10 Best Online Masters in Business Education Programs

As the world grows increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital solutions, the demand for quality online education programs continues to rise. One field that has gained particular attention among professionals looking to expand their skill sets is business education. Top online master’s in business education programs offer students the convenience and flexibility to advance their careers, while maintaining the rigor of traditional in-person programs.

A variety of prestigious institutions now offer online master’s programs in various business disciplines, such as MBA, marketing, finance, and more. These programs provide graduates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive and excel in today’s competitive business landscape. With a focus on real-world applications, cutting-edge technology, and a diverse range of electives, students can tailor their education to align with their individual goals and interests.

To help prospective students navigate through the options available, several ranking and review websites have compiled lists of the best online master’s in business education programs for 2023. Some notable examples include Forbes, US News, and Fortune. These resources consider factors such as academic quality, student engagement, expert opinions, and affordability to determine their rankings, ultimately presenting a comprehensive picture for students seeking a top-notch business education online.

What is an Online Masters in Business Education Program?

An online Masters in Business Education program is a graduate-level degree program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of business education. This type of program usually combines elements of a traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specialized coursework focused on educational theory and practice, offering a comprehensive understanding of business concepts and principles, as well as teaching methods and strategies.

Students enrolled in an online Masters in Business Education program can expect a curriculum that covers core business topics, such as finance, marketing, and management, along with courses that focus on instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technologies. This blend of business and education subjects equips graduates with the tools they need to advance their careers in a variety of settings, from teaching business courses at the K-12 level to leading corporate training programs or working in educational consulting positions.

Here are a few key features of a typical online Masters in Business Education program:

  • Flexible scheduling: Online programs often allow students to work at their own pace and complete coursework according to their own schedules, making it possible for working professionals to balance their studies with existing commitments.
  • Networking opportunities: Even in an online environment, students can interact with their peers and instructors through discussion forums, group projects, and virtual meetings, fostering connections that can lead to professional growth.
  • Practical application: Case studies, simulations, and other real-world experiences are often integrated into the curricula, helping students apply their learning to actual workplace scenarios.
  • Capstone projects: Many programs require a final project or thesis, which gives students the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge and showcase their expertise.

Online Masters in Business Education programs appeal to individuals with backgrounds in business, education, or both, who are seeking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between these two disciplines. Graduates from these programs can expect to be well-prepared for a variety of career paths related to teaching, training, and development in both academic and corporate settings.

Career Opportunities with a Masters in Business

A Masters in Business degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, allowing them to capitalize on their skills, experience, and education to pursue fulfilling roles across various industries. Whether you are looking to change careers, advance in your current field, or broaden your job prospects, earning a Masters in Business can significantly improve your marketability.

Graduates with a Masters in Business have the ability to work in diverse sectors, from finance and marketing to consulting and technology. These individuals often possess strong communication, critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills, which are highly sought after in the competitive job market. Additionally, professionals with a Masters in Business typically command higher salaries, showcasing the value of their education and experience in their respective fields.

Some of the top career opportunities for Masters in Business graduates include:

  • Business Development Managers
  • Financial Analysts
  • Marketing Managers
  • Operations Managers
  • Human Resources Managers
  • Management Consultants

With an ever-evolving business landscape, the demand for Masters in Business graduates continues to grow across multiple industries. Whether for men or women, the degree can strongly contribute to achieving career goals and job security. These professionals are well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern business and drive organizational success.

In today’s global economy, the importance of having skilled and educated professionals cannot be overstated. A Masters in Business degree enables individuals to contribute to the growth and development of various industries by harnessing their abilities and experience to make informed decisions. By investing in their education, professionals can build a foundation for a successful and rewarding career.

Methodology

When evaluating top online master’s in business education programs, a comprehensive methodology was taken into account to ensure an accurate representation of the best programs. The methodology focused on six key aspects:

  1. Quality: Programs were assessed based on the strength of their curriculum, faculty credentials, and the caliber of their instruction methods.
  2. Rigorousness: The levels of rigor and academic challenge associated with the coursework, as well as the expectations placed upon students, were evaluated.
  3. Flexibility: The ability to provide flexible scheduling options and adaptability to meet the needs of diverse student populations was considered.
  4. Specialization: Programs offering a variety of specialization options were weighted more heavily, allowing students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest.
  5. In-demand knowledge: Coursework that aligns with current industry trends and imparts valuable, sought-after skills to graduates were given preference.
  6. Adaptability: Programs that continually update and refine their curriculum to better serve the evolving needs of the business world were recognized.

To assess these factors, a combination of publicly available data, expert opinions, and feedback from program alumni was used. As part of the methodology, the academic reputation and overall credibility of each institution were assessed through the quality and reputation of their faculty members, as found in rankings such as the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Another key aspect considered was the level of student support services offered, including academic advising, career guidance, and technical assistance. Programs that provided robust support mechanisms and demonstrated consistent graduate success rates were given precedence.

To ensure a well-rounded evaluation, various program formats, such as full-time and part-time offerings, were taken into consideration. Programs that allowed for customization and the ability to adjust study plans according to individual needs excelled in the flexibility parameter.

By utilizing this method, a fair and reliable assessment of the top online master’s in business education programs was achieved, while providing potential students with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their academic pursuits.

Top Online Masters in Business Education

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers one of the top online Masters in Business programs. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business principles while offering flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.

Drexel University

Drexel University features an engaging online MBA program that covers a wide range of essential business topics. With expert faculty and robust support services, students can confidently advance their careers.

Lamar University

Lamar University’s online Masters in Business program provides students with relevant knowledge necessary to excel in the global business environment. The program is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement.

Granite State College

Granite State College is recognized for offering an affordable online Masters in Business program. The curriculum focuses on critical business skills, such as strategic planning, financial management, and organizational analysis.

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global offers an online MBA program designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The flexible format and industry-relevant courses prepare students for leadership roles in various business sectors.

Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can pursue an online Masters in Business Education that emphasizes ethics and global awareness. The program cultivates essential business skills and prepares graduates for successful careers in diverse industries.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University’s online Masters in Business program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive business world.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University provides an online Masters in Business program that emphasizes practical application of theoretical concepts. Students gain valuable experience and skills essential for business success.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an online Masters in Business Education program that combines academic rigor with real-world business relevance. Students develop essential leadership and management skills to excel in various industries.

Vanderbilt University

A top-tier MBA program, Vanderbilt University offers students an opportunity to advance their careers with a flexible online platform. This program combines innovative curriculum, experienced faculty, and a strong network of alumni, creating a solid foundation for professional growth.

Understanding the Admission Process

The admission process for top Online Masters in Business Education Programs can be rigorous. It usually requires meeting certain eligibility criteria, submitting various documents, and meeting deadlines. Let’s break down the key components of the admission process.

For most programs, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is an important aspect of the application. Prospective students will need to prepare thoroughly for the exam, as schools consider the GRE scores to evaluate the applicants’ readiness for advanced business education. It may be beneficial to complete GRE preparation programs or work with a tutor to improve your score.

The application deadline varies across different institutions. It is crucial for applicants to research and adhere to the deadlines set by the schools they are interested in. Typically, the deadlines are posted on the program’s web page or in the best Online Masters in Business Education rankings from sources like U.S. News & World Report. Missing the application deadline can result in an automatic disqualification from the admission process.

A strong undergraduate GPA can significantly affect an applicant’s chances of being accepted into a top online business education program. Schools may have minimum GPA requirements, which applicants should meet before applying. If your undergraduate GPA is on the lower end, it’s important to highlight other strengths in your application, such as relevant work experience, volunteer work, or additional certifications.

Apart from the GRE score, application deadline, and undergraduate GPA, applicants will also be asked to submit various supporting documents. These may include:

  • Resume detailing professional experience
  • Statement of purpose outlining your career goals
  • Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
  • Transcripts from all previous institutions attended

In summary, a well-rounded application that demonstrates strong GRE scores, a competitive undergraduate GPA, adherence to deadlines, and relevant supporting documents will increase the chances of being accepted into top online Masters in Business Education programs.

Mastering the Curriculum

The curriculum of top online Master’s in Business Education programs covers a wide range of subjects, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge and skills essential for success in their professional careers. Many programs focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of key business principles, with coursework that spans across various disciplines such as finance, marketing, accounting, management and leadership, and international business.

One critical aspect of these programs includes mastering the cutting-edge fields of digital marketing and marketing analytics. Students learn how to develop effective marketing strategies with the use of technology and data analysis, equipping them with the tools to drive business growth in today’s constantly evolving digital landscape. Additionally, courses in human resource management offer insights into personnel administration, talent acquisition, and effective strategies for optimizing employee performance.

In the realm of technology, online Business Education programs often delve into IT management and data analytics, providing learners with the competencies needed to manage information systems and leverage data-driven insights. These skills are increasingly valuable in the modern business world, as organizations of all sizes rely on IT infrastructure and data analysis for informed decision-making.

Lastly, coursework focused on strategy trains students to identify, evaluate, and implement sustainable business models to help their organizations remain competitive in the dynamic global market. By mastering these diverse topics, aspiring business professionals emerge from top online Master’s in Business Education programs with the knowledge and acumen required to excel in various business environments.

To get the most out of the curriculum, students are encouraged to:

  1. Engage with course materials, including reading assignments and discussions.
  2. Participate in hands-on activities and simulations, providing them with practical experience.
  3. Consult with professors and classmates to clarify concepts and foster collaboration.
  4. Apply acquired knowledge to real-world business scenarios through case studies and group projects.
  5. Continually reflect on their learning, identifying areas for improvement and growth.

By adhering to these guidelines, students can ensure they are mastering the curriculum and positioning themselves for long-term career success in the world of business.

Program Costs and Financial Considerations

When considering top online Master’s in Business Education programs, it’s essential to take into account program costs and financial considerations. Tuition fees for these programs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the institution, location, and whether or not you’re an out-of-state student.

On average, tuition fees for online Master’s in Business programs are charged per credit and may range from $250 to $1500 (out-of-state) per credit. Please note that these are general figures, and specific costs for your program of choice might differ. Some schools may offer in-state rates to online students irrespective of their residency, which can result in substantial cost savings.

When evaluating program costs, it’s crucial to consider additional financial factors, such as:

  • Application and enrollment fees
  • Textbook and material expenses
  • Technology fees and access to online resources

To help offset the costs of your online Master’s program, consider exploring various financial aid options, such as:

  1. Federal student loans and grants
  2. Private scholarships and grants
  3. Tuition reimbursement from your employer
  4. Military education benefits (if you’re a veteran or active military)

Moreover, keep in mind that online programs often provide working professionals with the flexibility to maintain a full-time job while studying, allowing them to earn an income and potentially reduce the need for loans or other financial assistance.

In conclusion, carefully reviewing program costs and exploring financial aid opportunities can help you find an affordable and high-quality online Master’s in Business Education program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Remember, investing in your education can significantly impact your future career growth and earning potential.

Examining the Benefits of Enrolling in an Online MBA Program

Enrolling in an online MBA program offers several benefits for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the world of business. One of the primary advantages is the flexibility it provides in terms of scheduling and learning. Students can complete their degree at their own pace, allowing them to balance work, family, and other commitments more effectively. Some online MBA programs can even be completed in as little as one year, making it an efficient option for those who want to accelerate their professional growth.

Moreover, the nature of online learning allows students to access a wide range of resources and materials at any time. They can revisit lectures, interact with professors and peers, and engage in group projects and discussions, all while benefiting from the technological advancements in today’s virtual learning environment.

Another significant advantage of enrolling in an online MBA program is the potential to save on tuition and other expenses. According to a Forbes article, tuition for online master’s programs ranges from $5,000 to $37,500 per academic year, which can be more cost-effective than traditional in-person courses.

In addition to financial benefits, students pursuing an online MBA can also leverage networking opportunities. Online MBA programs often attract professionals from diverse industries and geographic locations, allowing students to expand their professional network and gain insights from peers with different perspectives and experiences. This can provide a valuable foundation for future career growth and development.

Furthermore, earning an MBA, whether online or in-person, offers various long-term benefits. A Harvard Business School Online article highlights that MBA graduates generally experience increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and stronger leadership skills. Additionally, by earning an MBA, individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional development, which can set them apart from their peers in a competitive job market.

In summary, enrolling in an online MBA program provides professionals with flexibility, cost savings, networking opportunities, and valuable skills to support their career growth. By carefully considering the characteristics and advantages of these programs, prospective students can make an informed decision about their education and ultimately achieve their academic and professional goals.

Looking at Future Prospects

Considering a master’s degree in business education has its promising benefits. Enhanced skill sets and the potential for career growth make this endeavor an attractive option for professionals seeking better opportunities. Graduates from these programs can expect promising prospects concerning employment and furthering their education.

Individuals who complete their master’s in business education tend to experience a higher rate of employment. As they possess a deep understanding of business principles, they are well-suited to excel in positions such as analysts, consultants, and managerial roles. Employers value the expertise that these graduates bring to the table.

In addition to increased employment opportunities, the following list highlights some of the key benefits that graduates can anticipate upon completion of an online master’s in business program:

  • Enhanced industry expertise
  • Increased earning potential
  • Greater job security
  • Opportunities to assume leadership roles

For some professionals, pursuing a doctoral degree might be an attractive option post-graduation. Individuals with a doctoral degree can pursue a career in academia, research, or high-level executive positions. This advanced degree opens doors to more niche and specialized roles within the industry.

It is essential to assess one’s personal and career goals when deciding whether to invest time and effort into acquiring a master’s or a doctoral degree. It is important to note that pursuing a higher degree requires a considerable commitment but provides valuable long-term rewards for future prospects.

In summary, graduates of online master’s in business education programs can expect enhanced career opportunities and the potential to pursue further education. These achievements translate to a brighter future for both employment and personal growth within the competitive world of business.

Conclusion

The world of online education has seen significant growth in recent years, and the quality of top online Master’s in Business programs are no exception. Los Angeles, known for its diverse business landscape, is home to numerous universities offering innovative and dynamic business programs. These online business programs often emphasize innovation and provide a broad range of learning opportunities to suit students with different goals and backgrounds.

A key feature of many leading programs is their rolling admissions process, which allows applicants to submit their applications at multiple points throughout the year. This flexibility helps students adapt their educational pursuits to their personal and professional schedules, increasing access to higher education for a wider range of candidates.

One representative example of these top programs is the Smith Online Master’s in Business Program. The Smith program is known for integrating cutting-edge business strategies into their curriculum, preparing graduates to excel in today’s fast-paced and competitive market. Courses in the program cover topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and management, ensuring a well-rounded education for its students.

In summary, the emergence of top online Master’s in Business programs has revolutionized the way professionals in the field can further their education. With a focus on innovation and a broad range of offerings, these programs allow students from diverse backgrounds to access a high-quality business education. The rolling admissions process increases flexibility, catering to the needs of working professionals and those who seek self-paced learning. When considering a program, it is important to research universities and schools like the Smith program, which showcase a proven track-record of success in educating the next generation of business leaders.

15 Best Online Master’s of Early Childhood Education

The field of Early Childhood Education plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. As more and more professionals recognize the importance of quality early education, the demand for highly qualified educators in this field continues to rise. To meet this demand, several institutions now offer a wide variety of online Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, allowing professionals to hone their skills and contribute to the development of future generations.

These online programs cater to the diverse needs of aspiring educators by offering flexible scheduling, diverse curricula, and relevant resources. With an emphasis on pedagogical theories, coursework delves into understanding child development, teaching methodologies, and the application of these principles in real-world settings. By pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, educators can advance their careers, contribute to the evolving field, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.

Key Takeaways

  • A Master’s in Early Childhood Education provides focused training in child development and effective teaching methods.
  • Online programs offer flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.
  • Graduates can pursue various career paths, such as administration or specialized teaching roles, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Understanding Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education (ECE) is a vital part of a child’s growth and development, and it plays a significant role in shaping their future. During this time, children experience rapid progression in various areas such as cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. This makes it an essential period in their lives that requires intentional and well-designed educational programs.

One crucial aspect of ECE is child development. It refers to the different stages children go through as they grow and learn. Understanding child development helps educators, parents, and caregivers to identify appropriate teaching methods and strategies that cater to each child’s individual needs. By addressing these needs, early childhood education programs can create environments where children can thrive and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful in later stages of life like kindergarten and beyond.

Curriculum design is also an integral component of early childhood education. A well-designed curriculum balances various aspects of child development and considers the children’s interests, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds. Effective ECE curriculums focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional learning, creating a strong foundation for later learning.

In the world of online education, numerous institutions offer master’s degrees in early childhood education. These programs equip professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to work in ECE settings confidently and effectively. Course content often includes topics such as child development theories, assessment and observation techniques, curriculum development, and instructional strategies.

A master’s degree in early childhood education can lead to various career opportunities within the ECE field. Graduates could seek roles as lead teachers, program directors, curriculum developers, or specialists in specific areas of child development and education. Moreover, a master’s degree can often increase earning potential and open the door to positions with increased responsibility and leadership opportunities.

Ultimately, understanding early childhood education is fundamental for anybody involved in shaping young minds. A comprehensive knowledge of child development, combined with effective curriculum design, can help create nurturing spaces for children to grow and reach their potential – a goal that educators, parents, and caregivers should strive for in any education setting.

Career Opportunities in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education offers a variety of rewarding career paths for professionals who are passionate about shaping the lives of young children. This field provides numerous opportunities for growth, stability, and personal fulfillment, ranging from teaching positions to administrative roles within childcare centers.

One of the primary career options in this field is that of a preschool teacher. These dedicated educators play a crucial role in laying the foundation for children’s academic and social development. They design and implement engaging educational activities that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and learning in a safe and nurturing environment.

A closely related role is that of a kindergarten teacher, who is responsible for introducing and reinforcing fundamental concepts in literacy, numeracy, and social skills. These teachers use age-appropriate instructional strategies to engage students in active learning and assessment, preparing them for successful transition to elementary school.

Some individuals may specialize in working with children with unique needs, pursuing careers as special education teachers. These professionals adapt and modify classroom activities and instructional approaches to meet the specific needs of children with disabilities or learning challenges, ensuring their academic growth and social inclusion.

In addition to teaching, some early childhood education professionals may aspire to take on leadership roles within childcare and education settings. As childcare center directors and preschool directors, they oversee operations, manage staffing, develop curricula, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Their work is essential to maintaining high-quality learning environments for children and fostering supportive communities for families.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for early childhood education careers varies depending on the specific role. However, the overall trend suggests steady growth and competitive salaries across the board. For example, preschool teachers can expect a median annual salary of around $31,930, while elementary school teachers can anticipate a median salary of approximately $60,660.

In summary, pursuing a career in early childhood education opens up numerous possibilities to make a meaningful impact on young children’s lives while also enjoying professional stability and financial rewards. With an online master’s degree in early childhood education, professionals are well-equipped to succeed in these diverse roles and become valuable contributors to a vital part of our society.

Methodology

The methodology used to compile the 15 Best Online Master’s of Early Childhood Education relies on a combination of sources, ensuring an accurate and well-rounded evaluation of each program. By collecting data from reputable sources such as USNews.com and Niche.com, a snapshot of each program’s strengths and weaknesses is captured.

When evaluating each online master’s program in early childhood education, factors such as affordability, academic quality, and the success of their graduates were carefully taken into consideration. Typically, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates provide valuable insights into a program’s overall cost and the likelihood of on-time degree completion.

Additionally, data on the faculty’s qualifications, the program curriculum, and the university’s accreditation status plays a crucial role in understanding the academic quality of the program. A strong faculty with relevant experience and credentials goes a long way in ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

Furthermore, measures such as job placement rates, salary data, and alumni testimonials are used to paint a picture of the institution’s graduate success. By showcasing a program’s track record in preparing students for professional success, potential students can make an informed decision when selecting the best online master’s program in early childhood education for their goals and needs.

In conclusion, the methodology for ranking the Best Online Master’s of Early Childhood Education combines various factors contributing to a program’s overall excellence. This comprehensive approach to evaluation allows potential students to identify the programs that are likely to provide the best educational experience, ensuring optimal career outcomes.

25 Best Master’s in Early Childhood Education

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers an online master’s in early childhood education with a concentration on school counseling. This advanced degree equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to support young children’s development and learning in various settings.

University of Washington

The University of Washington provides an online master’s degree in early childhood education with a specialization in early childhood special education. This program focuses on preparing educators to work with children with diverse abilities in inclusive settings.

University of Texas

At the University of Texas, students can pursue a master’s in early childhood education with an emphasis on bilingual and bicultural education. This program aims to develop teachers’ abilities to effectively address the needs of diverse learners in various contexts.

Erikson Institute

The Erikson Institute offers a master’s degree in early childhood education with multiple concentrations to choose from, such as child development, social work, and teacher education. A strong focus is on understanding children’s unique developmental needs and learning processes.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan provides an online master’s in early childhood education designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in teaching young children. Students can choose between concentrations in teaching endorsement or research and policy.

Bank Street Graduate School of Education

Bank Street Graduate School of Education offers a master’s degree in early childhood education with a focus on developing culturally responsive educators who can adapt their teaching practices to diverse educational settings. Students can choose from various specializations, such as dual-language or special education.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia provides a master’s in early childhood education with a focus on research-based practices, curriculum development, and assessment. The program aims to prepare educators for leadership positions in early childhood settings.

Penn State

At Penn State, students can pursue an online master’s degree in early childhood education with a focus on curriculum and instruction. This program provides a strong foundation in child development, teaching strategies, and assessment tools.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers a master’s in early childhood education with a specialization in instructional design, development, and innovation. This program prepares educators to design innovative learning experiences for young children in various settings.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University provides an online master’s degree in early childhood education focused on preparing educators to work with diverse populations of children aged birth to eight years. Students can choose from several concentration areas, including early childhood leadership and advocacy.

University of Cincinnati

At the University of Cincinnati, students can pursue a master’s in early childhood education with a strong emphasis on research and best practices. The program aims to develop educators who can address the unique needs of young children in various educational settings.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers a master’s degree in early childhood education designed to advance students’ understanding of child development, teaching practices, and family dynamics. The program focuses on developing professionals who can effectively promote early learning and development.

University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago provides a master’s in early childhood education that can be completed entirely online. The program focuses on preparing educators to work with children from diverse backgrounds in a variety of educational settings.

Louisiana State University

At Louisiana State University, students can pursue an [online master’s degree in early childhood education focusing on leadership and research. The program is designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in early childhood education.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a master’s in early childhood education with a focus on early childhood special education. This advanced degree prepares educators to work with children with diverse abilities in inclusive settings.

University of Georgia

At the University of Georgia, students can pursue an online master’s degree in early childhood education designed for current educators and professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in the field. The program focuses on developing effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and assessment tools.

Selecting an Accredited Program

When choosing an online master’s in early childhood education program, the importance of selecting an accredited institution cannot be overstated. Accreditation ensures that a program meets set standards in terms of curriculum content, faculty qualifications, and student support services, thus providing a high-quality education.

One of the leading accrediting bodies for early childhood education programs is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation signifies that a program has met the highest standards in the field and is committed to continuous improvement. When researching online master’s programs, seeking out those accredited by NAEYC can be an excellent way to narrow down your options.

Another reliable accrediting organization to consider is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation signifies that a program has met rigorous standards for quality education in the field of early childhood education, ensuring that those who graduate are well-prepared for their careers.

The U.S. Department of Education plays a vital role in recognizing accrediting agencies, as well as publishing a list of accredited institutions and programs. Consulting this list can help verify the accreditation status of an online early childhood education program. It’s essential to verify a program’s accreditation status, as it can affect financial aid eligibility, employment opportunities, and the transferability of earned credits.

In summary, when selecting an online master’s in early childhood education program, choosing an accredited institution should be a top priority. Look for programs accredited by recognized organizations such as NAEYC and CAEP, and verify their accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education. By doing so, you can be confident in the quality of your education and be better prepared for a successful career in early childhood education.

Admissions Requirements

When pursuing an online Master’s in Early Childhood Education, there are several admissions requirements that applicants should be aware of. These requirements vary depending on the institution, but generally include the following:

First, applicants must generally possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This degree can be in any field, although some schools may prefer or require individuals to have a background in education or a related field.

One of the critical factors considered by most institutions during the admission process is the applicant’s GPA. Although the exact minimum GPA varies by institution, a competitive GPA is usually around 3.0 or higher. Some schools may accept applicants with lower GPAs based on their work experience or other credentials.

While many programs do not require applicants to submit GRE scores, some may either recommend or require them. The specific score requirements vary by institution, and it’s essential to check directly with your desired program to determine if GRE scores are needed and what scores are considered competitive.

Another critical component of an early childhood education master’s program application is the personal statement. This document allows applicants to express their goals, their reasons for pursuing a career in early childhood education, and any relevant experiences that have shaped their interests or qualifications in the field. Most programs expect a well-written and compelling personal statement that demonstrates the applicant’s passion for early childhood education and their commitment to the profession.

In summary, those seeking admission to an online Master’s in Early Childhood Education program should be prepared to demonstrate their bachelor’s degree, solid academic performance, and personal interest in the field. Additional requirements such as GRE scores might be required by some institutions. It is crucial to research each program’s specific admissions requirements to ensure a successful application process.

Program Curriculum and Content

When pursuing an online Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, students can expect a comprehensive curriculum that addresses various aspects of child development and learning techniques. The program’s coursework is designed to equip educators with the necessary skills to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences for young children.

The core curriculum often focuses on topics such as curriculum development, curriculum and instruction, and classroom management. Students learn how to design effective lesson plans, create inclusive learning environments, and implement assessment strategies to track children’s progress. Emphasis is placed on the development of literacy and language skills, as these foundations are critical for future academic success.

In addition to literacy, a high-quality Early Childhood Education program encourages the development of social skills and emotional intelligence in young children. By incorporating play-based learning methods, educators can create opportunities for children to interact with their peers, learn how to resolve conflicts, and develop empathy. Through these experiences, children can better understand and navigate the world around them.

Courses in early childhood education programs may also include modules on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. Integrating STEAM concepts into the early years helps to stimulate children’s creativity and critical thinking skills, providing them with a strong foundation for future learning in these areas.

To summarize, an online Master’s in Early Childhood Education program typically covers a range of topics, including curriculum development, literacy, language development, social skills, play-based learning, classroom management, and STEAM education. Courses are designed to provide educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create enriching and inclusive learning environments for young children, ensuring a solid foundation for their future academic success.

Teaching Skills and Practicum

In an online Master’s of Early Childhood Education program, developing teaching skills and gaining practicum experience are essential components for students. These aspects of the program ensure that graduates are well-prepared to design and implement effective lessons, manage classrooms, and collaborate with other educators.

During their coursework, students explore various teaching strategies and methodologies to enhance their instructional skills. They acquire knowledge about child development, learning theories, and best practices for teaching young children. Topics such as classroom management and assessment methods are also covered extensively. This theoretical foundation empowers graduates to create engaging, interactive lessons that meet the diverse needs of their learners.

A major aspect of any Master’s in Early Childhood Education program is the practicum or field experience. This practical component allows students to apply the skills and knowledge gained in their coursework to real-world settings. Typically, students complete a certain number of supervised hours in an early childhood classroom. During this time, they observe experienced educators, practice their teaching skills, and receive feedback from mentors and supervisors.

Some online programs also offer opportunities for students to participate in internship or instructional coordinator roles. These experiences further develop their leadership and administrative abilities, preparing them for career advancement in the education sector.

In conclusion, a well-rounded online Master’s of Early Childhood Education program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This blend of teaching skills and practicum opportunities ensures graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and their families.

Online Learning Environment

The online learning environment for a master’s in early childhood education provides students with numerous benefits, enabling them to gain valuable knowledge and skills in a more flexible and accessible format. One of the prominent institutions offering online degrees in this field is Arizona State University.

Students enrolled in an online degree program benefit from asynchronous learning, which allows them to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals or individuals with personal obligations, as it enables them to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

In addition to the asynchronous format, online learning platforms often incorporate various multimedia resources, such as videos, interactive simulations, and discussion forums. These tools enhance students’ learning experience by providing different ways of understanding the course content. Moreover, online degree programs typically offer support from dedicated instructors and fellow classmates through virtual interactions and feedback.

One crucial aspect of online learning is the need for self-discipline and motivation. Students must develop good time-management habits to keep up with their coursework while navigating the demands of their personal and professional lives. However, the flexibility and convenience of online learning make it an increasingly attractive option for those pursuing a master’s in early childhood education.

Overall, an online master’s in early childhood education program provides students with a high-quality education that accommodates their busy lifestyles and equips them with the skills to excel in their careers. The combination of flexibility, diverse learning tools, and support from instructors and peers, ensures a rich and engaging learning experience for all students, paving the way for success in the field.

Licensure and Certification

In the field of early childhood education, obtaining licensure and certifications is crucial for professionals seeking career advancement, higher compensation, and credibility in their field. Licensure typically refers to the process of obtaining a state-issued teaching license, while certifications are voluntary credentials that demonstrate an educator’s specialized knowledge and skills in a specific area of early childhood education.

To become a licensed early childhood educator, professionals must meet a set of state-specific requirements, including earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education from an accredited institution, completing a specified number of fieldwork hours, and passing competency exams. It is important for students pursuing an online Master’s of Early Childhood Education to ensure their chosen program meets the requirements for their state’s teaching licensure, as regulations vary widely.

Certification processes differ depending on the organization providing the credential. Often, these certifications require additional coursework, professional development, and exams to demonstrate expertise in areas like special education, curriculum development, or program administration. Some common certifications in early childhood education include the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and the Early Education and Care (EEC) credential.

Acquiring licensure and certifications not only validates an educator’s competence in the field but also demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. Additionally, having these credentials can lead to increased job opportunities, leadership roles, and salary benefits. Professionals should research their state’s licensure requirements, as well as any desired certifications, to ensure they are prepared for a successful career in early childhood education.

Financial Considerations

When considering an online Master’s of Early Childhood Education program, it’s important to factor in the financial aspects involved. Tuition, cost, and expenses can vary greatly depending on the institution you choose. Some programs may have more affordable options, while others may offer a higher quality education at a higher cost. To make the best decision for your financial situation, you should explore different schools and their tuition rates.

Scholarships and grants are a valuable resource for students, as they can help reduce the overall cost of your education. Many institutions offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, may be available to eligible students. These financial awards do not need to be paid back, making them an attractive option for those seeking assistance.

Federal financial aid is another option for students who need help covering their education expenses. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step in determining your eligibility for federal student loans, work-study programs, and various grants. To ensure the best chances for financial aid, students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year.

Student loans may be necessary for some students to cover the cost of their education. However, it’s important to remember that these loans must be repaid, often with interest. Federal student loans typically offer more favorable terms than private loans, such as lower interest rates and income-driven repayment plans. As a result, it’s essential to explore federal loan options before considering private loans.

Work-study programs provide an opportunity for students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, helping to offset some education-related expenses. These programs often include on-campus jobs or positions related to the student’s field of study. Additionally, working during your education can help build valuable professional experience and connections in the early childhood education field.

In summary, it’s essential to carefully weigh the financial aspects of pursuing an online Master’s of Early Childhood Education degree. Consider the tuition and expenses associated with your chosen institution, and seek out scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid options to help support your education. Student loans and work-study programs can provide further assistance, ensuring you can achieve your educational goals without unnecessary financial burden.

Career Advancement and Continuing Education

Pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education can significantly boost one’s career goals, as it equips educators with advanced skills, deeper knowledge, and new perspectives on teaching young learners. Graduates of these programs typically achieve greater success in their chosen profession, whether as teachers, instructional coordinators, or administrators.

By engaging in academics at a higher level, educators with a master’s degree gain a more comprehensive understanding of essential topics such as child development, curriculum design, and assessment strategies. This advanced degree also prepares them for future professional development opportunities, further advancing their careers by staying current on the best practices in early childhood education.

Leadership and advocacy are crucial aspects of a successful career in early childhood education. Attaining a master’s degree in the field empowers educators to take on crucial roles such as directing programs, creating policies, and advocating for the needs of young children and their families. In addition, these individuals may become champions for important child-related issues, such as access to quality education and social equity for all children.

Instructional coordinators can also benefit from advanced degrees in early childhood education to strengthen their competencies in areas such as curriculum design, teacher mentoring, and program evaluation. These professionals may work directly with schools, districts, or government agencies to ensure that early childhood education programs adhere to the latest research-based techniques and standards.

In conclusion, pursuing an online master’s degree in early childhood education prepares educators for ongoing career advancement and opportunities for continuing education. By acquiring advanced skills and knowledge, professionals in this field can confidently lead, advocate, and drive the highest standards of early childhood education across various settings.

The Future of Early Childhood Education

The future of early childhood education is poised for growth and transformation. Technological advancements, increasing research, and changing societal values contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of this field. Administrators, educators, leaders, and directors all play crucial roles in shaping the future of early childhood education.

A key area of focus for the future of early childhood education is inclusive education, which ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to educational opportunities. School principals and administrators are essential in promoting inclusive practices within their institutions. They will need to adopt policies and implement strategies to create inclusive learning environments that are supportive and fulfilling for all learners. One approach could be the integration of targeted professional development for teachers, focusing on inclusive teaching methods, instructional strategies, and collaborative planning.

Leadership and administration within early childhood education will also need to adapt to the growing demands of the 21st-century learning environment. This includes incorporating technology in classrooms, developing curricula that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and embracing a global perspective to prepare children for an ever-changing world. Directors and administrators must collaborate with school principals to establish a vision for the future grounded in evidence-based practices and support the professional growth of educators.

The future of early childhood education also hinges on the strong involvement of parents, families, and communities in children’s learning experiences. Administrators and educators need to establish effective partnerships with families and provide support for fostering positive home-school connections. By closely involving families in the educational process, they will contribute to the development of a holistic and well-rounded educational experience for young children.

In summary, the future of early childhood education requires a multifaceted approach that combines advances in technology, inclusive education, leadership, and community partnerships. Administrators, school principals, directors, and educators must work together to shape a responsive and innovative early childhood education system that meets the diverse needs of all learners and prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world.

The 10 Best Foods to Boost Children’s Immune Systems

You might find yourself ordering from your local restaurants a lot during these uncertain times. It’s essential to find a balance and make sure your family is also eating healthy foods as much as possible. It may not prevent COVID-19, but building up your family’s immune system will help decrease the chance of someone getting a common illness and needing to go to the doctor during this crazy time.

We looked for foods that have a natural ability to help the immune system function to the best of its ability. Many of the following foods are rich in vitamins and minerals. They also have the ability to help gut health, which is essential for the immune system to fight off harmful bacteria that might enter the body. It could be hard to find some of the foods on this list due to shortages in grocery stores, so incorporate these whenever you can.

Healthy immune systems need regular nourishment, exercise, and sleep to function well. We can’t help your family with the other two, but this list of 10 foods have been proven to help improve the immune system and allow it to fight off common sickness.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric is a fantastic spice that you should add to your family’s diet during the cold and flu season. It can boost the immune system and help prevent your kids from getting sick. Turmeric  helps the body fight off bacteria that may enter the body. 

It might seem intimidating to cook with turmeric, but you can add a pinch of it in a breakfast scramble or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables with dinner. You can also add it to soup to a depth or add it to a smoothie that the kids have in the morning with breakfast.

9. Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants that are great for protecting against viruses, infections, and sickness. Green tea supports the creation of white blood cells, which help the body fight infection. 

You could make a pot of green tea before the family goes to bed to help relax the mind and release stress. You can also add it to a green shake that your kids drink in the morning or make green tea cupcakes for a semi-healthy dessert.

8. Broccoli

You can pass on the “eat your green vegetables” tradition to your children by adding broccoli to their diet. Broccoli is full of antioxidants and vitamins that are known to boost the immune system. Feeding your body, the right amount of B vitamins will help the immune system run smoothly and protect against common illness. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin C, which is also very good for boosting the immune system. 

You might think that it will be hard to get your kids to eat broccoli, but you can hide it in a tasty green smoothie, chop it up finely and add it to a stir fry with some of your kid’s other favorite foods like chicken and rice you can even hide it in a veggie pizza.  

7. Spinach

Spinach is not something that your kids are asking you to make for dinner, but adding it to their diet would be very beneficial for boosting their immune system. It’s full of antioxidants and beta carotene, which help the immune system protect the body from infections. 

Spinich might not be your childrens first choice but you can find ways to get them to eat it. Add it to a smoothie, they won’t even be able to taste it if you mix in their favorite berries. You could also try something new and make a breakfast pizza with a little spinach on top. It’s important to remember that spinach loses some of its nutrients the longer it’s cooked so its best to serve it raw as much as possible.

6. Red Bell Pepper

Red peppers are a good source of vitamin A and E and contain more than three times the amount of vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C helps fight off common illness by boosting the immune system’s ability to function. 

Throw some red peppers in a stir fry, make a burrito bowl with sautéed peppers for taco Tuesday or make a breakfast scramble with vegetables to add a little more nutrients to their meal.  

5. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes do more for the body than you might realize. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also help maintain gut health by getting rid of bad bacteria that may cause your kids to get sick. Sweet potato is a good source of beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. A healthy immune system needs vitamin A to prevent inflammation in the gut, which could stop the immune system from doing its job. 

Make a batch of sweet potato chips for snack time, make a sweet potato mash for dinner instead of having regular mashed potatoes, or create a sweet potato crumb cake for dessert.

4. Almonds

If you’re looking for a new healthy snack to give your children, try introducing them to almonds. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals which work together to boost the immune system. Pickier kids might have a hard time getting the right amount of iron and protein they need in their diet, cooking with almonds will help them get the recommended amount to help their immune system function properly. One of the biggest benefits of eating almonds is the ability to increase white blood cell production. The body uses white blood cells to get rid of infections and illnesses. 

You can give your kids a handful of almonds on top of their yogurt in the morning so that they will have the energy to help them make it through their day. Add them to yogurt for a healthy breakfast or on top of a salad for dinner to add an extra crunch.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is full of probiotics that fight off bad bacteria in the body, which helps boost the immune system. Fighting off the bacteria allows the immune system to perform its main function, which is to make sure that bacteria do not get into the bloodstream. In addition to promoting gut health, yogurt also is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Another benefit is that yogurt can be added to so many different things, and the flavors are virtually endless.

 Make delicious frozen treats for your kids to enjoy on hot summer days or add it to a breakfast smoothie, make a parfait for dessert, or throw some into a sauce to eat with dinner.  

2. Citrus

Your body can’t store vitamin C, so consuming some form of citrus regularly will be beneficial for your kid’s health. We need vitamin C to help increase the function of white blood cells which protect the body from harmful bacteria and infection. Oranges, tangerines, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are some forms of citrus that you can add to your kid’s diet. Lemon is believed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight off common illness and infections. 

You can give your kids natural orange juice in the morning with breakfast or add a fresh squeeze of lemon on fish with dinner to give your family that extra touch of vitamin C for the day.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood that doesn’t “taste healthy.” They are sweet, delicious, and full of antioxidants, which boost the immune system by protecting the body from free radicals that damage cells. In addition to boosting the immune system, blueberries also promote heart health, brain function and lower blood pressure, and many other things. 

Throw blueberries in healthy oatmeal pancakes. Let your kids make their own fruit parfait for breakfast with blue berries, their favorite yogurt and granola. Blueberries are also very good on their own and make an easy healthy snack for older kids. 

The 35 Best Indoor Activities for Kids

The spread of the coronavirus has canceled school for millions of students around the country. We want to provide you with a variety of activities that will keep your children entertained so they can enjoy this time at home. It’s beneficial to change up the activities as much as possible, so your kids don’t get bored. These ideas are simple, and they incorporate things that you already have around the house since going out is hard right now.

 

Life gets busy, and we want you to take this time to do more family activities while the kids have an extended break from school. We picked things for the whole family to do together as well as something the kids can do alone when you need a little quiet time. We want to help you make this scary time a little more enjoyable. 

 

35. Play Board Games 

Board games allow the whole family to forget about what’s happening in the world and laugh and play together for a few hours. There are so many different kinds of games that create hours of fun. For a longer game that brings the family together, Monopoly is an instant classic. For a shorter game that levels the playing field, Sorry and Parcheesi are a great option. For a game that is bound to bring out the competitive side try Trivial Pursuit to put that random knowledge to the test. 

 

34. Make Origami 

Who doesn’t love the magic transformation of turning a piece of construction paper into a work of art? Origami is fun to make, and it requires your kids to focus on directions to get the result they want. It strengthens their hand-eye coordination as well as their ability to listen and follow instructions. There are so many different tutorials on YouTube that will help your children create anything they can imagine. 

 

33. Spa Day 

Get out the bath bombs and face masks and treat the family to a spa day. Put on relaxing music and drink a nice cup of tea. Hand and feet massages will also be helpful during this stressful time. Complete the day with a fresh manicure and pedicure. Moms, dads, daughters, and sons can all benefit from these activities, and it’s an excellent way to teach your kids that they need to take time to pamper themselves when they get older.  

 

32. Sing Karaoke 

Music has a way of making dark times a little easier. There is nothing more freeing than belting out your favorite song with people that you love. Make a playlist of your family’s favorite songs and gather everyone in the living room for a karaoke session. Music has a way of helping people express their emotions, which is essential during this scary time. 

 

31. Read A Book     

Reading has a fantastic way of helping you forget what’s going on and transport you to a new world. You can let your kids cuddle up with a good book and relax for a few hours if they need some time to relax. Creating a virtual book club for your children and their friends could also be an excellent way for them to interact with friends while they are away from school. 

 

30. Jigsaw Puzzles  

Puzzles can keep your kids occupied for hours. They can give your family a chance to sit around the table and talk. Puzzles also help kids work on their fine motor skills and shape recognition as well as their ability to concentrate on a task until they see the result. Puzzles can be put together multiple times, which is valuable when you don’t know how long you will be stuck inside. 

 

29. Dance Party 

Get your family up off the couch and have a dance party. Your kids can learn the dance moves to one of their favorite music videos or create their routine to their favorite song. Dancing allows your kids to express themselves beautifully. 

 

28. Make a Sock Monkey 

Everyone has a pair of socks in their drawer that have seen better days. Instead of throwing them out, turn them into a sock monkey. They don’t take long to make, and you can use this project as a way to teach your kids how to sew. 

 

27. Coloring  

Coloring is an excellent activity for your kids when you need a little quiet time, or you want to work on something else. It’s relaxing, relatively mess-free, it doesn’t require a bunch of supplies, and it lets them use them to be creative. If you don’t have any coloring books on hand, go online and print out some of their favorite things, and then you will have a custom coloring book that will keep your kids entertained for hours. 

 

26. Organize 

I know that organizing doesn’t sound like fun, but this is the perfect time to have your kids organize their room. You can turn organizing into a game and teach them the value of responsibility and organization!

 

25. Play Simon Says 

Simon Says allows the kids to call the shots for a few hours. Take turns giving out orders, and you will be surprised how long they will be entertained. It gets them up and moving around the house, and it helps them work on their listening skills. 

 

24. Make Tik Tok 

Tik Tok is a social media platform where people post short videos. The videos are usually a dance, or a clip of them saying their favorite quote from a movie, the possibilities are endless. Help your kids think of a silly idea and spend the day filming them. Everyone could use a laugh right now, so send your tik toks to family and friends. 

 

23. Play Dough 

Squeezing and building with playdough has a calming effect on kids, which can be therapeutic during these difficult and confusing times. Fresh play dough has a soft texture which kids love to hold in their hands. It gives them the freedom to create anything their heart desires and lets them explore their creativity. It also helps improve fine motor skills, and it teaches them that actions have consequences when they smash it and manipulate it in different ways. If you can overlook the mess and their tendency to mix every color, it is an enjoyable activity. 

 

22. Write A Letter 

Right now is the perfect time to have your kids write letters to family and friends. Of course, you can still call and text people, but writing a message has a special personal touch, and it will make someone smile during this intense time. 

 

21. Make Slime 

Kids are obsessed with slime these days. It’s pretty inexpensive to make, and I’m sure you have most of the ingredients already, so whip up a batch of a new slime recipe or make an old favorite. Slime is perfect for kids and their sensory needs. Playing with slime helps keep them calm and release so of their bottled-up stress. 

 

20. Activity Books 

Some schools aren’t making kids do work during this extended break. Take this time to help them learn from home. Practicing topics, they were learning in school will help them transition back to school a little less stressful because it will keep things fresh in their mind. Activity books are full of fun games that make learning more fun and hands-on for kids that like to learn at their own pace. 

 

19. Yoga

Yoga is a calming activity that will help release some of the stress that your kids have during these crazy times. You can pick out a yoga video on YouTube and slow things down in your house for a few minutes. Yoga can improve your kid’s flexibility, coordination, and strength. 

 

18. Home Movie Theater 

You can’t take the family out to see a movie theater right now, so make some popcorn and bring the movie theater to your living room. The benefit of watching movies at home is you can be cozy with extra pillows and blankets. There are so many different streaming services, so your family can pick something new to watch. 

 

17. Build a Race Track 

Children that are obsessed with cars will love creating a huge racetrack in the living room. You can cut up old boxes and wrapping paper tubes and build an epic track that your kids can decorate and create any way they want. The sky’s the limit with this project. 

 

16. Obstacle Course

Move the furniture around the living room and create an obstacle course for your kids to do. There are no rules for building, and you can use things that you already have to create a challenging course. If you want to add a competitive edge to the course, get out the timer and see who can complete the course in the shortest amount of time. 

 

15. Have a Fashion Show 

Come up with a theme for the fashion show and have your kids go through their closets and see what looks they can come up with. The theme can be as creative and silly as you want. Decorate and area of your house as the runway to make the show feel more real. The final step is to create a playlist of music for them to walk the runway too and then sit back and watch the fashion show come to life. 

 

14. Puppet Show 

Turn some old socks into different puppets. You can use odds and ends lying around the house to give each character a personality. Your family can take turns coming up with silly stories and put on a show for everyone to enjoy.  

 

13. Make a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a good way for your kids to plan what they want to do when the quarantine is over. Visualization is a powerful tool because it inspires us to reach our goals. Help them pick pictures and other items from around the house that inspire them to put on their vision board. 

 

12. Play Charades 

Charades is such a fun game to play with the family. Each member of the family can write a few ideas down on strips of paper and fold them up and put them in a bowl. Everyone will take turns, acting out the silly ideas. 

 

11. Play indoor Basketball 

Get out the mini hoop or a laundry basket and let your kids see who can make the most baskets. It’s not going to be the same as playing outside, but it’s still fun to see who can make the most baskets. 

 

10. Make Jewelry 

This is the perfect time to use up some of those random beads you’ve been saving. Your kids can make bracelets to give their friends the next time they see them. There are no rules when it comes to making jewelry, so your kids will be able to make them any way they want. It’s a relaxing activity that will produce a beautiful gift for someone else. 

 

9. Build a Fort  

Let the kids gather up all the pillows and blankets in the house and build a fort. Things are always more fun in a fort. It will keep them entertained for hours, and it’s the perfect place to relax or play games with those you love. 

 

8. Bake A Dessert 

Baking is such a fun treat for the sweet tooth in the family. Get the kids involved and let them help you mix everything up. It’s more fun when you make something that they can decorate, like sugar cookies or any flavor of cake. Every sweet treat is better when it’s baked with love in the comfort of your own home. 

 

7. Indoor Picnic 

Change things up and spread out a blanket on the living room floor and let the kids have a picnic inside. Invite the stuffed animals for a fun afternoon full of delicious finger foods and a lot of laughter. 

 

6. Write in Journal 

Writing is an excellent outlet for your kids to let out their feelings and write about things that are bothering them. Give them a journal that they can decorate and make their own. This will be a very good thing for them to look back on when they get older. 

 

5. Create a Play 

Kids are very creative, so let them create their script for a play. You can help them design the costumes and then sit back and enjoy the show. This will be a great memory to record so they can look back on it when they are older. 

 

4. Cook Dinner

Food has the power to bring the family together. Inviting the kids into the kitchen to help might spark a new passion for them. Learning how to cook from someone they love will make the whole experience even more special. 

 

3. Make A Scrapbook 

Scrapbooking is a relaxing activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Your kids can gather clippings from magazines and their favorite pictures to create  

There are absolutely no rules when it comes to scrapbooking, so their imaginations will be able to run wild. Scrapbooks are the perfect gift for family, or they can keep it to look back on when they get older. 

 

2. Scavenger Hunt 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a scavenger hunt. Come up with a theme that your kids would love and make a list of things for them to find around the house. You don’t have to buy anything extra to have fun and that’s what’s important during this quarantine period. 

 

1. Virtual Museum Tours 

More than 2000 museums are offering virtual tours that give your kids the chance to learn about culture right from the couch. There all kinds of art and history museums that have created a virtual experience that gives your kids the chance to explore the topics they are interested in. Your family can travel the world in a matter of hours to explore all of the fantastic museums that each have their unique exhibits. You can visit the British Museum in London and then check out the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.

Talking to Your Children About COVID-19

COVID – 19 is starting to spread, so it’s time to talk to your children about it. This might be a hard topic to explain because you want to give them the facts, but you don’t want to scare them about it either.

Early data conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there is no evidence that children are more susceptible than adults. In fact, most cases have been found in adults and the elderly. They recommend that children wash their hands, avoid contact with sick people, and stay up to date on vaccinations.   

These are just five tips that we found to be helpful. It is also essential to keep up to date on the latest news, so you can follow health official’s directions. Remember to get your information from trustworthy sources and don’t create unnecessary panic in your family because that will do more harm than good.

5. Be Honest 

Being honest is the first step. Let your children know what’s going on and what health professionals are saying. It’s best to tell them what’s going on in your own words instead of letting them watch the news. You know what they can understand and what would upset them. Explain to them that the virus infects older people, and very few cases have been found in children.

4. Practice Good Hygiene

This is something that your children should be doing already, but there is always room for improvement. Tell them not to touch their mouth or eyes. Make them wash their hands more frequently and for a more extended amount of time than they might be used to. Have them wash their hands as soon as they get home. Wash their clothing that they were wearing outside as quickly as possible. Have them take off their shoes when they walk in the door, so they don’t track extra germs around the house. Bring hand sanitizer with you if you have to leave the house so you can kill bacteria as soon as they come in contact with surfaces that are touched frequently.

3. Let Kids Ask Questions

They might have a lot of questions about everything that is going on. Please do your best to gather information from reputable sources and professionals that know what they are talking about. You can also ask them questions to see what information they already know about the virus and correct them if they are wrong to help put their mind at ease.

2. Look for Positives

It might be hard to see it now, but there are actually some positive things happening in the world right now. Doctors and scientists are working together to cure this virus, so we won’t have to worry about it in the future. Looking for the heroes is also a positive thing to search for. This could be doctors and nurses helping sick people or Politian’s doing what they can to prevent the spread of this virus. Stepping back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending more time together as a family is also positive.

1.Comfort Your Children as Much as Possible

The best thing that you can do is let your children know that doctors and other health care officials are doing their best to help people that have been infected. They are also trying to eliminate the spreading of the virus, which is also comforting to know. It can be very overwhelming for children to learn about an event like this, so its best to reassure them that everything is going to be ok. Talk about things that they are worried about and explain to them that the virus most likely will not infect them if they listen to directions.

The 10 Best Books about Emotions and Feelings

It can be pretty overwhelming for children to learn about feelings. They don’t understand why they are acting a certain way when something happens, so they tend to throw a tantrum or act out physically. These books will be a useful tool for you to teach them the words and actions associated with their feeling so that they can handle them effectively.  

Each of these books uses simple terminology so that toddlers and children starting school will be able to understand and learn about how they are feeling. They will also give them techniques to use to calm down, so they can react appropriately to any given situation. There are many emotions, and it’s ok to feel them if you know how to deal with them in a healthy way. 

10. When Sophie Gets Angry

Anger is a natural emotion for everyone to feel, but it can be especially hard for toddlers to handle. They might throw a temper tantrum or act out physically. This book shows your kids how Sophie deals with her anger. She goes outside and feels the cool breeze or climbs on her favorite tree. She feels comfort when she removes herself from the situation that is making her angry, and then she feels much better. 

9. The Feelings Book 

 The Feelings Book will explain to kids that their feelings will always change, and that’s ok. Sometimes they will feel like dressing up, and sometimes they will feel like crying or camping with the dog, and sometimes they will feel like doing nothing at all. Your kids need to learn that they should share their feelings no matter how they feel. The emotions listed in this book are really silly, and the art style is bold and colorful, so younger children will love reading this book. 

8. Tough Guys Have Feelings Too 

Tough Guys Have Feelings Too is a fun way to open up a meaningful conversation with your children about feelings. The author uses characters like ninjas, wrestlers, and superheroes to explain that even people that might seem tough on the outside have feelings. This book will help you teach your kids that it’s ok to share how they are feeling because keeping it inside is not healthy. It also teaches them the important message that even dads have feelings despite what society might make them think.  

7. Calm Down Time 

Calm Down Time is a handy tool to teach your kids some activities that will help them calm down. This includes things like counting to three while taking deep breaths, talking about how they are feeling, and walking away from a situation that has upset them. This book works best with preschoolers because there aren’t a lot of words on the pages, and the message is straightforward. Overall this is a cute book that has a great message. 

6. How Do You Feel? 

This book is perfect for young children that are just starting to learn about feelings. There are not very many words on each page, and the art is simple. The main character is a little monkey, and each page shows different situations and how his mood changes over time. This book will teach your kids the words that identify the emotion. They will be able to see facial expressions and body language change according to each emotion. 

5. Llama Llama Mad At Mama

This book will feel all too familiar for parents that take their kid’s grocery shopping. Llama doesn’t want to go to the store with his mama, so he starts to complain. Suddenly his legs are too tired to stand up, he hates the music, and the list goes on. This book is an excellent tool to help prepare your kids to go shopping with you. It’s full of ideas to make shopping more fun for both you and your kids. You can do things to involve them and offer a reward for good behavior at the end. Your kids will learn that the shopping trip will go quicker if they listen to what you are telling them and don’t throw a fit. 

4. In My Heart 

In My Heart explains what it means to feel happy, sad, angry, and many other emotions. The author uses similes and metaphors to tell how the main character feels to make it easier for young kids to understand. The pictures do a fantastic job of helping illustrate exactly what each page is describing. The whole book is centered around a rainbow heart, and it gets a little bit smaller each time the page is turned until there is only one tiny heart left. This helps move the story along and keep your kids interested at the same time.  

3. Glad Monster, Sad Monster 

This book shows monsters doing all kinds of activities that make them feel different emotions. The main lesson that your kids will learn from this book is that everyone has different feelings in different situations. Activities that make your children happy might not make someone else happy, and that’s ok. All monsters are different. This book is very interactive and colorful, so younger children will really enjoy looking at each page. 

2. I’m Sad 

This is such a silly book full of entertaining characters. Flamingo is sad at the start of the book, and his friends help cheer him up. Nothing seems to be working, but they spend the day together, trying all sorts of crazy activities to make him happy. They eat ice cream, play hockey, go on all kinds of adventures to try to make Flamingo happy. At the end of the book, flamingo realizes that he had fun spending the day with his friends, and he still feels a little bit sad, and that’s ok. This book will teach your children that they don’t have to be happy all the time. They are allowed to feel sad sometimes too. 

1. The Way I Feel 

The Way I Feel is an excellent tool for parents to use to open up the conversation about how their child is feeling. It will help your child understand the words that are associated with how they are feeling. The art style on each page corresponds to the different emotions that are covered on each page. The page about happiness is bright and cheerful shades of yellow while the page about sadness is various shades of blue. This will help kids relate the emotion to different colors to help them better understand what is going on with their mood. Overall this is a beautiful book, and your children will learn all about the way that they are feeling.  

 

Our Guide to Making a Great Classroom Website

As a teacher, you want to engage students and inspire learning. Since teaching has existed, teachers have looked for ways to inspire children to want to learn. Teachers want to take advantage of all resources to equip students to reach their learning potential. Developing a website classroom is a step in the right direction in today’s world. Everything is online and adding this layer of portal learning that your students can relate to and possibly embrace this style of learning as it relates to the current relationship students have with computer devices.

Knowing what you want to achieve with your classroom website is an important question you should have answered before you begin building your site. This curriculum will help you bring resources and tools that express your lesson plan so teachers, parents, and students know what to expect from learning online. It is another tool that should exist in today’s classrooms as we live and interact more with technology. Check out other teachers’ websites to get ideas and learn what was successful for them and what were epic failures. Make a point to consider the following as you build your web classroom:

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The Top 10 Reasons to Join Your Child’s PTO

Though many parents are short on time, they still have a strong desire to become engaged not only in their student’s education, but also in their environment at school. Perhaps the single best way to make this happen is to join the PTO, which has traditional stood for Parent Teacher Organization. As its name implies, the PTO is concerned primarily with connecting teachers and parents so that they can better discuss the nature of their child’s education, the benefits and challenges facing the school district, and how volunteer efforts or any level of involvement might benefit all stakeholders in a dramatic, dynamic way.

Many parents know of the PTO, but they’re still on the fence about whether or not to join the organization and dedicate some amount of time to it. With many households relying on dual incomes and plenty of time spent at the office, it can seem as if there just isn’t any time to spare for involvement in this way. There are, however, plenty of reasons to join and plenty of opportunities even for the most time-constrained parents in a given school district. The top ten reasons to join range from academic benefits to personal fulfillment and beyond.
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The 10 Best Cookbooks for Children

You might find yourself having a sous chef when you’re in the kitchen. If one of your kids shows interest in cooking, you can encourage them to learn more by picking up one of these cookbooks. You will learn a lot about their taste in food and see what kinds of foods they like. It will also encourage them to be more adventurous with eating because they had the freedom to pick whatever they wanted.

Cooking is a skill that your children will use for the rest of their life and starting them out young will be very beneficial to them. These cookbooks will teach them about the techniques that chefs use, as well as the terminology they use. These cookbooks were created with kids in mind so most so the recipes are simple, and the flavors will appeal to them.

Think back to your childhood. Some of your best memories might involve cooking with a loved one or eating a good meal with your family. Help your kids make the same memories by picking up one of these 10 amazing cookbooks.

10. Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook

It can be hard to get your kids to eat healthy foods, but this book is full of recipes that even the pickiest eaters will like.  There are pictures of each meal, so your children will easily be able to flip through and see what they want to make. There are tips sprinkled throughout the book as well, so your young chefs will learn while they cook. Overall this is a great book, and there are over 100 recipes for your kids to explore.

9. The Complete Cookbook Young Chefs

This is the first kid’s cookbook created by America’s Test Kitchen. They are known for experimenting with food and helping people feel confident in the kitchen, and now they want to do that for kids as well. This cookbook is unique because each recipe was tested by kids to make sure that they could follow the directions with little to no experience in the kitchen. There are pictures to go along with each step to help give your children confidence as they go along. There is a perfect cookbook for kids that like to think outside of the box and try new things.

8. Cooking Class

This cookbook is full of creative meals that will get your kids excited about cooking. This cookbook is not like the others on this list because each recipe has a creative spin on food that kids might not want to try. They have taken things like boiled eggs and turned them into egg mice instead. Your children will have the opportunity to be creative while also cooking a delicious after school snack. There are recipes for snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and more. They will learn techniques through being hands-on and completing activities that can be found throughout the book. This book is geared towards kids ages 6 to 12, so if you have children that age, this is a great choice.

7. Super Foods for Super Kids Cookbook

It might sound like an impossible task to get your children to eat healthy foods. This book was created to teach kids that eating healthy can actually taste good. There are 50 different healthy recipes separated into five different categories, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert. The directions are simple, and your children will learn that it is essential to eat healthy foods if they want to grow big and strong and live an active lifestyle. Picking up this book will get your kids on the right path early on in life so that they can maintain it as they get older.

6. Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook

This book was created to give your kids the confidence they need to make good food. It was designed to help your kids gain skills as they progress through the book. The first recipes are simple and easy to make, and the later recipes are a little more complicated and rewarding to make. This cookbook is the perfect gift for kids that have shown interest in cooking but do not have much experience in the kitchen.

5. Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book

You can’t go wrong with this new version of an old classic. The Better Homes and Garden cookbook has been a staple in millions of households for many generations, and now you can pass it down to your kids. This is the newest edition of this book, and it has been fully updated with easy to follow instructions and all the latest techniques that chefs use to cook amazing meals. You can find a list of ingredients as well as what tools will be needed at the top of each recipe to make the whole cooking process a lot easier. The goal of this cookbook is to instill healthy eating habits in your kids from a young age. This cookbook will turn even the pickiest of eaters into master chefs in no time.

4. The International Cookbook for Kids

If you want to introduce your children to different cultures or go on an international trip, this cookbook is a must. There are over 60 kid-friendly recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico. Each recipe is made up of easy to follow steps, and there are pictures, so you can see what the finished product will look like. There are recipes for appetizers and desserts and everything in between. This cookbook even offers tips on ingredients, nutrition, and technique for using tools safely in the kitchen.

3. The Everything Kids: Cookbook 2ndEdition

This cookbook will give your kids exactly what they want…chicken tenders, fries, cookies, and so much more. Your kids will really enjoy looking through this book because, in addition to all of the amazing recipes, there are also puzzles and other fun activities for them to do. You can encourage your kids to have an interest in cooking by letting them pick out a different recipe to try each month. This is an excellent first cookbook to buy your kids because it will allow them to use their creativity and also teach them how to be safe in the kitchen.

2. MasterChef Junior Cookbook

The MasterChef Junior cookbook will show your kids that it is possible to cook like a chef even from a young age. This collection of 100 recipes was created by the young kids that appeared on the popular tv show MasterChef Junior during the first five seasons. Some recipes will be easier and call for ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets. Others will be a little more complicated. With a little practice and this cookbook will have your children cooking like a MasterChef in no time.

1. Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids

This cookbook was made for the little foodie in your life. There are more than 65 recipes that consist of five ingredients or less. Your kids will gain a lot of skills and techniques from the cooking lessons scattered throughout the book. They will learn how to slice and dice things as well as more complex skills like sautéing and grilling different kinds of food. The goal is to improve your child’s technique in the kitchen so that they feel confident enough to make meals on their own. This is an excellent first cookbook that will build a strong foundation for your kids to be successful in the kitchen.

The 10 Best Valentine Ideas for Kids

Valentine’s day is quickly approaching, and your kids are probably asking you about Valentine’s day cards to pass out to their classmates. Why buy them when you can let your kids make their own? Making valentines will let your kids express their creativity, and it’s more personal than buying them from the store. If they are in a big class with a lot of people, it may be intimidating, but we want to help narrow down the options to make it a little easier. We have found 15 of the best designs.

Who doesn’t love a good pun or a funny saying? Most of these cards include one or the other. We looked for valentines that were simple to make but also unique. Some of these designs will require you to print out the design, and others will require a little bit of hand-drawn art. We guarantee that any of these designs make Valentine’s Day special for your kids and their friends.

10. Dinosaur Valentine

It’s no secret that kids love dinosaurs, so we think this excellent dino design will go over well in the classroom. All you need to do is find a set of small dinosaur toys and attach them to the printable valentine design. You can add a colorful sheet of paper to match the dinosaur for an extra pop of color, and voilà the design is complete. Each kid will walk away with a new toy, which is always a good thing. You can find the tutorial here

9. Shovel Valentine

If you live in a tropical climate, this is the perfect design for your child to pass out to their class. Each valentine says, “hey valentine, I dig you” with a small shovel attached. You can get these shovels in bulk online pretty easily. Tie the shovel to a small bag of candy, and that’s it. This design doesn’t take long at all to finish, and everyone in the class will enjoy using the shovel on the beach. Click here to get the tutorial. 

8. Pencil Arrow Valentine

If your child gets asked to borrow a pencil regularly, this is the perfect valentine. It’s easy to make, and you can find valentine themed pencils in bulk at many different stores. All they need is a white piece of cardstock, hole punch, pencil, cap eraser, and ribbon. You will be surprised how quickly these can be made, which is perfect if your child has to make a lot of them. You can get the tutorial here

7. Fish Bowl Valentine 

You can’t go wrong with this school of fish-themed valentine. Its super cute and pretty simple to make. You need to print off the fishbowl template and then let your kid wrap it in cellophane. Fill up the fishbowl with goldfish crackers or Swedish fish candy to make it look like there is a school of fish swimming around in the bowl. You can find the tutorial along with the templet by clicking here.

6. Lego Valentine 

Who doesn’t love playing with Legos? Each child in the class will be given a bunch of Lego pieces that they can use to build whatever they want. All you need to do is print off the little card and then cut it out. Buy a big set of random Lego pieces and divide them up into small bags. This valentine will put a smile on everyone’s face, and that’s all you can ask for. Click here to get the tutorial. 

5. Straw Valentine 

It’s never too early to teach children about taking care of the environment, and this is a fun way to introduce the topic. Each kid in the class will be given a reusable straw that they can take home. These straws will help reduce the number of plastic straws that they use. All you need to do is pick up a pack of valentines themed straws and attach them to the card. Your child can make a card that says, “You are exSTRAW special, or you can print it out.  You can find the tutorial here.

4. Emoji Valentine 

Everyone uses emojis these days, so you know this will go over well in the classroom. There are so many different emojis that they can choose from when making these valentines. Each valentine could be the same, or each one can be unique to each classmate. There are many different emojis to choose from, so this will be a fun project to do. You can find some ideas here.

3. Tic Tac Toe Valentine 

Your child will be able to add some entertainment to recess with this tic tac toe game for Valentine’s Day. Tic, tac, toe is a fun and easy game for kids to play, and there are no small pieces that they can lose. There is a special edition of tic tac mints that come out around Valentine’s Day that can be used as the pieces for the game. This Valentine is unique, and the game can be reused over and over again, which is a bonus. Click here to get the tutorial. 

2. Watercolor Valentine 

It’s no secret that kids love to paint. It’s an activity that lets them express their creativity and gives them the freedom to do whatever they want. This valentine is a nice alternative to handing out candy and instead give them their own miniature set of watercolor paint to take home and make their own creations. You can print out the watercolor design, or you can let your kid paint each card by hand. The final step is to attach a small set of watercolor paints. You can get the tutorial here

1. Olaf Valentine 

A lot of kids have fallen in love with Frozen all over again with the release of the second film. This valentine will let all the kids in the class build a snowman out of marshmallows. Give everyone some marshmallows, candy eyes, mini m&ms, and mike and ike candy in a little bag, and they will be able to build a snowman that looks like Olaf. Print out or let your kid make a card to place on the top that says, “Do you want to build a snowman?” If you need a template for the card, you can get it and the tutorial here

The 10 Best Gingerbread House Designs

Are you tired of making the same old gingerbread house every year? We’ve got you covered. These are 10 creative ideas that will help you think outside the box and complete the dessert table at the family party. Some of these house ideas can be found in a kit and the rest can be made from scratch.

10. Miniature Gingerbread House

It can be really hard for little hands to build a regular size gingerbread house, so this mini option will be a perfect choice. Each of your children could design their own house to make a little gingerbread village. Each house has a unique design so you can let your children pick the one they want to make. These houses will add so much color and personality to your holiday decorations. 

Buy the kit here 

9. Modern Gingerbread House

This house is a modern take on the classic gingerbread house. This is very simple to build because of the flat roof and square design. Add candy for pops of color. Use white frosting for the main design. This will go perfectly with modern holiday decorations. 

Get the tutorial here 

8. Polar Express Train Kit

Okay so this one is technically not a house, but it will be perfect for any Polar Express obsessed kids. Decorate this simple design with frosting and candy to complete the perfect train. This kit is made out of chocolate cookie instead of gingerbread so chocolate lovers will enjoy eating this one.

Buy the kit here 

7. Gingerbread Fairy House

If your children are obsessed with little fairy houses they are going to love this idea. This whimsical house can be decorated with pastel colors and dusted with edible glitter to make it even more magical. 

Get the tutorial here 

6. Pretzel Cabin

You will start with a normal gingerbread house but then your children will use stick pretzels to make it look like a log cabin. Add trees to complete the perfect winter cabin vibe. Add nuts to the roof and vanilla wafer cookies for the doors and windows. Make a chimney out of chocolate wafer cookies. Add frosting on the ground for snow. Add candy for extra details.

Get the tutorial here 

5. Gingerbread House Cake

If your family isn’t that big on eating gingerbread you could make this delicious cake and decorate it with the façade of houses that your children have decorated. You still get the fun of decorating a house with the added benefit of eating cake.

Get the tutorial here 

4. Retro Camper 

This is a fun gingerbread idea for families that love to travel together or for people that just love the look of these old campers. The design will bring life and brighten up any dessert table. There are only four pieces, so it will be easy to make. You can add this to a gingerbread village or simply just make this depending on the look you are going for. 

Buy the kit here 

3. Tropical Gingerbread House

If you are dreaming of warmth this holiday season or you already live in a warm climate this is the house for your family.  Decorate with palm trees, succulents, and a pool to complete that tropical look. Pipe on the grass and a cobblestone path for added detail.  

Get the tutorial here 

2. The Grinch Whoville Gingerbread House

Bring Whoville to life with this quirky gingerbread house kit. This kit is inspired by the new animated movie The Grinch.  Decorate with bright colors and just remember the more imperfect the better. Throw on The Grinch in the background while the family puts this kit together for added fun. 

Buy the kit here 

1. Disney Frozen 2 Gingerbread House

Frozen is regaining its popularity with the release of Frozen 2. Your family will have so much fun building their own frozen creations. Decorate with different shades of blues and purples and remember you can’t add too many icicles. Complete the look with the figures that are included.

Buy the kit here 

Best Games for Family Game Night

Are you tired of endless games of Monopoly or Candyland on family game night? We’ve got you covered. These 10 games are simple for children, but adults will have fun playing them too. It’s nice to get away from screens for a few hours and enjoy laughing and talking with family and friends.  

If you are looking for a holiday gift for someone a board game is always a great option. You will be gifting someone something that they will have fun playing and making memories with their family and what could be better than that? 

We picked games that would be simple for children to understand but that would also be fun for the adults to play as well. We picked games that wouldn’t take hours and hours to get through like monopoly. We know that you will be able to find something on this list that your kids will love to play. 

10. Spontuneous

The little music lovers in your family will love playing this game. It covers all genres of music and you don’t have to be the best singer in the world to enjoy playing it. The objective is for one family member to say a word and then everyone else needs to start singing a song with that word in it. The first person to sing a song with the word in it gets to roll the dice and move their piece along the board.  Your family will have a blast singing and laughing together. All ages will enjoy it equally which makes it perfect for the whole family.  (Ages 8 and up)

9. Watch Ya Mouth

This game has grown in popularity over the last few years and for a very good reason. It is really fun to play with family and friends. It’s extremely silly and everyone can’t help but laugh when they play. The objective is to put these cheek restrictors in your mouth and try to read out a bunch of silly words and phrases. There are also family-friendly expansion packs to buy as well so the fun will keep going. (ages 8 and up) 

8. Sequence for Kids

Sequence for Kids is just like the classic game we all know and love, but this version is made just for kids. The recommended age is three and up because there is no reading involved and it is simple to play. The objective is to play a card from your hand and place it on the corresponding character on the board. If you can get four pieces in a row you win. 

7. Guess Who

Guess who is a fun two-player game that is perfect for the little detective in your family. The objective is to see if you can guess the other player’s mystery character by asking questions until there is one-character left. There are 24 different characters to choose from so your children will need to be observant and use their listening skills to win.  

6. Family Feud Trivia Box Card Game

Survey says that your family will have a lot of fun playing this game with your whole family. The objective is to fill in the right answers to different random questions before getting three strikes. One hundred people were surveyed, and the most popular answers will be on the board. There are literally hundreds of questions, so the fun will keep going for a long time. 

5. My First Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a two to four-player game that takes about twenty minutes to play. The objective is to be the first person to place all of your pawns on the board. Players will take turns building Carcassonne one tile at a time and when you close a street with one or more pawns of your color you get to put one of your pawns on the board. It is really simple and fun to play once you get started. It is recommended for children ages four and up but adults will have fun playing too. 

4. Pictionary Air

Pictionary Air is a new take on an old classic game. You will need to download the Pictionary Air app before you play so the game will be able to come to life. Players will point the screen at the person using the pen and the drawings will appear in the air. This is the perfect game for families that love to draw and be creative together. It is recommended for ages eight and up but younger kids could participate with a little help from a parent. 

3. Don’t Step In It Unicorn Edition

This is a silly game that kids will laugh at endlessly. The idea is that a unicorn visited the house during the night. They ended up leaving piles of colorful poop all over the floor mat that is actually the board for the game. Players will take turns spinning the spinner and take steps around the floor mat and try not to step in “it”. The catch is the player will be blindfolded which will make the game a little harder. 

2. Blokus Strategy Family Board Game

This is a very fun strategy game that everyone will enjoy. It looks simple, but you have to think when you are placing your pieces so you don’t run out of room. Each player is given 21 playing tiles that are in similar shapes to that of Tetris. The objective is to place your pieces on the board in a way that only the corners of the blocks are touching each other. The person with the fewest number of pieces left when the board gets filled up wins. 

1. Settlers of Catan Junior

Settlers of Catan junior takes about thirty minutes to get through. Your family will have so much fun exploring the seas of Catan. The objective is to build hideouts and encounter different islands. Each island offers different materials. The first player to capture seven pirate hideouts wins. This game has a lot of replay value because you will get a different outcome every time you play it. 

The 15 Best Holiday Books for Kids

It’s finally time for the whole family to become fully immersed in the holiday spirit. We have picked 15 of our favorite holiday books that the whole family will love curling up and reading together. They also will make a great gift for young readers ages five and up. 

You will be able to find a book that your children will love whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa.  Each one of these books focus on the different traditions for each of these holidays so you will be able to answer all your children’s biggest questions. 

When selecting these books, we wanted to make sure to include classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas as well as some newer books like “The Night Before Hanukkah”. So, what are you waiting for? Get your coziest pajamas on and make reading these books a new holiday tradition. 

15. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!


This is a classic book by Dr. Seuss. It is about the Grinch who is a grumpy character that is trying to get rid of the Christmas season by stealing all of the presents and decorations. He thinks that by doing this Christmas won’t happen but much to his surprise he realizes that the Christmas spirit lives inside the hearts of the Who’s. This book will show your children that Christmas is about more than the presents it’s about the joy of giving and being with those that you love. 

 

14. Latke, the Lucky Dog

 This is a cute little book about a family that adopts a dog on the first night of Hanukkah. The dog is the main character, so you get to look at the holiday through his eyes. He feels very lucky to be adopted during the holiday season because he won’t have to spend it alone. He gets in some trouble along the way and interrupts some of the Hanukkah traditions but his family understands that he is new, so they forgive him and enjoy the holiday anyway. The author introduces the traditions in a unique way that your children will be able to understand. Who can resist a story about a cute little dog? 

13. Together for Kwanzaa

Together for Kwanzaa was written by Juwanda G. Ford. This book is about the importance of family during the festive season. The main character, Kayla is worried that her brother won’t make it home in time to celebrate Kwanzaa with the whole family because of a bad snowstorm. The author discusses the traditions that surround the holiday. Your children will learn all about Kwanzaa and also the importance of cherishing the time they get to spend with family.  

 

12. The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a well-loved classic by Chris Van Allsburg. It takes place on Christmas eve when a young boy goes on a magical train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa himself. Santa lets him choose a present which all he wants is a bell off of the reindeer’s harness. On his way home, the little boy notices that he lost the bell and he is a little upset. When he wakes up on Christmas day he opens a package with the bell inside. His parents try to ring the bell and can’t hear it but the little boy can because he believes in the magic of the season. This book is a great reminder of just how magic the holiday season really is.  

 

11. The Night Before Hanukkah

This adorable book was written by Natasha Wing in 2014. It takes place the night before the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah is set to begin. Your children will read about the delicious latkes and other foods that are eaten. They will also discover the lighting of the candles each night and why that all got started. This book truly captures all the joy and love of the Hanukkah season.  

 

10. Seven Spools of Thread

The Seven Spools of Thread takes place in an African village. It follows the lives of seven brothers that fight all the time. The brothers find themselves in an interesting position when their father dies and leaves them a strange task to complete. The brothers have until sundown to make gold out of the seven spools of thread that he left for them or they will live a miserable life. This book shows the importance of getting along around the holidays and how family is the most important thing. 

 

9. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

This cute little book follows Pete the Cat on another one of his silly adventures. Pete finds out that Santa is sick this year and won’t be able to deliver gifts to every good child around the world. This book is entertaining and fun and your children will love the familiar character Pete the Cat. Will Pete be able to save Christmas or will Christmas not happen this year? 

 

8. The Story of Hanukkah

This book was written by David Adler in 2012. It talks about the most wonderful time of the year which is filled with games, food, family, and fun. It talks about the ancient miracle and the importance of remembering how Hanukkah all got started. He has simplified the story, so your children will be able to understand that the flame lasted eight nights and that’s why the holiday takes place over eight days. He has even included a traditional recipe for latkes so your family will be able to make them at home.  

7. My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa is about the origins of the holiday. It originated around the time of the American Civil Rights era. This book is full of facts and will inspire your children to learn more about the customs of the holiday and when it all began. This is a brilliant book that will teach your children so much about this beautiful holiday. 

6. Llama Llama Holiday Drama

What would the holiday season be without a little drama? This book is part of the beloved Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney. Llama is very impatient when it comes to the holiday season. He wants to open his presents early, but Mama carefully reminds him that presents aren’t that important. The real gift of Christmas is the fact that you get to spend it with people you love. Llama understands and is happy to wait a few more days to celebrate the holiday. This book will teach your children what is really important when it comes to the holiday season. 

5. The Sound of Kwanzaa

This book is all about the sounds of Kwanzaa. The author discusses yelling Harambee and dancing to the beat of the drums and how that got started. She also talks about the Umoja and how that brings the whole family together. Then she talks about the songs of the ancestors which is known as Kuumba. Each page is full of upbeat verses and colorful and vivid illustrations that will show your children how beautiful this holiday really is and how lucky they are to listen to such wonderful music that is full of history.

 

4. A Kwanzaa Miracle

This book is about a brother and sister that celebrate Kwanzaa with an elderly neighbor that was feeling lonely around the holiday. Little did they know they were about to have one of the best holidays of their life. Mrs. Jackson makes Kwanzaa a lot livelier than they were expecting. Everything from the food to the music made for a holiday that they would never forget. This book will remind your children to be kind to those who might be feeling lonely during the holiday season. 

3. N is for Navidad

This colorful book was written by Susan Middleton Elya and it describes the 22 nights that surrounds a Hispanic Christmas. It describes the tradition of putting shoes outside on the doorstep for the three wiremen to fill with treats and the angel that is hung above the door of each house. Each page represents a different letter of the alphabet so your children will be able to learn 26 Spanish words that are used to describe this festive time of year. 

2. Eight Winter Nights

This book is full of festive poems that describe the traditions of Hanukkah from the food to the sights and sounds. It follows a little family as they celebrate this holiday with all those they love. It will show your children how important it is to be with those they love around this time of year. 

1. The Seven Days of Kwanzaa

This book was written like the Twelve Days of Christmas song but it goes through the traditions and heritage of Kwanzaa. It describes the promise of unity and the fellowship that surrounds this beautiful holiday. It also talks about the drums that are typically played each night and the traditional colors that are worn to represent the origin of Kwanzaa. Each page rhymes which makes it fun to read through and the artwork is absolutely stunning which is an added bonus.

The 25 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas

It’s that time of the year again, the Elf on the shelf is making its exciting return.  We have selected our favorite ideas that will get you all the way to Christmas. 

There is no need to worry because most of these ideas are very simple and can be made with items around the house. 

25. Pin the nose on the Reindeer

These silly elves are playing a game of pin the nose on the reindeer. You can set this scene up under the tree with any of your children’s favorite toys. 

24. The Elf Stole Christmas

It seems that the Elf has taken the Grinch’s side this year and lost his Christmas spirit. You could read the book or watch the movie the night before and then set this up the next morning. 

23. Cookie Elf

This is the perfect time of year to get the family in the kitchen to bake some cookies together. You can make it look like the Elf got the ingredients together, and he needs help pouring them in the bowl and mixing up the ingredients. 

22. Snowman Elf

This cute little Elf has built snowmen out of some donuts. You can set this up for a quick breakfast treat to start the day. 

21. Potty Elf

 You could do this silly idea could do this on a night that you are making peas for dinner for an added laugh. This play on words is perfect for children that like a good laugh. 

20. Beach Bum

Is your family longing for the beach like this Elf? This is a fun idea to do if you have a pet that uses a heat lamp to keep warm. 

19. Sleepy Elf

 This tired Elf is hiding in a dollhouse. You can give out clues to help them find this Elf hiding in their room. 

18. Game Night

Who doesn’t love a game of Uno? This Elf is ready for the whole family to join in and play. 

17. Spy Elf

This adventurous Elf is climbing up the fridge. Your children could wake up to find this Elf when they are making breakfast in the morning. 

16. Stay Hydrated

These silly elves have found themselves in a tough situation. They could be hiding in the fridge waiting for your children to get a drink. Use a reusable bottle to cut back on plastic. 

15. Movie Night

Your children will love a spontaneous movie night, so have your Elf bring a new DVD and some snacks. 

14. Cereal Elf

How did these elves get themselves stuck in these cereal containers? You could hide them under the cereal to add an added shock factor to breakfast. 

13. Spider Elf

 Your children won’t be expecting spider elf to be hanging from the ceiling. You could hang this in their room during the night, so they find it when they turn the light on in the morning. 

12. Just Hanging Around

This silly Elf could be hanging up in their closet, so they find it when they are getting ready to get dressed for the day. 

11. Cup Cake Elf

It seems that this Elf might have a bit of a sweet tooth. He could stop by after dinner to bring a dessert to the whole family. 

10. Does it have Sugar?

Your children will get a shock when they walk in the kitchen and see the Elf eating Buddy’s famous spaghetti from the movie Elf.  

9. Elf Twister

These two look like they are having so much fun that maybe the kids will want to join in with their own game. 

8. Just Chillin

Your children would not expect to find the Elf lounging in a beach chair inside of the fridge, so this could be a bit of fun. 

7. The Force

The new Starwars film is coming out soon, so this could be a fun way to get your kids excited about that. This poor Elf can’t save himself from Darth Vader, but maybe your children can help.

6. Heavy lifting

This Elf is trying to burn off some of that Thanksgiving meal. You could use these marshmallows for a delicious cup of hot chocolate for a bonus. 

5. Toothpaste mischief

 This would be a fun way for your children to find their pesky Elf in the morning when they go to brush their teeth. 

4. In the dog house

This Elf seems to find himself in a tricky situation. It appears that he might need some help getting out of the treat jar.  

3. Spa Day

This Elf seems to be having a bit of a relaxing spa day. This would be the last thing that your children would expect to find in the bathroom when they are getting ready for the day. 

2. Frozen

 It looks like this poor Elf is on the wrong end of Elsa’s magical powers. This is the perfect time to use this idea with the release of the second film.  

1. Dog Walker

This is a great way to incorporate toys that are already lying around the house. You could have the Elf walking some of your children’s favorite toys so that they will have a more significant reaction when they finally find that pesky Elf.

10 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

It can be hard to entertain a house full of kids on Thanksgiving Day. These 10 crafts are very simple to make, and the kids will have so much fun creating them. You will also have things to decorate the house with when they are finished making them so that is an added bonus. 

 

Don’t worry, you won’t have to decorate your house with another boring old turkey made out of a hand print. These crafts are all unique and some of these crafts are even edible which is always a bonus. We guarantee that your family will have fun making the crafts on this list. Enjoy the time you have with the people you love and make memories that will last a lifetime making these adorable crafts. 

 

 

10. Finger-paint Tree 

 

What you need: Drawing or print out of a tree and paint. 

 

For this craft, all you have to do is print out or draw a picture of a tree. You could do this part before everyone gets to your house but if there are a lot of artists in the family they can draw their own. Put out some washable paint and have each child make leaves with their thumbprint. This is a very simple craft and it looks nice framed or hung up on the fridge.

 

Get the tutorial at First Palette 

 

9. Paper plate Turkey

What you need: paper plate, tissue paper, brown construction paper, orange construction paper, glue and googly eyes.

The first thing that you will have to do is cut a paper plate in half. Cut up bits of tissue paper in little squares. You can use whatever colors you have on hand. The more colorful the better. The kids will have fun gluing the little squares all over the paper plate. Glue a circle on the front of the plate for the head. Cut out a gobbler and beak. Glue on googly eyes for the finishing touch.

Get the tutorial at Happy Home Fairy 

8. Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes

What you need: Cake mix (any), icing, candy corn, nutter butter cookies, Oreos, red candy preferably a fruit roll-up, edible eyes and cupcake wrapper.

This is a craft that you can eat. What is better than that? You can make any flavor of cupcakes that you like. This is a fun thing for all of the kids to help with. While they are cooling start making turkeys on the nutter butter cookies. You can use the orange part of candy corn to make the beak. Use little pieces of fruit roll-up or some other ready candy for the gobbler. You can paint on eyes with icing or use edible eyes from a craft store. Stick candy corn inside of an Oreo for the body of the turkey. Assemble the body on top of the iced cupcake and voilà you have a perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Get the tutorial at Your Cup of Cake

7. Leafy Placemats

What you need: assorted fall leaves, wax paper, an iron and card stock in fall colors.

The first thing you need to do is have all of the kids go out in the yard and pick up some of the leaves that they like. Lay a piece of wax paper down first and then the construction paper. Have the kids arrange the leaves around on the paper in a way that they like. Have them write Happy Thanksgiving and then lay the second piece of wax paper on top of all the project. Take the iron and run it on top of the way paper and it should bond together created the finished placemat.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic 

6. Pinecone Turkey

 

What you need: Pinecone, googly eyes, red, yellow, orange and green paper, glue.

You can find pinecones in craft shops, but it could also be fun to go out and find some around where you live. The next thing you need to do is cut out feathers with the construction paper. Then all you have to do is glue the feathers on. Hot glue works best but you can use what you have at home. Cut out wings, a beak, and a gobbler and you are almost done. All that’s left is to glue googly eyes on and you have a cute little turkey.

Get the tutorial at Scholastic 

5. Scarecrow Paper Plate Craft

What you need: Plate, googly eyes, pipe cleaner, construction paper, tan raffia, and glue.

This is a unique craft that is cute for the fall season in general. You will take a paper plate and turn it into a scarecrow that each child will be able to take home and hang up at their own house in the fall next year. You will have the children cut out a hat that will help make the raffia look more like hair. They can decorate the hat anyway they want. Glue some raffia on the top of the plate and then glue the hat. Place the eyes, nose, and mouth and that’s it.

Get the tutorial at Finding Zest 

4. Native American Teepee Templates

What you will need: The teepee template, crayons, and sticks.

This is the perfect way to teach the children in your family about native American culture. These teepees will look great as a decoration on the table. The first thing you need to do is print out the templet. You can have each child color their teepee however they want. Once they are finished with that cut it out and make it into a 3D shape. Add sticks to the top to give it a more accurate look. This craft is very simple and quick to make and they look great.

Get the tutorial at First Palette

3. Bubble Wrap Indian Corn

What you need: Bubble wrap, paint, twine, and card stock.

The first thing that you will need to do is draw a piece of corn on a white piece of card stock. Cut out a piece of bubble wrap the same shape and size of the corn. Then you can have all the kids paint their piece of bubble wrap with yellow, red and orange until it is completely covered. Let that completely dry and then glue it to the card stock cut out. Punch a hole in the top and tie a piece of twine to make it look like the corn husk.

Get the tutorial at Kiwi Co 

 

2. Paper Strip Pumpkin

What you will need: Orange construction paper, green construction paper, glue and a marker.

This is a very simple craft that will make a nice centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table. Cut out a bunch of orange stripes of paper. If you want this to be kind of small cut the stipes when the paper is horizontal. If you want it to be a little bigger do this when the paper is vertical. Form the stripes in the shape of a circle and start to glue them together. Twist a strip of green paper and put it at the top of the sphere so it looks like the stem. You can leave it there or have the kids write things they are thankful for on the orange strips before they make the pumpkin shape to make them more meaningful.

Get the tutorial at A Dab of Glue will do 

1. Pilgrim Hat DIY Cookie Craft

What you need: Vanilla frosting, yellow food coloring, miniature peanut butter cups, fudge stripe cookies, and orange bubblegum.

The first thing you need to do is put the vanilla icing in a bowl. Add some of the yellow food coloring and mix it up. This will be used as the glue that holds the peanut butter cup to the fudge stripe cookie. Flip the fudge stripe cookie so that the chocolate side is facing up. Then put some of the vanilla icing on the center of the cookie and place the peanut butter cup on top. Then place the orange gum in the front for added detail. This is a very simple craft that the kids will love making together.

Get the tutorial at Taste of Home

 

The 10 Best Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids

We have the perfect list of DIY Halloween costumes that are simple to make if your kids get invited to any last-minute parties. It can be hard to find a costume that they love in the store, so we have found some easy ideas to make at home with stuff you have lying around. We have provided images to help inspire you to recreate these iconic looks. 

10. Thing 1

This is a classic Halloween costume that is pretty simple to make. All you need is a red t-shirt and a white sheet of paper. You write thing one on the paper and cut it into a circle. You can add a blue wig from a previous costume or even put on a blue hat as a substitute. It doesn’t matter what they wear on the bottom, which is a bonus. This costume is simple and can easily be made for multiple children as a last-minute idea. 

9. Superman/Clark Kent 

 Your kids will look super in no time with this awesome Superman costume. Your child can pop on a superman t-shirt with a white button-up overtop paired with glasses if they are going for the Clark Kent changing into superman look. A superman t-shirt is also an option if they want to look like superman. 

8. Artist

This is a fun idea for any art lover. All you need is an apron. You can splatter paint on it for an added detail. You could also turn this costume into Bob Ross if you have a spare afro wig laying around for a previous costume. You can also make a pallet out of an old cardboard box. 

7. Ladybug

Your children will score all kinds of candy in this lucky ladybug costume. All you need is a piece of red clothing and black paper or felt. Cut out circles and attach them with glue. You can add pipe cleaners to a headband to add antennas. 

6. Kermit the Frog

All you need is a green shirt, and green felt or paper. You can cut out that iconic pattern and glue it to the neck of the shirt. You could add his eyes onto a green headband to add more of that classic Kermit the Frog look. Or you could use a green hoodie and glue the eyes to the top of the hood for the same effect. 

5. Bumble Bee

This cute costume will have your little one buzzing with excitement. If your child has a yellow shirt in their closet, they can put that on, and you can tape or glue black strips of paper on it to make it look like a bee. You can add a stinger in the back for added detail. Add antennas onto a headband using pipe cleaners. 

4. Where’s Waldo

All you need to make this costume is a red and white striped shirt and jeans. If you have an old pair of glasses lying around, your little one can pop those on, but if you don’t, you can always make some out of pipe cleaners. 

3. Skeleton

This is a cool costume that can be made in a few different ways. You can put a black shirt over a white shirt and cut out a skeleton design using a pattern found online. You can also paint the skeleton on a black shirt with white fabric paint. You can also add face paint to add extra spooky detail to this excellent design.  

2. Nerd

This is a classic take on the outdated idea of what a nerd looks like. You can use an old pair of glasses and put tape on the nose piece and dress your little one in a sweater vest or button-up shirt. 

1. Emoji

Emojis are very popular, so why not dress your little one up as their favorite emoji? All you need is a yellow shirt and a marker. You can let them draw their own, or you can help them out with a little paint or a marker. You can also cut out a circle from a box and paint that if they don’t have a yellow shirt that they want to use. 

The 6 Best Educational Blocks for Toddlers

We know that it can be hard to find educational toys that toddlers will actually enjoy playing with. Blocks are a great choice because they encourage creativity and help strengthen cognitive and motor skills. They may be one of the original toddler toys, but they still one of the most popular for a good reason.

There are so many different sets that can help improve your toddlers different motor and cognitive skills. You can use them to help teach things like letters, shapes, colors, and numbers, among many other things.

Toddlers like to hold and hit blocks together, which helps them develop their hand-eye coordination. Reaching out and grabbing blocks might seem simple, but it helps toddlers learn about perception and spatial awareness.

Blocks encourage toddlers to be creative and use their imagination in so many different ways. They give toddlers the freedom to build things the way they want. They can also pick colors and make patterns that they like.

It can be hard for toddlers to work well with others, but you can use blocks to encourage toddlers to be social and interact with siblings or friends. Sharing blocks will teach them how to work and cooperate with others.

Even though blocks are simple, there are many benefits to buying them for your toddler. We focused on the best sets that offer different kinds of learning opportunities. There are a variety of different unique sets, and we are positive that you will find the best blocks for your toddler.

6. One Two Squeeze Baby Blocks

These blocks are super soft, so you won’t have to worry about sharp edges scratching your little one’s delicate skin. These are a must-have for teething toddlers that chew on everything because they are made with a soft and squishy material perfect for chewing on. They are also BPA free, so you won’t have to worry about them swallowing harmful chemicals. The set comes with 10 colorful blocks that can be used to stack or build with. There are numbers and animals on each side of the block, so you can slowly start to teach your child to count to 10 and also identify different animals. These blocks also squeak, which is an added entertainment value.

5. Fisher – Price Baby’s First Blocks

These blocks will keep your little ones entertained for hours as they try to fit each shape in the corresponding hole. Your toddlers will have fun while learning colors and shapes with this set of blocks. They will also be learning basic problem-solving skills as they try to figure out where each block goes. All the blocks fit nicely in the container, and there is a handle which makes it the perfect set to take with you on the go.

4. WELINK 120 PCS Stem Building Blocks

There are seven different shaped pieces in this unique set of blocks. The pieces are not like traditional blocks because they fit together to make all kinds of fun creations you can’t really stack them. These blocks will encourage creativity because the building options are endless. These blocks can also teach your children concentration as they focus on building and fitting pieces together. Toddlers can also learn about 10 different colors and up to 120 numbers with these fun blocks.

3. Teaching Time Number Blocks

This is a unique set of blocks that you can use to help teach your toddler about telling time while they learn about numbers and counting at the same time. They can also learn shapes and colors too. This set is not your traditional stacking blocks, but a fun puzzle made with toddler-friendly blocks. This is an excellent tool to help get your toddlers ready to start school.

2. Wooden Alphabet Blocks

This set of blocks is sure to keep toddlers entertained for hours. They look like a traditional set of alphabet blocks but with the added bonus of a wagon. The wagon is perfect for storage, but your toddler will love pulling their blocks around with them wherever they go. There are 30 colorful blocks in the set. Each block has a letter on the top and animals, shapes, and pictures on the side to help expand your littles ones growing vocabulary. These blocks are the perfect size for tiny little hands, and they are BPA free, so you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.

1. Jumbo Bilingual  ABC Stacking Blocks

These jumbo blocks are perfect for building or stacking. They have a nice smooth 1finish, so They will keep your little ones entertained for hours which helps improve their concentration. Building and manipulating blocks also helps refine motor skills. The biggest benefit to your child playing with these blocks however, is the fact that they will teach them basic words in English and Spanish. They will learn shapes, animals, numbers, parts of the body. Learning two languages can have a huge impact on the brain so it’s best to start early.

The 10 Best Books About Sharing

“That’s Mine!” “I was playing with that!” These might be a couple of your toddler’s favorite catch phrases at the moment. The idea of letting someone else play with their toy is hard for toddlers to understand. We wanted to find books that explain that sharing can actually be fun or at least keep them out of the naughty corner. A lot of these books explain that sharing can actually double the amount of fun because when they share their toys, other kids will be more likely to share with them in return. 

10. Llama Llama Time to Share 

Llama is not happy when her mama invites the new neighbors over to hang out. Nelly Gnu and her little brother makes themselves right at home and start playing with all of Llama’s toys. Nelly starts to play with Llamas favorite toy, fuzzy llama. They both start to pull on an arm until finally the arm comes right off. Luckily mama knows how to fix it At the end of the day Llama made a new friend and she learned that it is better to share than to have a broken toy. 

9. Norris The Bear Who Shared 

Norris The Bear Who Shared takes a unique approach to showing children how to share. This story follows a bear that is waiting for the last fruit to ripen and fall out of the tree, so he can eat it. Much to the bears surprise there are two other animals waiting as well. Once the fruit is ready the bear does catch it, but he decides to share so he can make new friends. This story will teach children patience as well as how to be a good friend. 

8. Should I Share My Ice Cream? 

Elephant has a hard choice to make. Should he share his ice cream with his best friend Piggie or not? He contemplates this decision during the course of the book and once he makes his decision he ends up dropping it. He is so upset but much to his surprise Piggie walks up with some ice cream of her own. Piggie ends up sharing the ice cream because Elephant was going to be kind and share his with her. This book will show children that if they are kind to others, others will be kind to them in return. 

7. Emily’s Sharing and Caring Book 

Emily’s Sharing and Caring book is all about learning proper etiquette when it comes to sharing with friends. Kids will learn that sharing is caring and it can make someone’s day. This is a very funny book that will have your kids laughing while they are learning at the same time. The pictures are bright and colorful which kids are sure to love. 

6. Sharing Time 

Sharing Time is a very cute story that teaches kids that sharing can mean double the fun. This is a good read for little kids that don’t quite understand why they need to share with others. It shows kids that sharing makes other people happy which will make them happy as well. This book explains that there are a few different choices when it comes to sharing toys. Those choices are, everyone plays with the toy together, everyone can have a turn, or everyone can wait for another time. The author, Elizabeth Verdick knows that sharing can be tough, so she points out where to turn when it becomes hard to share with other people. 

5. I Can Share! 

I Can Share is an adorable book about the importance of sharing. There aren’t very many words on a page which makes it perfect for young kids. Each page introduces a different problem about sharing and then different characters will introduce a solution to the problem. It’s a good way to teach kids how to find their own solution when a problem arises. Its short and gets right to the lesson that sharing is more fun than being selfish and playing alone. 

4. The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share 

The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share is a fun rhyming book about a little boy named Edward. He had so many toys but wouldn’t share any of them with his little sister Claire. During this story you see him pile up all of the toys, so she couldn’t touch any of them. Their mom comes in the room with some delicious fudge, but she couldn’t see Edward hiding is the pile of toys, so she gave it all to Claire. Edward was stuck but Claire decided to be nice and help him out and shard the fudge with him and suddenly he had a change of heart. He learned that it is nice to share his toys with Claire so that she will share stuff with him in return. 

3. Pie Is for Sharing 

Pie Is for Sharing is a stunning book written by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and illustrated by Jason Chin. In the beginning of the book you see a group of people cutting up a pie to all share together. Throughout the day you see them share a book, a ball, and a of course the nature surrounding them. Nature is always the best when it is shared with others. By the end of the story they share a blanket to watch fireworks together and of course they have another pie to enjoy. There aren’t many words in this book which is perfect because the pictures are very beautiful to look at and they will show how happy these children are sharing all of their things throughout the day. 

2. Groovy Joe: Ice Cream & Dinosaurs 

Groovy Joe has a delicious bowl of doggy ice cream which tastes so good it makes him sing. Next thing you know a dinosaur bursts into the room and grabs a spoon and starts to eat some ice cream. Groovy Joe knows that it’s important to share so he lets the dinosaur eat. Next thing you know they both start to sing about how much they love the ice cream. By the end of the story two more dinosaurs join Groovy Joe and the first dinosaur and they all eat the yummy doggy ice cream. They all shout it’s important to share and then start singing and dancing around singing they love their doggy ice cream. This is a really fun story with vibrant illustrations, so it is perfect for children just starting to learn about the importance of sharing. 

1. That’s (Not) Mine 

That’s (Not) Mine is the second book in the series written by Anna Kang. This book is perfect for kids ages 2 and up because the text is very simple and easy to understand. The pictures change as the story progresses to really help get the message of this book across. The book is about two friends that fight over one cozy chair. They can’t decide who the chair belongs to so they start to push and argue about who gets to sit in it. At the end of the story the two friends come up with the perfect solution. This book will open up the conversation about how to figure out what belongs to them and what belongs to someone else. 

The Best Robot Kits for Kids

Why Are Robotics Kits a Good Investment?

By getting your kids involved in robot kits and robot games, engineering, mathematics, and other science kits at an early age you allow them to learn the basics of programming, advance intellectually, grow in confidence, and teach kids to become more prepared for the constant technologically advancing world.

What Makes a Good Robot Kit?

  • How engaging is it for your kids and you? You want something that either will keep your child engaged and learning individually or allow you to work with your child.
  • What does it offer parts wise? How many parts and what the parts are in the kit are influential factors since this can give you some limits if the kit comes with only a few pieces?
  • What the kit does (make a robot program, teach about a type of energy source, etc.)
  • Are the instructions easy to follow for both you and or your child? Instructions and the ability to understand/follow the instructions are important for achieving the desirable end product.
  • Quality of the overall product.
  • Your budget, some robotics kits can be rather expensive than others.
  • Are the parts safe for your child’s age group? Some robotics kits come with small metal bolts, electrical components, and other small pieces that would be a hazard if swallowed. Make sure the kits are age appropriate and suit your child’s abilities.

Top Ten Robot Kits for Toddlers (Ages 1-3 Years Old)

1.  Haite NO.K1 Smart Remote Control Robot Toys Alpha Modern Companion for Kids with Shoot Music Dance Arm-Swing, 2.4G Intelligent Programmable Humanoid RC Robot Kit

Rating 5.0
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • High quality, environmentally-friendly ABS materials used
  • All keys on remote control can be programmed to add many playing ways
  • Move in all directions
  • Two modes of walking speed
  • Remote Control: Infrared remote control distance of 30 meters with 2.4 GHz transmission
  • Comes with instructions and USB charging cable

Cons

  • 2 AA batteries required and not included (for remote control)
  • Due to being remote controlled it is best to keep both robot and remote control together
  • Fairly expensive price
  • Charging time for robot’s battery is 2 – 3 hours and only lasts 20 – 30 minutes of play

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

2. SAM Labs Curious Cars Kit – Educational STEM Toy – Race and Play: Build and Program Your Own Cars and Games

Rating 5.0
   
Ages 3-7 years old

Pros

  • Six rechargeable SAM blocks
  • Curious Cars App to play the game and SAM Space App to program your own inventions, compatible with Apple Mac, IOS, Android, and Windows desktop
  • Includes 20+ projects
  • Includes easy-to-read instructions
  • Compatible with LEGO

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Uses Bluetooth

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

3. Nuts and Bolts Building Toy for Toddlers to Pre-Kindergarten with Tool Box Storage Container, Idea Guide & Ratchet by Skoolzy

Rating 4.7
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Comes with 87 pieces
  • Nuts and bolts construction building toy is durable
  • Comes with an idea guide/instruction manual
  • Comes with a little storage container to put all the pieces inside
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Offers a wide variety of things to be built

Cons

  • Not for children under the age of 3 due to small pieces being a choking hazard
  • Nothing is motorized or programmable

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4.  Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook

Rating 4.5
   
Ages 3-10 years old

Pros

  • Comes with a 32-page illustrated instructions manual that is easy to read in story format
  • Has 53 pieces and makes ten different models
  • Highly durable pieces for safe construction
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Robots have moving parts, wheels, and gears

Cons

  • Nothing is motorized or programmed

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

5. SainSmart 17DOF Biped Black Educational Robot Kit with Servo Bracket Ball Bearing for Hobbyists, Robot Competition

SainSmart 17DOF Biped Black Educational Robot Kit

Rating 4.3
   
Ages 1-3 years old

Pros

  • Makes a little durable humanoid robot
  • Can be motorized
  • Parts are made of quality metal materials

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Time-consuming to build end product
  • Requires adult supervision
  • Instructions are downloaded
  • Motor is sold separately

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6.  Magformers Hi-Tech Walking Robot Set (45 Pieces)

Rating 4.0
   
Ages 3-8 years old

Pros

  • Comes with a step by step booklet
  • Compatible with most MAGFORMERS shapes and accessories except XL shapes
  • Can build eight walking robot characters
  • Motorized to make the little robots walk

Cons

  • The magnets can come loose and become a serious choking hazard, so parental supervision is advised
  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Can be a little noisy due to the motor

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7. Rolimate DIY 3D Changeable Nut Car Building Toy for Kids – 30 Pieces Wooden Puzzle Blocks

Rating 3.5
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Made of wood
  • All non-toxic, child safe, and made to last
  • Comes with a small pouch to keep all pieces together
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • No noise
  • No batteries required

Cons

  • Must be used under adult supervision
  • No step-by-step guide to help build
  • Not motorized or programmable

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8. BeginAgain Tinker Totter Robots Build Your Own Robot Kit & Robot Building Game

Rating 3.1
   
Ages 3-10 years old

Pros

  • Pieces easily come apart and go back together again
  • Made of durable natural rubber wood
  • Makes four robots
  • No noise
  • No batteries required
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Has a small ball that may pose a choking hazard

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9.  3D Creative Builder, 280 Pieces, Educational Kids Engineering Construction Building Toy with Power Drill

Rating 3.0
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Comes with detailed instructions
  • Builds a wide variety of toys through the step-by-step guide
  • Comes with mini battery-powered drill
  • Made of durable materials
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Requires 2 AA batteries that are not included

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. Peach – Mini Solar Powered Car – DIY Car Kit Assemble Toy Set Science Educational Kit Educational IQ Gadget Hobby Funny Assembly Robot Vehicle

Rating None available
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Solar powered, no batteries required
  • Comes with instructions
  • Simple to build
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Motorized

Cons

  • Relies heavily on sunlight
  • Not very fast

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Recommendations: The best kits to buy for your little one would be Kids First Robot Engineer Kit and Storybook, Nuts and Bolts Building Toy for Toddlers to Pre-Kindergarten with Tool Box Storage Container, Idea Guide & Ratchet by Skoolzy, and 3D Creative Builder, 280 Pieces, Educational Kids Engineering Construction Building Toy with Power Drill. They all offer the safest toys quality and parts wise as well as being fairly inexpensive making for a budget-friendly investment.

Top Ten Robot Kits for Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) (Ages 3-4 Years Old)

1.  Magnetic Building Blocks Toy Set – Create Cars, Truck, Motorbikes, Robots and More

Rating 5.0
   
Ages 4 years old and up

Pros

  • Wide variety of design options
  • Comes with instructions
  • High-quality ABS plastic magnets reduce the chance of breaking
  • 30-day full refund if not satisfied with product
  • Comes with storage container to store all parts and pieces
  • No noises
  • No batteries required

Cons

  • Fairly high price
  • Small parts make this a potential choking hazard for those under the age of 3

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

2. Robot Car Designer Zoob Building Blocks with Axels and Joints

Rating 4.9
   
Ages 4 years old and up

Pros

  • Contains an idea sheet
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Made of quality plastic and rubber materials
  • No noises
  • No batteries required

Cons

  • Does not contain instructions
  • Not motorized or programmable

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

3.  LEGO 31313 Mindstorms Programmable EV3 Customizable Robot with Sensors

Rating 3.9
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Equipped with touch, color, and infrared sensors
  • ARM9 processor, USB port for Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity, Micro SD card reader, back-lit buttons, and four motor ports
  • Intuitive software, Windows PC and Mac iOS, with an icon-based drag and drop programming interface
  • Control and command your robot with the enclosed remote control or download the free app for your smartphone or tablet
  • Motorized and programmable

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Requires 6 AA and 2 AAA for remote control

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4.  Frightened Grasshopper Kit – Solar Powered

Rating 3.8
   
Ages 1-4 years old

Pros

  • Solar powered
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • No batteries required
  • Micro vibration motor is driven by being placed directly in the sunlight
  • No assembly required

Cons

  • Requires direct sunlight to work

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

5. 4M Soda Can Robug

Rating 3.8
   
Ages 3-15 years old

Pros

  • Contains detailed instructions and all the necessary parts
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Good for teaching the importance of recycling and repurposing

Cons

  • 2 AAA batteries required, not included
  • Small parts, not for children under the age of 3 years
  • Requires an empty soda can
  • Requires a mini screwdriver
  • Does make noise as it moves

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6.)

Rating 3.5
   
Ages 3-8 years old

Pros

  • Multiple bugs can be used at the same time
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Measures 360-degree movement
  • Remote controlled
  • Comes in red or blue

Cons

  • 2 AA batteries are required, 9V battery is required in each remote, batteries not included

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7.  Contempo Views Lego Compatible Educational Robot: Customizable & Programmable Robot for Kids Students Libraries Schools Classrooms Teachers & Educators

Rating 3.4
   
Ages 4 years old and up

Pros

  • Free programmable software for Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Free downloadable lesson plans for teachers & classrooms
  • Customize with LEGO pieces to create your own unique robot
  • Scans barcodes to learn new functions and activities
  • A variety of programmable functions
  • Has a variety of features ranging from infrared sensors, speeds, buttons, and transmitters

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Makes noise

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8.  Discovery Kids Build Your Own Remote Control Robot R/C – Robotron X by SRM Entertainment

Discovery Kids

Rating 3.2
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Step-by-step instructions included
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Comes with screwdriver and remote control
  • Assembly required

Cons

  • Makes noise
  • No programming involved
  • Batteries required and not included

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9. SCASTOE 6 N 1 Solar Educational Robots Plane Kit DIY Children Kids Creative Funny Toy Blue

Rating None
   
Ages 3 years old and up

Pros

  • Solar powered
  • Fairly inexpensive price
  • Work life of solar battery is approximately 3 – 5 years
  • Six different working models
  • Easy to assemble by following the steps in the instructions
  • Requires no batteries

Cons

  • Requires direct sunlight
  • Will not work in cloudy or shady locations or under fluorescent light
  • Will not work if built incorrectly
  • Only one project can be completed at a time

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. Abilix Building Block Robot for Kids Age 4+ Starter to Learn Robotics, Coding and Electronics (4 Sensors, 248 Pieces Set)

Rating None
   
Ages 3-18 years old

Pros

  • Download the free 4 Ablilix Apps on iOS or Android to the remote control and program/ build the robot modules
  • Comes with a lithium ion battery
  • Programmable and motorized
  • Build six different modules of robots with four robotic actuators and four sensors
  • The app has step-by-step instructions to help with the assembly process

Cons

  • Fairly high price
  • Instructions have to be downloaded

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Recommendations: The best robotics kits to buy for your pre-kindergartener would be the SCASTOE 6 IN 1 Solar Educational Robots Plane Kit DIY Children Kids Creative Funny Toy Blue, Abilix Building Block Robot for Kids Age 4+ Starter to Learn Robotics, Coding, and Electronics (4 Sensors, 248 Pieces Set), Contempo Views Lego Compatible Educational Robot: Customizable & Programmable Robot for Kids Students Libraries Schools Classrooms Teachers & Educators or the 4M Soda Can Robug. Each offers a nice variety of teachable lessons ranging from solar power, clean energy, recycling, programming for beginners and building basic robots without being overly expensive and complicated.

Top Ten Robot Kits for Grade School Children (Ages 5 Years Old and Up)

1. Amazing Toys Tronex 288+ Experiment Electronics Kit

Rating 5.0
   
Ages 8-15 years old

Pros

  • 288 different experiments involve interacting with light control, magnetic control, sound control, and touch control
  • AM/FM radio
  • Comes with hands-on circuit board

Cons

  • Requires 4 AA batteries not included
  • Fairly high price
  • Can be noisy

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

2. Meccano Tactical Copter Model Kit

Meccano Tactical Copter Model Kit

Rating 4.8
   
Ages 10-12 years old

Pros

  • Highly detailed helicopter with rotating, foldable rotor, retractable landing gear, and a working winch
  • No batteries required
  • Comes with two real tools
  • Has step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow

Cons

  • Parts are a choking hazard for children under the age of 3
  • Fairly expensive price wise

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

3. Remote Control Building Kits for Kids – RC Machines Construction Set with 127 Pieces Building Blocks Build Robot Kit for Kids Your Own Remote Control Car

Remote Control Building Kits

Rating 4.7
   
Ages 6 years old and up

Pros

  • Comes with easy-to-read and follow illustrated instructions
  • Made from high-quality, non-toxic materials, free of phthalates, lead, and other heavy metals
  • Variety of remote controlled models you can make

Cons

  • 2 AA batteries and 4 AAA batteries required, not included
  • Fairly expensive price wise

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4. 4 in 1 Remote Control Building Blocks, AMGlobal 237 Pieces Remote Control Building Kits

4 in 1 Remote Control Building Blocks

Rating 4.6
   
Ages 6 years old and up

Pros

  • ABS environmental material, made of non-toxic and safe materials
  • Four different models can be made with the kit

Cons

    • Product must be used under the direct supervision of adults
    • Fairly expensive

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

5.  Wonder Workshop Dot Robotics Kit

Rating 4.5
   
Ages 8 years old and up

Pros

  • Hundreds of coding and other projects available in Wonder and Blockly apps
  • Built-in tutorials on how to use the device
  • Comes fully assembled
  • No batteries required
  • Use your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet to transform Dot into hundreds of different toys and gadgets

Cons

  • Fairly expensive

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6. LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313

Rating 4.5
   
Ages 10-15 years old

Pros

  • Powerful ARM9 processor, USB port for Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity, Micro SD card reader, back-lit buttons and 4 motor ports.
  • Includes 3 interactive servo motors, remote control, improved and redesigned color sensor, redesigned touch sensor, infrared sensor
  • Intuitive software, Windows PC and Apple Mac, with icon-based drag-and-drop programming interface
  • Building instructions for 5 robots included
  • Build and program your robots on the go with the intuitive EV3 Programmer App available for iOS and Android tablet devices
  • Bonus building instructions on LEGO’s website

Cons

  • Maybe a bit confusing, there is a supplementary guide for this robotics kit
  • Fairly expensive

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7.  Dfrobot 4-Soldering Light Chaser Robot Kit

Rating 4.2
   
Ages 7 years old and up

Pros

  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Helps the child learn about electronic basics like soldering and simple circuits
  • A step-by-step video walkthrough showing the assembly is available online on DFRobot official website

Cons

  • No programming involved

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8.  Makeblock mBot Kit – STEM Education – Arduino – Scratch 2.0 – Programmable Robot Kit for Kids to Learn Coding, Robotics, and Electronics

Rating 4.2
   
Ages 12 years old and up

Pros

  • Get hands-on experience in graphical programming, electronics, and robotics
  • Drag and drop graphical programming software provides a quick way to learn programming, remote control robot, and realize multiple functions from the robot
  • Comes with various basic pre-assembled options, including obstacle-avoidance car, line-following vehicle, controlled via APP
  • Compatible with Makeblock platform and most of LEGO parts

Cons

  • Fairly expensive

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9.  Elegoo UNO Project Upgraded Smart Robot Car Kit with UNO R3, Line Tracking Module, Ultrasonic Sensor, Bluetooth Module, etc… Latest Intelligent and Educational Toy Car for Kids Teens 2016 New Version

Rating 4.1
   
Ages 8-10 years old

Pros

  • Get hands-on experience in Arduino programming, electronics assembling, and robotics knowledge
  • Infrared remote control and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR via phone and tablets of Android system
  • Easy to Assemble
  • Comes with instructions on how to assemble the robot car from scratch and all the necessary programs and codes are included in a tutorial

Cons

  • You will have to download the programming for the car from the Arduino IDE (Integrated Developer Environment) from the provided CD
  • Fairly expensive

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10.  Motorial Alien Robot Robotic Building Set Block Toy, Battery Motor Operated, 3D Puzzle Design Alien Primate Robot Figure for Kids and Adults

Rating 4.1
   
Ages 7 years old and up

Pros

  • Comes with instructions on how to assemble and play with it
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Can be combined with other sets
  • Motorized

Cons

  • Requires 2 AA batteries, not included
  • Pieces are small, so it may be a bit time consuming to assemble
  • No programming required

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

The 10 Best Teachers to Follow on Social Media

Social media is a great resource for you to find and share inspiration for your classroom on a daily basis. You will be able to find neat activities, fun games and creative crafts to include in your teaching plans. Social media will help you interact with other teachers and also keep up with what they do in their classroom as well.

Give these 10 teachers a follow and they will be able to take your teaching style to the next level.

10. ELA Classroom

ELA Classroom is a great place for teachers that want to interact with other teachers. There is a weekly poll on the page that allows you to actively be a part of the community. Lauralee share pictures from her classroom so you can see different activities she does with her class.

9. Brown Bag Teacher

Brown Bag Teacher shares a ton of exciting projects and teacher hacks that will make your classroom the perfect place to learn. She has a lot of art projects that will help your students have a She posts pictures on a regular basis so you will be able to keep up to date on all of the latest trends.

  • facebook-squareFollow brownbagteacher on Facebook
  • twitterFollow brownbagteacher on Twitter
  • instagramFollow brownbagteacher on Instagram

8. Teach Like You Mean It

Teachlikeyoumeanit posts tons of ideas for you to make your classroom feel more like home. She posts exciting ways that can make your classroom a fun place for your students to be. She will show you quick DIY’s with short videos and pictures.

  • facebook-squareFollow teachlikeyoumeanit on Facebook teachlikeyoumeanit
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  • instagramFollow teachlikeyoumeanit on Instagram

7. Technically Its Kinder

Technicallyitskinder has so many great ideas for you to use in your kindergarten classroom. She posts tons of activities and games on a regular basis. She also includes ways to incorporate technology into your lesson plans which will help your students feel more comfortable with technology.

  • facebook-squareFollow technicallyitskinder on Facebook
  • twitterFollow technicallyitskinder on Twitter technicallyitskinder
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6. Target Teachers

Target Teachers is the perfect place for teachers that love shopping at target. You will be able to share your finds with other teachers and you will also be able to see what they find as well. The great thing about these ideas is that everything can be found in one place for a very affordable price.

  • facebook-squareFollow targetteachers on Facebook
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5. Madly Learning

Madly Learning was created by Patti who is a teacher and blogger. She shares very helpful videos where she shows you different DIY’s that will help you come up with new things to add to your classroom. She also shares stories and pictures from her personal experiences as a teacher and mom as well.

  • facebook-squareFollow madlylearning on Facebook
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  • instagramFollow madlylearning on Instagram madlylearning

4. Classroom Pinspirations

Classroompinspirations features all kinds of classroom ideas from other teachers. They post ideas several times a day. You will see DIY’s, classroom layouts and so much more when you follow classroompinspirations. There are so many fresh and colorful ideas that are sure to have your classroom looking Instagram ready in no time.

  • instagramFollow classroompinspirations on Instagram

3. Teachers Pay Teachers

Teachers Pay Teachers is a website where teachers can sell teaching products to other teachers but they also have an Instagram account. You will be able to get inspiration for your classroom from other teachers. They share quotes, crafts, classroom ideas and so much more.

  • facebook-squareFollow teacherspayteachers on Facebook
  • twitterFollow teacherspayteachers on Twitter teacherspayteachers
  • instagramFollow teacherspayteachers on Instagram teacherspayteachers

2. Apples and ABC’s 

Apples and ABC’s was created by Michelle Griffo. She is a teacher and crafter so she has amazing ideas that you are sure to love. She posts simple ideas that you will be able to recreate in your own classroom. She posts organizational solutions as well as crafts that you can do with your students.

  • facebook-squareFollow ApplesAndABCs on Facebook
  • twitterFollow ApplesAndABCs on Twitter ApplesAndABCs
  • instagramFollow ApplesAndABCs on Instagram ApplesAndABCs

1. Classroom DIY

Classroom DIY is a great account to follow if you need some inspiration for your classroom. They share DIY’s that are quick and simple. They also share many different solutions that will help you organize your classrooms. Classroom DIY has several posts every single day that are sure to inspire you to switch up your classroom and make it a fun and enjoyable environment for your students to learn in.

  • instagramFollow classroom_diy on Instagram classroom_diy

The 10 Best Online Reading Programs

The availability of online study materials has transformed not only how students learn in the classroom, but also the ways in which their parents can help them learn at home. Whether it’s teaching or reviewing the basics in the evening, or seeking out the best resources for homeschooling, online resources are a game changer in child literacy and instruction. Indeed, recent studies have shown that students who work on basic literacy skills at home, during the earliest years of their pre-school and elementary school education, are up to 56 percent more successful on standardized literacy tests during their late elementary school years and during middle school.

In fact, students whose parents played an active role in their literacy education were more likely to read at least 10 books per year and more likely to show high levels of comprehension and literacy in other subject areas, including mathematics. These results help to clarify the importance of working with young students on reading and comprehension from an early age, and there are many online tools available that make this process even easier and more exciting. The best tools have been ranked below.

Though there are hundreds of helpful resources online that encourage greater literacy in pre-school and elementary students, only ten were chosen for this ranking. These tools were selected based on a combination of factors. First and foremost, the tools chosen had to be developed either by a coalition of parents and teachers or by a group of teachers who work with real students on reading and literacy in their professional careers. Online reading programs were also chosen, and ranked, based on their affordability, their appeal to parents of homeschooled children, and their use of fully immersive web technologies that appeal directly to young learners. More immersive and interactive programs, like those with slide shows, videos, and interactive games, rank as some of the best and most productive resources today. This reality is reflected in their placement within the ranking.

10. ABCMouse Early Learning Academy  

ABCMouse Early Learning Academy is widely regarded as one of the best online tools for early learners grasping the most basic concepts of reading and other subjects. Founded in 2010, the company was a leader in the immersive, web-based and app-based education boom at the beginning of the decade. In the nearly seven years since its founding, the company has focused on fully immersive experiences on an array of mobile devices, as well as an adaptive and immersive website that allows students to progress at their own pace through basic lessons in sight words, phonetics, and the letters of the alphabet.

As a bonus, a license for the company’s website portal, and all of its mobile apps is made available for free to virtually every public school, public library, and noted community organization. This wide accessibility makes the ABCMouse system widely accessible to both public schools and home schooling environments.

Follow ABCMouse

9. CNK Digital 

CNK Digital is a leader in making learning fun. Since first offering its gaming platform early in the present decade, CNK Digital has become a leader in game-based learning, with a variety of leveled games that work with students from pre-school through the beginning of middle school. The company’s games are fun, but also instructive, with lessons in phonics, sight words, the alphabet, sentence structure, and much more.

While fun to early learners, the CNK Digital service is also a robust analytical tool for teachers and parents. Every action taken in one of the company’s many literacy games records data about the student’s comprehension, including the lessons and games that they either struggled or excelled in the most. This allows teachers and parents to focus their efforts on critical weak points in their student’s literacy education, addressing major issues early on.

Follow CNK Digital

8. StudyDog Reading 

Designed based on core principles of the National Reading Panel and peer-reviewed research on childhood literacy, StudyDog is primarily an independent learning tool that encourages students to work on their own, with minimal parent or teacher supervision. The service incorporates several immersive games, videos, slideshows, and lessons from the “StudyDog” himself, to teach students the fundamentals of the alphabet, phonics, vocabulary, and even sentence structure, based on the student’s age and level of proficiency in core literacy concepts. The StudyDog approach is backed by scholarly research, as well as documented outcomes via standardized testing under the former No Child Left Behind Act, making it one of the most documented and reviewed approaches to reading education online.

Follow StudyDog Reading

7. Book Adventure

Suitable for students in grades K-8, Book Adventure has a dual mission in the world of online reading education. First, the service is designed to help early learners master the basic concepts of reading comprehension and the principles of literacy. This is accomplished through a series of games and “adventures” that require input from students, corresponding with literacy lessons, to progress through the “adventure” and reach its conclusion.

Each adventure also promotes the company’s second mission: To encourage a lifelong passion for learning. The company’s mission statement notes that many people will only read if they are motivated to do so by an enjoyment of books and a commitment to literacy. Each “adventure” excites children about reading and books and gives them a new goal that will push them toward more independent reading outside the bounds of each lesson.

Follow Book Adventure

6. Kız Phonics 

Kiz Phonics draws a great deal of its instructional inspiration from programs like Hooked on Phonics, which was one of the first programs to emphasize phonics and phonetics in literacy education. With that being said, the program is also differentiated in several key ways. First and foremost, Kiz Phonics is developed by a 27-member panel of teachers who work daily in reading and language arts education. The program also has the support of several tenured professors of language from around the country.

The Kiz Phonics program, unlike Hooked on Phonics, is available entirely online or through mobile applications. Because the program was developed by people who teach English or ESL to young and adult learners, heavy emphasis is placed on the proper progression through fundamentals, like the alphabet, phonics, pronunciation, sentence structure, and reading techniques. Digital letter, word, and pronunciation charts are also available online and can be printed, making this a great instructional tool for a homeschooling environment as well.

Follow Kiz Phonics

5. Mr. Nussbaum 

Mr. Nussbaum is a real person with years of experience in childhood literacy education, and the MrNussbaum.com website is a testament to this. The approach taken by this unique online tool, appropriate for children in grades K-8 that combines lessons in reading and literacy with a zeal for research. The Nussbaum approach to literacy education strongly believes that students need to not only learn the basic principles of reading but also employ those principles in everyday tasks.

To that end, students will put their skills to use as they scour real scholarly materials, researching concepts and actively reading in pursuit of a final goal. It’s a practical approach that helps students connect theory with practice in a meaningful way for the rest of their lives.

Follow Mr. Nussbaum

4. Hooked on Phonics for Early Learners 

Dating back to 1987, Hooked on Phonics is both one of the oldest and one of the most successful programs for people of all ages who are learning to read. The program has historically focused on early learners, from preschool through the early middle school years, when developing most of its books, DVDs, and other materials. To that end, Hooked on Phonics today is the single most comprehensive tool for parents and teachers who are assisting early learners with phonetics and the most basic concepts of literacy.

Though Hooked on Phonics was started by a father who wanted to teach his son to read, the company has evolved over 30 years into one that involves both parents and teachers. Lessons are designed and revised by a panel of literacy experts, early childhood educators, and actual classroom teachers, in an effort to make them immersive, interactive, and fun. The company most recently turned its series of successful books and DVDs into an interactive web portal and a mobile app, giving students and parents a vast number of digital lessons on virtually every portable device. It remains one of the most highly effective teaching tools in early literacy.

Buy Hooked on Phonics Here

3. Headsprout Kids Reading Program 

Part of the Learning A-Z family of learning tools, which has been providing at-home and in-school instruction to students since 2002, Headsprout is known for its adaptive approach to early childhood literacy. Unlike many of the company’s competitors, which apply a one-size-fits-all approach to learning basic phonetics and reading comprehension methods, Headsprout’s software uses an adaptive approach that responds to student answers. If the student needs more time on a concept, Headsprout detects this fact and acts accordingly. Likewise, the software can speed students through concepts that they already know or are grasping with ease.

Headsprout’s unique, adaptive approach to teaching reading has produced real results for students both in the home and at school. Furthermore, the company’s approach has been validated by peer-reviewed studies, published in many major journals of education, since the software first hit the market over a decade ago. The company’s consistent approach to student learning, and its use of algorithms and lesson adaptation, make it a great fit for independent study times and all levels of early learners.

Follow Headsprout

2. Reading Bear 

There is one problem that has almost always stopped homeschoolers and budget-weary parents in their tracks: licensing fees for literacy programs. Many of the most popular literacy programs, even those offered primarily for home use, require steep subscription and licensing fees that can eat into family budgets. This makes it hard to review, or to teach, the most basic literacy and reading comprehension concepts with early learners. Reading Bear was founded to put a stop to this problem. All of its literacy and reading comprehension lessons are completely free for home use, making this tool the best option for parents on a tight budget.

Reading Bear, like many other tools, understands the importance of “leveling” its learning programs and providing numerous instructional options to parents. The free service offers its early childhood reading lessons in both video and slideshow formats. In addition, the service offers seven different levels of instruction for each lesson, ranging from a short “review” of the lesson’s concepts to a longer, fully immersive lesson for young learners who are either new to the concept or need more time to review before moving on. The ability to choose different instructional methods and levels, in addition to its free price tag, makes Reading Bear a top choice for parents who prefer flexibility and have a tight budget for instructional tools.

Follow Reading Bear

1. K5 Learning for Reading 

One of the things that originally made K5 Learning unique was its founding members: parents. When the company was founded, virtually all literacy tools were marketed exclusively to schools and sold on a “volume license basis,” making it nearly impossible for parents and homeschoolers to take advantage. The company’s original mission was to democratize this process, bringing high-end, highly effective phonics and literacy tools to early learners across the country, whether they were at home or at school.

In the two decades that have elapsed since the founding of K5 Learning, the company’s reading and basic literacy program has become one of the best options on the market for both schools and homes around the world. In fact, the K5 Learning program in reading was recently named the best such program in the country by a leading educational publication. The program is designed by a coalition of parents, ESL teachers, and literacy experts, along with early childhood educators who design interactive lessons compatible with Internet browsers and mobile devices. As a result, it easily tops the rankings for the best at-home literacy and reading program available to parents in the United States and around the world.

Learn More about K5 Learnin

20 Must Follow Pinterest Accounts for Preschool Teachers

There is a wealth of information and resources available for Preschool teachers on Pinterest. After taking the time to search everything preschool on Pinterest, I’ve composed a list of 20 great Pinterest accounts to follow along with a link to a cool pin to start with. Early childhood educators and even parents can benefit from these excellent accounts from pinners who are all about Pre-K. You’ll find interesting pins from skilled school teachers, educational organizations and from dedicated parents who devote their time to sharing information with others.

20. ABCMouse.com Pinterest Account

This online early learning academy offers a full curriculum that any preschool teacher or parent can appreciate. Many of the boards on this Pinterest account contain links to what you would actually view within the curriculum itself. The pins give you a good taste of what the site has to offer including links to age appropriate songs, animated stories, puzzles and games. There are also helpful tips for organizing the classroom and great teaching tools to make learning phonics fun for preschoolers. In addition, you’ll find tons of craft ideas. The crafts range from holiday themed to seasonal concepts.

A pin to start with

19. In Lieu of Preschool & Parent Teach Play Pinterest account

Here’s a stay at home mom who is on top of everything preschool and has devoted her time to share her ideas and resources with other moms and teachers. As a former educator herself, she has a lot to offer and thousands of pins to share. Through the use of several boards, she covers a lot of topics, including sensory play, gross motor skills, creative craft ideas, math and science projects and much, much more. There is even a board full of YouTube videos just for preschoolers.

A pin to start with
[continue reading…]

The Best Engineering Toys for Kids

Engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, but it can be hard to get children excited about it. The amount of math and science can be overwhelming for them. These engineering toys were specifically chosen because they are challenging but fun at the same time. The end result of most of these sets is to build a toy that they can play with, so it will be a rewarding experience for them. If you’re lucky they won’t notice that they are improving their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while also learning about engineering at the same time.

The prices of each of these engineering toys vary but your children will learn and improve their engineering skills with every single one of these kits. We looked for award-winning toys that have been highly recommended by parents and teachers around the country. Do your children a favor and pick one of these engineering toys, who knows they might find their passion.

10. Snap Circuits Light Electronics Exploration Kit

This kit is recommended for kids eight years of age or older. This kit will introduce your child to building circuits, devices, and fiber optics. There are 175 projects that your kids will be able to create using 55 color-coded circuit components. Each design is full of color and light. Your kids will learn a lot about how each piece works together to make one of the many unique designs. After your child makes their creation they will be able to plug it into their phone to see how the circuits work.

9. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar

This engineering kit is recommended for children ages 3 through 6 years of age. Your child will be able to press different buttons and turn different dials to code a path for the caterpillar. There are over 1,000 different possible combinations that your child will program, so they will be able to enjoy this toy for a long time. The caterpillar has eyes that light up and makes all kinds of noises, so it is sure to keep a young child entertained while they learn about coding at the same time.

8. IQ Builder STEM Learning Toys

This kit comes with three different instructional Ebooks that increase in difficulty as your child learn more about building. The three levels are beginner, intermediate and advanced so this set will be able to grow with your child. This kit was designed to help build a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through building different geometric shapes and complex models. It will help strengthen the cognitive function of your child’s brain through manipulating and creating each unique design. This kit is perfect for a child that loves hands-on learning and tinkering with small pieces to build complex and unique designs.

7. Thames & Kosmos Kids First Intro to Engineering Kit

This kit comes with 25 exciting experiments. These activities will help your child understand some of the skills that engineers use to build all kinds of amazing inventions. Your child will also be able to build some pretty cool items such as a helicopter, parachute, a balloons rocket and so many more unique designs. This kit is perfect for child that love to build things by following simple directions.

6. Green Science Solar Rover Kit

This set uses a recycled can to build a rover that is operated on solar power. Your child will be able to learn about eco engineering and how they can use recycled pieces to make amazing things. This kit is perfect for kids that like learning about building machines that run off of solar energy. The directions are pretty simple and there are not that many pieces which makes this set easier than some of the others on this list. Your child really will enjoy play with this awesome pop can rover.

5. National Geographic DaVinci’s DIY Science & Engineering Construction Kit

What child wouldn’t have fun building their own crossbow, cannon or catapult? This set will teach your child how to build these complex machines with the help of simple instructions. If built properly they will then be able to launch items up to 15 feet. Each piece was carefully handcrafted out of wood, so these machines will be very sturdy and will keep your child entertained for a long time. This kit is aimed towards older kids because the machines shoot projectiles.

4. DISCOVERY Kids Mindblown STEM 12 – in – 1 Solar Robot Creation 190 Piece Kit

This kit will let your child build a robot from the 12 different design options with the 190 pieces that are provided. There is so much freedom with this kit because it allows your child to look through the blueprints and decide which design they like the best. This interactive set will engage your child and help them use their logic to follow the blueprints and fit the pieces together. They will learn about solar power and how it works because each of the robots are able to run without batteries due to their use of solar power. This kit was designed with little hands in mind, so all of the pieces will be easy for them to work with.

3. Meccano Meccasaur

This set is perfect for the dinosaur lover in your family. With this amazing engineering set your child will be able to build their own dinosaur that is actually battery powered. The dinosaur makes sounds and stomps around the room. This T Rex can even be programmed to interact when pet and responds to yes or no questions. Your child will learn about following directions by figuring out where each piece goes. This set is best suited for kids ages 10 and up.

2. Tinkering Labs Electronic Motors Catalyst, Robotics Stem Kit

This set will allow your child to learn more about engineering and tinkering while they put together this set. There are more than 50 pieces for them to create with. There are challenge cards with different ideas for your child to build if they don’t have any ideas of their own. One of the challenge cards says, “create a vehicle with a suspension system” and then your child can come up with their own idea of what that might look like. This set will help your child use their imagination to learn more about engineering and problem solving.

1. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Building and Coding Kit

Who doesn’t love creating things with Legos? This award-winning kit will teach your kids about building robots and programming them to do different things. Your kids will learn how to put together 847 pieces to build a robot that stands about 10 inches tall. Your child will need access to a phone or tablet to help them put the robot together using the free app found in the app store. The really cool part about this set is that it goes along with Lego city, scout truck or Lego Ninjago so your kids will be able to see their creation come to life.

 

The 20 Best Halloween Costumes for Kids

Halloween is quickly approaching and we want to make sure that your family is ready. Your kids will be ready to collect all of the candy in the neighborhood in no time with these awesome costumes.  Our list includes the most popular looks from 2017 as well as some classic looks that will never go out of style. Pick one of these awesome costumes off this list and your little ones will be sure to have a Halloween to remember.

20. Yoda (Star Wars)

Do or do not there is no try this classic Halloween costume. This costume will have your little one looking like the wisest Jedi Master in the galaxy this Halloween.

  • Polyester
  • Costume features Yoda mask
  • Includes brown polyester jumpsuit and hooded robe

Buy this Yoda costume here

19. Super Mario

Mario is one of the most loved video game characters of all time. Your child will ready to save Princess Peach when they transform into the iconic plumber. This costume consists of the classic overalls and red shirt.

  • Polyester
  • Features jumpsuit with blue overalls, big yellow button, and attached red long sleeve shirt
  • Inflatable belly to give Mario his plump belly

Buy this Mario costume here

18. Emoji

Your child will show off their best silly face when they put on this awesome emoji costume.

  • Polyester
  • Package contains the emoji tunic poncho costume only
  • Leggings and shirt and not included

Buy this Emoji Costume here

17. Branch (Trolls)

Branch is the complete opposite of the character Poppy from the movie Trolls. He is always gloomy and he never sings or dances like the other trolls. This costume will be able to transform your child into this gloomy character from the movie Trolls.

  • The product includes Jumpsuit and headpiece
  • Officially licensed product

Buy  this Branch  costume here

16. Poppy (Trolls)

Who could resist this adorable costume? It will transform your child into the most lovable and relentlessly upbeat character from the movie Trolls.

  • The product includes dress and headpiece
  • Officially licensed product

Buy this Poppy costume here

15. Eliza Hamilton

Your child will transform into the wife of Alexander Hamilton when they put on this beautiful Eliza Hamilton costume.  She could also pull off Angelica…And Peggy with this particular outfit.

  • Polyester
  • Colonial Era Inspired dress with attached apron fabric mop cap
  • Shoes not included

Buy this Eliza Hamilton costume here

14. Finn (Star Wars)

 Your children will be ready to save the galaxy in this cool Finn Halloween costume.

  • Polyester
  • Comes with pants and top with attached jacket
  • List Element

Buy this Finn costume here

13. Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton has taken the world by storm.  The Tony-Award Winning  Musical has brought back to life the Revolutionary War Era. Now your child will be able to dress like one of the founding fathers and leading man of the hit play when they put on this Alexander Hamilton costume.

  • Costume runs big
  • Deluxe black velour long coat has gold trimming on the edging of the jacket cuff

Buy this Alexander Hamilton here

12. Ghostbusters

This classic khaki jumpsuit is complete with the Ghostbusters logo is the perfect outfit for any kid that “ain’t afraid of no ghost”.

  • Includes classic jumpsuit and inflatable backpack
  • Officially licensed Ghostbusters costume
  • Child’s Sizes

Buy this Ghostbuster costume here

11. Star-Lord  (Guardians of the Galaxy)

This Star-Lord costume will transform your child into one of the most powerful outlaws in the galaxy when they put on the awesome red jacket.

  • Polyester
  • Printed jumpsuit
  • Mask with glowing eyes

Buy this Star-Lord costume here

10. Moana

How far will your little one go this Halloween? This costume will bring out the explorer within and have them ready to take on the neighborhood in search of candy.

  • Iconic 2 piece outfit features unique prints and the skirt to match
  • The skirt has two layers that include fringe detail for an authentic Moana Adventure look
  • Recommended for ages 3+

Buy this Moana costume here

9. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

This tale might be as old as time but this  Belle costume is timeless. Your child will be able to transform into the icon princess when they wear this Belle inspired dress.

  • Product includes dress
  • Based off of the Beauty & the Beast live-action
  • Officially licensed product

Buy this Belle costume here

8. Classic Princess Leia (Star Wars)

Take on Darth Vader and the Death Star this Halloween in this classic Princess Leia costume. The iconic space buns are included.

  • Includes white hooded dress, belt, and Princess Leia wig
  • Comes in child size small, medium, large
  • This costume is officially licensed by Star Wars

Buy this Leia costume here 

7. Diamond Armor (Minecraft)

This Halloween your child will be ready to go mining or visit the nether when they put on the highly coveted diamond armor.

  • Polyester
  • Imported
  • Officially licensed product

Buy this Steve costume here

6. Rey

Your children will be ready to fly the Falcon or take on Kylo Ren and the dark side when they wear this Rey costume.

  • Jumpsuit with attached apron, detached sleeves, and belt
  • Accessories sold separately

Buy this Rey costume here

5. Mal (Descendants 2)

This magic inspired costume will turn your child into the smart and ruthless character named Mal from Descendants 2.

  • Polyester  ​​​
  • Imported
  • Officially licensed product

Buy this Mal costume here

4. Uma (Descendants 2)

This awesome costume will transform your child into the strong and sassy daughter of Ursula and self-proclaimed queen of the isle from the movie Descendants 2.

  • Polyester
  • Imported  ​​​​
  • Officially licensed

Buy this Uma costume here 

3. Harry Potter

This Harry Potter costume is perfect for the little Gryffindor in your life. Your child will be magically transformed into Harry Potter when they put on the iconic black and maroon robes complete with the Gryffindor House Logo.

  • Polyester
  • Imported
  • Black fleece costume robe has burgundy accents with an embroidered patch with Gryffindor House Emblem

Buy this Harry Potter costume here

2. Wonder Woman

Your children will be able to put on this epic costume and instantly transform into the toughest superheroes in the Justice League.

  • Polyester
  • Officially licensed DC superhero costume
  • Sleeveless red, white and blue dress with attached cape and gold belt

Buy this Wonder Woman costume here.

1. Groot

This costume will transform your child into a small tree and have them saying  “I am Groot” when they put on this adorable Groot inspired costume.

  • Polyester
  • Imported
  • Groot printed padded jumpsuit with attached shoe covers, mask included

Buy this Groot costume here

The 25 Best Children’s Books about Immigration

If your children are anything like mine, they are hearing discussions of immigration and refugee status on the news, on the playground, maybe even quoting everyone’s favorite Musical, “Immigrants, we get the job done!”  Your children may have a lot of questions about immigration and migration and where do you go for those answers?  Our team has compiled this list of 25 books to help even the youngest child understand the sacrifice and strength necessary to immigrate to another country.  These stories follow brave and determined individuals on their journey to a new life.  These are the 25 Best Books about Immigrants and Refugees.

25. The Name Jar

The Name Jar will help children feel more confident when starting school in a new
country. Unhei and her family immigrated to America from Korea, and she is afraid that her classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name. She decides not to tell anyone her name and instead she decides that she should pick a new name out of a jar which she calls the name jar. She inlists the help of her classmates to help fill the jar up with “Normal” names. On the day that she decides to pick a new name, the jar goes missing, so she decides to keep her name. Much to her surprise, her classmates tell her that they want to learn how to pronounce her name.

Buy The Name Jar Here

24. Two White Rabbits

Two White Rabbits is by Jairo Buitrago. It details the journey to the United States from
the perspective of a young child. She talks about how her family spent most of their time in dangerous situations, and she was too young to understand what was going on. This book will help you explain to your children that the journey might be hard now, but it will give them a better life in the future.

Buy Two White Rabbits Here

23. One Green Apple

One Green Apple is by Eve Bunting. This book is about a young girl from the Middle East that feels very alone when she starts going to her new school. She doesn’t interact with her classmates because her English is not that good. She finds comfort on a school trip to an apple orchard when she hears familiar sounds like leaves crunching and friends laughing. She starts to bond with her classmates as they make apple cider together, and she finally starts to feel like she’s not alone. This book will help you show your children that it does get better even if it hard at first.

Buy One Green Apple Here

22. Grandfather’s Journey

Grandfather’s Journey is a personal book for the author Allen Say because it tells the story of his grandfather’s journey to the United States and his love of two countries. It’s a beautiful book that explains to your children that you can love more than one country. It also shows that you are not necessarily leaving your country because you hate it, but because you are looking for better opportunities for the future.

Buy Grandfather’s Journey Here

21. Apple Pie 4th of July

Apple Pie 4th of July is by Janet S. Wong. This book is about a first-generation Chinese-American that is upset that her parents are not cooking traditional American food on the fourth of July. Her family was making sweet-and-sour pork while everyone else was cooking hamburgers and hotdogs. You can see her mood start to change once she starts to smell the amazing food that her family is cooking while watching fireworks and eating apple pie. She learns a powerful message that America is made up of all kinds of cultures, and that’s what makes it unique.

Buy Apple Pie 4th of July Here

20. Four Feet, Two Sandals

Four Feet, Two Sandals is by Karen Lynn Williams. The book was inspired by a refugee that felt like there were no books that represented her journey to the United States. This book is about two young girls that find joy when they each find a sandal that is part of a matching pair. The problem is that there are four feet and only two sandals. Instead of each wearing one shoe, they decide to share the pair of shoes. This book shows the lives of refugees and how to deal with bad living conditions while they do hard labor every single day to start a new life in the United States.

Buy Four Feet, Two Sandals Here

19. Madlenka

Madlenka is by Peter Sis. This book shares many stories of people that live on Madlenka’s street. These people are from all over the world and have lots of unique stories to share. There are stories about life in France, India, Italy, and many more. Your children are looking at the story as though they are sitting in the pocket on Madlenka’s jacket, so they feel like they hear all of these stories first hand.

Buy Madlenka Here

18. Migrant

Migrant is by Maxine Trottier. Anna is a young girl from Mexico that wishes she was a tree because then she would be deeply rooted in one place. Right now, she feels like a bird because she moves all the time. She goes north in the spring and south in the fall to plant and harvest crops for her family to sell. She does not have a place to call home because her family moves quite often.

Buy Migrant Here

17. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Maker’s Strike

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Maker’s Strike of 1909 is by Michelle Markel. This book is a beautiful picture book that shares the biography about people that immigrated from Ukraine to the United States in the early 1900s. It shows what it’s like to be in a new country and not speak any English. It also shows that sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work can pay off and help give you a much better life in a new country.

Buy Brave Girl Here

16. Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey is a picture book that tells the story of a Syrian refugee Rama and her family. They had to leave their home because of the civil war that broke out in their once-peaceful country. Rama and her family pack up everything they can and start their walk to Europe for a better life. This book is beautiful and shows the strength and courage it takes to leave everything you know behind to start your life in a new country.

Buy Stepping Stones Here

15. The Journey

The Journey is by Francesca Sanna. This book reflects on the refugee crisis that has been going on in the world. The artwork in this book is beautiful and bright, and your children will love looking at it. This book shines a light on the current refugee crisis that is going on in the world. It shows what it is like when war strikes a country, and they are forced to leave everything behind to escape. This book focuses on real stories of people so that we can get a different view of what’s going on. It’s a great book that will open your children’s eyes to what it means to be an immigrant.

Buy The Journey Here

14. Mama’s Nightngale: A Story of Immigration and Separation

Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation is by Edwidge Danticat. This book is heartbreaking because it is about a family that gets split up when a mother goes to an immigration detention center. Saya is a little girl that listens to her mother’s voice on the answering machine to help her find the strength to survive. Her mother records bedtime stories so that she will feel closer to her daughter while she’s in jail. This book shows what it’s like to get separated from your family. It also shows what life is like when children are on their own because of immigration.

Buy Mama’s Nightingale Here

13. Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey

Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey is by Doug Kuntz. It has a unique way of showing what it’s like to be a refugee. It shows a lost cats journey to get reunited with its family. Your children will see what it’s like to move from one place to another and the amount of joy you feel when you get reunited with your loved ones. Your children will enjoy the beautiful artwork in this heartwarming book.

Buy Lost and Found Cat Here

12. Inside Out and Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again is an award-winning book by Thanhha Lai. It tells the story of the author’s life growing up as a refugee that fled Vietnam. She and her family start a new life in Alabama, and it’s not an easy adventure. This book shows the healing process that takes place after beginning a new life in a new, unfamiliar country. This book is very enlightening and will give you an appreciation for refugees and what they have to go through to/ get a better life.

Buy Inside Out and Back Again Here

11. The Red Pencil

The Red Pencil is by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Amira’s life in her village gets turned upside down when it gets attacked. She has to take a long journey on foot to a refugee camp where she will be safe. She endures a lot of hardships along the way, and she starts to lose hope. She receives the gift of a red pencil, and it uplifts her spirits a little. Her new gift opens a lot of possibilities and gives her hope for the future.

Buy The Red Pencil Here

10. A Long Walk to Water

A Long Walk to Water is by Linda Sue Park. This book is based on a true story about two twelve-year-olds that are from Sudan. The story goes back and forth between two stories from two different periods. The story of the young girl takes place in 2008, and the story of the boy takes place back in 1985. The young girl has to walk very far to get to clean water that she will be able to drink. The boy is a refugee that is known as a lost boy. This book has a unique take on being a refugee, and it will open your eyes to the hardships that these people face daily.

Buy A Long Walk To Water Here

9. Landed

Landed is by Milly Lee. The main character is Sun, and we follow him from China to the United States. His trip is challenging, and he is nervous about moving to America because he does not speak English. He is detained and forced to take a tough test before he is granted access into the country. Sun has spent a lot of time studying for this test, but he knows that it will not be very easy. This book explains what life was like for Chinese people after the Chinese Exclusion Act passed in 1882.

Buy Landed Here

8. Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising is an award-winning book by Pam Munoz Ryan. Esperanza lived a privileged life in Mexico with her family with servants and beautiful clothes. Her world comes crashing down when she has to move to a ranch in America during the Great Depression. She and her mother have to participate in physical labor to make money, and that’s not something they had to do in Mexico. It’s going to take a lot of strength to overcome these new obstacles.

Buy Esperanza Rising Here

7. Drita, My Homegirl

Drita, My Homegirl is by Jenny Lombard. This book will show your children that friends will be able to help you get through the hard times when you start a new life in a new country. Drita wants to live a “normal” American life after she moves to the United States with her family. She’s nervous about being the new girl in school because she doesn’t speak English. Drita gets paired with one of the most popular girls in her class, and it doesn’t go well at first, but they became friends when they least expected it.

Buy Drita, My Homegirl Here

6. When Jessie Came Across the Sea

When Jessie Came Across the Sea is by Amy Hest. This book tells the story of a little girl that has to leave her favorite person in the whole world to start a new life in America. This person is her grandma, and they both are very sad about it. This book explains what it feels like when you leave your family behind and go to a new country where you have to start over from scratch. It takes a great deal of courage to do that, and you will see that when you read this book.

Buy When Jessie Came Across the Sea Here

5. Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty

Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty is by Linda Glaser. This poem gives a voice to the Statue of Liberty during the late 1800s when thousands of immigrants start to move to the United States. It explains that Lady Liberty was a gift to this country from France. The statue of Liberty is one of the most important symbols of this country, and your children will learn all about it when they read this book.

Buy Emma’s Poem Here

4. Blue Jasmine

Blue Jasmine is by Kashmira Sheth. Seema moved to the United States when her father got a new job in Iowa. She’s 12 years old and has to go to a new school and try to make friends while trying to learn a new language all at the same time. Seema and her family find ways to incorporate their Indian culture so that they can hold onto their heritage and all of the traditions that they had when they were back at home. This book will teach your children that they can still hold onto their memories to keep a piece of home with them.

Buy Blue Jasmine Here

3. Mama The Alien

Mama The Alien is by Renae Colato Lainez. This book has a comedic take on a rather serious issue. Sofia grew up thinking that her mom was an extraterrestrial being because she always heard the term alien. Sofia always felt that she was half-alien because her mom was an alien and her father was not because he did not have a card like her mother. This book brings up the issue of being confused with identity because you might not be from the same country as your parents. This book has a good message that will help you explain to your children what it means to be an “alien.”

Buy Mama The Alien Here

2. Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan’s Rescue

Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan’s Rescue from War is by Marsha Skrypuch. Anh Tuyet was living in a Vietnamese orphanage with 56 other babies. They were airlifted to Canada to get away from the conflict that was happening in Vietnam at the time. This book will show children what it’s like to leave a country at a very young age because of political turmoil.

Buy Last Airlift Here

1. I Lived on Butterfly Hill

I lived on Butterfly Hill is by Marjorie Agosin. This book describes what it is like for a young girl to be forced to leave her country and her family for political reasons. The Chilean government decided that free spirits and anyone who helps the needy are far too dangerous for the future of Chile, so Celeste has to leave her beloved homeland of Chile. Celeste is a happy girl that loves to spend her time dreaming but this all changes when she moves to Maine.


Buy I Live on Butterfly Hill Here

The Top 10 Educational Art Activities for Preschoolers

Art is one of the best ways for your preschooler to express themselves. While it may look like they are just making a mess they can actually be learning important motor skills or even something as simple as just letting things go if they make a mistake. Art will also teach your preschooler how to make a decision when they are picking out colors or what supplies to use.

In order to make the following crafts on this list your children will have to use their listening skills to follow along step by step. This is a skill your children will use throughout their life so why not let them learn it in a fun way?

The following craft ideas are pretty simple and fun to make. Most of the items used can be found around the house or they are very inexpensive if you have to buy them.  Don’t be afraid to let your kids use their own imaginations and make these ideas their own and most importantly have fun!

10. Paper Plate Instruments

 Make tambourines and other musical instruments from paper plates and simple decorative items! This perfect noise maker is made from basic materials and provides your preschooler with their very own musical instrument crafted from their own artistic hands!

Materials:​

  • Paper plates
  • Beads or dried beans
  • Stapler
  • Markers, glitter, glue, stickers, other embellishments

9. Painting with ice

Create paintings and other works of art with ice! This opportunity enables kids to swirl paints over assorted papers to create beautifully unique designs.​

Materials:

  • Craft sticks or popsicle sticks
  • Assorted papers
  • Ice cube trays
  • Liquid child-friendly paints

8. Hanging CD Ornament

Use old CDs and clean up unwanted clutter by saving this item from the trash bin and letting young children make their own sparkly works of art from it!

This fun recycling project helps kids to learn the value of recycling and provides them with a fun and entertaining experience at little to no cost.​

Materials: 

  • Sparkly craft items like beads and sequins
  • Fishing line or beading wire
  • Child-safe scissors
  • Craft-style glue
  • Newspaper and other papers

7. Sparkle Bottles

This activity lets children make their own glittery water bottle full of sparkles and fun! Within the bottle are alphabet letters jumbled up to provide immense fun for toddlers who are trying to learn their letters.

Materials:

  • Alphabet beads or shapes
  • Empty water or soda bottle
  • Assorted glitter colors
  • Sequins and other decorations
  • Water and corn syrup
  • Paper sheets
  • Highlighter marker

6. Blown art

This activity provides an innovative and fun new way for your toddler to perfect their artistic and painting skills. Blow painting will have your toddler giggling as he creates unique splotches and shapes in an array of vivid hues.​

Materials:

  • Watered-down paint for a sheer effect
  • Plain paper
  • Bending straws
  • Spoon
  • Container with sides to hold liquid in

5. Sensory Dough

Much like homemade play-dough, this recipe makes use of common household items like baby oil or cooking oils. For the ultimate in cheap and entertaining play opportunities, sensory dough will have your toddler safely entertained while they pull and squish joyfully through this non-toxic and all natural dough.

Materials:​

  • Baby oil – 1 cup
  • Flour – 8 cups
  • Plastic container
  • Food colorings (assorted)

4. Colorful Rainsticks

Rainsticks are instruments that feature a hollow core and that are filled with small objects like rocks or beads to produce a variety of interesting noises and effects. Rainsticks make special noises when they are turned side to side and upside down and will have your child engrossed with the different effects they can produce with their changing hand motions.

Materials:​

  • Colored markers
  • Cardboard tube (from empty paper towel roll)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small objects like dried beans or rocks
  • Masking tape

3. Waxed paper art

All children love to color, whether it be on paper, books, or even on walls! Rarely are kids presented with opportunities to draw on alternative sources such as wax paper that offers impressively different results from coloring on regular paper.

Have your toddler-aged children cut out shapes and give them markers and crayons to decorate the shapes to their heart’s content. As they watch nearby, you or another adult can carefully iron the art to create a seamless melding of bright cheery colors that you can hang up in your child’s room or elsewhere.

Materials:​

  • Iron (for adults)
  • Wax paper
  • Pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Scissors
  • Crayons
  • String

2. Clothespin Caterpillars

This arts and crafts project enables your child to create their very own vibrantly hued caterpillar bug. Complete with small accessory eyes and pipe cleaner antennae, this lovable and whimsical caterpillar toy will be your young one’s favorite toy as he lovingly carries from room to room.

Assisting in promoting color recognition, and strengthening fine motor skills, this art project is both entertaining and educational.

Materials:​

  • Elmers-style white glue
  • Colored pom-poms in a variety of sizes and colors
  • Pipe cleaners for antennae
  • Googly eye decorations
  • Magnets
  • Clothespins

1. Melted Crayons 

This art project lets your kids pick out their favorite colors of crayons and lay them out in a way that looks good to them. Then they will learn about heat and how it melts the wax crayons. This project will strenthen their decision making ability as well as their fine motor skills. This is a fun craft that also looks good and is very simple to make.

Materials: 

  • Crayons
  • Canvas
  • Hair dryer

Additional ideas for awesome arts and crafts activities for your toddler-aged child!

  • Tape-resistant art – Place pieces of tape on paper while children color over the paper and tape. Peel off the tape to expose uncolored areas that create a cool collage effect
  • Color mixing activities – Free paint into paint-cubes within ice tray compartments and bring them outside on a hot day to see the paint streak and run and create drippy works of art that will have children enthralled
  • Sponge art – Simply cut sponges into familiar shapes like circles, hearts, stars, and squares and have children dip sponges into their favorite colors and dab away to create their own sponge paint masterpiece
  • Add sensory touches to any arts and crafts projects to provide a multi-sensory experience that ups the educational ante. Anything with texture (such as grains of salt and sugar, tissue paper, and flour) are great sensory additions to art work
  • Shave crayons and melt them with your hairdryer as your little ones look on at awe while your crayons melt into a seamless rainbow of hues
  • Try very simple cooking or preparation idea with your little ones, by letting them do simple tasks like stirring batters and carrying utensils to the sink

There are so many fun art projects for preschoolers to create and they will have so much fun that they won’t even notice that they are learning. Through the use of color,  imagination, blocks, shapes, and ample opportunities for self-expression preschool is a time where a child’s brain is exposed to many of the important components of the world around them. Children can learn so much through art, self-expression, and creativity. ​

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The 20 Best Educational Toys for Toddlers

From building toys to challenging coding games that encourage children to solve problems, educational toys are targeted at the right age range, the stir the imagination and offer peace of mind to parents who want their children to learn through fun.

  • Has the capacity to be played with in many different ways, multiple times
  • Challenges a child to think, feel, do, and ask questions
  • Should contribute to the development of the child’s social, emotional, physical, and mental skills
  • Appeals to the child’s natural talents, interests, size, and abilities
  • Overall appearance is engaging with a variety of different shapes, colors, sounds, and textures
  • Fits your preferences, knowledge, is safe, and doesn’t break the bank

There are thousands of toys on the market for toddlers. Here is a list of some of the most highly recommended and reviewed educational toys to help your little one grow!

 

Onshine Colorful Educational Wooden Toys Game 

Onshine Colorful Wooden Educational Toys

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps build early shape, color, and size differentiation skills, learn basic count. This kit trains a child with thinking ability, hand, eye, and brain coordination ability.

Pros

  • Brightly colored and cheerful, solid wooden activity cube
  • High-quality wood that is polished smooth
  • Minimal assembly required
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Activity cube includes five different activities
  • Removable and reversible top with bead maze

Cons

  • Has three little shape parts that are separate from the cube and may become easily lost

Click Here to Buy  on Amazon

2. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set

Melissa & Doug K's Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set

What it can be used for/to teach: Develops sensory, fine motor, gross motor, problem-solving, language, social, and emotional skills.

Pros

  • Self-rolling wheels makes it easy for toddlers and infants to play with
  • Removable cloth covering makes it easy to clean
  • Brightly colored and patterned
  • Includes four soft toy vehicles: School bus, family car, fire truck, police car
  • No assembly required
  • BPA-free
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Do not leave alone with child unsupervised due to some small parts being possibly swallowed such as the detachable wheels
  • Does not run as easily on carpet in comparison to flat, hardwood floors

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

3. LEGO DUPLO Creative Play All-in-One-Box-of-Fun 

LEGO DUPLO Creative Play All-in-One-Box-of-Fun 10572

What it can be used for/to teach: develops their counting skills, fine motor skills, and their creative thinking skills.

Pros

  • Brightly colored blocks, two window elements, wagon base, a dog, numbered bricks, and a LEGO DUPLO Toy boy figure
  • Comes with a storage box
  • Easy to clean
  • BPA-free
  • Works with other large LEGO DUPLO sets
  • No noise

Cons

  • Small parts that can be potential choking hazards
  • No instructions to build other things

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4.  Kinslent 30-Piece Construction Building Blocks Toys

Kinslent 30 Pcs Construction Building Blocks Toys

What it can be used for/to teach: Develops their fine motor skills, shaping perception about size, sequencing, comparing, creative thinking, pattern recognition, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, decision making, and social skills.

Pros

  • BPA-free
  • Safe to use and thoroughly test to prevent any choking hazard
  • Bright and colorful pieces
  • Includes a 12-month product warranty
  • Endless fun and possibilities with the variety of shapes
  • Easy to clean and play with
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Should not be given to children under three due to potential choking hazard

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

5.  Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks with Wooden Storage Tray

Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks

What it can be used for/to teach: Basic math concepts, organizational skills, sequential skills, stimulates creativity, hones basic motor skills, and spatial relations.

Pros

  • Safe to use and comes with a wooden box for organizational purposes
  • Endless play and possibilities for construction
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Natural-finish, with smooth, sanded edges to prevent splinters

Cons

  • Slightly expensive price wise
  • Might be slightly hard to clean due to being made from wood material

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6. LEGO DUPLO My First Farm Preschool Set

LEGO DUPLO My First Farm 10617

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps develop basic construction skills.

Pros

  • Safe to use and endless play
  • BPA-free
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a variety of brightly colored blocks
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Can be combined with other LEGO DUPLO sets
  • No noise

Cons

  • No instructions

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7. Educational Bath Toys for Toddlers

Educational Bath Toys for Toddlers

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps teach phonics, spelling, vocabulary, reasoning and color matching skills.

Pros

  • Easy to use, clean, and play with
  • Large colorful letters/animal shapes
  • Lifetime money-back guarantee
  • Materials are all non-toxic and safe to use
  • Can be used in and outside of the bath
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • No noise, no mess comes with a small bag to keep all of the letters/animals in

Cons

  • Do not leave child unsupervised with the letters due to chewing and potentially swallowing pieces of the letters/animals

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8. Chore Reward Chart for Kids

Chore Reward Chart For Kids

What it can be used for/to teach: teaches responsibility and encourages kids to do their chores with positive reinforcement, as well as teaches better behavior and the importance of goal setting.

Pros

  • Customizable for your child
  • Brightly colored and easy to read
  • Interactive, fun to use and easy to clean
  • Easy to display/hang up
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Small magnets and parts that are potential choking hazards for young children

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9. Spot It Alphabet

Spot it Alphabet

What it can be used for/to teach: learning ABCs and colors, develops visual perception skills, attention to detail, and fine motor skills.

Pros

  • Brightly colored letters
  • Comes with a rule booklet
  • All parts are safe to use
  • Great to take along for travel and road trips
  • Comes in a little storage tin
  • Offers three different challenge levels for endless fun
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Cards are not waterproof

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket

LeapFrog Shapes And Sharing Picnic Basket

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps build fine motor skills as they sort, match, stack, empty, and fill. It also teaches shapes and colors.

Pros

  • Endless fun and interactive audio responses, instrumental sounds, and other sound effects
  • Brightly colored shapes and objects
  • Easy to clean up and store
  • Parts and pieces are easy to clean
  • Batteries are included (3 AA batteries required)
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Batteries required
  • Makes noise
  • Has some parts that may be a potential choking hazard

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

11. Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow!

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Activity Book, 3-Pack - Animals, Alphabet, and Numbers

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps learn animals, letters, shapes, number, colors, and how to write their letters/numbers.

Pros

  • Reusable pages and refillable water pen make for endless fun
  • Great for travel and road trips
  • Compact and easy to store when not in use
  • Easy to clean and no mess
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Pictures are brightly colored when wet
  • Not easy to tear making them a durable, lasting activity books

Cons

  • Requires water to use the pen

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

12. PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set

PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set 60pcs Magnet Building Tiles

What it can be used for/to teach: Encourages creativity, teaches fine motor skills, and social skills.

Pros

  • Endless fun and variety of building options in 3D
  • Easy to clean, store away, and easy to use
  • No noise
  • No batteries required
  • Comes in a nice variety of shapes and bright colors
  • Great for family and group bonding time

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Some parts such as the magnets may be possible choking hazards

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

13.  Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle

Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps with hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.

Pros

  • Easy to clean, store away, and put together
  • Has a beautifully colored solar system image when finished building the puzzle
  • Made of durable cardboard
  • No noise
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise

Cons

  • Will need a bit of space to build the puzzle

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

14. Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks with Canvas Bag

Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks with Canvas Bag

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps assist in teaching animals, letters, numbers, and symbols.

Pros

  • Contains letters and a variety of animals, numbers, and symbols
  • Brightly painted, wooden blocks
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to store away
  • No noise
  • Safe, non-toxic paint, and wood materials used
  • Made locally in the USA
  • Great to take on road trips and travel

Cons

  • May be hard to clean due to being made from wood materials
  • Fairly expensive price wise

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

15. Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Mixer Set

Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Mixer Set

What it can be used for/to teach: Encourages creative thinking, imaginative play, teaches basics of cooking, promotes memory, and number skills.

Pros

  • Made of wood, plastic, and metal materials
  • Safe to use
  • Easy to clean, store away and use
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • No batteries required

Cons

  • Comes in a cardboard box
  • Makes a bit of noise

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

16. Large 43-Piece Drawing Stencils Kit

Large 43-Piece Drawing Stencils Kit

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps with creativity while promoting hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. It also teaches shapes and letters.

Pros

  • Comes with a wide variety of stencils
  • Comes with colored pencils
  • Easy to use and clean up after
  • No noise
  • Comes with a little case to store the stencils
  • Great for travel since the carrying case doubles as a mini desk
  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Made of non-toxic, BPA-free materials
  • Stencils are durable for long-lasting artistic fun

Cons

  • Some pieces may be a potential choking hazard
  • A lot of pieces and parts to keep track of

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

17. LEGO DUPLO My First Train Set 

LEGO DUPLO My First Train Set 10507

What it can be used for/to teach: Helps develop basic construction skills.

Pros

  • Safe to use
  • BPA-free
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with brightly colored train, blocks, and figures
  • Has an automatic shut off timer after two minutes
  • Tracks do not conduct electricity

Cons

  • Makes noise
  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Not compatible with LEGO 9V trains, use with DUPLO trains only
  • Requires three AA batteries

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

18. B. Critter Clinic Toy Vet Play Set

B. Critter Clinic Toy Vet Play Set

What it can be used for/to teach: Teaches problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and imaginative play. Helps develop empathy and the importance of caring for others.

Pros

  • Comes with a storage case to keep all parts and pieces together
  • Safe to use
  • Packaging is recyclable
  • Brightly colored and great for endless play
  • No noise
  • No batteries required

Cons

  • Fairly expensive price wise
  • Small parts that may be a potential choking hazard for those under the age of 3 years

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

19. The Learning Journey My First Match It, Head and Tails

The Learning Journey My First Match It, Head and Tails

What it can be used for/to teach: Teaches problem-solving skills, animals, and builds self-confidence.

Pros

  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Colorful illustrations of the animals, great for a first puzzle
  • Puzzle is self-correcting since each cut is different for each animal
  • Easy to clean up after and store away
  • Durable pieces
  • No noise

Cons

  • Pieces can be lost making the matches no longer usable

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

20. The Learning Journey Match It! Upper & Lower Case Letters

The Learning Journey Match It! Upper & Lower Case Letters

What it can be used for/to teach: Teaches ABCs, animals/objects, lower and upper case letters.

Pros

  • Fairly inexpensive price wise
  • Self-correcting, no two puzzle cuts are the same
  • Colorful illustrations
  • Great first puzzle and is made of durable materials
  • Easy to clean up and store away
  • No noise

Cons

  • Pieces can be lost making the matches no longer usable

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

 

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The Best Child Safety Soft Toy Storage Options

Child Safety – Soft Toy Storage

Toddler toy storage is an essential organizational element that most parents need to consider if they don’t want to step over their kid’s toys every time they walk into a room. It is also good practice for developing clean and neat habits for the kids as they grow older. It is essential, however, to find the right toy storage for younger children that is safe while remaining convenient and helpful around the house. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best soft toy storage solutions to ensure child safety.

If you have little ones, then it may be better to steer clear of storage options with hard plastic or wooden edges or anything else that can potentially harm your child. Soft toy storage is ideal and will not hurt any of the kids. There are no sharp edges or corners and the materials used are lightweight and will not hurt a child if they were to fall over or if the little ones (or little devils!) were to pull it down.

There are many different toy storage ideas available, including cubby holes with bins, hanging storage, and plush toy bags. When looking for safe toy storage idea to the traditional plastic and wood toy box, you will want to consider if the storage solution is customizable, expandable, easy to clean, sturdy, and durable. A versatile storage bin makes it easier to organize your children’s toys and books without having to worry whether a standardized bin will fit where you need it to. Expandable containers are perfect for larger items and are usually reinforced to retain their shape.

Finding easy to clean storage is also essential, especially considering the mess any child is capable of making. A bin that can be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge is ideal for smaller children.

Finally, before purchasing new bins and storage for a child’s bedroom or playroom, take an inventory of what you will need to place in the bins so you can get an accurate number in mind. Some types of bins are better for storing specific items. Larger bins can hold books, hanging storage can hold stuffed animals, and smaller bins can handle smaller toys like blocks or dolls.

Bins with fun designs that are easy to drag around are perfect for smaller children and encourage them to play and pick up their toys when they are finished. Starting these habits are excellent for helping your child learn responsibility and cleanliness.

Considerations when Buying Soft Toy Storage

  • Durability and versatility
  • Washable and easy to clean
  • Soft with no sharp edges or corners
  • Easy for the child to get to
  • What items will need bins?
  • What colors, shapes, and designs will engage your children and make cleaning a more fun and enjoyable experience?

The following are the best soft toy storage solutions to ensure child safety:

Soft Toy Storage for Toddlers

1. Three Sprouts Storage Box

Three Sprouts Storage Box

These storage boxes are made from polyester and have reinforced cardboard sides that help keep the shape when items are added. The boxes fit most shelving units and cubbies and can also be used alone for storage. The material can easily be spot cleaned which make it an ideal option for a younger child’s room or nursery, and they come in many different designs with your child’s choice of animal.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 13” X 13” X 13”
Product Weight – 1.7 lbs
Materials – Polyester/canvas material

Pros

  • BPA-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Latex and lead-free
  • No sharp corners or edges
  • Very sturdy and high-quality construction
  • Easy to spot clean

Cons

  • May have slight color difference than what is seen online
  • Higher price point per box

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

2. Toy Storage Basket and Toy Organizer

Toy Storage Basket and Toy Organizer

These toy storage baskets can be used to store several different items in your child’s room or nursery like diapers, clothing, stuffed animals, arts and crafts supplies, books, puzzles, etc. They are strong and durable and made of canvas, so they are long-lasting. They have metal wires placed around the rim to hold the shape of the basket, but these edges are covered with the canvas material. They are durable and sturdy enough that the child can drag them around, and they will retain their shape. They come in a variety of colors and designs that are sure to fit any décor.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 15” x 9” x 11”
Product Weight – 0.2 oz
Materials – canvas material

Pros

  • Colorful prints and designs that your children will love
  • Can store a variety of different items
  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • Easy to store and foldable when not in use
  • Handles that make it easier to carry

Cons

  • May have larger dimensions around the top than listed
  • Higher price point per basket

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Soft Toy Storage for Preschoolers

3. Rope Cotton Storage Baskets

Rope Cotton Storage Baskets

Rope Cotton Storage Baskets are handcrafted with 100% organic cotton rope that is both safe and healthy with no added chemicals. The baskets are soft to the touch and are lightweight and flexible and are extremely safe for children. They are eco-friendly and non-toxic storage solutions made from FDA grade material that will not scratch a child’s skin.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 13.8” x 8.1” x 4.5”
Product Weight – 2 lbs
Materials – 100% cotton rope

Pros

  • Large capacity baskets
  • Natural and eco-friendly materials
  • Safe for children and soft to the touch
  • Includes handles for comfort and convenience
  • Practical and versatile

Cons

  • High price point per basket

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4. Mesh Toy Pop-Up Hamper in Red with White Lid Numbers

Mesh Toy Pop-up Hamper in Red with White Lid Numbers

The Mesh Toy pop up hamper is perfect to use as a toy organizer, stuffed animals, and even laundry. It is made of foldable mesh and has a lid that can be easily detached. The material is breathable and the hamper is safe to use in any child’s room or nursery.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 15” x 14” x 2”
Product Weight – 5.6 oz
Materials – Foldable and breathable mesh

Pros

  • Can fit toys, stuffed animals, or blankets
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Affordably priced
  • Fun and kid-friendly color and design
  • Cover attaches easily and can stay open

Cons

  • Limited color options

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Soft Toy Storage for Grade-Schoolers

5. Cotton Rope Storage Organizers, Multifunctional Organization

Cotton Rope Storage Organizers, Multifunctional Organization

These storage organizers can help maintain clutter and are great for stuffed animals, towels, blankets and sheets, and other smaller items. The material is soft but firm and can stand on its own and are 100% eco-friendly and safe for use around children. There is nothing on the bins that will scratch your child or the floor and are completely safe for children to play with and drag around.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 12” x 8.8” x 3.3”
Product Weight – 1.4 lb
Materials – Cotton rope

Pros

  • Soft and eco-friendly materials
  • Natural and handmade
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Thick and not droopy; stand up on their own

Cons

  • May have small defects and irregularities because they are handmade
  • Possibility of creasing after delivery, but it will go away with time

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6. Bigso Soft Storage Box with Lid, Large

Bigso Soft Storage Box with Lid

These storage boxes would make the perfect addition to any child’s bedroom and feature a stylish soft-sided organizer that is ideal for storing toys, pillows, blankets, and more. They are strong and durable and are made from cardboard and polyester, and they are easy to clean. They can fold flat when not in use. They offer any household a functional and versatile storage solution. They come in three different size options: Small, medium, and large.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 17.7” x 13.4” x 9.8”
Product Weight – 2.8 lb
Materials – Polyester and cardboard

Pros

  • Functional and versatile
  • Strong and durable construction
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be stored flat when not in use
  • Comes in three different sizes

Cons

  • Higher price point per box

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7. Toy Hammock-Storage Net for Plush Toys and Stuffed Animals

Toy Hammock-Storage Net for Plush Toys and Stuffed Animals

The toy hammock provides an easy and safe way of storing all of your child’s stuffed animals and plush toys so that they are out of the way but still accessible. It offers an excellent display for the toys while keeping them up and off the floor. It can also hold bathroom toys, pillows, and playpen balls effectively. The nets are easy to install and are made from super durable elastic bands and netting.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 11” x 4” x 4.2”
Product Weight – 8 oz
Materials – Elastic and netting

Pros

  • Comes with the hooks needed to install it
  • Custom-designed by a mother
  • Strong and durable elastic band and netting
  • Stretches out to four feet for a lot of extra storage space

Cons

  • Smaller than expected even when stretched out

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8. Delta Children 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer

Delta Children 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer

The Delta Children 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer features a hanging storage option printed with subtle polka dots and contrast piping. It is ideal for storing smaller toys and other accessories. It easily and effortlessly hangs over the door or it can be attached to the wall with hardware that is provided. It is well made with no sharp edges and is safe to use in any children’s bedroom or nursery to keep the room clean and organized while minimizes the clutter.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 13” x 3.5” x 36”
Product Weight – 1.1 lbs
Materials – Canvas with cardboard reinforcement

Pros

  • Four decently-sized pockets
  • Can hang over the door or be attached to the wall with included hardware
  • Different color options that can be coordinated to fit into any room
  • Can be paired with other pieces for a more cohesive look
  • Durable and sturdy construction

Cons

  • Hooks are less than desirable and too thick
  • Hard to reach the taller pocket if you are shorter
  • Pockets are too close together

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9. The Warm Home Durable Fabric Storage Bins

The Warm Home Durable Fabric Storage Bins

These durable fabric storage bins are perfect for the nursery, closet organization, and toy storage. They are made from a natural fabric material with sturdy linen construction. They have a rope handle that makes it easier to slide the bins in and out of shelves or cabinets, and they are collapsible for easy storage when not in use. They are also extremely easy to clean. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. The reinforced panels allow you to store heavier and bulkier items.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 15.7” x 11.8” x 8.3”
Product Weight – 1.5 lb
Materials – Natural fabric material

Pros

  • Stylish design and sturdy construction
  • Stabilized base made with reinforced panels
  • Thick handles that provide optimum tension and comfort
  • Folds for easy storage when not in use
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • They do not come with lids

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. Furinno Non-Woven Fabric Soft Storage Organizer with Lid

Furinno Non-Woven Fabric Soft Storage Organizer with Lid

These non-woven fabric organizers with lids are foldable and are lightweight, large-capacity bins that provide the answer to any small storage problems. They come in fun colors, and designs that are perfect for a child’s bedroom, playroom, or nursery and they can hold toys, games, crafts, clothes, books, and so much more. They are functional and suitable for any age and help to cut down on the amount of clutter around the home. They are soft to the touch, yet durable and fit perfectly into any space.

Product Details

Product Dimensions – 10.6” x 15” x 10.6”
Product Weight – 1.4 lb
Materials – Non-woven fabric and cardboard

Pros

  • Large capacity bins with lids to make storage easy
  • Folds down when not in use for easy storage
  • Available in an array of styles and designs
  • Sewn-in handle so they can be pulled effortlessly from shelves
  • Durable and sturdy design

Cons

  • Slightly bigger than expected
  • Color may be off from what is pictured

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

There are many different solutions when it comes to toy storage, and there are alternatives to traditional plastic or wooden containers that are safer for children, as well as being eco-friendly and washable. Most of the storage bins and boxes can be neatly stored on shelves or can be used in cubbies for additional storage space. The possibilities and style choices are endless. They provide safety while still ensuring functionality, durability, convenience, and versatility.

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The Best Kids Toy Storage Ideas

Best Kids Toy Storage Ideas

We all love our little ones. But there are times when you know how frustrating it can be to walk into your child’s room and see toys littered all over the floor and the storage container completely empty. Legos are preventing you from tucking your child in at night, and the dolls piled up in the corner are causing nightmares for you. You have told your children several times a day that they need to clean up their toys, but the desperate pleas fall on deaf ears. In this article, we will take a look at the best kids toy storage ideas.

It is a never ending fight between the child and the parent. Storage space and toy organization such as a toy box or a built-in shelf is a crucial element when it comes to keeping your sanity as a parent and keeping your house looking clean and clutter free. Maybe if the kids have a designated spot for all their stuff, maybe—just maybe—they will return it to said spot when they are done. This might be a long shot for a playroom idea, but hey, you never know!

There are many different toy organizer options and child-friendly storage containers and baskets that could help maintain a semblance of control and cleanliness to any home or children’s room. Now, instead of working around toys everywhere, you could try to create an interesting toy storage solution that will encourage your children to enjoy playing with their toys but also enjoy putting them back and displaying them afterwards. Here are some great toy organizer/playroom ideas that might just help you avoid standing on those Lego bricks in future:

1. mDesign Kids/Baby Toy Storage Box-Pack of 2

mDesign Kids/Baby Toy Storage Box-Pack of 2

These storage boxes are the perfect solution when it comes to keeping blocks, crayons, playdoh, and toy cars picked up and organized. The storage boxes are small enough to fit on a shelf in your child’s room and are light enough that they can carry them around instead of having to take everything out to play with their toys.

  • Storage boxes are stackable
  • Closet-friendly design
  • Great for bedroom, playroom, or nursery
  • Made of durable, BPA-free plastic
  • Easy open hinged lids

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 6.75” x 5.5” x 3.75”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

2. Lukher Cotton Storage Basket Bin and Organizer with Handles

Lukher Cotton Storage Basket Bin and Organizer with Handles

These cotton storage baskets are great for organizing nursery items, baby toys, and baby clothing. They are natural and eco-friendly and are waterproof on the inside, so they are safe from any accidental spills or messes. They collapse so they can be easily stored when not in use and are safe to have around younger children.

  • Designed to fit on most shelves
  • Wire-framed for stability
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Made from natural and durable cottonPrice $Item Dimensions 15” x 11” x 9”
  • Handles for easy handling
  • Neutral color will match well with any décor

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 15” x 11” x 9

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

3. School Bus Collapsible Toy Storage Box and Closet Organizer with Storage Hood for Kids

School Bus Collapsible Toy Storage Box and Closet Organizer with Storage Hood for Kids

These collapsible storage boxes are kid-friendly themes that will make it fun and exciting for your child when it comes time to pick up their toys. They are easy to assemble and also disassemble for convenient storage when they are not in use. The interior of the organizer is split into two different sections; one section in the front and one section in the back. It is the perfect storage solution for toys, shoes, books, or more.

  • Fun and kid friendly designs
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Folds up for easy storage
  • Fits on most shelves and in most cubbies
  • Can find them in a variety of different designs

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 21” x 9.5” x 12

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

4. Fantasy Fields-Happy Farm Animals Wooden Barn Bookcase with Storage

Fantasy Fields-Happy Farm Animals Wooden Barn Bookcase with Storage

This bookcase with storage option is hand-painted to resemble a barn and features a peaked roof and beautiful detail. It has three shelves and an additional section for storage on the bottom. Assembly is required, but it is packaged with step-by-step instructions. It is ideal for toddlers of two years old and up and is the perfect height for the child. The paint used is non-toxic and lead-free, and Fantasy Fields used recycled pressed wood, and their workshop is safety and green compliant.

  • Handcrafted design
  • High-quality materials
  • Plenty of storage options
  • Easy access for your toddler

Item Details

Price – $$$

Iteam Dimensions – 25.2” x 9.5” x 41.8”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

5. Labebe Kids Wooden Bookcase of Hedgehog

Labebe Kids Wooden Bookcase of Hedgehog

This wooden bookcase is made of engineered wood and has four wheels which make it easy to move around and can also be used as a baby walker. It has a cubbyhole that can hold books or toys and will fit nicely in any bedroom or playroom. It is easy enough to move around so that your child can use it independently without help from you.

  • Practical and convenient
  • Four wheels for easy mobility
  • Doubles as a baby walker
  • Easy to clean
  • Multifunctional storage solution
  • Beautiful design

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 22.1” x 18.1” x 4”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6. Kidkraft Puzzle Book Shelf

Kidkraft Puzzle Book Shelf-Primary

This bookshelf is made of durable wooden construction and has a fun puzzle piece design and is painted using the primary colors: red, blue, and green. Since it is sturdy, it will not tip over and is the perfect size for your preschooler to organize their books. It is a small and good storage solution that frees up space without taking over it, and its fun colors will add to your child’s décor.

  • Strong and durable construction
  • Fun Design
  • Great storage solution for books
  • Virtually untippable

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 25” x 11.5” x 37.5”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

7. KidKraft Sort It and Store It Bin Unit

KidKraft Sort It and Store It Bin Unit

This storage unit has twelve plastic storage bins, and all of the bins are interchangeable. The bins come in the following colors: three red, three blue, three yellow, and three green. It has handles on either side so that it is easy for an adult to move it and it is packaged with step-by-step instructions for assembly. It is made of sturdy construction and will fit nicely in any room and keep all of the smaller toys separated and organized and off the floor.

  • Twelve different storage bins
  • Easy to move with handles on either side
  • Fun colors
  • Sturdy construction
  • Espresso finish
  • Interchangeable bins

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 31.9” x 18.6” x 32.2”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

8. Funfield City Travel Size Drawstring Play Mat

Funfield City Travel Size Drawstring Play Mat

This drawstring play mat is designed to be multifunctional. It serves as a playmat and storage solution in one. It is made of heavy-duty fabric and has a double layer with an image printed onto the fabric. It is three feet in diameter. It is perfect for cars, Legos, or other small toys. Unzip the mat to play and then zip it back up, with all the toys inside, to go. It is great for traveling and easy and quick cleanup after playtime.

  • All-in-one play mat and storage bag
  • Creative and fun design
  • Easy cleanup with no fuss
  • Can travel easily
  • Plenty of space for play

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 13” x 8.7” x 1.1

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9. Delta Children 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer

Delta Children 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer-Beige

This 4 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer is perfect for any older child’s room and is great for storing toys or accessories. You can either hang it over a door with the hook, or you can attach it to the wall with the hardware that is provided. It comes in a variety of different prints and colors to make it easy to match up with any décor and provides a simple and secure storage solution that takes no time at all to set up and begin organizing.

  • Two ways to hang the organizer
  • Variety of colors and patterns
  • Easy to hang
  • Hardware included
  • Durable construction

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 13” x 3” x 9”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. Orange Tag Hanging Mesh Space Saver Bags

Orange Tag Hanging Mesh Space Saver Bags/Organizer-3 Compartments

These hanging mesh organizers are the perfect solution when it comes to finding a place to store all of those stuffed animals or other smaller accessories. This particular model comes in either Red Hearts or Blue Underwater World designs, and the upper and lower layers are made of mesh grid, so it is easy to see through the mesh. The middle layer is non-transparent. It is convenient to use and easy to hang up.

  • It is made of 100% polyester
  • Suspends with touch and close fastening
  • The fastening will open if the child tries to climb it which acts as a safety feature
  • Package includes two pieces

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 12.8” x 11.7” x 2.7”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

11. KidKraft Nantucket Storage Bench

KidKraft Nantucket Storage Bench-White

This bench can be used for storage or can provide additional seating. It features three storage bins that are perfect for storing toys or other equipment, and the bins slide in and out easily for convenience. The bench is made of wood and can easily fit at the foot of their bed. It does not take up much space and is ideal for storage and seating while fitting in nicely with any décor.

  • Three bin storage
  • Beautiful finish
  • Easy and convenient access
  • Bench seating
  • Fits under a window or at the foot of a bed

Item Details

Price – $$$

Iteam Dimensions – 39” x 14” x 14”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

12. Three Bin Storage Cubby-White

Three Bin Storage Cubby-White

This smaller storage solution is a stackable wooden cubby that will keep all of your child’s items out of sight and organized. It weighs about thirty-six pounds and can be used to store books, toys, clothing, shoes, and so much more. The bins are easy to load and unload, and the piece will fit in with almost any décor. To clean it all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth.

  • Convenient storage option
  • Cleans easily
  • Beautiful finish for any décor
  • Stackable
  • Three bin design

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 37” x 19.2” x 17”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

13. P’Kolino Monster Under the Bed Storage

P’Kolino Monster Under the Bed Storage

This under-the-bed storage organizer can easily and efficiently store stuffed animals, clothes, or other smaller toys and the best part is that it fits neatly under the bed. It is made from a colorful polyester-cotton blend and canvas and has a paperboard-lined interior. It is featured as fun and functional storage. They are sized for toddlers but are the ideal size for any child that wants to have fun while keeping their room neat and organized.

  • Fits neatly under the bed
  • Fun colors and designs
  • Designed for all ages
  • Stores toys, clothing, and more
  • Functional storage

Item Details

Price – $

Iteam Dimensions – 17” x 13” x 8.8

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

14. Bintopia Multi Bin Storage Organizer

Bintopia Multi Bin Storage Organizer

This organizer features a decorative three-tier design and is supported by a sturdy steel frame. It includes tear-resistant bins and the bins come in different sizes for convenient storage. The taupe and gray trim color is classic and will match easily with almost any décor. It is perfect for a child’s bedroom and will help keep all of their things neat and organized and off the floor and out of corners.

  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • Convenient storage
  • Neutral color and design
  • Lots of convenient storage space

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 36.22” x 25.98” x 12”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

15. Tot Tutors Kids Store

Tot Tutors Kids Store-All Unit

This store-all unit is suitable for organizing and storing large and small toys, books, and other items. It includes one large rolling toy box, three white plastic bins, and one book display and shelf unit. The espresso finish will fit with almost any décor. It is easy to use and easy to access, and you can take the bins out whenever you need to. You can roll the unit around for portability and then just roll it back into place when you are done.

  • Convenient and easy storage solution
  • Rolls for increased mobility
  • Includes plastic storage bins
  • Neutral color will fit almost any décor
  • Easy to see and easy to access

Item Details

Price – $$

Iteam Dimensions – 15” x 25” x 30”

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

The Best Graphic Novels for Early Readers

Why Graphic Novels?

Graphic novels have long been beloved by teen and adult readers the world over. From Japanese manga to well-known American comics, this literary format has millions of fans and its popularity has only continued to grow. Academic libraries report that graphic novels are among their most-requested materials, and in 2015 the sale of graphic novels in the United States topped $1 billion, confirming their steadily rising popularity among teen and adult consumers. But few realize that graphic novels can also provide a wonderful entry point to very young beginning readers. Because they’re pictorial in nature, they’re a suitable alternative to more traditional “easy reader” series, ideal for small children as well as older kids for whom reading is a struggle.

Why  these  graphic novels?

The following list of recommendations has been curated for age-appropriateness and tailored to readers in kindergarten through second grade. Many of these books have been endorsed by the American Library association or the Association for Library Service to Children.

Each title combines simple, fast-paced plotting with sequential illustrations to make them easily navigable to even the most reluctant readers, as well as children who struggle with reading comprehension. They’re attention-grabbing, straightforward, and most importantly fun!

​20. Little Robot by Ben Hatke

Ben Hatke created his reputation as a celebrated children’s graphic novelist with the beloved sci-fi book Zita the Spacegirl, and he lives up to that reputation with the nearly wordless Little Robot. In this charming story, a five-year-old girl discovers a small robot in the woods and accidentally activates him. They become fast friends, but some bigger, nastier robots come along with a plan to steal him for their own questionable purposes. It’s up to the little girl to protect her robotic companion with only a wrench and her sense of loyalty. This is a delightful book about the importance of friendship and overcoming your fear.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Little Robot

19. Hamster and Cheese by Colleen AF Venable

This book is the first installment in the Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye series. In this colorfully illustrated volume, guinea pig private investigator Sasspants is hired by Hamisher the hamster to track down pet shop owner Mr. Venezi’s missing sandwiches. There are two informational pages about the pet shop’s inhabitants, and page after page of full-color cartoons.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Hamster and Cheese

18. Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Toon

The hero of this story, Little Mouse, is perfecting a skill most beginning readers will have only recently mastered: getting dressed! Before he goes to the barn, Little Mouse selects underwear, socks, pants, shoes, and a shirt to wear, and he must find his way around zippers, Velcro, and buttons to finish the job. Finally, in a surprise twist, Little Mouse’s mother reminds him that mice don’t wear clothes.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Little Mouse Gets Ready

17. Benny & Penny in the Big No-No! by Geoffrey Hayes

This is the second installment in Geoffrey Hayes Benny & Penny series, following the adventures of a brother and sister mouse. In this follow-up to the first book, Benny’s pail goes missing, and he and Penny suspect their new neighbor, a hedgehog, is the culprit. Even though they know it’s a “big no-no,” they sneak into their neighbor’s yard in search of the pail. What happens next teaches them about friendship, misunderstandings, and the importance of saying sorry when you make a mistake.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Benny & Penny in the Big No-No!

16. A Day at the Fire Station by Richard Scarry

A Day at the Fire Station is just one installment in Richard Scarry’s now-classic My Community series, teaching young readers all about the world they inhabit and the people in it. In this book, house-painters Drippy and Sticky visit the Busytown Fire Station and learn about the day-to-day lives of the firefighters who work there, as well as the actions the take when they answer a call. There’s even a glossary and a bibliography defining terms and pointing readers to supplemental books and websites.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy A Day at the Fire Station

15. Airplane Adventure by Cari Meister

Airplane Adventure is part of the My First Graphic Novel series, which includes helpful illustrated instructions for first-time readers about how to read a graphic novel. In this story, brother and sister Juan and Anna step on an airplane for the very first time to fly to Mexico and visit their grandmother. Young readers will learn all about air travel, and a discussion guide and writings prompt offer parents and teachers talking points for additional learning.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Airplane Adventure

14. Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson

The adventurous, blue-haired Hilda is the subject of Luke Pearson’s Hildafolk book series. Set against a magical Scandinavian backdrop, this story follows Hilda as she sets out to explore the mountains surrounding her home and draw some of the fantastical creatures to be found there. When she spies a mountain troll, she sits down to sketch him and soon falls asleep, waking up to find herself lost in a snowstorm. On her way home, she encounters even more unusual creatures.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Hilda and the Troll

13. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires

Binky the cat is a space explorer — at least in his own mind. In reality, he’s a house cat with a BIG imagination. Through the power of make-believe, Binky transforms a trip outside into the backyard to chase bugs into an exploration of outer space, complete with battles with alien attackers who threaten Binky’s human family. After drafting blueprints and building a spaceship, Binky is ready to blast off with his favorite stuffed mouse/copilot Ted when he realizes he’s left behind something important.

  • Target Age: Kindergarten & Up

Buy Binky the Space Cat

12. The Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson

This is another book in the popular TOON series of graphic novels for young readers. This beautifully illustrated story about a young boy named Nanaue will introduce kids to Hawaiian culture, and especially resonate with boys who aspire to be just like Dad. Nanaue, a young adventurer born to a shark father and a human mother, must learn to balance his desire for his father’s guidance with his need for his mother’s warmth and nurturing.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy The Shark King

11. Tippy and the Night Parade by Lili Carre

This magical story is also part of the TOON series with gorgeous illustrations in a nocturnal blue color palette. All Tippy remembers is going to sleep, but when she wakes up she finds her bedroom full of plants, animals, and shells. Where did they all come from? We discover the answer as Tippy sleepwalks outside, gathering an entourage of animal friends who follow her on her nighttime adventures.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy Tippy and the Night Parade

10. NINA in That Makes Me Mad by Hilary Knight

Little ones who are still learning to tolerate frustration will be able to relate to this story about Nina, a young girl who often loses her temper and throws tantrums. By learning to express her anger in words instead of through fits, Nina soon learns that she can deal with her feelings and come up with solutions to what makes her mad with some help from the adults in her life.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy NINA in That Makes me Mad

9. Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Ricardo Siri Liniers

This book is available in both English and Spanish, making it ideal for non-native English-speaking children as well as young bilingual readers. The heroine, Henrietta, not only loves to read books, she also enjoys making her own! With a fistful of colored pencils, Henrietta creates her own quirky world inhabited by a brave little girl, a three-headed monster, and no shortage of adventure. Young readers will be delighted and inspired by her creativity.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy Written and Drawn by Henrietta

8. Otto’s Orange Day by Jay Lynch

Otto is an orange cat who is given a magic lamp by his aunt. When he releases a genie who agrees to grant him one wish, Otto wishes to turn his whole world orange. At first his newly colored world seems like a lot of fun, but pretty soon Otto realizes that living in a totally orange world isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. When his mom serves him an orange lamb chop (yuck!) and an orange traffic light causes an accident, he reconsiders his wish.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy Otto’s Orange Day

7. Dinosaurs in Space by Pranas T. Naujokaitis

Author Pranas T. Naujokaitis combines two subjects favored by kids since time immemorial: dinosaurs and space travel! In this hilariously illustrated graphic novel, space-dwelling dinosaurs from Planet Lettuce and Planet Meatball bicker over who’s better: dinosaurs who eat salads, or dinosaurs who eat hamburgers. Readers of all ages will love the silly story and the comical cartoons alike.

  • Target Age: First Grade & Up

Buy Dinosaurs in Space

6. Where’s Leopold? Your Pajamas Are Showing! By Michael-Yves Schmitt

Translated from the original French, the story of Leopold and his big sister Celine will make you laugh out loud. When he wakes up one morning, Leopold is shocked to discover that he can turn invisible at will. Unfortunately, he can’t make his clothes invisible, too, so he spends most of the book running around in only some underpants, tormenting his sister, and getting up to all sorts of other antics. Due to some “potty humor,” this story is probably better suited to slightly older readers.

  • Target Age: Second Grade  & Up

Buy Where’s Leopold? Your Pajamas are Showing!

5. You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Museum of Fine Arts by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzmann

This book is a little wordier than some of the others on our list, and for that reason it’s a better choice for slightly older kids (second grade and up). This story takes the reader on a fun journey through Boston, where a little girl’s balloon gets away from her in the Museum of Fine Arts. Her chase after it takes her to all sorts of historical landmarks, including Fenway Park, Trinity Church, Paul Revere House, and other noteworthy locations. Kids and adults will enjoy searching for the many famous Bostonians hidden in the illustrations, like Louisa May Alcott and Ted Williams.

  • Target Age: Second Grade & Up

Buy You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Museum of Fine Arts

4. Patrick in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Other Stories by Geoffrey Hayes

This is another wonderful graphic novel by the award-winning children’s author Geoffrey Hayes, who has penned over forty picture books for kids. This one is about Patrick Brown, a lovable teddy bear who loves his mom and dad, life, and exploring the world he lives in. In this book, Patrick goes on a picnic with his mother, takes a nap, and stands up to a bully called Big Bear. Young readers will be able to relate to the challenges he faces and feel inspired when he comes out on top.

  • Target Age: Second Grade & Up

Buy Patrick in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic

3. Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenthiel

Reader who are new to the world of Agnes Rosenthiel will soon understand why she’s one of France’s favorite children’s authors. Protagonist Lilly loves the four seasons and the many pleasures they offer, from eating apples in fall to gathering seashells in summer. In this story, she learns all about the great outdoors and introduces beginning readers to the different colors, shapes, and words that show up in nature. The dialogue is minimal, with only one-word balloon per panel and only one sentence per word balloon, making it a highly accessible read.

  • Target Age: Second Grade & Up

Buy Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons

2. Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost in the World by James Kochalka

Ghost aren’t always scary. In fact, this one is downright endearing. Johnny Boo is an adorable ghost with the special gift of “boo power” (the ability to go “BOO!” very loudly). His pet ghost Squiggle has “squiggle power,” enabling him to fly super fast and make loop-de-loops. In this book they come up against the intimidating Ice Cream Monster, who they soon learn isn’t very scary at all.

  • Target Age: Second Grade & Up

Buy Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost in the World

1. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss

When Luke’s dad takes him to Central Park, he soon gets absorbed in boring “daddy talk” while look is fascinated by the pigeons who live in the park. They lead him on a thrilling chase through Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge before eventually settling on a rooftop. This book is especially memorable for its colorful cast of characters and its racial diversity.

  • Target Age: Second Grade & Up

Buy Luke on the Loose

A Guide To Adaptive Toys for Special Needs Children

The 50 Most Educational Family Vacation Ideas

When considering your next family vacation, a lot of emotions can come over you. Excitement, stress (lots of stress), and happiness at the thought of spending time with your family. It is important to pick a vacation spot that everyone in your family will enjoy, which can be difficult depending on your children’s ages and interests.

Many families are opting for vacations that have an education element to them, which has become a very popular option over the years. According to a CBS News article from 2007, 32% of travelers were planning to include educational activities into their vacation plans in 2008, which was up from 25% the year before. I can only imagine what the percentage is now.

Many parents feel that a vacation is another opportunity for learning. This fast growing travel option is gaining popularity as parents look for more ways to combine their love of travel with a chance to make teachable moments.

Parents have also let their kids become more involved in making vacation plans with 60% of parents letting the children have some say in where they go, according to Homeaway.com. They also reported that children in the U.S. want a vacation that includes adventure and the opportunity to do something that they wouldn’t get to do at home.

Children can learn anywhere, especially if it is an environment that is new to your child, and he is introduced to something he has not experienced or seen before. You can either choose a place like a museum or a zoo that will be filled with learning opportunities, or you can research specific sites to explore in a particular city or region giving yourself enough chance to enjoy learning experiences as well as relax while you are on your vacation. Living history sites may not seem as relaxing, but they will keep your children occupied and happy throughout your trip.

When you combine your vacation with educational elements, your family is not only getting a fun getaway, but you are broadening your children’s horizons and allowing them to learn something that won’t see at home or at school. There are several types of educational vacation formats:

• Museum or historic sites have an informal learning format where families can come and see artifacts and exhibits

• Camps or resorts that provide enrichment programs where participants get to try something new

• National Park offer visitors the change to learn about wildlife, geology, and the environment

• City visits can be eye openers for young children, and families can immerse themselves in art, culture, science, and history in a short period of time.

• Historic destinations and living history museums like Colonial Williamsburg can give families a fun way to get hands-on learning while being educated about life in another time

• Interest-based travel is used if there is a special interest like dinosaurs, horses, and outdoor sports

The methodology that I used to write this article was to search through educational vacation ideas that represented the six different formats listed above. Specifically, I wanted to include ideas in each format that could be found all around the country, so that they were spread out enough to interest as many people as possible.

I also wanted to choose a lot of different types of trips that would appeal to families with varied interests and economic backgrounds. Some families are very into camping, and national parks and I tried to include the most iconic of these as well as a few that I was surprised to find were a part of the national park system. I also wanted to make sure that the museums on the list were also varied and that they weren’t all focused on our Founding Fathers.

My favorite part was searching the interest-based travel ideas, and I was amazed at the many locations that had specifically designed camps for families like Space Camp and Dino-Dig. There were several destinations that appeal to outdoor loving families as well as many ideas that are easier for families with children with disabilities like children’s museums, zoos, and aquariums.

As I was doing my research, I found that the top destinations for educational vacations include:

• National Parks

• Children’s Museums

• Zoos

• Historical Monuments and Sites

• Theme Parks

The one destination I did not include is theme parks as I wanted to focus on some less obvious and out of the way spots that could get overlooked otherwise. Theme parks are really not your first thought for learning, but many theme parks do incorporate some educations aspects, and you can always learn about engineering and physics as you are roaring down the tracks of a roller coaster.

I also listed certain activities that I hoped might stimulate creativity in your travel plans and, even if that location may be nowhere near where you live or plan to travel, it might inspire you to see if there is something like it close by, or would get your creative juices flowing so you would be encouraged to look for other out of the box ideas. Good luck with your planning and I hope you have a somewhat restful, but fun-filled and educational vacation.

1. Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts

One of the best vacations you can take is to reinforce something your kids have already learned. Every child learns about the Mayflower and Plimoth Rock, so they will be super excited to go and see it for themselves. This is a great opportunity to show your kids how the pilgrims and the Native Americans lived, and you are even able to go on board the Mayflower II that is an exact replica of the 1620 Mayflower.

Kids can also visit the Wampanoag Indians that lived near the pilgrims and learn about their traditional arts and crafts. If you happen to visit on Thanksgiving, visitors are invited to join in the traditional Thanksgiving dinner the feature to celebrate the original meal.

You can learn more the Plimouth Plantation here.

2. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

All children learn the story of Harriet Tubman and runaway slaves. At the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, children will hear other stories of fugitive slaves as they escaped slavery and headed north for freedom. The Freedom Center also presents the stories of those individuals that helped the fugitive slaves on their journey north and illustrates how dangerous and illegal it was to do this.

One fun family activity that is featured at the Freedom Center is the ability to research your family lineage onsite. Families can get a free copy of their family tree and get personalized help with their research. The Freedom Center also documents the continued work being done today to help people attain freedom in their exhibits “Everyday Freedom Heroes” and “Invisible Slavery Today.”

You can learn more about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center here.

3. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

Over 35,000 animals and plants are found inside a sardine-cannery-like building in Monterey, California. Almost 200 exhibits fill up the aquarium using all of the kid-friendly features they could think of including light-up buttons, touchable, flip books, and slide-up panels. The signs are even interactive and written with rhythm and rhyme making them tons of fun to read aloud.

Kids especially love the 7,000 square foot Splash Zone that houses over 30 hands-on features for kids under 9 years old. Children of all ages will have fun using squirt toys to learn how to resist a crashing wave, crawl through tunnels with tropical fish, or use underwater video cameras to steer through wetlands and tidal pools. There are also four touch pools for exploratory fun, projects to make using scrapbooks and crayon rubbings, costumes to try on, small microscopes to examine specimens, and a special mirror that lets you see yourself as a hairy-nosed otter.

You can learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium here.

4. Mount Vernon and Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

Visiting the homes of Presidents is a time-honored family vacation tradition. When you visit Charlottesville, VA, you have the opportunity to visit the homes of both President George Washington and President Thomas Jefferson. Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation on the Potomac River includes his mansion, reconstructed slave quarters, his burial tomb, a working blacksmith shop, a demonstration farm, plus eleven video presentations and an immersion theater where it will actually snow on you.

Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s beloved home and plantation where you can see the first floor of his home, tour several exhibits, walk the expansive gardens, and tour Mulberry Row where exhibits and reconstructed buildings tell the story of those that lived and worked at Monticello. Children will also enjoy the Mountaintop Hands-On Activity Center and the Griffin Discovery Room. And, if you haven’t gotten enough of our Founding Fathers, the home of James Madison is only thirty minutes away in Montpelier and James Monroe’s home, AshLawn Highland, is also close by.

You can learn more about Mount Vernon and Monticello here.

5. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Known as the largest children’s museum in the country, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis covers 472,900 square feet and features an exhibit of China’s Terra Cotta Warriors and of pirate Captain Kidd’s shipwreck. It is also home to the National Geographic Treasures of the Earth exhibit that allows children to inspect three major archaeology excavations.

Interactive tools let kids decipher hieroglyphics and dig for fragments of clay while the Dinosphere exhibit allows children to examine dinosaur fossils including a teenage Tyrannosaurus Rex and a baby dinosaur that is still curled in its nest. For older children, there is a moving exhibit that describes the lives of three different children, Ryan White, Anne Frank, and Ruby Bridges, who changed the world despite the prejudice that they all faced. Foreign cultures are also explored with an exhibit depicting the clothing, food, art, and traditions of cultures all over the world.

You can learn more about the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis here.

6. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska

Who knew that one of the county’s coolest zoos was in Omaha? It features the world’s largest indoor desert, replicas of the deserts in Australis, Africa, and the southwest U.S., that is housed under a 13-story geodesic dome that includes cobras, meerkats, and peccaries. In contrast, there is also a tropical rainforest replica of South America and Asia’s Lied Jungle where visitors will see macaws fly by, monkeys swinging in the trees and tapirs and pygmy hippos roaming the waterfalls and rope bridges.

Other incredible exhibits include the world’s largest nocturnal animal exhibit with bats and giant salamanders, a Madagascar exhibit with lemurs and giant jumping rats, and open air habitats where orangutans and gorillas prowl. A 14,000-square-foot Butterfly & Insect Pavilion also features 20 to 30 butterfly species for children of all ages to delight in.

You can learn more about the Henry Doorly Zoo here.

7. Washington, D.C.

When you can’t narrow down a few things to put on this list from one city, it’s just easier to include the whole city. Washington, D.C. is the perfect family vacation, especially for older children, where you can learn about history, politics, government, and tour many amazing museums. Not only can they visit the U.S. Capitol and see where bills and laws are made, but they can also visit the U.S. Supreme Court and see the justices hear and vote on important national cases.

Make sure to take a trip to the National Archives and Records Administration where you can see the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. There are is also the National Mall, the White House, the National Monuments, and the Lincoln Memorial to name a few other stops that should be included on your list.

And then there are the Smithsonian Museums that include so many different topics, you may need several trips to see them all. There are nineteen museums including air and space, American history, arts and industries, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum, plus don’t miss the National Zoo.

You can learn more about the Washington, D.C. area here.

8. Grand Canyon National Park

Do you remember the Brady Bunch episode when they went to the Grand Canyon? That episode epitomized this vacation destination as the iconic trip that hundreds of thousands of families have made over the years. It is the first National Park entry on our list, and it is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world as well. This geographic wonder will not only awe the kids, but it will give them an opportunity to learn about nature and geology.

The most accessible part of the Grand Canyon is the South Rim where you can easily bicycle or walk along the Desert View Drive, and you can learn about the canyon’s history and geology on a cell phone tour along the trail. There are also shuttles and private bus tours that will take you to scenic overlooks like the 75-foot-high Desert View Watchtower for fabulous panoramic views of the canyon.

If you have older children, the classic mule ride deep into the canyon can either be done in a day or you can stay overnight at the Phantom Ranch. The western end of the canyon features the Skywalk where you can walk on a glass floor 4,000 feet above the canyon floor for an unforgettable experience. Teens will also enjoy the opportunity go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River through the Canyon.

You can learn more about the Grand Canyon National Park here.

9. Space Camp & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama

For those families that enjoy rockets, space, and engineering, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must see. This is a world-renowned museum in Huntsville, Alabama that features exhibits with all kinds of ways that children can learn about NASA’s achievements in space. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is also home to the world’s largest space attraction, the Saturn V which hangs ten feet above the floor in the Davidson Center.

Dozens of interactive activities fill the museum including the Olympus Mons Climbing Wall, the Mission to Mars Simulator, and the Spacedome IMAX Theater. Outside exhibits offer an opportunity to ride on the Space Shot and the G-Force Accelerator which gives visitors an idea of the physical impact astronauts experience when they are in space. Most exhibits are geared for older children, but little ones will enjoy dedicated play spaces just for them. This is also home to Space Camp where kids and parents can enjoy a weekend or three- and four-day family camp experiences about space.

You can learn more about Rocket Center here.

10. Brooklyn Children’s Museum

The first museum to open just for children, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum opened its doors in 1899, and it includes an incredible collection of objects from around the world. Over 30,000 objects are on a rotating display that can also be searched online. Objects include an elephant skeleton, minerals, shark’s teeth, and Indonesian shadow puppets.

Children can also enjoy examples of New York’s multiculturalism by celebrating the Chinese New Year, dancing to Russian ballet, making a pizza, observing Mexico’s Day of the Dead, and creating their own Caribbean Carnival costume. There is also a nature exhibit that lets children explore the city’s different habitats including the beach and woodland areas while babies and toddlers enjoy a padded play space. One of the best features of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a special room for children with autism where they can explore their senses in a setting especially designed for them.

You can learn more about the Brooklyn Children’s Museum here.

11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

The next national park on our list is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park that is home to a huge system of over 117 underground caves and tunnels. This park is all underground and features the Big Room that is a 14-acre chamber located 750 feet underground of pale limestone. Younger children will enjoy the elevator ride to the Big Room while older kids will delight in the one-mile path that takes you to even more underground rooms.

Here, kids will learn the meaning behind the words “stalagmites” and “stalactites”. If you visit in the summer, you will also see almost a half-million Mexican free-tail bats that fly out above the desert at sunset to search for insects. Evenings also bring an opportunity to enjoy a Star Party where kids and parents alike can view the beauty of the night sky.

You can learn more about Carlsbad Caverns National Park here.

12. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

If you are a family that enjoys history, the nation’s largest living history museum is must for your vacation list. Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse of 18th-century life in Virginia during the time when the colonies in America were forming. Visitors can roam the streets of Colonial Williamsburg where they will see costumed characters working in their shops, walking through the streets, and reenacting day to day life as well as important battles.

This is a multiple-day destination with events taking place in both the day and night. This is an entire town that is dedicated to the history and depicting the life of those that lived in the colonies hundreds of years ago.

You can learn more about Colonial Williamsburg here.

13. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo has long been known as one of the best zoos for kids. It was a pioneer for innovative exhibits that was the first to use open settings and moats for the over 4,000 animals that call the zoo home.

Exhibit features include the Elephant Odyssey that includes elephants, jaguars, and lions in marshy wetlands, the Lost Forest that features tigers, gorillas, and hippos in open meadows amid waterfalls, and the Australian Outback where they house the largest koala colony outside of Australia.

Kids and toddlers will enjoy weekend talks, and animal encounters with Sichuan takins and Galapagos tortoises. The 2,200-acre Safari Park lets families watch herds of gazelles, rhinos and zebras roam, and Discovery Station allows visitors the opportunity to pet deer and antelopes.

You can learn more about the San Diego Zoo here.

14. Soldier Field

Sports fans will enjoy a pilgrimage to one of the oldest football stadiums in the country. Since 1924, Soldier Field has been home to football, but it wasn’t until 1971 that it became home to the Chicago Bears. It is always fun to root for your favorite team from the stands, but it is also a lot of fun to get a behind the scenes look at the locker rooms and skyline suites.

Tours at Soldier Field will give you a glimpse of jerseys worn by famous players throughout the history of the NFL, the Doughboy Statue that was placed at Soldier Field to honor the World War I veterans, the South Courtyard, the grand concourse, and the impressive Colonnades event space. Most importantly, visitors are allowed out on the field to get a feeling of what it is like to play in the NFL.

You can learn more about Soldier Field here.

15. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Another fun trip for the family that enjoys sports is a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This is a museum that celebrates America’s favorite pastime which has been around since the 1800’s, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the game as well as some of the baseball greats like Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth.

The Baseball Hall of Fame can tell the story of baseball with over 500,000 photographs and 40,000 artifacts that show how the game has evolved. Exhibits include the game-changing era of women’s baseball including uniforms that were worn by women in the 1940’s, relive memorable moments from World Series games, and see life-size photos of many of the famous players. Smaller children will enjoy the Sandlot Kids’ Clubhouse that includes baseball movies like “Curious George Plays Baseball,” and dress up area full of old fashioned baseball uniforms.

You can learn more about the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum here.

16. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, Atlanta, Georgia

The next national park on our list is the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site located in Atlanta, Georgia. This location is made up of several sites including The King Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, his Birth Home, and the Visitor Center. Families will enjoy seeing the many exhibits that document Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equal civil rights for all U.S. residents.

Children will enjoy the interactive exhibit “Children of Courage” in the Visitor Center which depicts the story of children during the Civil Rights Movement in a way that helps children relate to their struggle. There are also other exhibits that detail Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and career as well as the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement.

You can learn more about the Martin Luther King, JR. Historic Site here.

17. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Glen Arbor, Michigan

There are a ton of national parks out there that are off the beaten path and are totally worth a visit. Among them is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The big draw at Sleep Bear Dunes is the huge sand dunes that give the park its name and encourage tons of families to stay every year. The one experience kids of all ages must try is the “dune climb” and the trip back down.

Besides hanging out in the water, other activities include fishing, camping, hiking, and biking. Nearby Glen Haven General Store will help you will any camping necessities that you forgot, and, if you visit in August, a trip to the Port Oneida Fair will take you back to life in the 1880’s with soap, butter, and candle making for kids to try.

You can learn more about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore here.

18. Bristol Renaissance Faire, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Most children dream of being a princess or a knight and often play out these roles in dress up and play time. The Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin allows children the opportunity to play these roles for a day in the recreated town of Bristol in the year 1574. The fair includes over 200 artisans and crafters, delicious food, rides, games, music, and dancing.

Children will enjoy participating in “Kids Quests” while allowing five to11-year-olds the opportunity play out a live-action fantasy game that includes quests to defeat evil villains. Other kid activities include magic shows, tea parties, toy ship sailing, storytelling, pike drills, and Bristol’s Kids Kingdom that is a playground that includes a giant sandbox, crafts, a pirate ship and its own theater. Queen Elizabeth even makes an appearance to hail all the children, ladies, and lords.

You can learn more about the Bristol Renaissance Faire here.

19. Caretta Research Project, Wassaw Island, Georgia

If you enjoy a beach vacation and also want to help out the local wildlife, head to Wassaw Island, GA where your family can work with the Caretta Research Project and help save the sea turtles. Caretta Research Projects gives families an opportunity to learn about the environment and spend time together while monitoring and protecting the nests of loggerhead sea turtles at the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge.

An unforgettable hands-on experience for children of all ages, volunteers help collect data and watch over the turtles and their eggs while learning about this threatened species. Your family can also enjoy the beach and wonderful ocean views, and, if you are lucky, you might even get to see baby sea turtles hatch from their nest.

You can learn more about Caretta Research Project here.

20. Yosemite National Park

Our next iconic family vacation spot is the Yosemite National Park. For those families that love outdoor activities, Yosemite National Park is a year-round vacation spot where you can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice skating in the winter and camping and hiking the many granite cliffs and domes that grace the landscape.

Included in this national park is the world renowned El Cap that is a must visit for any rock climber, the beautiful wildflowers that saturate the Tuolumne Meadows, and the opportunity to see 200 foot high sequoias in the Mariposa Grove. Hiking up Upper Yosemite Falls is a great day trip, and your kids will have the opportunity to sign up to be a Junior Ranger or Little Cub.

You can learn more about Yosemite National Park here.

21. LEGOLAND, Carlsbad, California and Orlando, Florida

One of those ubiquitous toys that grace almost every child’s toy box is the Lego. With theme parks in both California and Florida, children have the opportunity to have fun with Legos in a way that inspires the budding architects and engineers inside them.

Lego-based rides, activities, and exhibits fill the theme park with endless fun for Lego enthusiasts. Each park has different themed areas including Dino Island, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Ninjago World, Castle Hill, and water parks at each theme park. This is a great theme park for the entire family, but has more activities for the younger visitors.

Activities that stimulate children’s creativity include building contests and building workshops. Other park features include a Duplo section for toddlers, a Lego Friends area, and a Star Wars exhibit.

You can learn more about LegoLand here.

22. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana border

The nation’s first national park is located on the Wyoming-Montana border. Yellowstone National Park is home to Old Faithful, one of the many geysers you will find throughout the park. Take a spin with the family on the popular loop road and get up close to elk, moose, and buffalo, or hike out on your own in Hayden Valley where you can see wildlife in their natural habitat way off the beaten path.

Fishing is another favorite pastime with trout swimming in some of the clearest water you will ever see. Kids will enjoy becoming a Young Scientists that comes with an interactive, hands-on activity booklet. It is available in the visitors’ center for $5 and when the kids have finished the booklet, they get an awesome souvenir.

You can learn more about Yellowstone National Park here.

23. Philadelphia – The City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia is another city on our list that has so many places to visit; the entire city just needs to be listed. The City of Philadelphia plays host to many of our country’s firsts including Carpenters’ Hall where the First Continental Congress met and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. Pennsylvania Hospital, the country’s first hospital founded by Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Mint, and the Liberty Bell Center are also all found in Philadelphia.

Your first stop should be a visit to Independence Visitor Center to pick up information on all the city’s history and culture. You can also pick up the AudioWalk and Tour which is a 74-minute walking tour that narrates the historic sites of the city as well as parts of Society Hill.

You can learn more about the City of Philadelphia here.

24. Old World Wisconsin

For a different take on a living history museum, Old World Wisconsin tells the story of the European immigrants that made their way to the Midwest to start their farms. At the Crossroads Village, families can visit the general store and see blacksmiths at work. Kids can also visit the one-room schoolhouse, try out old-fashioned games, and see what chores were like for kids way back when.

Visitors also visit farmsteads that feature German, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Polish farming techniques and food preparations. These immigrants brought their Old World food, crafts, and traditions with them to America, and they are all demonstrated here at the different farmsteads. Each farm will give you a sense of what it was truly like to be a farmer in the 1800’s and starting out a new life in a new world.

You can learn more about Old World Wisconsin here.

25. Space Needle/City of Seattle

An iconic city symbol, the Space Needle is 605 feet high, and it was the symbol of the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. The futuristic design of the space needle was part of the fair’s theme of “Century 21.”

The Space Needle is now the top tourist destination in Seattle, and it is a well-known emblem of Seattle. Visiting the Space Needle is a great way to learn about architecture, engineering, and the history of the area, plus it’s not often you get to see an existing piece of World Fair memorabilia.

Tickets are required to reach the observation deck, but a 43-second elevator ride will take you quickly up the 520 feet where you will get a 360-degree view of Seattle. You can also eat at the SkyCity Restaurant that revolves around the Space Needle 500 feet in the air.

You can learn more about the Space Needle here.

26. Wisconsin State Fair

Who doesn’t have fond memories of fairs when they were a kid? State Fairs are extra special as they are large centers of food, fun, animals, and music. The Wisconsin State Fairs is an affordable option for families to have fun with a non-stop schedule of musical acts that is included with admission featuring rock, pop, country, and contemporary Christian music. Other entertainment includes comedians, magicians, and acrobats.

Families will enjoy the Sky Glider, the Giant Slide, and the Ag Oasis that features musical and drama performances with 4H style revues. In the Fair’s amusement ride area, over fifty rides are featured with tons of games to play.

There are opportunities to learn about agriculture and farming at every turn. The many barns feature hundreds of animals including cows, horses, rabbits, pigs, and chickens. Children will learn about the many different breeds for each type of animal and see how they are judged on stage.

You can learn more about the Wisconsin State Fair here.

27. Austin City Limits Music Festival – Austin, Texas

Music festivals are not only fun for adults, but they can be fun for kids too. The Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas not only includes music, markets, and food, but they also feature an area just for kids. Held in September and early October, this annual festival is held on two different weekends and features The Austin Kiddie Limits for children 10 and under that helps children learn the fundamentals of music.

Kid’s activities include karaoke, a hip hop workshop, fake tattoos, and rock star hairdos. Children are able to build basic music skills as they learn songs from different genres and develop their own singing talents.

You can learn more about the Austin City Limits Music Festival here.

28. Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Outer Banks, North Carolina

One popular vacation spot that families go back to each year is the Outer Bank of North Carolina. Not only is it a great beach spot, but families can also spend time at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Families will enjoy over 70 miles of shoreline with pristine beaches, boat tours, and water sports.

There are several towns and beaches along the seashore to add some extra fun to your vacation. Plus, the kids will love a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and The Lost Colony which is a show that reenacts the events of the first English settlement in the U.S.

You can learn more about the Cape Hatteras National Seashore here.

29. The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

If your family loves history and actually wants to walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers, the Freedom Trail in Boston will do just that. This is a 2.5-mile route that leads you to 16 different historical sites and guides you through the city’s rich history. Included on the route is Boston Common, home to the site of the Boston Massacre, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and Paul Revere’s House.

Around fourth grade, all children learn about taxation without representation, the Boston Tea Party, and the first shots that were fired at Lexington and Concord. This is a great opportunity to reinforce what they have been taught by picking up the route map at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center. The map lists individual sites that are open year round, but it is always a good idea to double check on their fees and hours of operation when you plan your excursion.

You can learn more about The Freedom Trail here.

30. Golden Gardens Park – Seattle, Washington

As we have included several national parks, it is only fair to offer a few state parks that might not be your first thought to visit. Although most people think it rains all the time, Seattle summers can be quite fabulous, and the Golden Gardens Park can offer you a vacation like you have never experienced before.

It is a little bit hidden in Puget Sound, but Golden Gardens Park can be found on a very quiet stretch of beach with calm waters, shaded picnic tables with grills, restrooms, and a playground. You can spend the day hiking through the woods and then finish it off around a fire pit enjoying a gorgeous sunset.

You can learn more about Golden Gardens Park here.

31. Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park features the Avenue of the Giants which is a 32-mile section of road that takes you through 17,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest. Don’t forget you don’t have to stay in your car; you are encouraged to get out and take a hike. There are several trails along the Avenue of Giants to get out and walk to give you a closer look at these gargantuan trees.

Redwoods are covered in a shaggy bark, and their trunks are the size of a truck. It is nearly impossible to see the tops of these trees, but at the Drury-Chaney Grove you can climb up on top of a fallen redwood and walk at least 100 yards along that tree while standing 15 feet in the air. Their massive size is just mind-blowing, and at Myers Flat you can also drive your car right through the roots of one redwood called the Drive-Thru Tree where many visitors have stopped to take to an iconic redwood photo.

You can learn more about Redwood National Park here.

32. San Francisco River Outfitters

For adventurous families, traveling the half-million acre Gila Wilderness on horseback and sleeping out under the stars is a fabulous vacation idea. The Gila Wilderness is close to the border of Arizona in the southwestern part of New Mexico. San Francisco River Outfitters lead pack trips across the desolate country where campers will see 10,000-foot peaks towers, vastly eroded canyons, and miles and miles of lonely river.

This is the territory where Geronimo led Apache raids against the early settlers and large herds of elk and sheep, black bear, and mountain lions once roamed. Riding along the trail on a quarter horse, you’ll see vast sections of tall saguaros and ponderosa pines and an immense amount of stars at night. Included in the trip are camping equipment, horses, and hardy steak dinners all for an affordable price.

You can learn more about the San Francisco River area here.

33. Lake George, The Adirondacks

More adventure is waiting at Lake George in the Adirondacks. Here you will find a 31-mile long that is similar to a river that is narrow and edged in by the Adirondack peaks. There you will see the landscape that was painted by Georgia O’Keeffe and the best way to see it all is from the water.

The Sagamore, a classic Adirondack resort, has been around for over a century has sea kayaks and paddleboards for rent. When you paddle out past the open waters, you will find Dome Island, a round wooded area, in the middle of the lake with a fabulous view of pristine forest creating a beautiful mountain silhouette against the sky.

You can learn more about the Lake George area here.

34. Emandal, a Farm on a River, Willits, California

Have you ever thought about going to summer camp with your kids? Family camp is a great way to spend time with your kids in a unique setting. The Emandal Farm is an educational camp experience that teaches kids where their food comes from. Located on the Eel River, all the produce that the campers eat is grown locally, and campers are encouraged to join in with the farm work collecting eggs, harvesting vegetables, and milking cows.

When the work is all finished for the day, you can relax on the river in an inner tube, count the night stars, or sleep away the afternoon in a hammock. Guest lodgings are all private cabins with running water and private bathrooms.

You can learn more about the Emandal Farm here.

35. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia

The world’s largest aquarium is found in Atlanta, Georgia and is home to 8 million gallons of water and tons of habitats and sea life. Found across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, this 550,000-square-foot complex has a food court, two gift shops, several touch pools, including one with rays, sea urchins, and bonnethead sharks.

The largest exhibit, Ocean Voyager, has over 60,000 animals that include the only whale sharks in the country. A 100-foot-long tunnel allows families to view sea life while they surround visitors on three sides and contain a floor-to-ceiling window. Kids will also enjoy a touch-screen wall where they can learn more about the digital fish that are swimming by and pop-up windows where children of all ages can get a closer look at piranhas and penguins. And, of course, don’t forget the playground with the whale slide, rubber floor, and many crawl tubes.

You can learn more about the Georgia Aquarium here.

36. New York City

New York City has way too many places to list individually. How can you include some but not others? It was much easier to list the whole city and mention certain locations as don’t miss features like Central Park, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building.

If your family is into museums, you won’t be bored in New York where you can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. When you are tired from all the cultural, you can grab a slice of pizza or have a sundae at Serendipity.

And, nothing says amazing family vacation than taking in a Broadway Show. Not only do your children get to experience the excitement of New York City and theater life, but they can see the indescribable “The Lion King” on Broadway. The visual effects will amaze both children and parents alike and everyone will enjoy the incredible retelling of one of their favorite Disney movies.

You can learn more about NYC Tourisim here.

37. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Arco, Idaho

If you family is into things that may be a little weird, the National Park Service calls the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve “the only officially weird park” in the country. The landscape was formed almost 15,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions forming a jagged, black landscape. The surface is very moonlike, so much so that the astronauts from the Apollo 14 mission used it to train on in 1969.

One of the best features of the park is its lava tubes which are passageways found underground that were by hardened molten rock. If you are brave enough, you can take a flashlight and head on down into Indian Tunnel that is 50 feet wide and 30 feet high, but, only if you are really adventurous will you want to attempt exiting the cave at the far end. You will need to climb over a large rock pile and then squeeze through a small opening to finally exit.

You can learn more about the Craters of Moon National Monument here.

38. City of New Orleans

New Orleans has a little something for everyone. Adults will enjoy the romance of the city and the various architectural influences from Spain, France, and the Caribbean. Kids will enjoy riding in an old-fashioned steamboat along the Mississippi River or taking an airboat ride in the swamp.

Jazz music pours out over the city in Jackson Square and the color of Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras World will delight the senses. Don’t miss the Audubon Insectariums where kids will discover bugs they never dreamed existed.

You can learn more about the City of New Orleans here.

39. The Biltmore, Asheville, NC

At first thought, you may not think of the Biltmore as a family vacation destination. But, when you think about it, it is one of the few castles that you can tour in America. This 250 room home built by George Vanderbilt in 1895 is a historical and architectural wonder. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the Guilded Age and there are many features children will be enthralled by including the ice cream parlor, confectionary, and toymaker’s shop.

There is also a village that houses historical exhibits as well as dining and shopping. The Pisgah Playground allows children to engage their imagination by climbing logs and rock formations. Younger children will enjoy the sand area and water pump. The Antler Hill Village farm also provides various farmyard animals to pet and plenty of antique wagons and tractors to climb on and explore.

You can learn more about The Biltmore here.

40. Museum of Western Colorado, Cortez, Colorado

Anyone that has seen Jurassic Park knows how exciting dinosaurs can be, but did you ever imagine you could spend your vacation digging for them? Dinosaur digs are available through the Museum of Western Colorado in Cortez, Colorado. They offer Half-day, full day, and three-day digs in western Colorado, and even a five-day dig in Utah.

For families, they also offer a weeklong family camp in Cortez, Colorado. Camps are designed for children ages 5 and up with their families at the Mygatt-Moore Quarry. This is the perfect summer vacation for any family with a budding paleontologist.

You can learn more about the Museum of Western Colorado here.

41. Gettysburg National Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

For a military or history based family vacation, a journey to Gettysburg National Park is a must. Visitors can enjoy ranger walks and tours that tell the history of the battlefield and the background of the Civil War as it was fought in Pennsylvania.

Gettysburg itself is home to several museums, but during the anniversary of the battle at the beginning of July, there is a living history encampment where kids can see reenactors that represent both sides of the battle. There are also full battle reenactments of the three days of the battle placing the blue against the gray once again on the very fields that they fought on over 150 years ago. Throughout the rest of the year, visitors can learn more about the battle and the soldiers that fought there through living history exhibits and nearby attractions.

You can learn more about Gettysburg National Park here.

42. Niagara Falls, New York

Most people think of Niagara Falls as the go to honeymoon spot for couples in the mid-20th Century. Despite its iconic reputation, Niagara Falls remains a majestic waterfall that is still a must-see if you are in New York near the U.S.-Canada border.

Children will enjoy riding an elevator 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge and feel what it is like to be sprayed with tropical-storm force spray as they stand on the Hurricane Deck by the 181-foot Bridal Veil Falls. Complimentary yellow ponchos and sandals are provided to guests as they stand near this massive natural wonder.

You can learn more about the Niagara Falls area here.

43. High Desert Museum, Bend, Oregon

Another living history spot where children can see and reinforce what they have learned in school is the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon. The Oregon Trail is a fixture of American History that is taught in school and the High Desert Museum can bring the true challenges of the Oregon Trail to light.

Activities that include dipping candles, splitting wood, and churning butter will give kids an idea of what life was like along the trail. And you’ll see exhibits of rescue animals that were native to the Northwest area like bobcats, lynx, rattlesnakes, falcons, and Gila monsters. Kids will leave the museum understanding all the hardships that pioneers experienced as they made their way westward.

You can learn more about the High Desert Museum here.

44. Mystic Seaport: Museum of America and the Sea, Mystic, Connecticut

Once the shipbuilding capital of New England, Mystic Seaport is now home to the largest maritime museum in the country. An authentic 19th-century village is available for exploration featuring a drugstore, lighthouse, and bank.

Ship restorations are ongoing in the Preservation Yard and you can even visit inside the Benjamin F. Packard, an 1883 sailing ship that is on exhibit. Children can also learn about life and activities in the late 18th century like old-fashioned card games and the how captains used flags to communicate with each other when they were out at sea.

You can learn more about the Mystic, Connecticut area here.

45. Camp Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska

If you are looking for a camping trip that is also a once in a lifetime experience, Camp Denali guarantees to be the family vacation you will never forget. Camp Denali is located in a remarkable location and has been around for over 60 years.

Wilderness lodges are available for families that are interested in learning more about the beauty and wildlife in the Alaskan wilderness. There are two unique, full-service lodges that focus on active and adventurous vacations that also have an educational emphasis for those families that want to get the most out of their visit. Activities include naturalist-guided outings, views of the Alaska Range, and a better understanding of the local wildlife.

You can learn more about Denali National Park here.

46. Kennedy Space Center

If you are looking for a vacation spot where science and history are out of this world, the Kennedy Space Center will provide you family with tons of interactives and real artifacts from space. The Kennedy Space Center is the premier institution in the country where visitors will learn about America’s history of flight by touring the Space Shuttle Complex. The 90,000 square foot Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit includes a full-scale, 184-foot space shuttle stack plus two solid rocket boosters and an external tank.

This has also been a launch site since 1968, but the site has changed dramatically since then. The Visitor Center resembles something of an amusement park with its Rocket Garden, children’s playspace, an Early Space Exploration exhibit, the very popular Angry Birds hands-on exhibit, 2 IMAX shows, an Astronaut Memorial, and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. You can also take a bus tour where you will be driven up to the Apollo/Saturn V center and out to the legendary launch pads.

You can learn more about the Kennedy Space Center here.

47. Boston Children’s Museum

Another century-old children’s museum is the Boston Children’s Museum. A pioneer in groundbreaking children’s programming, the Boston Children’s Museum removed all of their no-touch signs in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s, they furthered their innovative techniques by creating a young children’s play area where babies and toddlers can now use the PlaySpace’s Messy Sensory area to develop fine motor skills with bubbles, shaving cream, and Play-Doh.

Children are encouraged to perform fairy tales on KidStage, and concerts, storytelling, and dance are also part of the daily fun. Older children are encouraged to learn about other cultures when they examine the over 50,000 historic and natural history objects or tour the century-old silk merchant’s home from Kyoto, Japan.

You can learn more about the Boston Children’s Museum here.

48. Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo features 3,500 animals on 70 acres, and it is one of four zoos in the country to house giant pandas. A three-acre exhibit featuring Chinese architecture, native flowers and fauna, and a 50-foot pagoda is the backdrop for these adorable pandas. An underwater exhibit also features sea lions and polar bears in giant tanks with a 500 seat amphitheater where visitors can see sea lions perform in the Northwest Passage exhibit.

Cat Country features tigers, lions, and cougars wandering grass savannas and rocky outcroppings. A five acre, open-air Primate Canyon houses ten monkey species and the Dragon’s Lair exhibit features three Komodo dragons.

You can learn more about the Memphis Zoo here.

49. Chincoteague Bay Field Station, Chincoteague Island, Virginia

If your family is environmentally conscious, children of all ages will enjoy the Chincoteague Bay Field Station family camp where the education is based around ecology. A campus-like environment with a full dining hall and suite-like sleeping quarters are provided for all families that stay at the camp. Besides educational tours of the protected Wallops Island, families can also enjoy campfires, camp games, seafood boils, and water sports.

You can learn more about the Chincoteague Bay Field Station here.

50. Wilderness Inquiry

If you are looking for a wild vacation, Wilderness Inquiry can help you find it. They have scheduled trips throughout the year to satisfy any wild heart. They are a non-profit adventure travel organization that connects people to adventures in places like Glacier National Park, the Mississippi River, and the Hawaii’s Big Island. Activities include rafting, hiking, dogsledding, safaris, hiking, and sea kayaking.

The great thing about Wilderness Inquiry is that they have accommodated people with disabilities since 1978. They have designed integrated adventures for both people with and without disabilities, so that they are treated as equals and peers. Their mission is to bring outdoor adventures to everyone, and they have great adaptive gear that they have found or created along the way to make sure that everyone feels included.

You can learn more about the Wilderness Inquiry here.

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The Best Online Math Games for Kids

The Best Educational Board Games for Kids

Best Educational Board Games for Kids

The best way for a child to learn is through hands-on experience and fun. Board games are capable of increasing a child’s brain power and skills while being able to spend much-needed quality time with the family.

There are several benefits to playing board games:

  • Learn the concept of following the rules
  • Deal with moral problems and what is right and wrong
  • Learn to detect patterns
  • Learn to plan ahead
  • Enhance thinking skills
  • Encourages logical reasoning
  • Improve memory function
  • Learn alternate outcomes
  • Gain social skills
  • Reasoning skills
  • Teamwork
  • Learn how to be a good sport

Cooperative Game Play

Cooperative gameplay encourages all the players to work together to achieve success in the game. It helps to develop social skills and teamwork while providing a fun and enjoyable experience while further developing other skills such as learning how to follow directions, help the other players, and develop relationships. Cooperative gameplay develops a strong sense of community among the players as they all reach for a common goal and outcome.

When choosing a good educational board game, you will want to find something that involves strategy, rather than just luck. You want to encourage your child to think through their options and weigh their decision before they make a move. It enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Different games can teach different skills. Monopoly, for example, teaches financial skills, while Chutes and Ladders can help teach about the number line.

Price Guide: 

                                                       $                                                                 Under $100 

                                    $$                                                          $100 – $200

                                    $$$                                    $200 or more 

Best Educational Board Games for Toddlers

1. ThinkFun Roll and Play Board Game

ThinkFun Roll and Play Board Game

The Thinkfun Roll and Play Board game introduces your child to roll and play activity with the aid of a plush cube and 48 different game cards. It encourages creativity, active play, and motor skills. Along with the game cards and plush cube, you also receive a storage packet for the cards and a parent’s guide to help your child through their learning journey.

To Play

The child will start by tossing the plush cube and identifying the color that lands facing up. The child then has to choose a matching game card for the corresponding color and perform the activity. Activities include “Make a Happy Face,” “Moo like a cow,” and “find something blue.”

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Colors
  • Counting
  • Social interaction
  • Emotions
  • Image and word recognition

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

18 months and up

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Endless learning possibilities, encourages social interaction and engagement and encourages creative exploration

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2. HABA My Very First Games-First Orchard

HABA My Very First Games-First Orchard

The First Orchard game is designed for children two years old and up and encourages shape and color recognition, as well as teaching your child how to follow simple rules. It is suitable for one to four players and takes about ten minutes to play through. It doubles as a game and a pretend play set. All of the pieces are larger and safe for smaller hands, and it includes a basket to encourage cooperative play.

To Play

The children roll the die and collect the fruit and try to harvest all the fruit before the raven can reach the orchard. If the child rolls the raven, then the raven moves one step closer.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Social skills
  • Color recognition
  • Numbers and counting
  • Shape recognition

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Two years old and up

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Doubles as pretend play and a board game, specially designed for younger players, can be played alone or with others

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3. Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot! Cooperative Board Game

Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot! Cooperative Board Game

The Hoot Owl Hoot! Board Game is an award-winning color-coded cooperative matching game. It features two different play levels so that it will grow with your child. It teaches children to work together because they all have to be successful to win this game. It is designed for two to four players and requires simple strategy and encourages social development, positive self-esteem, playfulness, and cooperation.

To Play

The children will play a color card and then fly to the corresponding space on the board. If a sun card is drawn, then they are one step closer to daylight. The object of the game is to get all of the owls’home before the sun rises. This game encourages teamwork rather than competitive play, so the children cannot win unless they learn to work together.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Simple strategy
  • Problem-solving
  • How to follow directions
  • Social development
  • Cooperation
  • Color recognition

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Four to eight years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Cooperative game that promotes a non-stressful play situation, emotional development, decision making, and promotes a strong sense of community among the players

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Best Educational Board Games for Preschoolers

4. Peaceable Kingdom Snug as a Bug in a Rug Preschool Skills Builder Game

Peaceable Kingdom Snug as a Bug in a Rug Preschool Skills Builder Game

Snug as a Bug in a Rug is a bug matching game that features three play levels so that the game grows with your child. All the players must work together to hide the matching bugs under the rug before the stink bugs come by. This game has won several awards including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and Dr. Toy 10 Best Educational Toys Award.

To Play

This game comes with a game board with built-in spinner, 24 colorful bugs, three stink bugs, one die, and instructions because there are three different ways to play. Ultimately, the child must use their matching skills to succeed while working together with their fellow players.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Color, number, and shape recognition
  • Social interaction
  • Counting
  • Visual discrimination
  • How to take turns and follow directions

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Three to six years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Encourages cooperative play and teamwork and teaches the basic rules of gameplay like taking turns and rolling a die                                       

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5. Elephant’s Trunk

Elephant’s Trunk

Elephant’s Trunk is a fun and interactive game for preschoolers that uses wooden pieces and small tin suitcases. There are approximately 15 minutes of gameplay, and no reading is required. The game is designed for two to four players at a time. Emmet, the elephant, needs help packing before the sneaky mouse can come and dump everything out of his suitcase.

To Play

The children will take turns rolling the die, and with every roll, they will place a piece of clothing into the elephant’s suitcase while matching the colors up. Always be aware of the little mouse that is trying to sneak up and cause disaster for the elephant’s trip.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Color identification
  • Motor skill development
  • Pattern identification

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Four to eight years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

No reading required, simple and straight-forward game rules, encourages social interaction with other players                                                                       

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6. Pigs in Pants Board Game

Pigs in Pants Board Game

The Pigs in Pants Board Game is a fun and colorful matching game that requires strategic thinking to win. The child will want to collect the most pairs of pants on the pig by matching the patterned pants to the four cards. The other players shout, “I’m going to pinch your pants!” This is an exciting game that encourages interaction and fun while being able to yell and be silly.

To Play

Match the patterned pants to the four cards located in the center of the board game and pinch pants from the other players to get the most. Just remember, that your cards can be easily pinched by another player so carefully anticipate all the moves that are made.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Matching and memory skills
  • Observational skills
  • Personal and social skills
  • Color recognition
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Analytical skills

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Four to five years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Requires strategic thinking, it can get loud, requires matching skills                                                                                                

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7. Monkeys Up Educational Family Game

Monkeys Up Educational Family Game

Monkeys Up is fun for the entire family. All the players compete to get the best score by flipping, switching, and stealing monkeys. It requires one to six players and is a game that involves memory and strategy. The game comes with eighteen plastic monkeys, one cube, and a simple instruction booklet for gameplay. The game is simple and easy to learn and fun for the entire family regardless of age.

To Play

Every monkey will have a value that is hidden under their feet, and you will only be able to see this value if the monkey is flipped. To win, the players must switch, steal, and flip the monkeys the best to reveal all the hidden values and get the best score.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Memory skills
  • Strategy
  • Critical thinking
  • Social development

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Six years old and up

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Encourages quality family time and laughter while educating and improving thinking and memory skills                           

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Best Educational Board Games for Grade School Aged Children

8. Brain Freeze from Mighty Fun

Brain Freeze from Mighty fun

Brain Freeze is an award-winning board game that is perfect for kids and families. It is a great way for your child to learn strategy, logic, deduction, and memory while combining elements of other popular strategy games. It requires two players, or you can split off into two teams with two players each. The players or teams must race to guess the secret sweet treat that the other player or team has chosen.

To Play

The game includes two brain freeze grid boards, two secrecy shields with stands, two dry erase pens, two dry erase wipe cloths, and a rulebook. You must use strategic thinking, logic, and deduction to guess what treat the other team has chosen. Players make their guesses, record their answers, and continue to eliminate variables until they feel that they can guess the treat correctly.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Social interaction
  • Improved memory function
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Logical thinking

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Five to ten years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Promotes quality family time and improves critical thinking skills and memory function                                                         

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9. Latice Board Game (Standard Edition)

Latice Board Game (Standard Edition)

Latice is a game of strategy and requires two to four players for game play. It involves simple rules that combine with strategy. It takes three minutes to learn the game, 20 minutes to play the game, and a lifetime to master the game! In the game, you must match tiles by color or shape and match on different sides to gain more moves.

To Play

Latice comes with 84 cardboard tiles, a 14” game board, four tile racks, 32 acrylic stones, the box and an 11-page instruction manual. The players must match their tiles by shape and color and use strategic thinking skills to move their tiles, wind them, or shift them around the board to get ahead of the other players. The first person to play all of their tiles is the winner.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Strategic thinking skills
  • Cognitive skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Special recognition
  • Planning

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Six years old and up

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Fun for the entire family, teaches strategy and offensive and defensive playing skills                                                                                         

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10. Mattel Blokus Game

Mattel Blokus Game

The Blokus Game by Mattel is a strategy game that is suitable for the entire family. It takes less than a minute to learn and features fun challenges for everyone. Game time for this game is approximately 30 minutes and is a very fast-paced game with endless possibilities. Blokus Game also won a Mensa award for promoting healthy brain activity and encourages friendly competition between all the players.

To Play

All the players take turns and place their 21 pieces on the board so that each piece touches another piece of the same color at the corners. You claim your territory by fitting as many of your pieces on the board while also blocking the other players. The player with the lowest number of pieces remaining wins the game.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Strategy
  • Social development
  • Follow directions and rules of game play
  • Critical thinking

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Five to fifteen years old

Key Points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Encourages family time, social interaction, and strategic thinking skills                                                                                                                                 

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The Best Computer Kits for Kids

Best Computer Kits for Kids

Computer kits are an excellent way to begin building your child’s STEM skills. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These are all vital subject areas that play a critical role in your child’s development and future.

STEM is a curriculum that is designed to teach your children in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. You combine fun with learning, and it helps improve your child’s skills as well as memory functions. STEM lessons focus on real-world problems and teach children to come up with solutions to these problems. Children receive a hands-on learning experience while being given the opportunity to explore and think through problems to come to a solution.

STEM also encourages social development as well as teamwork.

STEM toys encourage:

  • Innovation
  • Creativity
  • Learning
  • Imagination
  • Cause and effect thinking
  • Observation
  • Practical experience

Price Guide

$

Under $100

$$

$100-$200

$$$

$200 or more

For Toddler-Aged Children

1. Fisher Price Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar

Fisher Price Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar

The Fisher Price Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar will help your child learn letter identification, categorization, objects, and properties. The point of this toy is for the child to configure the segments so that the Code-a-Pillar can reach its targets. This toy is one of the bestsellers of robotics kits.

To Play

The child connects the segments to make the Code-a-Pillar move forward, left, or right, and as it does, each segment will begin to light up.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Problem-solving
  • Planning
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Sequencing

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Three and up

Key Features                                                                                        

Motorized head, lights, sounds, and blinking eyes

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2. Lite Poppers STEM Learning 3 in 1 Helicopter Construction Toy Kit

Lite Poppers STEM Learning 3 in 1 Helicopter Construction Toy Kit

The Lite Poppers Construction Toy Kit is a build-and-play activity kit that encourages imaginative play. It will help children improve in vocabulary, math, geography, and science while learning how to follow a manual. It can be combined with other kits to make larger play patterns.

To Play

The child will put the pieces together and build models based on their imagination. This toy influences an open-ended play pattern and is themed with relatable stories and characters. When they get a new kit, they can add right to the original kit for even more fun.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Math skills
  • Reading and language skills
  • Develop social relationships
  • Improved motor skills
  • Modular reasoning
  • Building and perspective
  • Logarithms
  • Creative reasoning

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Three years and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Step-by-step instructions and manual, kits can be combined, LED touch sensor with USB rechargeable and reflective power base

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

For Preschool-Aged Children

3. Learning Resources Code and Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

Learning Resources Code and Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

The Learning Resources Code and Go Robot Mouse Activity Set introduces children to coding and puzzle solving through this programmable mouse and maze. The mouse lights up and makes sounds and features two different speeds that are good for either floor or table play.

To Play

This toy will teach your child how to build a maze and program the mouse to go through the maze to reach its prized cheese. The set comes with maze grids, maze walls, tunnels, the robot mouse, and materials to help guide the child through play. They have the opportunity to make many different maze combinations which will provide endless hours of fun and learning.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Spatial concepts
  • Following multistep directions
  • Cooperative play
  • Visual tracking
  • Sequential thought processes

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Five and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Lights, sounds, two different speeds, push button controls, programmable                                                                     

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4. Snap Circuits Beginner Electronic Discovery Kit

Snap Circuits Beginner Electronic Discovery Kit

The Snap Circuits Beginner Kit has 14 parts that can be used for over 20 different projects. It is engineered for smaller children and includes safety features for your youngest little engineer. This set is part of the award-winning Snap Circuit line of Electronics Discovery Kits.

To Play

The child can take all of the different pieces and learn the basics of how switches and circuits work. Your child should simply follow the easy instructions in the color manual to begin play.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Problem-solving
  • Following directions
  • Troubleshooting

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

3-5 years and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Easy to follow color manual, award-winning, 14 pieces, over twenty possible projects                                                                      

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5. Kibo 10-Kit

Kibo 10-Kit

The Kibo 10-Kit is an introductory kit that includes ten programming blocks, four parameter cards, two motors, and two wheels. Children can program a robot using a building blocks system and also customize their robot however they want. The Kibo system does not require the additional help of a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To Play

The child begins by creating a sequence of instructions using the Kibo blocks and then the scan the blocks with the Kibo body to be able to tell the robot what to do. Once the robot is programmed, they can decorate it to look however they want.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Technical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Improve cognitive skills
  • Art expression
  • Math
  • Literacy
  • Cultural explorations

Price

$$$

Recommended Age Group

Four- seven years old

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Customizable, no additional electronics required, can be purchased individually or in sets                                                                                                                     

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

6. LightUp Edison Kit-Learn Electronics

LightUp Edison Kit-Learn Electronics

The LightUp Edison Kit uses magnetic blocks to build circuits quickly and does not require any other wires or soldering. It teaches core STEM concepts about electricity, circuits, and engineering while also teaching your child the basics of coding. You can always update this kit so that your child can build and take part in many more projects later as they grow and learn.

To Play

Snap together the magnetic blocks, download the LightUp Learning app for additional guidance and several projects and then watch as the electricity flows with the LightUp Smart Lens. The blocks can be built on a table, whiteboard, or even refrigerator. The Edison Kit teaches your child about the basics of coding while they build flashlights and SOS beepers to learn about voltage, current, and resistance. Once they have mastered these concepts they can upgrade to the Tesla Kit which is compatible with the Edison Kit.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Engineering
  • Basic coding
  • Following directions

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Five-fifteen years old

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Can be upgraded, includes rechargeable battery, red LED, buzzer light sensor, wire blocks, micro USB cable, free iOS app                                         

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For Grade School-Aged Children

7. Kano Computer Kit

Kano Computer Kit

The Kano Computer Kit is easy to use and requires no technical skills at all to use. It teaches your child how to code art, music, apps, and games and has won several different awards including the Family Choice Award and the Webby Award. The kit comes with everything your child will need including Raspberry Pi 3, case, speaker, wireless keyboard, memory, HDMI and power cables, coding challenges, stickers, and many apps.

To Play

The child can follow the simple story to learn how to build their own computer. They do not require any tools; they simply put all of the parts together. It teaches your child basic coding and programming skills like Python, JavaScript, and Linux commands.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Real coding skills
  • Following directions
  • Programming essentials
  • Problem-solving

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Six years and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Easy to use, simple step-by-step instructions, kit includes all the essential items your child needs to begin                           

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8. Piper Computer Kit

Piper Computer Kit

The Piper Computer Kit is an educational computer that teaches your child STEM and coding skills. This kit is made with a handcrafted wooden computer case and comes with an LCD monitor. It is Wi-Fi enabled and is a self-contained computer that runs on a raspberry Pi 3 project board with 1 GB of ram and a 1.2 GHz quad-core CPU.

To Play

There are blueprint instructions included with the kit. The child will first start off by assembling the fifty plus puzzle-like pieces, and this will make the wooden case and power boxes. They will then have access to the Piper learning system and will teach your child about technology and engineering. The challenge levels increase in difficulty and teach them step-by-step as they play.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Critical thinking
  • Building
  • Electronics
  • Coding
  • Problem-solving

Price

$$$

Recommended Age Group

Ages eight to thirteen

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Wooden computer case, HD LCD, Raspberry Pi 3 project board, LED lights, buzzers, buttons, switches, and sensors, USB mouse with retractable cable, 8 GB SD card, free automatic level updates, Piper screwdriver

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

9. Cubit Introduction to Computer Science Kit

Cubit Introduction to Computer Science Kit

The Cubit Introduction to Computer Science Kit is a great tool for your children to learn how to build and program. It also teaches them how to interact with real life hardware using visual programming and coding. This kit allows the child to program their own musical light show and design sound sequences that they can play.

To Play

This kit comes with ten full-color LEDs, musical buzzers, and light sensors. Your child can start programming in just seconds with the help of the visual programming aid, and they will learn to write basic code.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Basic programming skills
  • Following directions
  • Visual programming
  • Coding skills
  • Building skills
  • Fundamental concepts of science and engineering

Price

$$

Recommended Age Group

Eight years old and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lights, sounds, motors, sensors, buzzers, LCD screen, buttons, knobs                                                                                         

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

10. LittleBits Electronics Arduino Coding Kit

LittleBits Electronics Arduino Coding Kit

The LittleBits Electronics kit has everything that your child will need to get started. The electronic modules connect with magnets, and the modules are marked with colors, so the child knows what they are for. For example, blue is for power, pink is for inputs, orange is for wire, and green is for outputs. The kit includes the Arduino module plus other prototyping modules: servo, button, two dimmers, fork, power, and mounting boards to keep all the circuits in place.

To Play

Your child has the option of creating an etch-a-sketch or even their own analog pong game. They walk your child through the basics of programming. The kit communicates with the software and the modules easily snap to three inputs and three outputs on the Arduino module. Just plug in your computer, snap the modules together and program all you want.

Skills the Child Can Learn
  • Basic programming skills
  • Basic electronic skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Following directions

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Fourteen years and up

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Eight getting started sketches, software communication, easy to use, advanced hardware interaction, access to community forums, limitless possibilities                                                                                                                                

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

Bonus

There are many different toys and kits available for children to learn hands-on about different aspects of technology, science, and engineering. All the reviewed toys focus on fundamental learning concepts including critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and basic coding and electronics skills. As the child grows and learns, they can move up in challenges and gain tons of real world experience.

The Raspberry Pi is also a great tool, but it does require a bit more knowledge and skill to master compared to the last kits. Some of the kits included Raspberry Pi, but it was already built. The following kit has everything your child will need to start and graduate to the next level of coding and electronics.

11. Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 Basic Starter Kit

Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 Basic Starter Kit

The Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit includes the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, the enclosure case with mounting slot and screws, a 2500 mA Micro USB power supply that is five feet long, and a set of two heatsinks. This model is up to ten times faster than the previous model. It is the perfect starter kit for beginners and even professionals that are interested in the field of electronics. It allows you to build projects with programming such as Scratch, XMBC media center, Minecraft, retro gaming console, and more.

Price

$

Recommended Age Group

Not suitable for younger children

Key Features                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Kit includes everything you need to start, quad-core processor, high-quality clear case, genuine parts                                                                                                                              

Click Here to Buy on Amazon

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The 10 Best Christmas Movies for Children

Get your family ready for the Christmas season with The 10 Best Christmas movies for Children. Some of these movies will get your children singing along to classic Christmas songs and the rest of these movies will have them captivated by the magic of Christmas. Grab a hot chocolate and sit by the glow of the tree as you enjoy these movies with the whole family.

10. Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws

The Santa Buddies will teach your children that it is important to treat everyone with compassion even when it is hard to sometimes. Puppy Paws has lost faith in Christmas and he decides that he wishes that Christmas would just disappear altogether. This causes the magical Christmas Icicle to start to break. If the magical icicle goes away so does Christmas. This means that the Santa Buddies will have to try to convince Puppy Paws to believe in Christmas again so that they can save the Holiday season. Watch and see if the Santa Buddies will be able to restore faith in Christmas and save the magical icicle from melting forever.

Buy Santa Buddies

9. The Year Without a Santa Claus 

Santa thinks that no one cares about Christmas anymore so he decided that he would not be handing out presents on Christmas Eve. Some of Santa’s elves set out to prove to him that children still love Christmas. They take Santa into town dressed in a disguise so that he could see how sad everyone is about the news that Santa will not be delivering presents to the good boys and girls this year. See if Santa will change his mind and decide to deliver presents instead of cancelling Christmas.

Buy The Year Without a Santa Claus

8. The Santa Clause

Watch as Scott Calvin becomes Santa for the holiday season when he finds Santa’s outfit in front of his house and he puts it on. At first Scott does not actually believe that he is Santa and he tries to go about living his normal life. One of Santa’s elves tells him that he has to be ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving so he needs to start preparing for his new job as soon as possible. Your children will love to watch as Santa prepares to come to their house on Christmas Eve.

Buy The Santa Clause

7. Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Follow the famously grumpy Scrooge McDuck as he goes on a journey through time. He will visit the past, present and future of his very own life with three different ghosts. He will be able to relive some of the hardships in his own life as well as some of the hardships of the Cratchit family. At the end of the day Scrooge McDuck learns about the joy of giving and how it is much better too spread happiness then to spread negativity.

Buy Mickey’s Christmas Carol 

6. Home Alone

Watch as Kevin gets left at home alone while his family goes on vacation for Christmas. He is faced with the task of surviving without the comfort of his family to make the holidays better. Two burglars notice that he is alone and they plan on breaking in. Kevin is a lot smarter than they planned on and he set many traps to help save his house from being burglarized. While he is at Central Park in New York City he meets a lady that is able to show him what really matters during the Christmas season.

Buy Home Alone

5. Frosty The Snowman

Frosty is a snowman that comes to life when a magical hat gets put on his head by students during their recess. The only way that Frosty can stay alive is if he keeps the magical hat on his head. The hat belonged to one of the teachers at the school and to the students dismay he wants the hat back. Your children will fall in love with this fun and upbeat snowman.

Buy Frosty the Snowman

4. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is about the Grinch that lives high up in the mountains about Whoville. The Grinch does not like Christmas and he wants to take the joy away from the Whos that live in Whoville down below him. On Christmas Eve he plans on going in each and every house to take all of their Christmas presents. He is successful until he meets a tiny little girl named Cindy. She helps his heart grow and teaches him that Christmas is more than just about the presents.

Buy Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This movie will take your children on the journey of the unique Reindeer Rudolph and how he is able to become the leading reindeer on Santa’s Sleigh. At first Rudolph feels bad because he can’t compete in the Reindeer games like all of the other reindeer. He is made fun of because he is not as good at the games as the others so he runs away. On his journey he learns that it is ok to be different and decides to return home. When he gets home he learns that Santa has cancelled Christmas because of a bad snowstorm. Luckily Rudolph’s nose is bright enough to save Christmas and guide Santa safely through the storm.

Buy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2. The Polar Express

Your children will be able to go on a magical Christmas journey on the Polar Express. This movie is about a young boy that starts to believe that Santa does not really exist. The boy finds a magical train that is heading to the North Pole so he gets on it with the permission of the conductor. The boy meets many new characters on the Polar Express that will go on this magical journey with him to help restore his faith in Santa. Watch and see if the boy will be able to start believing in Santa again.

Buy The Polar Express

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas was inspired by the popular Peanuts comic strip. Charlie Brown feels sad that the holiday has become over commercialized so he and his friends put together a play to show the true meaning of Christmas. The first couple of rehearsals for the play do not go like Charlie wanted them too but Linus is able to bring everyone’s attention to what truly matters. The movie ends with Charlie Brown and his friends singing “Hark! The Herald Angles Sing” outside around the Christmas tree.

Buy A Charlie Brown Christmas

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Kids Crafts

The 15 Best Podcasts for Kids

The Top 20 Children’s Books since 2013

Picking out a favorite story together and snuggling on the couch to read aloud, exploring the world through your imagination, is an activity that is emotionally rewarding and gives parents, grandparents, and caregivers the opportunity to bond with children. Family reading time is not just a way to spend quality time with one another. Although this is a meaningful benefit, the other advantages to children’s development is invaluable.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children who are read to when they are young are better able to pretend to read or read, write their names, and count higher, up to 20, than children who are not read to. Finding the best books for toddlers to begin a tradition of daytime story hours and bedtime tales can help preschoolers be best prepared to enter school and create lasting memories with parents and family. 

20. The Wonderful Things You Will Be 

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin is not only one of the best children’s books of 2015, it is also one of the books most recommended for reading aloud to children. Focusing on having and encouraging dreams, it expresses just what parents love most about their children. This rhythmic poem about growing up will be a top choice of parents for nightly reading times, with the emotion of the joy of the love parents have for their children balanced with surprising twists and pops of humor. Plus, the rhymes are an educational tool for helping children to gain sound recognition and form a foundation for spelling skills.

Buy The Wonderful Things You Will Be

19. The Full Moon at the Napping House 

The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood is one of 2015’s best bedtime stories for kids and overall best new books for toddlers. Telling a tale of a full house that won’t sleep, not from the children to the granny to the mouse, the story stays in the bedroom, lulling readers and listeners to dreamy sleep. Wood’s mastery of language combined with her husband Don Wood’s soothing illustrations is a sure bet to send kids happily off to dreamland, taking with them a mind full of descriptive words to take with them as they begin to build their narratives.

Buy The Full Moon at the Napping House

18. Paris: A Book of Shapes (Hello, World)

Paris: A Book of Shapes (Hello, World) by Ashley Evanson takes children ages 2 and younger on a journey through Paris, France, exploring the triangles, stars, rectangles, circles, and every shape in between throughout the city’s landmarks and landscapes. Whether picking out squares in the Eiffel Tower or arches at the Notre Dame Cathedral, children get to travel around one of the world’s most famous cities and learn more than geometry. A love of travel and art, along with some French words, will inevitably come with every turn of the page.

Buy Paris: A Book of Shapes

17. Go! Go! Go! Stop! 

Go! Go! Go! Stop! By Charise Mericle Harper shares a message of teamwork and giving it you’re all. The poignant lesson is told energetically with always appealing dump trucks, forklifts, and big machinery that especially little boys love. All the trucks work together to help to build the town bridge, going and going and going until it is time to stop. Luckily, Little Yellow comes to town to help the others slow down, and the trucks and machines can finish the project by listening and working together. One of the best books for two-year-olds, this story also builds letter recognition with “Go!” colored in green and “Stop!” colored in red throughout the pages. Toddlers are sure to get excited about story time as the “read” with mom and dad.

Buy Go! Go! Go! STOP!

16. I’m Dirty! 

I’m Dirty! Board Book by Katie McMullan is an extension of the series that started with I Stink!. This time, McMullan chooses a backhoe loader to do the dirty work, loading dirt and making mud. The thick, durable board book is a match for the hero of the story, making it easy for little hands to turn pages and grab onto to take on trips to grandma’s or long car rides. This must-have book also tops the best family read aloud books, entertaining kids with fun read-aloud sounds, and it helps to build math skills, too, as the backhoe cleans up clutter and counts up the piles.

Buy I’m Dirty!

15. Welcome Home, Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats 

Welcome Home, Bear: A Book of Animal Habitats by Il Sung Na is a perfect addition to a child’s library. With pages that focus more on beautiful illustrations than text, it is easy to see why this would be on the list as the best book for 2 and 3-year-olds. The vivid, bright illustrations stimulate children’s imaginations, helping them to follow along with the story or to tell the story themselves by narrating the pictures. Children take away a valuable lesson, too, as Bear travels to find a better home than his own in the forest, only to realize that the best home for him was his own home all along.

Buy Welcome Home, Bear

14. The Day the Crayons Quit 

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is at the top of the list for best books for preschoolers. The story’s main character, Duncan, finds that his crayons have decided to quit, leaving him letters to tell about each of their grievances, from torn wrappers to overuse. Duncan must find a way to get his crayons to come back and start to work together again. Children will begin to imagine just what their own crayons might say.

Buy The Day the Crayons Quit

13. Ada Twist, Scientist 

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, is a top choice for preschoolers and preparing them for the world of STEM. Science leads Ada on a quest to find answers, finding at times only more questions instead. Children will begin to learn how the process of scientific investigation works. Plus, Ada’s scientific adventure to find the source of a stink illustrates for kids that it is important for everyone to follow their passions and reach to achieve their goals, no matter what might stand in their way in the process.

Buy Ada Twist, Scientist

12. Dragons Love Tacos

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is a sure-fire way to make sure that children have fun while reading! In one of the best new books for preschoolers, a dose of silly added to a bunch of funny keeps readers and listeners alike turning the pages of this book about dragons. Did you know dragons like to eat tacos? All kinds of tacos! The real humor starts, though, when a little bit of salsa gets into a dragon’s mouth. Storytime will quickly turn into fun time as the Dragons’ party is ruined by a little too much spice.

Buy Dragons Love Tacos

11. The Thank You Book

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems is at the top of best children’s books of 2016, and it is also one of the best books about feelings on the list … and manners! The award-winning Willems features his fan favorite characters Gerald and Piggie again, but this time, it is to say goodbye to readers as the last book in the ever-popular series. Both as the final installment and for the heartfelt message from Willems to the readers themselves, this is a sure-to-turn-into keepsake edition for all little readers and Mo Willems fans.

Buy The Thank You Book

10. The Only Child 

The Only Child by Guojing takes children on a journey of a lonely little girl’s imagination as she travels through a forest to find her way back home. One of the best books of 2016 about feelings, the story is beautifully illustrated, telling the story in the intricate and expressive depictions of the little girl who wandered away from her home. Opening up the chance to talk to children about their own feelings of loneliness, boredom, and fear, the delicate drawings and expressive heroine of this best children’s books of 2016 help children and adults relate to trying to get back home.

Buy The Only Child

9. Big Bear Little Chair 

Big Bear Little Chair by Lizi Boyd is another book that will captivate young readers and stimulate creativity in all who read along. The color explosion of red mixed into the black and white pages encourages readers to find the hidden stories within the story. Children can tell their own stories through the pages with little hidden and unexpected surprises in each scene without being confined to an intricate and detailed story.

Buy Big Bear Little Chair

8. A Child of Books 

A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston is a twist on classic fairy tales, lullabies, and epic adventures. Preschoolers go along with a little girl as she sails to take a little boy away to travel through forests and mountains, magic sprinkled everywhere. Young readers will have fun connecting each stop with stories they know, and parents and families will enjoy sharing their memories of tales from their own childhoods with their children.

Buy A Child of Books

7. Waiting

Waiting by Kevin Henkes, a 2015 bestselling book, helps children understand patience, a particularly challenging concept, especially for toddlers. The story follows the thoughts and movements of five toys sitting in front of a four-paned window. Are the puppy, rabbit, owl, pig, and bear moving themselves somehow, or is there a small child moving them around? Readers get to decide for themselves through softly illustrated figures as they learn that waiting gives the opportunity to see the world that is going on around them, even if they aren’t going anywhere.

Buy Waiting

6. Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney is a best book for any toddler who is about to spend his or her first night away from home. The popular character Llama Llama is excited for his first sleepover as he heads to stay the night with Gram and Grandpa. Llama Llama misses Mama, and he starts to get really nervous when he realizes he has left Fuzzy Llama behind at home. Grandpa, though, has a unique toy from when he was a little boy, and Llama Llama is comforted and content, happy to stay the night with Gram and Grandpa. The delightful pictures and easy rhymes add to the appeal of this book, and preschoolers will quickly add this to the list of their favorite Llama Llama stories.

Buy Llama llama gram and grandpa

5. Stick and Stone

Stick and Stone by Tom Lichtenheld and Beth Ferry is one of the best new books for preschoolers, delivering an anti-bullying message that is poignantly placed before heading off to school. Playing on the idea of sticks and stones may break my bones, the authors create a twist when Stick and Stone become friends. The twosome save each other from different situations, first as Stick doesn’t let Pinecone make fun of Stone and then as Stone saves Stick when he is blown away. The simple illustrations add to the detail of the story, and children will learn what true friendship means.

Buy Stick and Stone

4. I Don’t Want to Be a Frog

I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty follows the story of young Frog who is having a bit of an identity crisis. Frog wants to be anything except a frog! He thinks about how great it might be to be a cat or even an owl. He stubbornly sticks to his story when talking to his father, but Frog changes his mind when he runs into a wolf who happens to hate eating frogs. Children learn to accept who they are, and adults can get a good chuckle in the dialogue between Frog and his father, making this an overall best book to read aloud, over and over again!

Buy I Don’t Want to be a Frog

3. Max the Brave

Max the Brave by Ed Vere is one of the best new books for preschoolers, opening up a chance to discuss the true meaning of bravery with little ones in a thoughtful, adorable story. Max is a cute little kitten who is steadfast in his brave quest to chase and catch a mouse. But, Max doesn’t know who or what a mouse is. He asks animals along the way on his journey to tell him if they have seen a mouse, even the mouse himself. Mouse tricks Max, scaring him, and little readers learn that it’s okay not always to be brave.

Buy Max the Brave

2. Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret 

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea is recommended as part of the best new books for toddlers and preschoolers by teachers and reading specialists because of all of the additional developmental features designed to help learn how to read. From speech bubbles to expressive drawings to lots of repetition, the reading aids only enhance this heartwarming story about two friends, Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony, as they share secrets they have been keeping to try to not hurt one another’s feelings. Toddlers can learn to read and take away a valuable lesson about friendship, too.

Buy Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret

1. Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep!

Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep! by Todd Tarpley turns the pages on preschoolers who might have a bedtime ritual to keep from doing anything but going to bed. In this story, one of the best children’s books of 2015, humor surrounds a little boys’ desperate attempt to get his robots to go to sleep, in spite of their constant requests for oil, bolt tightening, and story reading. Close inspection of the pages reveals an added bonus: A mouse joins the chaos, and little readers will have fun finding it on each page. The onomatopoeia of the robot sounds is an added bonus for imaginative fun in this story that just might help little ones drift off to sleep.

Buy Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep!

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Understanding the Importance of Language Development

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The 10 Best TED Talks for Parents

The 50 Most Educational YouTube Channels for Kids

50 Thought Provoking Quotes About Parenting

ThoughtProvokingQuotes

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Abraham Lincoln”]

And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”S. Turner”]

A parent will only ever be in 1 of 3 places; in front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, or next to you so you aren’t walking alone

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Unknown author”]

Be the person you needed when you were younger.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Rumi”]

Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

BecomeWhoYouAre

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Unknown”]

The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving of ways.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Lois Lowry”]

Kids deserve the right to think that they can change the world.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Pam Leo”]

Let’s raise children that won’t have to recovery from their childhoods.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Joan Jett”]

My parents taught me I could be anything in the world I wanted to be.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

Copy of Childhood is messy and beautiful

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”C.S. Lewis”]

Chlidren are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Jen Hatmaker”]

You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they’ll be a little older than they were today, this day is a gift. Breathe and take notice.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Barbara Johnson”]

To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Sue Atkins”]

There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

FeetonGround

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Ariadne Brill”]

The way we treat our children directly impacts what they believe about themselves.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Justina Blakeny”]

Have faith in your child and they will have face in themselves.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Robert Fulghum”]

Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Billy Graham”]

A child who is allowed to be disrespctful to his parents will never have true respect for anyone.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

ParentsPrepare

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”W.E.B. DeBouis”]

Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Lori Petro”]

If you force control now, you risk your influence later.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Samuel Johnson”]

Allow children to be happy in their own way, for what better way will they find?

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Matthew L Jacobson”]

Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

SpellTIME

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Charles R. Swindoll”]

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Bette Davis”]

If you have never been hated by a child, then you have never been a parent.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Haim Ginott”]

If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Jodie Foster”]

Love and respect are the most important aspects of parenting, and of all relationships.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

InnerVoice

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Dr. Henker”]

Stop trying to perfect your child, but keep trying to perfect your relationship with him.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Brigham Young”]

We should never do anything that we wouldn’t do in front of our children.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Lydia H. Sigourney”]

Whatever you would have your children become, strive to exhibit in your own lives and conversation.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Andy Smithson”]

The sign of great parenting is not the child’s behavior. The sign of truly great parenting is the parent’s behavior.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

HowToThink

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Jane Nelson”]

Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better?

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Zig Ziglar”]

Kids go where there is excitement. They stay where there is love.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Unknown author”]

In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money and twice as much time

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Unknown author”]

Parenting without a sense of humor is like being an accountant who sucks a math.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

GreatestHappiness

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” L.R. Knost”]

It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Pope Francis”]

We need to see each child as a gift, to be welcomed, cherished and protected.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Anna Quindlen”]

When in Doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=” Uknown Author”]

Behind every great kid, is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it up.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

EducatedUneducated

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Glennon Melton”]

Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid that you forget you already have one.

[/pullquote]

[divider style=’full’]

[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Bruce Perry”]

Children don’t need more things. The best toys a child has is a parent who gets down in the floor and plays with them.

[/pullquote]

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[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”Anthony Witham”]

Too much love never spoils children. Children become spoiled when we substitute “presents” for “presence.

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[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”A Robert Brault”]

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

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ValueofMemory

The Best Software for Early Childhood Education Classrooms

Early childhood education (ECE) today is seeing an increase in technology as a part of the classroom integration. With innovations in technology and software today, it’s only sensible that it gets introduced to classrooms for young children starting at a very early age. In order to prepare them for the devices they must handle in their near future such as laptops, desktops, tablet devices and mobile phones, these tools get introduced to them starting inside classrooms. Technology, however, isn’t just for teaching children how to use them. ECE is seeing the benefits of software tools that are great for learning. The laptops and touch screens get students involved in interactive educational games for developing skills in math, reading, typing, day-to-day tasks and positive reinforcement for good behavior. Studies have shown improvement in these subjects as well as a keen level of adjustment to these technological introductions in classrooms. They’re developing advanced cognitive skills as well as interaction skills with the help of technology inside classrooms. Below are some software suggestions for ECE classrooms today.

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Summer Jobs for Teachers

There’s a common misconception that teachers spend their entire summer vacation lounging by a pool. The reality is plenty of teachers pick up a summer job to keep their income flowing. Your best bet is to play to your strengths. As someone who specializes in early childhood education, you are well-positioned for several types of summer jobs.

Lifeguard

summer jobs for teachers lifeguardIf you’re a strong swimmer, then becoming a lifeguard is a great summer job. These jobs are always available, as every apartment and condo complex in your town needs a lifeguard. Your days essentially consist of keeping your eyes on the pool, especially when swimmers are in deep water. If the pool isn’t busy, then you get paid to lounge by the pool. The pay usually ranges between $12 and $15 per hour depending on your experience.

The only catch with becoming a lifeguard is it requires certification. The certification class involves a distance swimming test, as well as a test where you rescue a dummy from deep water and swim it back to safety. The other part of your certification involves CPR and basic First Aid practices. The swimming test is pretty tough, so you are better off picking something else if swimming isn’t your strong suit.

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What is Troops to Teachers?

troops to teachersWith nearly two hundred thousand military service people leaving the armed forces every year, there is a great need to provide these deserving men and women with rewarding and high-quality jobs. At the same time, many of our nation’s schools are challenged to meet the needs of children living in poverty, subjected to life in areas with high crime and often being raised in single parent households. There is a great discrepancy left by the unmet needs of both of these populations.

That is where Troops to Teachers comes in. Troops to Teachers (TTT) is a Department of Defense program, managed by DANTES, that helps current and former service members find new careers as public school teachers. Troops to Teachers provides them with an opportunity to use the leadership skills, knowledge and experience they gained in the armed forces to positively affect the lives of students.

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Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers

teacher2College and graduate school tuition in the US is very expensive. US citizens who can’t afford to go to college can take out a loan. Paying off these loans could potentially take a lifetime, especially if you don’t have a high paying job or career. Student loans must be paid off whether you complete your education or not, or whether you are employed or not.

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Teacher Interview Questions

teacherThere is nothing more daunting than an interview session, but what makes it even more daunting is the challenging questions you might be faced with. The key to succeeding in an interview is knowing how to handle yourself well under pressure. When you’re faced with challenging questions in an already anxiety-ridden situation, you should be equipped to handling any curveballs that come your way. The best way to do this is by practicing beforehand, and having some sense of what tough questions might be asked by your prospective employer.

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Why Teachers Should Join an EDU-Based Credit Union

piggy-bank-621068_1280Let’s face it – you work hard for your money. You aren’t paid for simply educating but for coaching, inspiring, and counseling. Because every dollar you earn is both personal and valuable, it’s vital that you entrust your funds with the right financial institution.

For many people, commercial banks are the only option as credit unions limit their services to those eligible, often defined by their career or region. Education credit unions, however, extend their services to those in the education profession only. This means your career in teaching comes with an additional benefit that you may or may not have known about – credit union membership.

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The 10 Best Preschool Songs

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Although the songs may have changed over the years, one fact remains the same: preschool children love learning through song. Not only are songs fun, but our brains remember information much better if it’s set to a song. This is why you can remember the lyrics from your favorite song as a child, but have trouble remembering something tasks on a to-do list. Here is a list of 10 songs that get kids active, let them have fun, and teach them the foundational knowledge necessary to advance into Kindergarten.

10. “Frere Jacques”

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Free Clip Art for Teachers

teacherclipartWith budget cuts striking schools around the country, teachers find themselves trying to do their jobs with minimal resources. Some teachers don’t even have a desk and textbook for every student. Many teachers shell money out of pocket every year for basic supplies for their students. Luckily, the Internet has opened up a plethora of free resources for teachers. One of these resources is free clip art sites. Young learners are visual, and clip art satisfies that need. Here are nine free websites that offer clip art for students and teachers.

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What is Early Childhood Education?

There was a time not so long ago in America when the concept of pre-school didn’t exist. There were no such thing as early childhood learning centers since mothers didn’t work. Their sole job was to stay home and be the children’s personal tutor. One could argue that preschools spawned out of the need for a place for children to go while their mothers went to work. More households than ever before have both the mother and father employed outside of the house, which means there has never been a better time to enter the early childhood education profession.

What is Early Childhood Education?

100_4123The definition of early childhood education is a set of educational strategies specifically designed for students up to eight years old. There is also a subdivision of early childhood education that focuses on the development from birth until two years old. There is much debate within the field on whether or not this subdivision constitutes as care or education.

There are districts all over the country in the midst of battles to acquire funding for full-day preschool programs. If standardized testing is the way of the future, there is only a matter of time before there are kindergarten placement exams. The reason there is such a demand for preschool funding is that these years have become increasingly crucial for academic development.

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Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

teacherappreciationIt’s Teacher Appreciation Week! You remember growing up how some of your best teachers shaped and enhanced your life as a kid. They introduced you to things in the world and opened your ideas to learning ideas that still stick with you today. Teachers are sometimes the unsung heroes of the world. We rely on them to teach our children, but we sometimes take for granted just how important and valued they are. Think about how much time per school year that they spend with your child. Take your average 4th-grade student. He or she will spend on average 7 hours per day for 180 days each school year with their teacher for a total of 1260 hours. That’s an incredible amount of time spent each year teaching your child. So it’s essential and necessary to show the teachers in your life how much you appreciate all their time and effort. It does help teachers morale to receive a little “thank you gift” during this time.

In the early days of schooling in America, the common gift to give a teacher was an apple. This symbolic gesture has still lasted through the years, and many times on literature or ads to do with teachers you will see an apple symbol. In 2015, you have to be a little more creative with your gift ideas than a simple piece of fruit for a teacher. Here are some of the best, “out of the box” ideas for gift for the teachers in your life this Appreciation Week.

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The 100 Greatest Education Quotes

A child miseducated is a child lost.

John F. Kennedy


A good teacher must be able to put himself in the place of those who find learning hard.

Eliphas Levi


A liberal education is at the heart of a civil society, and at the heart of a liberal education is the act of teaching.

A. Bartlett Giamatti


An educational system isn’t worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn’t teach them how to make a life.

Author Unknown


All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.

Martin H. Fischer


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The Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

For first-time parents, it can be difficult to know when our children are ready to begin Kindergarten. They have been with us for their whole lives. They’ve adapted to us and us to them. Some parents are apprehensive. They worry their child will not cope well, or be misunderstood. Others are overconfident, and forget to help their kids learn some basic things.

For first-time parents, it can be difficult to know when our children are ready to begin Kindergarten. They have been with us for their whole lives. They’ve adapted to us and us to them. Some parents are apprehensive. They worry their child will not cope well, or be misunderstood. Others are overconfident, and forget to help their kids learn some basic things.

Anyway you look at it, starting school can be challenging for both parent and child. But there’s good news. Small children change and adapt very quickly. A skill they lack this week, they may easily pick up the next. Kids want to learn. Children have a natural desire to gain new skills, and they have boundless energy.

To help you and your little learner get ready, we’ve compiled a list of all the skills they need to succeed. We’ve also work-shopped a few home activities you can do with your child. It’s fairly comprehensive, and some are more important than others. A few of them, if unlearned, may inspire a frantic call from a teacher, but not many. And there’s a good deal of overlap between most skills. Your child doesn’t have to master all of them to enter school. But the more they know, the more they’ll grow, and the happier you’ll both be.

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What is Whole Brain Teaching?

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As the modern educational system flounders deeper every year, it doesn’t take long for new teachers to become disenchanted with the red-tape rigmarole that is modern education. Even more, the age-old problems of classroom management are compounded by ever-increasing mandates to abstain from intrusive discipline measures.

With corporal punishment largely viewed as a dusty relic from a barbaric age, many teachers are even being discouraged from withholding recess as a punishment. The climbing rates of children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, and autism add even more curveballs to the learning game.

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How to Build Your Education-Based Resume in Today’s Job Market

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In today’s job market, there are few professions that offer a good wage while also sporting a high rate of job fulfillment. One of those professions is the field of Early Childhood Education. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of your students finally grasp a concept that caused them to struggle. With more and more parents enrolling their children in preschool, it is also a growing field. Career options include teaching in a preschool or child care center.

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How to become an Intervention Specialist

intervention-specialist

Early childhood intervention specialists work with very young children and their parents to provide assistance to those with delayed development. The children who receive the services of early childhood intervention specialists tend to have more severe developmental delays when compared to those whose problems are identified later on.

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How much do Early Childhood Educators Earn?

Early-childhood-careers

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is increasingly being recognized as a national asset. Studies have shown long term positive effects of quality preschool programs: as adults, preschool attendees stay in school longer, earn more, and lead more stable lives in terms of home ownership and longer marriages. Other studies have shown that preschool education produces positive effects on children’s learning and development. The national government has acted to support preschool education by funding prekindergarten programs for low-income families.
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How do I become a Children’s Curriculum Developer?

Childrens-Curriculum-Developer

A curriculum developer aids teachers by preparing them in the most recent techniques and educational approaches. They evaluate and revise curricula to keep current with up-to-the-minute technology and state and federal guidelines. Their curriculum development obligations demand them to travel to various schools to study teachers and to provide trainings. Their daily schedules carry out standard year-round operating hours. Because they work directly with teachers, it will be beneficial when they have excellent interpersonal communicators and if they have a teaching history.

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How do I become a Children’s Software Developer?

Technology is not just an important part of modern adult life, but a crucial part of education as well. Children must be prepared to succeed in a world where technology is an integral part of their careers and their daily existences. Schools are using technology in an ever-expanding range of ways, including standardized testing, communicating with parents, tracking student progress, and daily classroom learning. Children’s software developers develop games, application, and other software programs for children. These products help children to learn and grow to be successful adults.
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How to become a Preschool Teacher

preschool-teacher

How Do I Become a Preschool Teacher?

Do you enjoy being around small children? If so, preschool teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. While there are training and educational requirements, these prepare you to perform in a competent and caring manner as an early childhood educator.
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The Top 15 Education Conferences of 2015

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[thrive_link color=’blue’ link=’https://www.earlychildhoodeducationzone.com/best-early-childhood-education-conferences-of-2016/’ target=’_self’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Update: Visit Our 2016 List Here![/thrive_link]

Attention teachers, faculty and parents: If you are looking for some amazing conferences to attend this school year, look no further. Below is our top 15 education conference choices from around the country. From reading intervention, pre-school classrooms and even new and innovative technology ideas, check out these 15 can’t miss conferences.
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25 Scholarships for Early Childhood Education Students

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Entering college can be a huge financial burden for perspective students. There are many available scholarships offered to students interested in becoming a teacher. Below is a list of 25 scholarships available to students pursuing a degree in early childhood education:
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What Careers Can I have with an Early Childhood Education Degree?

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The first years of our lives are a formative period that can lay the foundation for our growth into adulthood, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. A degree in Early Childhood Education prepares you with the skills necessary to help cultivate healthy growth in children, shaping their lives and the communities that they live in for the better. For practitioners of these incredibly important tasks, it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of highly sought after and rewarding career opportunities. Much like with the potential of these young minds, the sky is truly the limit with a degree in Early Childhood Education, with diverse career opportunities ranging from education to social work.

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10 Ways to Integrate Technology into your Classroom

technology-in-classroom

When I first started teaching it was a goal of mine to integrate technology into the classroom as much as I could. I began my teaching career after being a graphic designer and working for a textbook publisher. That experience taught me how important technology is in the real world. Over the years I have continued to try to find new ways to use technology and changed how my students learn. I love discovering new ideas and trying out different ways to best reach my students, regardless of their learning needs. Technology integration not only engages my students but it also gives me the opportunity to differentiate their learning in a variety of mediums. At times, this can feel somewhat overwhelming but there are many creative ways to bring technology into everyday lessons. Here are 10 creative ways I integrate technology into my own classroom.

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10 Best Apps to help your Child with Common Core Standards

The 15 Most Amazing Virtual Field Trips

Education today is anything but standardized. There are a growing number of children being homeschooled, using distance learning, enrolled in charter schools, attending private schools, and as many different approaches to education as there are public school systems in the United States. If there’s one aspect of the educational experience that all these approaches share, it’s a need for students to become engaged and immersed in experiences outside the classroom.
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Why Every Preschool Teacher Should Play With LEGOs

lego-learning

Legos have long enjoyed widespread adoption in the home, largely serving as a creative outlet for children after they arrive home from preschool or elementary school. In an educational context, people are perhaps most familiar with massive Lego competitions that take place in high schools and in engineering programs at the college level. These building blocks, however, can also serve as a fundamental part of early childhood education. Their ability to be manipulated, to leverage the power of colors, sizes, and structures, and to engage the creative mind, allows for unique instructional capabilities that more effectively teach educational concepts to those under the age of eight. For those who are wondering exactly how this works, consider a few of the most common implementations and ideas being put to work by today’s educators.
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15 Must Have iPad apps for Preschool Teachers

Even the youngest of students are utilizing technology in the classroom. iPads, ipods and computers have become a vital part of the learning experience. As pre-school teachers and parents look for educational apps for their students and children we are here to help you narrow down your search and highlight some of our favorites. Here is our list of 15 must-have iPad apps for your 3-5 year old.

AlphaTots

AlphaTots is a highly decorated preschool application that teaches the alphabet. Lauded by the Today Show as well as by the purveyors of the Parents’ Choice Awards, this application combines a quirky visual style with an intuitive style of gameplay to appeal to even the most active preschooler.

The application does what many top iPad apps do in the field of education: It turns learning into a game. Using symbols and pictures that preschoolers will find appealing and interesting, the application exercises patience as well as a sense of humor that is difficult to duplicate. Preschoolers will learn the alphabet through real-world applications of the material.

The gameplay also incorporates catchy music that is tailored towards young children in order to keep the attention of preschoolers for hours on end. Using sight and sound, AlphaTots is one of the best ways to not only help your preschooler learn the alphabet, but also to retain the information and apply it quickly in day-to-day life.

Download AlphaTots here
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10 Must watch TED talks about Early Childhood Education

TED conferences bring the world’s greatest minds together to share revolutionary progress and exchange creative ideas. Some of the best TED talks have been devoted to ensuring that the next generation embraces the values that TED represents: innovation, creativity, and globalization of information. The following talks are some of TED’s best on education. Any educator or even someone simply with an interest in education would be remiss if he or she did not take a look at these inspiring videos.

Every Kid Needs a Champion – Rita Pierson

After teaching for 40 years, Rita Pierson shares the insights she has gained about how to be an exceptional teacher with the TED audience. With her personal stories and engaging tone, Pierson stresses the importance of creating genuine relationships with students by connecting with them on an emotional level. She insists that every kid needs an adult who believes in him or her. She balks at the notion that teaching is strictly an impersonal 9 to 5 endeavor, instead believing that teachers have a higher calling to shape the lives of the next generation. Her call to action at the end of her presentation is that everyone should believe the same.
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