July 29th, 2009 by admin

If you're a parent and want to find out about the best ways to help your child develop physically and mentally, you don't have to splash out on expensive toys; many old-fashioned staples will do just as well.

It seems that as science advances, parents become more and more aware of the effect certain foods and activities have on their children. Gone are the days when fluffy teddy bears, Barbie dolls, and GI Joe figures were considered staple items in every kid's toy box; today, there is increasing pressure for children's recreation to be productive, educational, and enjoyable.

Therefore, more and more parents are seeking toys for their children that will exercise their bodies and their minds, in order to give them the best possible start in life.

In recent years, toy manufacturers have been meeting these needs through a variety of new toy designs. However, classic toys can still provide children with effective mental and physical exercise if used in the right way. For example, old-fashioned sandpits can be a great way to get children to think about the way in which building and construction works: by using sandpits to 'create', children will be exercising their minds and imaginative processes, as well as having fun frolicking about in a sand pit.

Alternatively, if you're buying your son or daughter an outdoor playhouse or climbing frame, get them to help you construct it: if you let your child do the simple tasks when building a playhouse or climbing frame, it may bestow crucial developmental skills that will aid them in their future learning.

While many children love to spend time colouring and drawing, it may sometimes be a good idea to encourage your child to make things indoors that can be used outdoors; for example, have them make a kite that can be flown on clear days.

A lot of educational and recreational activities for children don't even have to revolve around actual toys. Activities, such as gardening or cooking, can also help childhood development in many ways.

Whether at school or at home, engaging in outdoor activities like gardening can instil a lot of self-confidence in a child, especially if they can see their efforts in helping a plant grow and come to life.

And with the common issue of children's health in the news these days, cooking can also be a wonderful way to engage your child; by teaching children to cook healthily from an early age - away for sharp objects and heat of course! - parents can help them understand not only how their bodies work, but about the importance of personal health.

Many retailers across Britain, like the Early Learning Centre, sell a variety of toys and activities to aid a child's development, including toy gardening tools and cooking implements. So, if you're a parent with small children, you'll always be able to find a way of keeping your child entertained in a fun yet productive way, without having to splash out on designer educational toys.

By Jack Mack
Published: 10/24/2006

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Brunei fm provides latest Brunei News on Health, Information, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Society, Religion and Government.Share News and Your Thoughts with Brunei fm.

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Technorati Tags: best educational toys, children educational toys, educational toddler toys, Educational Toys

July 28th, 2009 by admin

If you are a parent then you are likely to know that summertime can be a difficult time. Parents of children under the age of twelve are constantly dealing with children who are bored.

There are only so many activities a child can do inside. That is why it is important for children to play outside during the summer.

Playing outside in the summertime is fun, but many children can easily become bored without a few outdoor summer toys. If you are the parent of a child who is younger than twelve, you have a number of options when it comes to buying outdoor toys. Below is a list and small summary of ten of the most popular outside toys for children under the age of twelve.

(1) Sand and Water Activity Tables

Sand and water activity tables are tables that allow children to play in the sand or in the water almost at the same time. Most tables are divided into two sections. A large number of companies make sand and water activity tables; therefore, you can purchase a wide variety of different table designs. Most sand and water tables are designed for children aged three and up.

Average Price: $45 - $75

(2) Outdoor Water Sprinklers:
For years now, outdoor water sprinklers have been how many children without pool access have stayed cool during the summertime. Outdoor water sprinklers come in all different styles. Traditional sprinkler systems can be purchased; however, large beach balls, plastic animals, and other popular cartoon characters can be used as a sprinkler system. All outdoor water sprinklers require water hookup through a garden hose. 

Average Price: $5 - $30
(3) Water Guns:
Similar to the above mentioned water sprinklers, water guns are a fun way for children without a pool to stay cool. Water guns come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. You can purchase a water gun that fits into the palm or your hand or you can get one that is so big it is about waist tall. Large water guns tend to have more force when it comes to dispensing the water. This means that most large water guns are not safe for children under the age of five.

Average Price: $10 - $20
(4) Slip and Slide Water Toys

Slip and slides are known as small water slides. They have been a popular outdoor summer toy for children under the age of twelve for years now. Slip and slides work best on a hill, but with running water a child can have fun even on a flat surface. Many slip and slides are sold with a sprinkler system or a miniature wading pool for extra fun.

Average Price: $10 - $25

(5) Inflatable Water Slides

Until recently, the above mentioned slip and slide water toys were the only water slides designed for home use without a pool. Now large water slides are being sold online and in department stores across the country. These slides are inflatable and they can go as high as ten feet in the air. They come with a miniature pool at the bottom. Due to their large size, most water slides are designed for children over the age of four or five.
Average Price: $200 - $300

(6) Sandboxes:

Currently, sandboxes sit in millions of backyards all across the country. When filled with sand, sandboxes offer hours of fun for the whole family. Sandboxes can come in a traditional box size or they can come as large plastic animals. Large plastic turtles and crabs are most popular with children under the age of five

Average Price: $45 - $100 

(7) Teeter Totters

Many parents and children mistakenly believe that teeter totters are only meant for the park. The truth is that there are a large number of teeter totters that are designed for backyards of all sizes. Large teeter totters can often be hooked into the ground; therefore, making it safe for older children or adults to use. Smaller teeter totters that are transportable and designed for children under the age of 10 can also be purchased. Average Price: $40 - $80

(8) Grill and Grill Accessories

Toy grills are becoming one of the most popular outdoors toys to hit the market. A large number of companies make these grills; therefore, there is a large selection of different styles at most retail stores.

The grills can come in all different sizes with talking pieces, plastic food, and other grill accessories. These toy grills allow children to feel like a grownup while they cook right alongside their parents.

Average Price: $20 - $60

(9) Children's Wheelbarrow and Garden Accessories

A children's wheelbarrow can be used for a number of fun outdoor activities. Children can use a wheelbarrow to move their toys or help their parents in the garden. Most wheelbarrows can be purchased with additional garden accessories for extra fun. Children's wheelbarrows come in all different shapes and sizes; therefore, children of all ages can have fun with this great outdoor toy.

(10) Bubbles

Bubbles have always been considered fun outside toys, but the creation of additional bubble toys have made them even more fun. In addition to traditional bubbles, there are now bubble-making machines. These machines can often produce hundred of bubbles in just a few minutes.

There are also machines that can be used to create huge bubbles. In addition to bubble-making machines, there are also other bubble accessories that can create unique bubble shapes and much more.

Average Price: $5 - $20

All of the toys mentioned above are the top ten most popular outside toys for children under the age of twelve. The good news is that almost all of these toys are reasonably priced and great for backyards of just about any size.

Why let your child suffer through a boring summer when a large number of fun outdoor toys are all within your reach?

The Author

Cathy Franklin is a mother of three and the owner of Toys Store Online. She finds the top family friendly toys for children of all ages that are fun for kids, age appropriate, and inexpensive for any family's budget. http://www.toys-store-online.com.

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Please check your kids outside toys before playing this summer( or grand kids ) BE SAFE AND CAUTIOUS THIS SUMMER May the Lord bless you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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July 27th, 2009 by admin

Some children are born with music in their heart. They are drawn to songs and sounds and feel the pull of instruments from a young age. Others need to be encouraged to feel the music.

Children of all ages can be exposed to music through age appropriate toys that will encourage a love of melodies and harmonies. Whether your child is a newborn or a teen, there are gifts on the market that will achieve this goal. Continue reading below to see which musical gifts are appropriate for the children on your list.

Even if your child is a newborn or an infant, it’s not too early to begin encouraging the love of music. Basic rattles and handheld teething toys that make sounds set the foundation for music. Infants can hear the different sounds these small toys make. As your child grows, you can purchase the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes toy, which is only $8.99 and features 7 melodies by Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin, and Rossini.

You or your baby only needs to push one of four colorful buttons to be greeted with this soothing music. It’s also never too early to begin playing CDs for your baby. A few nice options include the Lullaby Classics by Baby Einstein for $6.98 or Baby Bach and Baby Beethoven for $12.98. Both of these CDs would be a great gift to spark music appreciation in babies.

If the child on your list is sitting up, you have a few great options. The Little Tikes Tap-A-Tune Xylophone is only $9.99 and the child needs to merely hit the colorful chimes to hear a full octave of tunes. This gift also includes easy to follow music cards and eventually becomes a pull toy with wheels and a handle.
A gift that combines music and learning the alphabet is the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Alphabet Drum. This drum is $21.99 and teaches the alphabet in English and Spanish each time the child hits the drum.

It also rewards the child with lights and music with each beat of the drum. The LeapFrog Learn and Groove Animal Sounds guitar is another great option for just $21.99. As the child spins the wheel or presses the buttons, she will be greeted with numbers and animal sounds, as well as other musical tones and silly sounds to delight.

If the child on your list is of toddler age, there are some very engaging options for him as well. If the piano is the instrument of choice, purchase the Baby Einstein Count and Compose Piano for only $14.99.

If the child prefers the beat of the drum, purchase the Little Tykes Pop Tunes Big Rocker Drum Set for $19.99.

If he has shown interest in the guitar then the appropriate choice would be the Yo Gabba Gabba Groves Guitar by Spin Master for $22.99. All of these toys are colorful and will encourage the recipient to create great music.

If the child on your list is a bit older, you’ll need to look for more sophisticated "toys" to inspire them.

The First Act 30 Inch Acoustic Guitar will have any child above the age of seven strumming along with excitement. This guitar is only $39.99 and is constructed of all wood with a steel reinforced neck. It is great for beginners and is stylish too, blue with a flashy flame.

If the child on your list has the fingers for the piano then the 61 Key Keyboard with Portable Grand Function is the gift for them. It costs $99.99 but it comes with a built in learning system which includes 102 songs to learn and play, as well as 7 levels of lessons. The older drummer on your list will appreciate the First Act Discovery 4 piece Drum Set for $69.99. This drum set is also for beginners as it includes a learning guide that will encourage the future rocker on your list.

Whether the child on your gift list has just been born, or has just entered their teens, the gifts described above will encourage a love of music that will last throughout his or her lifetime. Visit AnotherPerfectGift.com for more gift ideas especially gifts for kids.

By Shelly Siegel

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Technorati Tags: baby gift toy, childrens toys, fun toys, gift toy, toys gifts

July 26th, 2009 by admin

If you are looking for toys to give to your little children, then you can get them at Little Tikes.

Little Tikes is a toy manufacturer that makes safe, durable toys for infants and young children. If you need any toys for your babies, can get one at Little Tikes no matter how young or old your children are.

You can sort the toys by age or category, to find out which toys to get your children. Little Tikes have baby toys, toy chests, toddler toys, playhouses, and even bath toys.

Little Tikes toys come in vibrant colors that will surely catch your little tikes’ attention and make him enjoy his bath or time at the crib or crawling at the floor. These toys will also help stimulate your kids’ development, introducing your kids to different sounds and shapes, and engaging them in interactive activities.

For bath time fun, you can choose from a variety of bath toys available. Little Tikes have Little Champs Bathketball, which you can simply put at the wall of your bathroom and your little ones can play with colorful balls and shoot them at the basket.

They also have a Bathtime Band toy, where there are sea creatures with musical instruments and your child can fill these with water and they will play a tune. The colorful and fun characters will really get your baby’s attention and make it fun for him to take a bath.

Or you can get your baby the Deluxe Bath Gift Set, that comes with the Bathket Ball, a Floating fountain and Fish Food Fishies. The whole set is good for any bath time time fun, or can be taken to the pool or the beach.

Or get your baby the Glow Pals Assortment, a package of ducks, turtles and crabs that float on the water and glow when they are dropped on the water. Your baby will be amazed at these infant toys and bath toys.

Another great toy to get your baby is the 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym, which your baby can enjoy until he is a toddler, a great baby toy to a great toddler toy, it grows and transforms as your baby does.Or get your little children ride on toys, where you can choose from the Handle Haulers Hail and Ride, a Classic Tough Tire Trike for the outdoors, a Go and Grow Rider for you baby, or a Push and Ride Doll Walker for your little girl.

The Push and Ride Racer is also a good toddler toy, because it can, as the other ride on toys, help your kid to coordinate his limbs and enable him to move and learn to walk or run faster.

By: Jon Prunty -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Jon Prunty is a freelance editor for Coupon Cart. Read more and find great deals and discounts on Little Tikes products at www.CouponCart.com.

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Boon Bath Toys: Fun for Kids and Parents Too
Call me a bookworm at gmail dot com. March 28, 2009 9:19 AM · S Denton said. My favorite bathtoy is the little tikes light up duck we have a turtle and crab too the kids love the have a bath.

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Technorati Tags: little tikes outdoor toys, little tikes riding toys, little tikes toys, little tykes toys

July 25th, 2009 by admin

The toddler years of a child are very important years for development. It is during this time that your child will experience everything first hand since he can now walk and do things on his own.

The skills develop during these years affects future development therefore it is best to start early. The only way that toddlers will learn is through play.

Therefore, as parents, you have to provide your toddler with appropriate toddler toys for his optimum development.

You might be wondering what type of toys you should provide your toddler in this crucial stage of his development. Basically, you should give him toys that are age-appropriate and allows the development of his physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and language skills.

Toddlers develop in stages, which is why you have to be very precise when giving them the toys that will make them enjoy without compromising their safety.

The toddler age is the time when children are able to walk on their own. Thus, a toddler will be more curious about the world around him and will become more active and independent than before. The heightened preference for physical activities such as running, crawling, and jumping improves the gross motor skill of a child. For physical development, toys that allow free movement such as push/pull toys, climbing toys, slides, rocking toys, and balls are perfect for your child.

You shouldn't really worry so much if the hand-eye coordination of your toddler isn't that fine tuned yet because with the right toddler toys, it will be developed eventually.

Stacking toys, blocks, construction toys, and other art and craft activities are some of the toys that will develop fine motor skills.

The toddler age is also the time when your child will prefer to play alone or in parallel to other children of his age.You can encourage him to share his toys though so that he will be able to improve his social skills.

Toys like cars, trains, and stuffed toys are those which can be shared with other kids.Language development is another milestone in your child's toddler stages. The good news here is that any toy can be used for language development since the success of which primarily lies on you as a caregiver.

You have to spend enough time with your toddler to talk to them during play. Story books are perfect for this endeavor although plastic figures, i.e. animals, can also be used to tell a story.

Construction toys should also be provided to encourage your child's creativity and imagination. When a child is playing with these toys, it is best to leave them alone so that they can be in their own imaginative world. Brain development is also ideal at this age which is why it can really be helpful to provide your toddler with educational toys. These educational toddler toys will help the child to master certain concepts and skills needed for the future. Stacking rings, jigsaw puzzles, shape sorters, and building blocks are some of the toys that can be given for this undertaking.

For more tips and information about Toddler Toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/toddler.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Nunez

Author: Rachel Nunez

Choosing the Best Toys for Babies & Toddlers
Your own words are more powerful than any Leapfrog Learning Toy. The experience of painting is a truer introduction to color than a push-button teaching toy. Educational toys limit play possibilities.

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Technorati Tags: learning toys for toddlers, Toddler Toys, top toddler toys, unique toddler toys, wooden toddler toys

July 24th, 2009 by admin

Searching for best Kids Toys like remote control, battery operated, soft, teddies and many more in the market? Stop your searching and select the one from the best deals given below:

(1). Inflatable Baby Play Gym – Round

Features:

'Soft-Sides- My First Gym'
Approximate inflated size: 54.5 Diameter x 43.5 H
Two hanging spin toys (with rattle ball inside) for baby to play with.
Squeakers built-in into the floor make fun noises.
Inflatable base for soft cushioning.
The top can be removed to allow baby to play on the floor.
Transparent sides, so the parents keep a watch over baby while he can look outside.
Ideal for ages 2 and under.
Comes in attractive colours/models - availability depends upon stock.

(2). Big Bunny with Pink Heart
A soft and cuddlesome bunny, holding a glittering pink heart. A perfect go-between to convey your love and affection to your Valentine.

Contents:

A large sized bunny with a pink heart
Size: L 56 x B 20cms
Gross weight: 400gms

(3). Fisher-Price Newborn-to-

Product Details:

The Newborn to Toddler Portable Rocker from Fisher-Price starts as a newborn seat or rocker with a low-profile position for a safe place to put newborns. With the soft goods recline, mom or dad can position baby for sleeping or for play.

A removable toy bar arm provides two repositionable toys to entertain baby - a musical puppy and a kitty with a spinning ball of yarn. Both reward baby for bat-at play.

There is even a cute birdie that stands on a biscuit on the side of the rocker and detaches for take-along play.As baby becomes a toddler, the toy arm can be removed and the rocker supports extend to a higher position, allowing toddlers to have both a stationary seat and a rocker.

The rocker also provides great on-the-go convenience - just fold and compress it down for portability and using the struts as a handle.It starts out as an infant seat or rocker with a low-profile frame, very appropriate for newborns. Then, as your child grows, you can easily convert this portable rocker to an infant seat to add interactive toy play.

Then, make it a toddler rocker. Flip out the kickstand to convert it from a rocker to a stationary seat for older babies or toddlers.The Newborn-to-Toddler Portable Rocker folds easily and has a built-in handle, so it can go wherever you and baby do!

Author suggests you to buy dolls from homeshop18.com and get maximum discount.

By: Brendon Long

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Brendon Long offers you the latest and best information to buy gifts for babies like battery operated toys, teddies and soft toys in India.

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Technorati Tags: classic toys, unique childrens toys, unique kids toys, unique toys for kids

July 23rd, 2009 by admin

How old should a child be before they play on outdoor play slides? The short and simple answer to that question is that there is no answer. If the slide is not too steep and there are no rough edges or places for a child's hand to get caught, a mother might carry her infant down a slide in her lap. But how old should a child be before they attempt to take the slide on their own?

The trouble with slides is not, in fact, the slide itself. If a slide is well constructed, a one-year-old could probably go down it on her own, with proper adult supervision. A two or three year old certainly could.

But the problem with slides is that what goes down must first climb up, and it's the climbing up that makes slides dangerous for small children.

Almost no one year old child has the necessary motor skills to climb up a ladder on their own; in fact, very few two year olds can claim that ability with any assurance. Slides with stairs instead of ladders are easier, but still dangerous. By the age of two or three, most children have their walking and climbing skills well under control, or think they do, but the chances of them taking a fall are still very high.

As we've seen, it's possible for the infant to enjoy a slide if she goes down it in her mother's arms. Similarly, we might say that all ages of children can play on and enjoy slides--with different levels of parental involvement.

The one year old child might be placed at the top of the slide and have mommy or daddy hold her hands while she goes down it 'on her own' (some children this age will be absolutely terrified at the thought of going down the slide even when holding one of their parents' hands; it should go without saying that a child has to want to go down the slide to really enjoy it).

A two year old might have mommy or daddy help him up the stairs, and hold only one of his hands going down the slide. A three year old might be able to climb up the ladder 'all by herself' with mommy or daddy's hands behind her, ready to catch her.

Be aware of your child. Different ages can do different things, and there's no blanket qualification that says 'At one, my child will be able to go down a slide without being in my lap.

But that doesn't change the fact that there are certain ages UNDER WHICH children cannot or should not do certain things.

Not every three year old will be able to navigate the ladder on their own, even with mommy or daddy behind them, but no child under three should be allowed to try.

Naturally, what children can and cannot do depends on their individual personalities, their individual motor skills, and their individual stage of development, to say nothing of the complexity of that particular slide and, of course, ladder. But in general, it's safe to say that no child under the age of five should ever be allowed to play on a slide without a responsible adult at least with easy calling distance.

For vital information on all things concerned with outdoor toys visit Outdoor Toys

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mayoor_Patel

Author: Mayoor Patel

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Technorati Tags: outdoor kids toys, outdoor play set, outdoor playhouse, outdoor toys and slides, playground slides

July 22nd, 2009 by admin

Giant versions of the poplular games chess and jenga bring a new twist to classic games.Classic toys like chess and jenga are being super sized for backyard fun.

Everyone has played a game of checkers, chess or jenga. But who’s played a game of chess outdoors with pieces the size of barstools?Or who’s played jenga with wood pieces the size of 2 by 4’s? The cliché adage "bigger is better" seems appropriate. For a fun and unique twist on classic favorites, try playing gigantic versions of popular games like giant jenga and giant chess.

Imagine most backyards – most have a lawn, those with kids some activity toys, some have trampolines, others have pools and hot tubs, but how many have a monster sized giant chess set or a humungous game of giant jenga? Not too many will have it and that makes it exclusive and unique.

Giant Jenga is a lot simple than giant chess. Giant Jenga is played just like the original game, except for the pieces are larger and hence the name giant jenga. Jenga is a game where blocks of wood are stacked on top of each other, usually three across. Each new layer in the stack is arranged perpendicular to the stack below it.

After all of the pieces are stacked players take turns pulling out blocks. You can only pull out one block you can’t touch or alter any of the other blocks while removing your piece. The point is to pull out your piece or block without the tower falling down. After pulling out your piece or block you place it on the very top of the stack or giant jenga tower. The player who causes the tower to fall loses.

Jenga is a popular game among kids as well as teens and adults. It’s also a popular party game. Jenga was featured on television in 2004 on an episode of Mark Cuban’s ABC show "The Benefactor" a reality show where contestants played a game of Jenga on the first episode. Two contestants at the end of the episode played a game of Jenga to determine who would be eliminated. Jenga had the spotlight. Now you can have it mega-sized in your backyard as giant jenga. Giant jenga should have a place with trampolines, climbing frames and other activity toys in the backyard.

Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games. Played around the world, had in tournaments and school clubs around the globe, chess isn’t new to anyone one. Giant chess gives the old game a new, fun way to play. Kids can enjoy learning how to play. The whole family can get involved in playing chess. With large pieces and playing mat everyone can get involved in the game and kids love moving the pieces. Giant chess gives a new perspective on the game. It’s the perfect excuse to be outdoors and play with something intellectual and different. Chess has received high publicity on television and the big screen.  

Giant jenga and giant chess are just a couple examples of activity toys that are unique, fun, engaging and interactive. Other activity toys like trampolines, playsets, sandpits and climbing frames provide children with opportunities to play outdoors in engaging and social environments.

A game of giant chess enhances the intellect and sharpens mental abilities. A round of giant jenga helps with coordination and motor skills.

Giant chess also allows for more than just 2 players to play, as the whole the family can get involved. Giant chess and giant jenga are unique, fun and fresh activity toys to have in the backyard. There is an also a degree of exclusiveness due in major part to the fact that not a whole lot backyards have a set of giant chess or giant jenga.

About the author:
Rick Laurensen writes for 10x Marketing. To see giant jenga and giant chess sets and other activity toys visit www.JustOutdoorToys.co.uk

By 10x Marketing
Published: 12/5/2006

GI Joe latest to Monopolize board games
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[EURO] LEGO Board Games Launches this July 1st ! « Toys N Bricks
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The Twilight Board Game - An Honest Review | Toy Reviews and News
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The Settlers of Catan Board Game
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July 21st, 2009 by admin

Every little girl dreams of owning a kidkraft dollhouse. Here, her tiny "family" holds their many adventures—adventures her active, imaginative mind is free to invent and reinvent each day. She can rearrange the furniture, reenact familiar rituals and scenes, and invent her own rules.

Every little girl dreams of owning a Dollhouse. Here, her tiny "family" holds their many adventures—adventures her active, imaginative mind is free to invent and reinvent each day.

She can rearrange the furniture, reenact familiar rituals and scenes, and invent her own rules. "In a dollhouse, there is are bedtimes." "In a doll house, everyone gets to eat 100 pieces of chocolate cake…everyday!"

According to child experts, this kind of imaginative play is very healthy for a child. Starting from the age of four, children discover the world that lies outside their doors.

They meet people who aren’t part of the immediate family; they go to school and are asked to follow rules and rituals that they don’t necessarily like.

As they make new friends, they also learn new social skills, and struggle with concepts like sharing and taking turns. It can all be overwhelming.

Control over a world (and her emotions)

But having a Kidkraft dollhouse gives them a sense of control over a smaller world, and here they can "play-act" their fears while practicing the rituals and routines that are part of healthy social interaction. For example, when a child holds an imaginary party in her dollhouse, planning a guest list that includes stuffed rabbits and the Queen of Fairies, they are (subconsciously) working through their anxiety about large crowds and unfamiliar faces. They would probably hate any party that included people they didn’t know, but talking about what cakes to serve and which parts of the dollhouse their guests will stay in, makes her feel more confident about interacting with others.

A great tool for developing social skills

Kidkraft Dollhouses are also a favorite in any playgroup, since they’re one of the few toys where it’s more fun when it’s shared.For young pre-schoolers who still hate having to give up a toy to another friend, they can spend many happy hours playing with the dolls without a single fight about who gets which.

A toy that changes every day

Dollhouses transform each time a child sits down next to it. Each time she makes a story, each time she gives the dolls a name and then acts out their rituals and adventures, the dollhouse becomes "different".

One day it’s a castle under a spell. The next day it’s the scene of a grand ball. And maybe today it’s just an ordinary house, but the aliens (i.e., her brother’s Buzz Lightyear action figure) attack. You never know.

A toy that’s fun at any age

Dollhouses are also one of the few toys that don’t get boring after a few weeks. In fact, because the fun lies in the child’s imagination, they can be played with for years. As she grows older, she’ll start making clothes for the dolls, designing her own little furniture and curtains, decorating the doll house and possibly creating entire novellas about its miniature residents. When she grows up, and the dollhouse is put away, it can be retrieved years later and given to her own daughter.

Wishrooms.com offers unique Kid Furniture for Bedrooms and Playrooms at affordable prices!

By Misti Norusis
Published: 12/5/2006

Melissa & Doug Multi-Level Solid Wood Dollhouse w/ Family of 5 Dolls
"Recommended for children ages three and up, this classic, timeless dollhouse encourages hours of imaginative fun."

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Doll-House Bedroom Furniture | Buy Cheap
"Melissa & Doug Bedroom Furniture Set Style and elegance are reflected in the safety mirror of the dressing table included in this timeless, formal bedroom set."

Melissa & Doug Multi-Level Solid Wood Dollhouse From Melissa & Doug
"This charming house comes complete with a family of five, folk-art style dolls and 19 pieces of all-wood furniture."

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July 20th, 2009 by admin

Educational math board games have long been used to nurture academic and social skills in children through an enjoyable and engaging approach. Learning basic math skills such as addition and multiplication tables, or even adding fractions and long division can be somewhat tedious and even downright difficult for some.

Since most expert educators agree that children tend to learn and retain new concepts better when the material is presented in a fun and engaging way, educational math board games offer great opportunities for students to succeed in math and even experience a greater appreciation for a subject that is feared and hated by many.

Superior educational math board games help students remain engaged and interested in math and retain the concepts learned even after the game has ended. These games will accomplish many of the following things: increase students' enthusiasm for math; improve students' abilities to count, recognize numbers, compare number values and estimate number values; reinforce basic math skills; reinforce concepts in a valuable and enjoyable way; and, be geared to develop increasingly more refined tactics for success (or winning the game!)

As you prepare to determine if a math board game is suitable for your students, you should consider the following aspects:

• Does it allow for sufficient math practice and review at the desired level?
• Does it require excessive speed that might be disadvantageous to some students and advantageous for faster performing students?
• Does it seem simplistic enough for beginners while still offering critical thinking opportunities?
• Does the game appear interesting to you?
• Does it only require chance to be successful or is strategy involved as well?

Most people are familiar with the popular board game, Monopoly. Yes, Monopoly is a great educational math board game for youngsters! It consists of a board, 2 dice, tokens, 32 houses and 12 hotels. There are Chance and Community Chest cards, a Title Deed card for each property, play money and a banker's tray. The object of the game is to become the wealthiest player through buying, renting and selling property.

This game allows children to practice counting as they move their tokens around the board; they learn to estimate the number of spaces to move when the dice are rolled; and they practice making purchases and making change during real estate transactions. There is some chance involved but there is unquestionably a great deal of problem-solving and tactical abilities required to perform well in this game.

Another educational math board game is Blokus which consists of a board of 400 squares and 84 tile pieces in four different colors (21 differently shaped pieces per color). These include: 1 piece consisting of a single tile, 1 piece consisting of two tiles, 2 pieces consisting of three tiles, 5 pieces consisting of four tiles, and 12 pieces consisting of five tiles. The object of the game is to achieve the highest score by placing the most tiles on the board and blocking other players from placing all their tiles on the board.

Each player chooses a color and the play goes in this order: blue, yellow, red, and green. After each player plays a piece from their respective corners, each subsequent piece must be played as to touch only at the corners.This strategy game calls attention to patterns. Also, players have to try to anticipate their opponents' moves and try to frustrate their efforts to lay their larger tile pieces on the board.

The game ends when all players are unable to lay down any more pieces. The scoring is calculated using positive and negative numbers. Then, they determine the total area of all the unused tile pieces.Math Smart is an educational math board game which helps children to easily begin to master the skills of basic math. There is a Math Smart game that for each of the following: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Each game plays like dominos and teaches like a tutor. There are 100 durable cards in each game.

Each card has a math problem on one half and a boldly circled answer to a different math problem on the other half. Players match the correct answer with the matching problem while forming domino-type patterns with the cards. Math Smart is a simple and fun way to capture childrens' interest while at the same time helping them to master basic math skills.As children play these and similar types of games, they are able to practice many fundamental math skills in an entertaining and interactive way. When they enjoy what they are doing, they will want to play longer and more frequently.

Games are a fantastic response to a child's desire for meaningful and creative play as evidenced by their degree of concentration while playing. They offer a varied manner in which to drill and reinforce math skills other than through the conventional manner of worksheets. The use of quality educational math board games allows a plethora of math skills to be practiced and introduced in a concrete and engaging forum.

Gregory Tucker is the owner of http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/educational-math-board-games.html, a one-stop hub for parents and teachers looking for all kinds of free math games and helpful activities geared toward kids of all ages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregory_Tucker

Author: Gregory Tucker

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