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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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Anchors & Sails Course |
Company: | Anchors & Sails |
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I found Anchors & Sails to be an excellent program for the toddler/preschool level. It would also be very helpful to struggling students in grades K-2.
Recommended time allotment is only 10 minutes per day, making this a program that is easy to use and one that your child will probably want to use more than is required. I found my daughter did not want to stop after 10 minutes. She was all set to work many more pages and minutes than what I required of her. She truly was enjoying herself that much! I enjoyed the fact that she was learning while having fun.
Getting back to the basics, without confusing theories and strategies, this course is simple for the parent to use and an easy one for children to truly learn to read with. The course is systematic, step by step in its approach, so as not to confuse the child. They will learn the vital steps in such a way that it seems like Sesame Street in print form. Beginning with simple matching of objects, then moving on to tracking shapes and matching similar sets, by lesson three the child is using poems and songs to recite, so they pick up on the letter sounds within the words they speak or sing. Lesson Four starts them in circling the pictures that begin with a letter sound defined. Lesson eight, they are matching beginning letters with pictures. Lesson 12 has them matching whole words with pictures, words that the child should be able to read by this lesson. Chapter 16 we find a sound out list of words. This list is one for you to use again and again, to help the child maintain and grow the skill they have learned. By sounding out these simple, basic words, the child will soon begin to sound out even more complex words. 32 chapters/lessons are included in this large book. Perfect layout for easy following and a great approach to early learning. This author has a knack for teaching young children and you will reap the benefits of her labor, skills and expertise when using her system. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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BOX-Carz |
Company: | BOX-carz LLC. |
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Some of my most memorable moments growing up are things such as building an igloo in grandmas front yard during a large snow storm, digging in the dirt pile, creating roadways and garages in dirt for our cars to run through, playing cowboys and indians in the huge tall weeded field, chasing garden snakes, shaking the seeds from a poppy to plant for the following year, making barbie houses out of millend firewood ... The noises heard at grandmas house were noises made by happy children, not ran on batteries but on contentment, imagination, and happiness... As a parent, I miss those days for my children. It seems now if a toy does not require 8 D batteries and 6 AA batteries, you never hear about them. I for one am excited to share with you a comeback to childhood fun! Not powered by batteries or electricity, but by the imagination of a child. BOX-carz offers a child powered toy that will take them anywhere in the world or beyond that they wish to go, and at any speed within their imagination. Children are now able to go back to the simple pleasures in life and capture those moments of youth that will remain, by using their own mind to take snapshops of moments in time when they too were allowed the freedom to explore what all was hidden in their mind. When a child is allowed to express their imagination and visualization, they will enjoy the experience much more. Take for instance this example: Have you ever read a book that you absolutely loved, and then watched the movie when it came out and hated it? Did you wonder how they could have wrecked it like that or how they got that translation from the book you read that seemed so different? This is because when reading a book you use your own imagination, perceptions, impressions, not someone elses. No two minds are alike, so they cannot imagine things in the same way. So it is with a childs play. If they can play using their imagination and not be limited by a toy's capabilities or instruction manual, it will be limitless and much more memorable and rewarding to them and their development. BOX-carz come in many designs to choose from and are always adding more. This enables you to choose the one perfect for your child. If he wants to be a policeman when he grows up, he can have a police car. If she wants to be a race car driver, there are sporty models for her as well. Watch for them to be adding truck designs as well in the near future. This will expand the possibilities even more. Plenty to choose from even now though, for your child to begin having fun immediately. They also offer customized solutions for those who desire them. This summer you can forget the gunny sack races at the daycare and have your own customized BOX-carz race day instead. Great exercise and a great way for their little minds to grow. Give childhood back to the kids and let them explore what they have inside. Pick up a BOX-carz for your little one soon! These will be the moments they remember, when they get old ...er, like me. BOX-carz are made to be worn about the childs waist and driven anywhere your child wishes to go in their mind. Made to last and very beautiful in detail, they will delight young children and give them one more chance to be imaginative. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP 2005 GREAT PRODUCT AWARD |
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Crazy 8ths | Company: | TK Designs |
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What a creative way to enhance a child's learning experience in the world of music!
Crazy 8ths is a card set that offers so much, in a small box. This set comes with a complete rule book, filled with the rules for 8 group games and 2 solitaire games. These games are ones that most children will be familiar with, which will help them to ease into playing. The rule book is very easy to understand and is helpful in refreshing ones mind on the rules of these familiar games. Now children can learn with a familiar setting, with no fear being attached. Playing games such as 'Old Maid', which is called 'The Merry Widow' in this set, and 'Play It By Ear', which was called 'Spoons' prior; they will be excited to play the games and forget this is called learning. Playing these games will help to reinforce the skill of reading musical notation. Each card holds a corner notation, instead of suits and numbers. Cards are color coded into sets and there are 55 total cards within the deck. We found this to be a very creative way to help children to learn. The game set has been carefully designed and was created by a mother, teaching her child to read music and play piano. She then went on to create a set for commercial sales, so other children would be able to benefit as her child had. Easily modify the games to incorporate the notes used in the lessons children are learning at the time. By removing additional cards that have not yet been learned, it will reinforce their current skill level and not leave them intimidated by seeing notes they have not yet learned. From the beginning student, to the more advanced levels, these games will be a hit in your home or music learning center.  |
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It's Time to Call 9 1 1 |
Company: | Penton Overseas |
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This little board book is a great way to teach a young child the basics of calling 911. Walking them through different scenerios and what to do, it helps a child learn simple steps they will remember in an emergency. It stresses self safety first and then calling 911 for help.
In the very back it has a place to write in the childs address information that they can refer to when they call. It also stresses how children should memorize their address from an early age. The cute feature of this book is the touchpad on the front, for children to practice calling 911. If they enter the numbers incorrectly, it will buzz at them. If entered correctly, you will hear the dispatcher say "911!! Let's Go!!!!" and then he says - "Good Job!" to the child who dialed. A handy little book that children will enjoy greatly, while learning a very important and simple life skill. Remember - the life they save, may be your own!  |
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Mister Rogers Neighborhood: Adventures In Friendship DVD |
Company: | Anchor Bay Entertainment |
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Mister Rogers; a tried and true children's favorite.
Mister Rogers may not be with us anymore but his legend lives on in this new release DVD. Still sharing thoughts and insights on cooperation, kindness, love and friendship, this DVD will be sure to inspire your child with healthy social and emotional skills that are so lacking in today's media.
In this DVD Mister Rogers shares times with his friends around the neighborhood. Viewers will see that even those who love each other may disagree and that it is okay. They will also see reconciliation happens to those who handle their differences with kindness and respect for one another. This DVD includes a Teddy Bear factory tour, recipe fun with Pizza Bagels, Sing Along Songs for children to join in with, a Read Along Story, 2 games, activities, etc. to build on the lessons learned on this new release (2005) DVD. A great gift or addition to your home video collection. ALSO INCLUDED is an exclusive Care Giving Tip Book! This book shares on topics such as: Understanding why friends fight and how to help Why friendship and sharing can be hard at times Encouraging kindness Activities to promote friendship, sharing and cooperation True to form, Mister Rogers delights his viewers in this great new DVD. Run time: 58 minutes with bonus content.  |
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My Nap Pak |
Company: | My NapPak Inc. |
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I am absolutely delighted to share this review with you.
The Nap Pak is such a great product, I am honored to have been able to try it with my child, to share with you. I know you and your child will also love it, as they are simply terrific!
Our little girl is one who gets around a lot. She loves to go to her sitters when I have errands to run, or work the odd day here and there. She also enjoys staying at her grandparent's place on weekends, or at her aunts place if grandma and grandpa are not available. She also goes to preschool twice a week, where they have naptime each day. The Nap Pak has now become her favorite carry along, when she goes to any of these places. She views this as her home away from home bed and remembers it even when I may forget to grab it. My Nap Pak is so very handy because everything is built right in. There is no fear of the oversized fleece blanket or pillow becoming detached and getting lost, because they are all attached and fold up as one unit. When you are done using it, simply fold it up and close it tightly with its velcro closure, for easy toting around. The ease of this procedure is such that the child is able to do it by herself, without the aid of mom or dad. The Nap Pak is 21" wide and 52" long and has a shoulder strap built right in. These features along with only weighing two pounds, makes it easy for any child to carry their Nap Pak along with no problem. About the size of a child's sleeping bag, yet lightweight, it works like a sleeping bag to ensure comfort when resting or sleeping. This is the greatest thing for nap times away from home. This brings a familiar setting to any new place and this gives a child that added comfort when mom and dad have to be away. It is also fully machine washable and dryable, so care is simple and fast when it becomes soiled from use or travel. Made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton; it is soft, comfortable, warm and easy to care for. It does not wrinkle or bunch up, but looks like new each time it is laundered. Beautiful prints are available for boys and girls. They also offer monogram services for those who wish to personalize it for their young one. You may request that it be monogrammed when you order. Soft - Comfortable - Warm - Light - Convenient - Easy to use and transport - It simply gets no better than this.  |
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Piano Is Easy + I Can Read Music |
Company: | Walden Pond |
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Piano Is Easy starts you off by having you place the number stickers on the proper keys. Once these are in place, anyone can play the piano. Think we are joking? We are not. It truly is that easy for one to begin.
By starting off using this simple method, every child will feel successful and will become enthralled by the experience. By building this encouragement from the very start, you will find they will keep interest and not lose it due to frustration and lack of understanding. The book includes 12 stickers to place on the keyboard until the child becomes confident - then they can be easily removed. It also includes 44 songs that can be played using the method taught. A play along cd is included, to help a child know they have it right. This truly sets the new pianist up for success and does not make room for failure. You will feel at ease using this with all ages, in the beginning stages. The included book "I Can Read Music" offers a unique and quantifiable approach to reading music for all ages. Using the method taught within this book, both children and adults will begin to understand the true art of reading music. While this is not an easy feat, it is a possible one, if taught in a mthod such as this where it is understood as one works through it. This book comes with 50 songs and piano stickers that can be easily removed when they are no longer needed. Created by: Emmy Award winning composer and Broadway veteran John Aschenbrenner. The Teach Yourself Piano VHS Video is also included in this well priced set. We did not review this portion of the three-part set, but it adds another great addition to this valuable product. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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Preschool Dura-Care Chair | Company: | Brand New World |
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I have had the pleasure of reviewing the Preschool Dura-Care Sofa & Chair from Brand New World. They have been a true delight for my child. With the Dura-Care furniture children now feel they have a special place in the home, with their very own "big people" furniture. Yet, you have the assurance that your child can be "a kid" without the fuss and worry that is often associated with their use of the furniture at a young age.
The quality they represent is excellent, and is obvious from the moment you remove them from the box. They are absolutely beautiful, and have the look of miniature adult furnishings. With colors to match any decor, you are able to blend them in with the adult furniture of your home, or use them in your child's bedroom. Brand New World offers sizes that are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and school age children. As your child grows, so does their personal furniture, so it fits their growing bodies perfectly, bringing them support and comfort through their growing years. One of the most impressing features is the stain resistant fabric. As we all know, children have a tendency to spill. This can be devastating if they are on our expensive furniture that is not stain resistant. That one spill can cost us a sofa. With the Dura-Soft furniture, your child's comfort and accidents have been kept in the forefront of Brand New World's mind, and they have created this fabric which will stand up to spills and not cause you grief. It actually repels liquid and stains, due to a special treatment each fiber receives. This overstuffed furniture has a sturdy hardwood frame. This allows it to stand up to the rumbles and tumbles of childhood, without fear of breakage. Complete with a 1 year warrantee, you know it has been manufactured strong enough to stand up to normal life with a child. This furniture comes fully assembled, except for adding the wooden leg pieces. There is no assembling multiple pieces required. If you are looking for appealing, and quality furniture for your child, look no further. Brand New World has met the requirements in quality, safe, comfortable and long lasting furnishings for every child.  |
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Preschool Dura-Care Sofa | Company: | Brand New World |
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I have had the pleasure of reviewing the Preschool Dura-Care Sofa & Chair from Brand New World. They have been a true delight for my child. With the Dura-Care furniture children now feel they have a special place in the home, with their very own "big people" furniture. Yet, you have the assurance that your child can be "a kid" without the fuss and worry that is often associated with their use of the furniture at a young age.
The quality they represent is excellent, and is obvious from the moment you remove them from the box. They are absolutely beautiful, and have the look of miniature adult furnishings. With colors to match any decor, you are able to blend them in with the adult furniture of your home, or use them in your child's bedroom. Brand New World offers sizes that are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and school age children. As your child grows, so does their personal furniture, so it fits their growing bodies perfectly, bringing them support and comfort through their growing years. One of the most impressing features is the stain resistant fabric. As we all know, children have a tendency to spill. This can be devastating if they are on our expensive furniture that is not stain resistant. That one spill can cost us a sofa. With the Dura-Soft furniture, your child's comfort and accidents have been kept in the forefront of Brand New World's mind, and they have created this fabric which will stand up to spills and not cause you grief. It actually repels liquid and stains, due to a special treatment each fiber receives. This overstuffed furniture has a sturdy hardwood frame. This allows it to stand up to the rumbles and tumbles of childhood, without fear of breakage. Complete with a 1 year warrantee, you know it has been manufactured strong enough to stand up to normal life with a child. This furniture comes fully assembled, except for adding the wooden leg pieces. There is no assembling multiple pieces required. If you are looking for appealing, and quality furniture for your child, look no further. Brand New World has met the requirements in quality, safe, comfortable and long lasting furnishings for every child.  |
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Sommer-Time Stories Read-Alongs | Company: | Advance Publishing |
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What a refreshing treat this review was. These books are sure to delight every child who is fortunate enough to receive them. Available individually or as a set, this is a must have for any child ages 4-8.
These books deal with practical social situations and teach valuable skills in a manner every child will enjoy. From learning about responsibility and citizenship to obedience and attitude, these carefully worded and illustrated books display the character traits we all wish for our children to adhere to. Each storyline is unique and intriguing. The illustrations are beautifully done and the wording is set to an age appropriate level, to stretch their reading ability but not exceed it. The characters within these books are charming and loved by children. Because of the practical life settings used within the books, children will relate to the characters even if the character is an animal or an object such as a train. These books will blow you away with the response they are sure to receive from the child they are given to. They are fun, vibrant and all geared to allowing children to view good character traits in an exciting manner so they too will wish to follow them. If your child is not yet able to read, this set will allow them to follow along with the storyline, listening to the book on cd or cassette as they follow along with the pictures. This is a great way to introduce children to reading, as they begin to focus on the words they see and compare with the words they are hearing... Soon to follow comes trying to read on their own. The entire set has won many prestigious awards and has had multiple rave reviews. View their website to see more information about what the books offer and what others have shared about them.  |
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Storytime Puppet Theater | Company: | Guide Craft |
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Children love puppets. Puppets can convey a message to a child in a manner no one else and nothing else can. Children give puppets their full attention and will sit glued to a puppet show, even longer than they will a cartoon on tv.
They also love to conduct their own puppet shows. Acting out everyday life or fantasy, children love to express themselves through puppetry. This role playing through puppetry allows a child the freedom of expression we want for them to have and also encourages them to fantasize and enjoy the thrill that childhood play can bring. Guidecraft knows this! Because of these reasons, the Storytime Puppet Theater is a great hit! Now whether the child is watching a puppet show or doing one for others, this theater will be readily available for them to use.
This theater is large enough a child or adult can fit behind it and remain concealed while the puppets put on their show. It is also light weight enough that it is easy to transport around the house or to other locations. It is also small enough that it is easy to store when not in use, or leave it up to encourage continual play. This will be a great addition to any child's room. Made of durable hardwood, it is sturdy and not an item you will need to fear breakage with. Normal play will not hurt this piece of fun furniture. Easy to wipe down if it becomes soiled and the painted surface is slick enough it should not become stained. Features a moveable but non functional pretend clock. Also has a chalkboard where the next show time or the name of the show or other information may be chalked in. A great piece at a great price. I am impressed with this puppet theater and know it will see a lot of repeated use. This product would also be great in a daycare, church nursery, etc.  |
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Two Finger Spacer | Company: |
(562) 592-7752 - (Startblocks)
Alternate link to purchase |
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The two finger spacer is a great little tool that is very helpful to the beginning writer. I sat my youngster down with it and she has loved using it. It took only a couple times of showing her how handy it was and how to use it correctly and she had caught on and ran with it. I am now able to read her stories much easier and she is proud that her workmanship shows such improvement.
Before using the two finger spacer, her letters and words seemed jumbled together, making it hard to read and understand. One word would begin, as another ended, with no decisive accounting as to where this break happened. When I would try to explain to her what was wrong and how to correct it, she would become discouraged and frustrated because she found it hard to know how to do this correctly. She would get it right for one word, and the next word would be jumbled with another again. It was a constant struggle that I did not want to let defeat her. With the two finger spacer to help, she is able to legibly write a story that is well adjusted on the page and not confusing to the reader. Two Finger Spacer is a great help when a child has the yearning for learning without the experience behind them to do it correctly. This will show your youngster the correct format for their writing. Once they have this figured out by using the two finger spacer for a while, they will then be able to do it on their own without the aid of the spacer. Great for classrooms with multiple new writers. Highly recommended for home and classroom use. These are very inexpensive and such a clever little help. Every new writer should have this tool. It will make their learning go faster and smoother and will make your reading of their work so much easier. Helping them grow in learning is what education is all about. Handing them the tools to do it correctly, easily, is the best way to aid them in their learning. The Two Finger Spacer has a handy little ruler, a tracking window for reading their work through it, and an arrow to remind them of the direction used in writing. They are made of see through blue plastic with white printing, so the contrast is helpful to see their writing versus the writing on the spacer. <<<- (2005) RETURN TO TOP |
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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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