Every year is seems that families spend increasing amounts of money of toys. In 2009 the U.S. toy industry alone generated $21.47 billion in sales! Of that 25% of the sales was for licensed products (you know must have toys with their favorite cartoon on them). So why are families spending so much money on… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: Educational Insights
Have You Forgotten How to Play?
Who knew Ikea had such brains? As a worldwide company, Ikea set out to learn about how children instinctively are drawn towards play. Their findings are truly eye-opening: To learn more about Ikea’s Playreport visit their Facebook page or Ikea Family website.… Continue Reading
Watch and Learn with Preschool Prep
You’ve seen their ad in magazines and on TV for years, but do the Preschool Prep video’s actually work? With over 25 National Awards received and countless testimonials on their website, I decided to take the plunge and find out for myself. Since my three year old already knew her letters, numbers and shapes, I… Continue Reading
The Negative Effects of Too Many Toys and What To Do About It
We’ve all been there and thought the same thing, “These kids have too many toys!” Whether after a “quick” visit to Target or a long day of picking up toys, today’s parents find themselves struggling against the never ending onslaught of toys and their no-so-subtle marketing minions. Whether spoiled by grandparents or the recipient of countless… Continue Reading
Required Reading for All Parents: The Read-aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
If there was a required reading list for parents, this book should be included. The Read-Aloud Handbook is full of ideas on how to get your children to love to read. The book does not give instructions on necessarily how to read aloud to kids, but rather why you should read to them and what… Continue Reading
How to Increase Your Child’s Literacy While They Watch TV
Wish you could turn on the screen without turning on all the guilt as well? While the TV is certainly not going to teach your child to read, modifying the way your child watches TV can actually help them become better readers. Of course, reading is still required and screen time still needs to be limited, but… Continue Reading
How to get the most out of your kids wood blocks
Who says standard wood blocks should be limited to building towers, forts and caves? Why not throw in a few wood cars, houses, people or animals and give your kids the potential to turn them into a city? Laying the blocks on their sides turn them into roads that can weave between block towers. Adding… Continue Reading
