Smart Snacks Rainbow Color Cones
Learning Resources
When you want to teach a lesson to a child, what better way than to use
one of their favorite foods? That had to be the thinking behind these colored
ice cream cones that teach children colors. By allowing them to build their own
multi-scoop cone children are learning about colors and playing make believe at
the same time. Every child loved showing off their unique cone concoction to
their parents.
Recommended Ages: 3 and Up Retail Price: $12.95
ActivePAD
Publications International, Ltd.
The bold, bright and colorful design of this interactive reading system
certainly caught our testers eyes, but what impressed them the most was how
engaged their children were when they played with it. Using a touch-pen system,
children navigate through pages of pictures, letters, words and games. There
are fun sounds along with words of instruction and encouragement that make the
experience fun and inviting. There are additional titles on the way (which we
did not see), which we imagine will broaden the appeal further.
Recommended Ages: 3 and Up Retail Price: $24.99
Schoenhut
Toy Piano
Shoenhut Piano Company
Do you want your child to develop an appreciation for music and the
piano? Would you like to find something less daunting and expensive than a full
88 key piano? The Schoenhut Toy Piano might be the answer you are looking for.
Most of our testers believed that the word "toy" was probably unfair since this
is a really wonderfully crafted instrument. It is small and quite cute, but the
sound is quite impressive and the key action is quite authentic. The removable
color strip which identifies the notes is a nice addition for newer pianists.
Parents also thought that the little stool was to die for.
Recommended Ages: 3 and Up Retail Price: $139.95
MagnaPhonics
Neurosmith
The sound effects people at Neurosmith are masters at their craft, and
their line-up of award winning products for young children is among the most
impressive we've ever seen. This new offering is no exception. Using the
always popular magnet manipulative, children are introduced to letter sounds and
spelling. The enclosed set (no lost pieces!) features a variety of activities
that introduce and reinforce the formation of words. The very upbeat and
supportive voice prompts children to move letters around to form words. The
combination of magnetic play and learning is top-notch and really impressed our
testers.
Recommended Ages: 4 and Up Retail Price: $49.99
Reading
Rods Phonics Activity Set:
Sentence Building
Learning Resources
One of the most challenging parts of the reading/writing process is how
to build sentences. Verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, lets face it, we don't
have the easiest language on earth. This Reading Rods kit is a great classroom
or home school device that teaches how sentences are constructed, how and when
to use punctuation and the like. Our testers were impressed at how quickly the
kids caught on and how they were able to understand and develop pretty complex
sentences on their own. The kit is self-contained which makes it easy for
storage.
Recommended Ages: 6 and Up Retail Price: $29.95
Reading
Rods Phonics Activity Set:
Word Building
Learning Resources
When children learn to read they often struggle with the odd rules that
our wonderful language employs. Phonics has had its ups and downs when it comes
to being the method of choice for educators, but this hands-on kit takes phonics
and literally puts it in the hands of children no matter what their level of
reading. Using interlocking blocks, children build and write words using either
the enclosed prompt cards or on their own. We found that kids really loved the
hands on experience and were excited about discovering how words could be built
and especially how easily they could be rearranged by swapping or exchanging new
blocks.
Recommended Ages: 6 and Up Retail Price: $29.95
Discovery
Kids SL-70 Telescope
Discovery Channel Store
There is something magical about peering into a telescope when the last rays of
light slip away and the moon and stars fill the sky. Whether it's the mystery
and intrigue about what is "out there" or just to better understand the universe
we live in, a telescope brings it all into focus. This user friendly telescopic
offers a superb level of viewing quality, one that will surely enhance your
child's trip to the cosmos. The 70mm lens lets you peek at craters on the moon
and on a clear night you can even glimpse Jupiter's moons or Saturns rings.
Kids thought that the map light and illuminated dials were very cool. Parents
loved the fact that the telescope came with its own carrying case, a lightweight
shoulder bag, making it perfect for including on camping trips.
Recommended Ages: 9 and Up Retail Price: $149.95
For more information about The Seal of Approval or The National Parenting Center call: 1-800-753-6667
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Last Update: August 10, 2003