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Phonics
Firefly
Educational Insights
Electronic
learning toys have come a long way and Phonics Firefly gives a wonderful
demonstration of just how far. Utilizing
the latest voice synthesizing tools, the Firefly features a clear easy to
understand voice to guide children through games and activities with the
alphabet. Based on phonics
learning, this cute friendly learning tool empowers children to explore and have
fun with words and letters. The
Secret Word game was a real favorite of our testers, as was the Sound It Out
game that had young readers thrilled. Testers
agreed that their children would enjoy hours of fun learning time with this
adorably designed phonics friend.
Recommended
Age: 3 and Up
Price: $34.95
Flannelboard/
In the Barn
Judy/Instructo
This
dual-purpose toy was a great favorite among kindergarten and pre-school
teachers. They told us that it was
super for circle time play and discussion but just as entertaining when children
broke off for individual stations in the classroom.
The adorable felt cutouts stored nicely for easy clean up.
The unit itself comes with it's own carrying case that is small enough to
store easily. Children found plenty
of opportunity to flex their imaginative muscles as they created storylines for
all of the creatures who lived in and around the farm.
Recommended
Age: Pre-K to K
Price: $17.95
Mazzle
Acroot Enterprises, Inc.
This
totally unique board game cleverly uses math in such a way that even though you
are constantly thinking and calculating, it's so much fun you forget you're
learning. The game is very easy to
play. A series of geometric pieces
are placed on the board and with each move you are tracking your total score as
points are added and subtracted based on the placement of your piece.
An advanced game adds in multiplication.
What our testers really liked was how easy it was for the whole family to
play along and have fun. It's the
mental math strategizing that really impressed parents, especially when their
kids announced, "I win"!
Recommended
Age: 5 and Up
Price: $19.95
Test
Tube Adventures
Wild Goose Company
Anyone
that has tried teaching children that much of the world around them is based on
scientific principles knows that sometimes this concept is hard to grasp.
When these lessons are demonstrated with hands-on experiments the concept
gains a higher level of clarity and understanding and that's what the people at
Wild Goose do best. This simple
science kit features test tubes and an interesting assortment of project ideas
that you can do together with your child in your home. You will need to do some
preparation, as not everything is included inside the kit.
Once underway however learning and fun join for a winning combination.
The light-hearted instructions guide you through experiments with
floatation, color mixing, recycling, static electricity and more.
Recommended
Age: 5 to 8
Price: $13.00
For more information about The Seal of Approval or The National
Parenting Center
call: 1-800-753-6661
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Last Update: April 12, 2001
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