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Little
LinguistNeurosmith
Teaching pre-reading and even pre-speaking babies second
and third languages may sound like pushing, but according to experts, that is
the best time to introduce multi-lingual learning. Little Linguist uses a multi-sensory toy to encourage
exploration and learning. Through
the identification of characters and objects children learn the different ways
to communicate sounds and names. Our
testers were intrigued and impressed by the process and the unit with its bright
colors that appealed to their youngsters. We cannot report that any of the testers left our centers
fluent in a new language, but they did learn some new words, and gained a
familiarity with the sounds and some phrases.
The unit itself produces superb audio that is easy to understand.
Recommended Age: 1 and Up
Price: $69.99
Neurosmith
This brilliant, hands-on music exploration toy enthralled
parents from the day it appeared in our testing centers.
Chunky-sized blocks are manipulated by children, young and old alike, to
produce a spectacular array of sounds, rhythms, and music phrases.
The quality of the sound is superb and the genuine feeling of excitement
and fun is remarkable. There are
two cartridges included with the unit, and with optional accessorizing, you can
add new sounds such as Bach, Surf n' Rock and Jump n' Jive Jazz. There is no limit to the types of musical play you can create
with Music Blocks. According to our
testers there is no better toy to introduce your child to music with.
Recommended Age: 1 and Up Price: $69.99
Star
Explorer
Damert
Company
The mysteries of the night sky have captivated young and
old for generations. Locating far
off constellations, stars and planets are the stuff of adventure and mystery.
This nighttime sky exploration kit is a great tool for anyone who has
searched the heavens trying to locate specific groups of stars, zodiac clusters
and more. The star charts, which
are unique to each season, are step one. The
additional explorer tools including the Night Vision Red Flashlight for reading
the charts without losing your night vision, and the Star Trek communicator-like
design of the hand held "Celestial Seeker" serves to make the
experience more rewarding. Our
testers told us that they couldn't wait for the sun to go down each night.
Recommended Age: 8 and Up
Price: $25.00
There is something strangely compelling about a telescope.
Perhaps it is the unique design, standing alone begging for someone to
put an eye to it and discover mysteries at the other end.
Whatever the reason, this telescope had all the appeal and then some.
With a variety of lenses for gazing at the stars or at a far off point on
the horizon, this telescope had a steady line waiting for a chance to peek at
what lay beyond. The instructions for assembly are clear and easy to follow.
The base of the telescope is lightweight enough for moving from place to
place, yet it is sturdy enough for steady viewing.
There is the added option of using rubberized or pointed tips at the base
for better traction. The power of
this telescope is enough for any amateur stargazer.
Or, for more information about The Seal of Approval or The National Parenting Center call: 1-800-753-6667
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Last Update: November 9, 2000
