18
Nov

All New LeapFrog Learning: Phonics Farm & 3-DVD Set

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It’s not a surprise that LeapFrog’s Phonics Farm DVD was an instant hit for my son who loves every LeapFrog toy he’s ever got his hands on.  I think his favorites are Fridge Phonics and Text & Learn which followed him everywhere for about a year.  It’s possible he enjoyed the DVD so much because he had a stuffed Scout when he was an infant. In any case, he was instantly engaged in the DVD, answering the characters and conversing with the television.  The story involves Scout, Violet, Eli, & Penny who take a trip to the farm and meet a lot of new animals.  It’s great when a cartoon can help reinforce information critical to early reading.  Our son is already very interested in the alphabet, letter sounds and sight words so the DVD was a great fit.  At 35 minutes, Phonics Farm is great for car trips and helps reinforce the sounds of the letters we are currently teaching.

With the holidays next month, the newley released LeapFrog 3-DVD Learning Collection makes a great gifts for youngsters ages 2-5. It includes  The Amazing Alphabet Amusement Park and Number Ahoy which we reviewed when they were first released. Lily, Tad and friends teach numbers, countings the alphabet and more. In  Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory our favorite  friends combine learning (to read) and fun in true LeapFrog fashion. We keep the LeapFrog DVDs in the car for travel; even a fifteen minute trip can be an opportinity to learn!

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Phonics Farm and LeapFrog 3-DVD Learning Collection through our Amazon affiliate links.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
07
Nov

YBike Extreme: Promotes Balance and Fun *Giveaway*

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The new YBike Extreme is a promising find for promoting balance.  After spending the summer with my three and five year old progressing beyond their big wheels and moving onto their first two wheel bikes, of course with training wheels.  I witnessed their hesitation and fear of falling even with training wheels and often wondered, “How can I possibly remove the training wheels?”  I now have hope thanks to YBike that a safe orderly transition to a two wheel bike may be possible.  The YBike is designed for 3 to 5 year olds and works perfectly on our carpeted basement and although our carpet is plush, the YBike Extreme easily moves across it. We chose the extreme model because our kids are a little older and also because the extreme works well off road.

 The standard model has a wider rear wheel and therefore seems to be a little easier to balance. Assembly was very easy and only took about 15 minutes; no tools required.  Both kids have been experimenting riding back and forth across the basement and are truly enjoying their new YBike.  In a week’s time I have seen their balance improve with longer and faster movements.  I am confident that by next year, they will be able to balance, and I’ll be able to remove their training wheels. My only job will be to teach them to peddle.  Thanks YBike for putting my mind at ease.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a YBike by commenting on this post telling us about your favorite bike riding experience.

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 11/21/11.

Filed Under: Adults Only, As Seen In, Baby Picks, Big Kids Corner, Cool Opps, Deals, Discounts, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Family Activities, Gift Guides, Giveaways Galore, Goals & Inspiration, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks, Tween Hangout · Tagged With: ,
01
Nov

Our #1 Hot Holiday Toy Pick: All New LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer *Giveaway*

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Another LeapFrog innovation scores high marks with the entire family. It’s no secret we’re huge LeapFrog fans. Throughout the years Fridge Magnets to Tag and Tag Jr. have been learning staples with both of our children. Now a toddler and preschooler, they want more than ever to be like mom and dad. The LeapFrog LeapPad allows them to have their own “pads” which are infinitely more durable than their parents’ tech toys begin designed for kids.

Out of the box, I first noticed the screen…the largest among LeapgFrog tech toys such as Explorer. Using the built-in camera we took pictures of each child and used it to create a profile. Now they can click their own pictures and names during sign in so Learning Path can track their progress and achievements. A built in tilt-sensor is immediately apparent even on the home screen as your child’s pet slide across the screen when tilted. Now only can they make over their pet, the Pet Pad app and “trick time” functions as a build-in Scribble & Write, another of our favorite LeapFrog products, helping little ones learn to write their letters.

As an English teacher, the reading apps are my personal favorite. LeapPad turns reading into an interactive experience complete with sounds and dynamic moving pictures. In “Reading Mode” users can choose three reading levels essentially giving them three books in one. Best yet, starting at level one LeapPad will even automatically adjust reading levels as the child progresses. A built-in vocabulary skill builder is the coolest feature ever! Click on an underline word in the text and a screen pops up which shows a picture and definition of the word as the LeapPad reads and pronounces it out loud. Parents or children can also record their own reading voice to playback with the story. The learning possibilites seem endless with this ultra-awesome app. Here are some others’ we enjoyed:

  • With Nemo, Dora, Woddy, Buzz and more all in one game, Pixar Pals quickly became a favorite of my animal-loving daugher who is learning science and reasoning which works great for this Language Arts teacher.
  • Pet Pals 2,  on the other hand, is my son’s go-to game. With an emotional attachment to his furry friend, he hardly realizes addition and substraction are taking center stage as we attempt to win the dog show!
  • School is in session with LeapSchool Reading, my personalfavorite which includes 26 games to help teaching early reading skills appropriate for children ages 4-7.

While a stylus is included, a drawback for some who may be afraid to loose it, the good news is included. LeapPad’s touchscreen also works without it as well. Another favorite feature of LeapPad is the included “Story Studio” app. Users can create a story all about themselves! Using pictures and their own artwork, pages can be added to a virtual book entitled “All ABout Me.” Themed pages include topics such as birthday, feelings and expressions (i.e. “Today I feel…) and my family. Press play to listen to the story!

There are so many features in the new LeapPad with the ones featured only scratching the surface. We’re planning to purchase a second pink LeapPad for Christmas so each child can have their own. My prediction…this will be the hot toy for the holiday this year, and with hundreds of apps including characters the kids love–Disney Princesses, Toy Story and Cars, Dora and Star Wars– as well as plenty of learning games such as LeapSchool Reading, Mr. Pencil and more, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own. 

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog LeapPad and learning games from our Amazon affiliate links above and be sure to get your games loaded and connected so when Christmas morning arrives your child is ready to play! Check out even more LeapFrog picks.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer plus three game cartridge-(Pet Pals 2, Pixar Pals and LeapSchool Reading–a nearly $175 value! Comment on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

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 11/15/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Featured, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , ,
26
Oct

SESAME STREET: Ready, Set, Grover – Wii Game

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Any time you can supply a new video game to a preschool child, they seem to go crazy with enthusiasm.  It’s great when you can capitalize on this enthusiasm to help reinforce healthy habits. This game’s message promotes Healthy Habits in the form of physical activity, good nutrition, hygiene, and rest and relaxation.  Ready, Set Grover!  uses several Sesame Street characters such as Grover, Elmo and Abby Cadabby to guide your preschooler through various activities.  I loved the sheer number of games and activities included as part of the game.  It seemed as though we went from one activity to another without duplicating an activity.  The game provides a short audio visual tutorial before each activity to direct your preschooler how to complete the task.  My son took the directions and knew what he had to do to complete the various tasks.  He has played a few Wii games before and really loved Ready, Set Grover! 

The Wii game comes with a Grover Remote cover which is super cute and easier to hold.   The cover also hides unnecessary buttons and therefore aids your preschooler in touching the correct buttons, reducing wasted time and parent intervention.   Another great feature is  the “Parents Page” where parents can check progress on activities and customize specific games for their kids based on their preferences or set limits for play.  This new Sesame Street game has a great message and is really fun for your toddler, so if you allow your toddler or preschooler to play Wii, this is worth a look.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover! from our Amazon affiliate link for just $24.99.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Family Activities, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , ,
20
Oct

Green Mountain Naturals “Apple for a Teacher Contest”

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As the school year gets under way, it’s the perfect time to recognize a few good apples in the classroom. Hot Apple Cider from Green Mountain Naturals™ is looking for the most inspiring teachers (like me!) in the nation with its Apple For a Teacher contest.

How it works:

  • From October 11 to October 31, 2011, you are invited to nominate a teacher that has inspired you or your child at the contest tab on the Green Mountain Naturals Facebook page.
  • 10 Teacher finalists will be announced on November 10, 2011. The finalists will win a Keurig® Brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® portion packs for themselves, and a $1,000 Apple®gift card, Keurig® Brewer, and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® portion packs for their school.  If your nominated teacher is selected as a finalist, you will receive a Keurig® Brewer and a $25 Apple® gift card.
  • Green Mountain Naturals Facebook fans are then invited to vote for America’s Most Inspiring Teacher, who will receive a $10,000 grant to his/her school of choice.
  • If your nominated teacher is selected as the grand prize winner, you will receive a $100 Apple® gift card.

Cool Tip: Visit www.facebook.com/GreenMountainNaturals for more information.

Filed Under: Education Corner · Tagged With: ,
17
Oct

Splish Splash! by Gamewright: Fun for the Whole Family *Giveaway*

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Some of my favorite activities with the kids include movie night, dance parties and playing games. Like Disney World, each of these is fun for both adults and kids making our time together more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, I can last a good fifteen minutes playing “kitchen,” but after the tenth “I would like cupcakes for dessert” my mind begins to wander.

I was first introduced to Gamewright at Toy Fair and impressed with their unique offerings of games and puzzles, reviewed Take the Cake, a game my daughter and I especially like as big cupcake fans. This time we tried out Splish Splash! which easily proved to be another hit. My three year old son loves to throw rocks into bodies of water, so when I realized the object of the game was to drop the pebble into the pond and match shapes which splash out to your game card, I immediately knew it was be up his alley. A learning opportunity to count, identify and match colors, and learn taking turns, I highly recommend Splish Splash! which is appropriate for ages 4 and up. Gamewright offers fun for every age category including 3 and up, 6 and up, 8 and up and 10 and up with over fifty games in repertoire of this parent-created company.

Disclaimer: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% mine.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win Splish Splash! by visiting Gamewright and commenting back here about their offerings. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 10/31/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , , ,
10
Oct

P’kolino Chalk Table from Maukilo *Toys & Gifts for Kids*

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Want to provide your kids a platform to work on their letters, try the P’kolino Chalk Table.  The Chalk Table is sized for small kids at 24″ squared and doesn’t take up unnecessary space.  The bench style chairs easily store beneath the table when not in use and are relatively low and easy to sit on for young kids.  The table has a reversible top with a chalk board side for writing and coloring and a white painted side for hiding any chalk mess or working on crafts.  A storage area beneath the top can be used to store your writing and craft supplies.  The hole in the center allows quick removal of the top for turning or storage.  Table is very easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes and lock screws used to secure the legs of the table and bench.  After that you’re ready to go, assembly time is definitely less than an hour. In summary, if you are on a budget and are looking for a small stylish table the P’kolino Chalk Table may fit the bill.

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

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

About Maukilo (http://www.maukilo.com/)

Maukilo is the leading supplier of quality, timeless toys and gifts. We provide innovative, safe and eco-friendly playthings for all ages. From infant toys to kids toys, they’re fun, educational and last a lifetime. Inspired by European toys and owned and operated by the German based HABA, we’re your best source for baby toys, building blocks (from our wooden toys collection), educational toddler toys and everything in between. With Maukilo you Buy Once, Play Forever.

Cool Tip: Maukilo is a fantastic source for unique gift ideas with free shipping on orders over $65 where you can shop by category such as pretend play. And it’s adorable too! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid for more cool picks.

Filed Under: Baby Picks, Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
03
Oct

Goosie Personalized Flashcards *Top Pick & Giveaway*

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Goosie flashcards embody every single Cool Baby Kid cool-factor. Unique, customizable, educational and just plain awesome, these have been numerous of our best of the best lists for years.  When they recently contacted me to check out a new card creation process now that Goosie has partnered with Walgreens, I was overjoyed. Test out one of my all-time favorite products…a no-brainer. I must have been onto something as they were even featured on People.com!

An ingenious mom who realized the influence personalized pictures had during a learning session with her son began to offer custom flashcards that enabled users to upload pictures and text for create one-of-a-kind creations. The new system is so easy even providing pictures to supplement your own. Just enter Goosie at Walgreen Photo Center, choose Signature or Everyday Collection, upload your pics, add text and voila! Using Goosie flashcards to create custom ABC cards is great suggestion, but since mine are learning to read, I used the opportunity to create custom sight word flashcards. The trickiest part of our creations were integrating sight words to match pictures of the kids and our family members. But with phrases “Nonnie & Grampa Mont Love Us,” I was able to accomplish this goal.

Goosie also offers gift certificates for a unique baby gift, toddler birthday gift or preschooler present. I highly recommend both for personal use and as a gift idea and will be absolutely utilizing them again in the future for just that.  It’s just a shame I don’t have a “Best Unique, Educational and Customizable Gift Ideas” guide to include these in.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win one of two Signature Collection Goosie flashcard packs ($27.99 value/each) by commenting on this post with who you might use them. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 10/18/11.

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