetary issues. Fortunately, the lack of funds does not keep African children from having fun. Many of them learn at a very young age how to utilize common items in order to make fun toys. Some of the simplest items such as tin cans and even mud can be used to make toys.

Some of the most widely used items to create African children toys are old tires, wire, sticks, rags, twine and mud. Even old soda cans can be cut or crushed to create toy cars or model airplanes. Rags and twine are often bound together with the mud in order to create balls that children use to play soccer and other games. Sometimes children use sticks, wire and wheels that are found locally to create toys that they can be pushed around or used for races. Figurines are often made from mud.  Children gather mud and form figures such as animals or dolls. These mud figurines are allowed to dry usually in the sun. Sometimes children will decorate their figurines with cloth or use a rock to make indentations.

In many ways these toys are homemade versions of some of the more modern toys that are available in other countries. These African children toys are very inexpensive to make and are in many ways quite ingenious. Oftentimes, African children will use common items in order to play games. For example, children that want to jump rope can easily use a long piece of heavy duty twine or a long rope. Games such as hopscotch can be played by using old tires. A swing set can be easily made by using a strong rope and an old tire tied to a tree. While there may not be a lot of money or resources for some children in Africa to afford many of the mainstream toys, the fact that African children can utilize the items that they do have to create toys that are very similar to the toys that children in more industrialized societies play with is quite amazing.

It is also important to note that the surroundings of children in Africa also play a very important part in the types of toys they make and the games they play.  Children that live near the water for example are more likely to create rafts that they can use for water play.  Similarly, children that live in sandy areas may use the sand itself as a game board with rocks substituting for game pieces.  Thus, African children are very ingenious using simple, common items to create toys to play with.

Check out these African Children Toys

Melissa & Doug African Plains Jigsaw 24 pcs Puzzle

Melissa & Doug Victorian Doll Family – Black

Pacific Play Tents African Adventure Tent & Tunnel Combo #40610

Alternatives to Television

Watching large amounts of television each day is a problem for both adults and children. People spend a considerable amount of time sitting on a couch watching television each and every day. Television based activities such as video games and the ability to view Internet programs on television has increased the amount of time that people spend in front of the TV. In fact, there are many people, such as medical professionals, that believe the rise in obesity is related to a sedentary lifestyle. There are solutions for those that find they spent too much time in front of the television. There are a number of different activities that both adults and children can partake in as opposed to watching TV on a too frequent basis.

Physical activity in a variety of different forms is one of the best alternatives to television.  Because there are so many people both young and old that do not obtain the necessary amount of physical exercise on a daily basis, engaging in physical activities is highly recommended.  Parents can enroll their children in sports programs. Likewise, individuals can choose to be active as a family on a daily basis. This is not as difficult as it seems.Instead of sitting in front of the television after work or school individuals can go for a walk or take the children to a nearby playground. Other interesting fiscal activities include hiking, biking, exploring the local neighborhood and simply enjoying the weather. Whether the sun is shining, it’s snowing, autumn leaves or falling or it’s raining, there are ways that individuals can pull themselves away from the television to enjoy nature. These are just some ways that people can increase their physical activity by reducing television consumption.

Instead of watching television people can also tap into their creativity. There are numerous ways in which individuals can entertain themselves without watching television constantly. Some very creative alternatives to television include making arts and crafts, playing a musical instrument and cooking. People can make it a priority to reduce the amount of television they consume by scheduling special nights for certain activities. For example, instead of spending all Saturday morning, afternoon and evening watching television Saturday could be designated as arts and crafts night. Also, getting children to cook with their parents in the evenings after school is a great way to reduce the amount of television they watch. Thus, tapping into creative activities is a very good way to avoid watching so much TV.

Likewise, the time that is spent watching television could be used to become more efficient. Everyone has something that they definitely need to do but put off because they claim they don’t have enough time. However, if the time spent watching television is utilized to do something more constructive then people would find that they are more productive. Such activities as cleaning out the garage, balancing the checkbook and sorting through old clothes for charity are examples of productive activities that are alternatives to television.

Overall, there are many different ways in which people can effectively reduce the amount of time they spend glued to the couch watching TV.

The Hunger Games is a Great Story for Young Teens

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a futuristic story that is set in America after it has been taken over by a new world order.  It has a great lesson to teach young people while also offering an entertaining read. America was made weak because of many natural and man-made disasters that allowed it to be taken over.  Each year, two young people are chosen to fight in a gladiator like setting where they must fight to the death in a reality television show called the “Hunger Games” for the entertainment of the new government.

Characters:

• Katniss Everdeen
• Peeta Mellark
• Ceasar Flickman
• Claudius Templesmith
• Catniss Everdeen
• President Snow
• Delly Cartwright

Plot Line:

After many wars and famine, the United States become weak and are taken over by the Panem who divide the country into thirteen sections, one of which is the capital and twelve districts.  Two young people are chosen from each of these areas every year to compete in the Hunger Games.  They young people must fight each other in battle in a Roman type arena setting for the entire population to watch.  This show must be viewed by every person in Panem without exception. One girl, Katniss, takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games and fights in instead. Her male counterpart, Peeta, has never fought before and must handle those who have better fighting skills than he does.

While it isn’t age-appropriate for younger readers, it’s a great story for older kids. This book is more suitable for pre-teens and teenagers.  Because of the violence of the story line, many parents may want to read along with the younger teens who are reading the book in case they have any questions that need answering. It’s a great opportunity to talk about morals, values and other important issues with your child. Books like this can give you teaching opportunities and will also open the lines of communication on many issues.

Here are the other 2 books in this popular series

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)

Mario Kart DS is One of the Best Games for the DS

Mario Kart DSis probably one of the best DS games available and is one of the most affordably priced as well.  With the WiFi connection, up to eight players can enjoy racing against each other at the same time.   The game offers some of the classic Mario Kart tracks as well as some new and never before seen ones.  There are five different game plays that mean unlimited racing action for any child who loves Mario.  The children can choose from one of their favorite Mario Brothers characters to race the other characters in the game.

Characters That Can Be Played In the Game

• Mario
• Luigi
• Princess Peach
• Wario
• Yoshi
• Donkey Kong
• Toad
• Bowser
• Shy Guy

Game Play

There are five different gaming modes that can be played when racing around the Mario Kart tracks.  The first is the Grand Prix, Time Trial mode, VS mode, Battle mode in which there are two main battles that can be competed in, Balloon Battle and Shine Runners and Mission mode where the player has to follow a set of rules in order to achieve the objective of the mission.

All in all, Mario Kart is a great game for kids of all ages.  Even parents may find themselves sneaking off with their children’s DS in order to a few hours of game play for themselves.  The game allows the children to gain hand and eye coordination and also allows for the entire family to play together for family fun.  Children of all ages, including their parents can spend tons of family time trying to out race the other when played with the family’s WiFi connection.  Not only is this game fun for the entire family, but it is also affordable as well.

More Mario Fun!

Super Mario 64 DS

Mario Party DS

Nintendo DS Mario Kart Bundle

The Benefits of Teaching Kids to Play an Instrument

The question is not should kids learn to play a musical instrument but why shouldn’t kids learn to play a musical instrument? The benefit of learning an instrument is something a child can take with them for their whole lives, even if they don’t have a future as a professional musician. Here are some things a kid will gain from learning a musical instrument, other than just the ability to play it:

Discipline

Learning an instrument is hard work. It requires the discipline to set aside time to practice every day. It forces you to be dedicated to a pursuit even when it is difficult or frustrating. This will pay off for kids in everything they do. They’ll learn to stick to a task so they can accomplish the goal they set forth, which is the key to success in any pursuit.

Self esteem

Becoming skilled at a musical instrument will boost their self esteem. The approval of the people in their lives – parents, teachers, friends – will increase their self-confidence.

And beyond the approval of others, they will become more confident when the approach tasks because they will have the experience of learning their instrument to look back on. Anytime something seems too hard, they can think about how hard learning an instrument was and know they’ve done it in the past and can do it again.

Social skills

Music isn’t a solitary activity. The true power of it comes when multiple instruments combine together to make something new. By teaching your kid to play an instrument, you’re setting the path for them to interacting with other musicians, which will allow them to develop important social skills that will benefit them in life, from making friends to being successful in job interviews.

Fun and stress relief

It’s fun. Making music fulfilling, and children can lose themselves in the experience of creating something people can hear and wouldn’t be there without them. They have the opportunity to be creative and experiment and feel the sheer joy of being able to do that.

Playing music can also be an outlet from the stresses of life. Knowing how to play an instrument can be the refuge to which your child turns to deal with the struggles of life.

Love of music

Whether or not they make a living out of playing an instrument, learning to play one will give your kid a lifelong love for music. Music plays a tremendous role in society. It’s everywhere, from movie soundtracks to dance halls, to the elevator music on the way up to the doctor’s office. By teaching kids to play an instrument, you will give them a foundation to better appreciate music and its importance in the world.

Give your children a gift: teach them to play an instrument. You could set them on a lifelong journey to become a professional musician, but even if you don’t, you’re giving them the tools to be successful in whatever endeavor they choose. The benefits of teaching kids to play an instrument are immeasurable.

Fun Instruments for Little Ones

Hohner 6 Piece Rhythm Instrument Set	Hohner 5 Piece Toddler Music Band	Early Learning Centre / Saxophone with Color Coded Keys
Remo Kids Percussion, Floor Tom, 10 Diameter with Mallet, Rain Forest Fabric	First Act Discovery FA107 Junior Accordion	Melissa & Doug Band in a Box

Children Piano Lessons

Many experts believe that gaining musical appreciation is very important for young people.  Studies have shown that learning and music seem to go hand-in-hand.  Often, mothers-to-be put headphones on their pregnant bellies so baby can begin absorbing music before he or she is even born.  It is no wonder that parents across the country clamor to put their preschoolers into some sort of music class before they even learn to read and write.  There are many benefits children receive when playing a musical instrument, and the piano is an ideal first instrument. Read on to find out more about piano lessons for kids.

First, children who play a musical instrument tend to score higher on standardized academic tests.  It takes a great deal of concentration, memorization, and coordination to play the piano, for example.  Children turn on a part of their brain that deals with problem-solving and figuring out puzzles.  By learning to decipher the intricate code of musical notes and writings, children seem to do better than their peers when given the chance to decipher mathematical ratios and fractions in the classroom.

In addition to the intellectual benefits that piano lessons offer, music also provides a positive self-esteem in children who study it.  It takes a great deal of patience, fortitude, and tenacity to stick to a practice schedule, to learn the notes and memorize the musical pieces, and to accomplish a very challenging skill.  To have the opportunity to showcase their talents at a recital or competition is just as rewarding as scoring that soccer goal.  Children love seeing the payoff for their efforts.  Playing the piano well takes practice.  Often, children are required to practice for 10 to 30 minutes per day in order to see results.  For those that have the patience to stick to this task, they feel a greater reward when they accomplish their goals.  What a great feeling to instill in a child!

Clearly, there are many benefits to piano lessons for children.  Parents considering piano lessons for kids must find an appropriate teacher.  It is essential that the teacher and child work well together.  There are many qualified instructors, but only some are both qualified to teach piano lessons and skilled to work with young children.  Parents must seek a teacher with a personality that meshes well with their child’s personality.  Young people want to enjoy the lessons.  Sometimes, they stick with their lessons because they love their instructor!  Those working with children know how to communicate piano lessons in a kid-friendly manner.  For example, some teachers suggest their students pretend they are detectives trying to crack the “music code” when teaching their young students to read music.  Creativity is the key.

The benefits of piano lessons for kids are abundant.  When children are matched with the right instructor, music can come to life.  They’ll reach new heights academically, and their self-esteem will soar.

You can also try the very popular DVD set: Home School Piano Lessons.

More Resources for Children Piano Lessons

Teaching Little Fingers to Play: A Book for the Earliest Beginner (John Thompsons Modern Course for The Piano)

John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course Part 1

John W. Schaum Piano Course: Pre-A : The Green Book

Easy Art Projects For Kids

Kids are like little spongers waiting to soak up &  experience new ideas. With some easy art projects for kids, you can wake up the little artist waiting to be discovered in every child.

You don’t need a degree in art history, just the patience to take your kids to museums and/or art galleries, expose them to  different types of art, and give them the freedom to express their creativity through their own artwork.

Variety is the spice

Check a few art books out from the library and let the children flip through them and pick a few favorites. Make sure to get art books that represent a wide range of styles, from Impressionism to Realism & from a lot of artists. After they’ve chosen those favorites, sit down and discuss why they enjoyed them.

Use this as a jumping off point to discussing the differences between the styles. However, don’t allow the child to direct the conversation strictly to what they like and are comfortable with. Part of the power of art is the variety and questioning the pieces that you aren’t familiar with.

Tour de art

Taking kids to art galleries or museums is a great way to get them engaged in learning about art. Having access to these institutions allows you to show kids genuine examples in the books you’ve been discussing with them. Make multiple visits to the museum. Before you go, get on the website and plan your own mini-tour based on the subject you want to cover.

Encourage your child to explore the types of art that catch their eyes. Show them paintings, sculptures, and stained glass. They may just want to stick with what they are comfortable, but it is good for them to see the creative expressions that are outside their box.

Art class

An art curriculum for home schooled children does not require extensive preparation or knowledge. The best thing to do is provide various supplies. Give them pencils, paper, paints, crayons, colored pencils, and let the children do the expressing. The important part of art class is allowing the children to feel safe being creative.

Have the children take the pictures they chose from the books and use them as starting points for their own pieces. Let them draw, or paint, whatever they want, and talk to them about their artwork in relation to the originals.

Another option is to combine art with other subjects. If kids are learning about different types of organisms in science, have them draw and color them. This will give them a goal for their work and provide them with some fun practice.

In the end, it’s easier to get your children started in art than you ever thought. Begin with some study of different styles of arts, then head to the museums for a personal interaction with the the real pieces of art, and then providing them with art supplies for creating their own works of art.

Here are some tools to help your little one with their art

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel	Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning)	Prismacolor 92805 Prismacolor Scholar Colored Woodcase Pencils, 24 Assorted Colors/Set
No-Spill Paint Cups & Brushes Assortment	Step2 Creative Projects Table	Alex Super Art Table with Paper Roll and Two Benches

Children from Four to Eight Love ThinkFun Zingo

ThinkFun has come up with a great new way to teach children their shapes by combining a bingo type game with the popular matching games.  The kids love being the one to call out the tiles as they are randomly drawn by the Zingo machine.  The first child to fill up their cards with matching shapes is the winner and another round begins.  The traditional rules say that there are only two rounds but of course, children often have a way of making up their own rules and may continue the game as long as they want.

What Zingo Teaches:

• Shapes
• Matching
• Memory
• Assertiveness

Game Play

The kids each get a card that has a yellow side and a red side both of which have pictures that match the tiles in the tile holder. Some parents may find that the younger children have an easier time playing the game with the yellow sided of the cards and the older ones seem to prefer the red. When the tiles come out of the holder, the children have to shout or call out that it is the tile that they need for their card. The first child to claim it puts it on their card and waits for the next piece. Just like in bingo, the first one to fill their card wins.

While the game states that the game is for children aged four to eight, there is nothing that states that younger and older children do not enjoy playing the game too.  While the graphics on the cards are simple and straightforward, this makes it easier for the children to match the tiles perfectly.  Mom and dad may also enjoy playing this fun and fast-paced game with their children and can laugh with their kids as they shout out when there is a tile that they need to complete their card. It’s a fantastic way to spend some quality family time together.

More Zingo Games Kids Love!

ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr.

ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3

ThinkFun Zingo To Go

« Previous Page — Next Page »