03
Apr

Pretend Play Paradise at Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia

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Roadside Attractions

We recently had the opportunity to visit the Please Touch Museum, The Children’s Museum of Philadelphia. The first museum in the nation designed for children ages seven and under, it’s “learning through play” philosophy is evident throughout the 156,000 square foot of space it occupies in Memorial Hall, a grand building and new home of Please Touch since 2008. Founded in 1976′ it now houses six exhibit zones in addition to the restored Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel dating back to 1908.

We started our day in River Adventures where the kids donned water-resistant smocks and played in an elaborate water table exhibit racing boats, rubber ducks and getting their hands wet. Next door in Rainforest Rhythm our preschoolers ran from one instrument to the next, likely amazed we were letting them touch everything in sight. A ride on the carousel and quick bite at the Please Taste Cafe, and we were ready to roll.

Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel

Heading downstairs to two of our favorite exhibit spaces, Wonderland and City Capers, the kids we’re already asking to come back. A maze of hedges, mirrors, maxing flowers and a Mad Hatter Tea Party invited parents to chase their children a la Alice in Wonderland. As with many exhibits, a special area designed for tots three and under allowed the little ones to explore their separate areas. The biggest hit of the day and area whre we spent the most time, City Capers, was in itself worth the two hour trip. A pretend play paradise, we snapped pictures of out little doctors giving X-rays, construction workers building a wall and fast food workers ringingly burgers. Replacing “don’t touch” and “put that back” with “here’s your cart” and “what else are you going to buy?” in a mini-grocery store made me promise myself to start saving old grocery boxes so we could play at home too. We made the day trip to Please Touch with another family, and as we roamed from exhibit to exhibit the kids could not have been having more fun.

A brand new exhibit, Railway Play, sponsored by Century Foundation, is the first new permanent exhibit at the Museum since moving to Memorial Hall in 2008. Celebrating the 1876 World’s Fair in Phaldelphia, this rail-themed space is a child train lovers paradise. My son enjoyed ringing the train bell and shoveling “coal” as he mostly ignored my mini-lesson on fossil fuels. Rounding out our day was a visit to Roadside Attractions. With a real bus, mini-tram and cars galore, our little drivers had the time of their lives getting behind the wheel.

If ony we lived closer to take advantage of special events such as the Storybook Ball on April 21st or even for an extra special kids’ birthday party. If you do plan a visit with your preschoolers (highly recommended!) check out these visiting tips.

 
Cool Tip:

Follow Please Touch Museum on Twitter and Facebook for updates, special events and more.

Filed Under: Cool Opps, Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , ,
27
Feb

Top 5 Lakeshore Educational Software Picks

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Can Do! Phonemic Awareness Interactive Games

Why We Love It:This game show is out of this world as learners spin the wheel and answer questions promoting phonemic awarness. Users get practice in beginning, middle and end sounds guided by a cool robot appropiate for ages 6-7 yrs.

Numbers & Counting Adventures Interactive Activities

Why We Love It: As a Language Arts teacher I focus on reading and writing skills and sometimes neglect mathmatical ones. This is a great games for learning numbers, sequential order and more. Ages 4-6.

Tiki Challenge: A Blends & Digraphs Interactive Game

Why We Love It: Learning blends and diagraphs are an important part of reading instruction. This fun game for future "Survivor" viewers gives feedback and printable assessment for progress monitoring. Ages 6-7 yrs.

Beginning Operations Adventures Interactive Activities

Why We Love It: The audio instructions make this software a perfect independant learning excersise in beginning math. The drive through diner is a huge hit with my son, and I love the pre and post assessment worksheet included. AGes 4-6 yrs.

Phonemic Awareness Interactive Games

Why We Love It: From syllables to rhyming words, this game show creates phonemic awarness while fun characters interacte with learners in three games for kids age 4-6 years with feedback for positive reinforcement.

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip

Follow Lakeshore on Facebook and Twitter for more learning product news and updates.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , ,
08
Feb

Toddler and Preschooler Reward Charts

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Cool Tip

Use reward charts such as the one pictures for 3-5 year olds to reward good behavior. We use this Pirate chart and Fairies and Flowers chart from Supernanny.com.  Remember to reward specific (attainable) bahaviors consistently.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Family Activities, Featured, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
06
Feb

Parenting Lessons: How Elie Wiesel Taught Me to Stay Positive

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Teaching the Holocaust through literature to my 8th grade students always evokes strong emotions, as it should, that reverberate through my daily life. This year we read Night by Elie Wiesel, a haunting and vivid story about an Auschwitz survivor who, despite the horrors he once faced, continues to have faith in humanity while  confronting injustice and indifference in the world. In an Oprah Winfrey interview he uses his favorite words, “And yet” forcing my own reflections about what that phrase means. He faced unimaginable evil, and yet still believes in God, in humanity. Thoughts of the 1.5 million innocent children who perished continue to remind me how incredibly lucky I am to come home from work to the smiling faces of my own preschoolers.

At age three, in what was the scariest night of my life, my daughter had a seizure…a moment I relieved for countless nights afterwards. In the two years since after learning she has a seizure disorder I was always grateful “and yet” sad and confused with the struggles our family now faced. Looking back, the uncertainty of her diagnosis was the most difficult moment. Since that time medication has kept seizures under control. “And yet” every time she wakes in the night my heart races. Could it be a seizure? A worrier by nature (or genetics perhaps since I seemed to have inherited this particular trait from my mother), I was once again disheartened two weeks ago to sit across from a doctor to hear another diagnosis. This time, ADHD. I educate myself wondering how these co-existing conditions will manifest themselves as my daughter begins to transition into a formative school year next Fall.Rather than spending time wondering why this precious little girl can’t seem to cut a break, Elie Wiesel’s favorite phrase reverberates in my mind. I’m determined to be her #1 advocate and be sure she enjoys every advantage available to her. I’m grateful for the comfortable life we were given void of even a fraction of the struggles victims of injustice, past and present, endure. Are there challenges? Of course. “And yet…”

Filed Under: Cool Picks, Education Corner · Tagged With: , ,
16
Dec

Pocoyo Swiggle Tracks Review & Giveaway

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If you are looking for a great last minute Christmas present for your 18 month old to pre-school age child, this is the toy for you.  Easily available at retail stores across the country or online, the Pocoyo Swiggle Track system is an ideal toy for a pre-school age child.  Swiggle Tracks are great for my 3 year old son who loves trains.  To begin, the versatile tracks are flexible, durable, and can be easily manipulated into various positions.  The tracks are just the right size for those little hands to maneuver into whatever shape they can imagine.  This allows your child to become creative, imaginative, and helps with their fine motor skills.  The best part is you can purchase more tracks to add onto the Pocoyo system to create different designs for this train like toy.  The motorized automobile and moving bridge also allows children to combine different motor skills in handling and using the equipment. 

 My son loves the movable bridge and musical playing car. Not to mention these pieces amuse my 3 month old while my son plays away. Your child can also work on his hand-eye coordination with the blue ball that is included.  As a teacher, I seize any opportunity for a teaching moment.  With these SwiggleTraks, I can review the colors while my child plays. Another factor is this affordable and you could enhance the range of play options in the future by ordering additional goods via Pocoyo’s array of toys.  Children really enjoy when their favorite characters can come to life in their own living rooms and Swiggle Traks does  just that with Pocoyo. If your child loves trains or loves Nick Jr.’s ocoyo, these Swiggle Traks are a great way of having your child use their imagination through play.

Written by Debby, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

A product sample were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to Pocoyo Swiggle Tracks ($29.99 value) by commenting on this post. FOr extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 12/29/11.

Filed Under: As Seen In, Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler ·
16
Dec

Last-Minute Gift & Stocking Stuffers *Giveaway*

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Mozart Magic Cube

If you’re looking for some last minute gifts, Munchkin has a great selection for infants, toddlers, preschool age, and even baby shower gifts as well. I was really having trouble getting something for Christmas for my 3 month old daughter; when I received this product, I knew it was just what I needed.  The colors, sounds and level of  interaction is perfect for my little one.  The Mozart Magic Cube  is an interactive musical toy with eight Mozart pieces for your child to enjoy.  The rounded edges are easy for little hands to maneuver and the big buttons are the perfect size for baby’s fingers to push and hear the music.  The cube lights up and plays music just with little ones touch.  Your child can start with one instrument and then add more sounds as they touch more sides of it.  They can also subtract an instrument by again touching the cube.  This is also an educational toy as the child can begin to recognize the different instruments by the pictures of the piano, violin and more on the Mozart Magic Cube.  You can begin to mold your little musica prodigy with the interaction of this product. It has also won the Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product and the Parents Choice Award and is the perfect gift for little one to enjoy.

 

 Bath Time Toys:

We all know that bath time can become crazy time without the bathtub toys.  I needed some toys that would amuse a 3 month old and grab the attention of my 3 year old as well.  These two bath time toys by munchkin accomplished just that.  While bathing my 3 year old, my baby watches with wonder as he sprayed water through his Star Fountain. He laughed and in turn the little one began to giggle as well. Her eyes popped as the star spun and sprayed with a blue glow. For only $9.99, this could be a great stocking stuffer.        

Dolphin Divers by Munchkin was a hit!  My son loves dolphins and whales, so this is his new favorite.  It  has a removable whale that can scoop up water and as your child pours the water, the dolphins below spin with fury.  Being a teacher, of course, I had to make this toy educational by talking about cause and effect.  What happens when the water is poured, the dolphins spin–it’s a great conversation to have with a three year old to get him to start thinking about more higher order thinking skills.  Being able to accomplish a task like this, while he is playing in the tub makes this bath toy even better.  And again, for the price, this would also make a great stocking stuffer your children are sure to enjoy.

 SaraBear Diaper Caddy 

When they say at-your-finger-tips accessibility to all the baby care essentials, they are not kidding.  The SaraBear Diaper Caddy by Munchkin is a great product. I have a pack and play downstairs for my 3 month old daughter and it never seemed to have enough room for all I need when changing time arrives.  This SaraBear Diaper Caddy is a godsend.  All I need is right there at arms reach.  My three year old can even help by grabbing the product I need. This makes him feel part of the changing ritual instead of on the outs.  Believe me, this cuts down on a lot of attention grabbing mischief.  The SaraBear Diaper Caddy has really has made my life easier.  The caddy basket is also appealing to the eyes.  It’s made of real wood in a tight weave with a 100% cotton liner and a collapsible handle. This makes it so easy to carry the basket to any room, you can’t do that with a pack n play. The caddy had a variety of sizes of pockets to hold wipes, diapers, creams, etc.  It is also eco- friendly.  When reading the packaging it also suggests that when baby starts to grow out of diaper changing, the basket can be transformed into a place for electronic devices (cell phone, iPod or TV Remotes) or even in the child’s room as a place to put and organize her toys. I was thinking what a great shower gift this would make.  You can fill the entire basket with the baby changing essentials and the new mom will be prepared and it looks great all wrapped up in some clear plastic and a bow.  You will be the envy of the other guests of the shower when the new mom is crooning over your gift.

Written by Debby, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

Sample products was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Munchkin Cheeky Monkey, Dolphin Divers and Star Fountain ($30 value) by commenting with the bath toys your kids love most.

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 12/28/11.

Filed Under: Baby Picks, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler ·
29
Nov

Holiday Gift Idea:LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus *Giveaway*

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As a huge fan of anything that LeapFrog makes, I knew which section to head directly to in the toy store to shop for my 10 month old nephew.  My 2 and 3 year olds already play with and love the maracas to the Leapster  Explorer and now our newest addition the LeapPad, so I knew that I would find the perfect gift in the LeapFrog section.

Why We Love It

The LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus caught my eye and is a great gift for ages 9 – 36 months and at a reasonable cost of $29.99. It offers unlimited fun for a curious child while teaching them colors and numbers. The reason I always gravitate to LeapFrog when gift shopping is because they are both fun and educational.  The toddler takes the colorful balls and places them in one of the 2 spots at the top of the octopus and then lifts up the shoe to rediscover the disappeared ball.  The game helps to develop hand eye coordination and allows the child to learn basic colors.  The Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus is fun and entertaining with a peek-a-boo surprise that every child is sure to love.

Written by Karen, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Details

Ages: 9-36 months

Retail Price: $29.99

Purchase at:

LeapoFrog.com, Amazon

Cool Giveaway:  Sometimes I wish I had lots of arms like an Octopus! If you had an extra hand, would would you accomplish with it? Comment on this post to win a LeapFrpg Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 12/11/11.

 

 

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
27
Nov

Park Cars 2 Blu-ray/DVD Under the Christmas Tree *Free Activity Download*

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Download Printable Coloring Pages and Activity Games!
Cool Tip: Buy Cars 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack from our amazon affiliate link for $29.49.
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