Cool Baby Kid » Educational http://coolbabykid.com Just another WordPress site Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:44:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Wordless Wednesday: Fingerprint Kids’ Apps, PlayMaker & Big Kid Life Firefighter http://coolbabykid.com/2011/12/wordless-wednesday-fingerprint-kids-apps-playmaker-big-kid-life-firefighter.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/12/wordless-wednesday-fingerprint-kids-apps-playmaker-big-kid-life-firefighter.html#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:05:56 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6652

Cool Tip: Looking for cool new iPhone and iPad apps for the kids? Look no further than Finger Print and their all new Play Maker and  Big Kid Life Firefighter which are kids (and their parents) adore! Follow on Twitter and Facebook too.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/12/wordless-wednesday-fingerprint-kids-apps-playmaker-big-kid-life-firefighter.html/feed 1 Holiday Gift Idea:LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus *Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-idealeapfrog-peek-a-shoe-talking-octopus-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-idealeapfrog-peek-a-shoe-talking-octopus-giveaway.html#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:26:10 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6469 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.

 

 

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-idealeapfrog-peek-a-shoe-talking-octopus-giveaway.html/feed 204 All New LeapFrog Learning: Phonics Farm & 3-DVD Set http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/all-new-leapfrog-learning-phonics-farm-3-dvd-set.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/all-new-leapfrog-learning-phonics-farm-3-dvd-set.html#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:20:02 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6370 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.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/all-new-leapfrog-learning-phonics-farm-3-dvd-set.html/feed 2 LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad for Toddlers *Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-my-own-storytime-pad-for-toddlers-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-my-own-storytime-pad-for-toddlers-giveaway.html#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:08:25 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6329 Reminicent of My Pal Scout & Violet, the LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad customizes play and thrills little ones with personalized favorites including their name. Let’s face it…kids want what we have. When Mom and Dad use smart phones and pads, even the youngest children want in on the action. A much safer alternative than handing over our tech toys, LeapFrog innovations like LeapPad for preschoolers and now the My Own Storytime Pad for toddlers fill a gap in the educational tech toy segment. With a cracked iPad screen–luckily it was Dad’s and not Mom’s–I can persononally vouch for the fact that even supervised it is not advisable to let youngsters borrow “the real thing.”  Styled similarly to adult pads, the LeapFrog versions give a sense of ownership over less educaional and child-friendly ones.

Here’s a run-down of some of the features:

  • Hold 5 stories, 10 songs and 3 emails
  • Customizable “emails” so you can say “I Love you!”
  • Teaches the alphabet and phonics
  • Personalize with child’s name, favorite songs and stories
  • Press the paw and letters make silly sounds
  • Play messages from favorite LeapFrog characters
  • Connect to LeapFrog Learning Path for progress monitoring

At $29.99 retail price geared for ages 2-4, the low price point makes My Own Storytime Pad a perfect gift idea for the toddler age group. The pad comes in both green and purple, though I would never suggest a gender specific color since my three year old son is asking for everything pink this Christmas. To each his own!

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

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad from our Amazon affiliate link for $23.99.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad by sharing on this post your all-time favorite LeapFrog product. 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 11/29/11.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-my-own-storytime-pad-for-toddlers-giveaway.html/feed 417 LeapFrog Solar System Adventure Pack *Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-solar-system-adventure-pack-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-solar-system-adventure-pack-giveaway.html#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:16:55 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6313 To prove my love affair with LeapFrog, check out the number of  toy reviews I’ve conducted over the years on one of my all-time favorite companies. From baby to preschooler and big kids, they are my go-to source for educational toys.  Last season I was first introduced to the Tag United States of America Map and Tag World Map. Since then my children have learned about places all over the world thanks to one of our favorites pasttimes. We have both Tag and Tag Junior located both upstairs for bedtime and downstairs for learning time. And now with the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack we’ve added to our collection of Tag activities. It includes over 40 activities teaching everything from planets to comets like the one we’ve been hearing about in the news recently. The adventure pack even includes  interactive stickers with the most advanced positive reinforcment system to date. As a teacher I’d love have the ability to use iteractive stickers. Maybe someday…

Here’s a quick look at the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack in action:

While one lucky winner is receiving our top pick this holiday season, LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer,  another will be able to learn about everything from seasons to our solar system on a two-sided board which allow users to both learn and play games. Enter our cool giveaway and be sure to visit LeapFrog.com on Black Friday where they’re sure to offer fantastic deals. Last year we loaded up on Tag Books, and it’s one of my first planned stops as I gear up for holiday shopping post-Thanksgiving this year.

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

Cool Tip: Purchase Tag Reader system and LeapFrog Tag Solar System Adventure Pack through our Amazon affiliate links.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog Tag Reader and Solar System Adventure Pack by commenting 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 11/25/11.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/leapfrog-solar-system-adventure-pack-giveaway.html/feed 293 Our #1 Hot Holiday Toy Pick: All New LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer *Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/our-1-hot-holiday-toy-pick-all-new-leapfrog-leappad-explorer-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/our-1-hot-holiday-toy-pick-all-new-leapfrog-leappad-explorer-giveaway.html#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:31:02 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=5834 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.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/11/our-1-hot-holiday-toy-pick-all-new-leapfrog-leappad-explorer-giveaway.html/feed 822 SESAME STREET: Ready, Set, Grover – Wii Game http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/sesame-street-ready-set-grover-wii-game.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/sesame-street-ready-set-grover-wii-game.html#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:56:37 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6192 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.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/sesame-street-ready-set-grover-wii-game.html/feed 1 Splish Splash! by Gamewright: Fun for the Whole Family *Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/splish-splash-by-gamewright-fun-for-the-whole-family-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/splish-splash-by-gamewright-fun-for-the-whole-family-giveaway.html#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:50:27 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=6131 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.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/splish-splash-by-gamewright-fun-for-the-whole-family-giveaway.html/feed 52 Goosie Personalized Flashcards *Top Pick & Giveaway* http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/goosie-personalized-flashcards-top-pick-giveaway.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/goosie-personalized-flashcards-top-pick-giveaway.html#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:36:20 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=5992 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.

]]> http://coolbabykid.com/2011/10/goosie-personalized-flashcards-top-pick-giveaway.html/feed 29 Top 5 Carus Publishing Kids’ Magazines http://coolbabykid.com/2011/09/top-5-carus-publishing-kids-magazines.html http://coolbabykid.com/2011/09/top-5-carus-publishing-kids-magazines.html#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:32:58 +0000 cecelia http://coolbabykid.com/?p=5923 While you may have heard of Cricket magazine for kids, other Carus Publishing titles for all ages are just as read0worthy. Check out some of Cool Baby Kid’s favorite magazines for kids:

Ladybug

Ages: 3-6

From crafts and songs to poems and activities, this was the biggest hit in our house, likely because it was geared toward my children's ages. Another bonus...no advertising!

Cricket

Ages: 9-14

A gold-standard classic, Crickets aims to "deliver intelligent, imaginative content that encourages its readers to develop their own, unique creativity" and it certainly meets this lofty goal. Love it.

Babybug

Ages: 6mo-3yrs

A magazine for babies? Sure! This adorable pick includes age appropriate rhymes and stories along with colorful pics to entertain every the youngest scholar.

APPLESEEDS

Ages: 6-9

Published 9 times per year, this title both educates and entertains. At this age learning and fun must go hand and hand, and APPLESEEDS does a good job melding the two into one piece of literature.

Spider

Ages: 6-9

A personal favorite, Spider takes newly independent readers along on a journey into unique stories with 40 pages of activities, puzzles and more fun for these young readers.

Cool Tip: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more cool educational picks and tips for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids.

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