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Sometimes these days can feel like all work and no play… for you AND your kids! Help your kids escape the screens and stress of at-home learning and get back to the business of play with these awesome, hands-on, activity ideas perfect for after-school playtime!Hands-On Fun for Big KidsThere’s a reason recess is built into the school day – big kids’ brains need a break! Hands-on play improves behavior, develops imagination and creativity, helps kids express their emotions, and so much more.Busy builders can blast into hands-on, building play fun (with a circuit-building STEM twist!) with EI’s brand-new Circuit Explorer sets! Kids follow the arrows to connect the pieces, at the same time connecting circuits that activate lights, sounds, and moving pieces. Get started with the Rocket set, complete with light-up nose cone and nozzles, Space Rover with light-up headlights, and Landing Pad with color-changing lights. Progress to the Rover set and build a Communications Station with a rotating Radar Dish, Power Station with Rover Charger, Powered Space Rover and Freewheeling Space Rover, both with light-up headlights. Then surprise your 3-D, circuit-building sweetie with the Deluxe Base Station, a Deluxe Base Station with circuit-powered Towers, Spinning Diner Sign, Planetarium with color-changing dome light, Voice Synthesizer Station with 10 space sounds, Communication Station with rotating Radar Dish, a Powered Space Rover and a freewheeling Space Rover both with light-up headlights. The perfect holiday gifts, the pieces in each set work with the others for a totally interconnected circuit system, and each set includes pretend play figures perfect for imaginative play. The only circuit-building set with buildable, 3-D pieces, Circuit Explorers are available exclusively on Amazon.com.Puppet shows are another great way to light up your kids’ imaginations! Put those cardboard delivery boxes to use and create a homemade puppet theater following the simple instructions at AskaGranny. Let your big kid decorate the theater using paints and markers, then pull out your puppet collection – or make your own sock puppets or tube puppets - and act out your kiddo’s favorite book or let them freestyle with a story of their own making. Also, for the ultimate time-saving way to have fun, check out this super simple creative video featuring ways to make puppets out of regular household items and foods! They'll never look at their orange the same way again!Hands-On Fun for PreschoolersUnplugged, hands-on playtime is a must in every preschooler’s day. Hands-on play engages all of a preschooler’s senses, building critical fine motor skills, and exercising problem-solving skills.Design & Drill® Bolt Buddies™ are perfect for hands-on preschool playtime! Kids use snap-together pieces to build the bodies of a Rocket, Racecar, or Recycling Truck, then use a real, working, kid-friendly drill to bolt them together. When the hands-on construction fun is done, use the included driver and pal figurines to play out various pretend play scenarios, encouraging creativity and imagination, too!Slime is also a great hands-on activity for preschoolers! Perfect for sensory stimulation, slime is calming, promotes mindfulness and focus, encourages independent play, and helps build fine motor skills. Find all kinds of easy slime recipes, including MomDot.com’s edible slime, sand slime, rainbow explosion slime, and more, on our Easy SlimeTime Pinterest Board! Or create a homemade batch of party slime to give as an adorable birthday gift or party favor! Add glitter, Playfoam, pool noodles or whatever you fancy to make your batch colorful and textured!Photo credit: MomDot.comHands-On Fun for ToddlersEven though they’re not in school, toddlers are clocking more screen time than ever during this unusual year at home. Hands-on play is a great way to practice basic concepts including shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, develop language skills, and introduce early math concepts like bigger and smaller, shorter and taller, counting, sorting, and matching.The hands-on fun really stacks up with EI’s Bright Basics Nest & Stack Cubes! Kids as young as two can build a 3-foot tall tower by stacking 10 cubes featuring animals, shapes, numerals, quantities, and sweet starry scenes. When they’re done stacking, toddlers can nest each cube inside the next, building visual discrimination, spatial reasoning, fine motor, and early math skills as they play.Sidewalk chalk is a highly-satisfying, hands-on activity perfect for toddlers. Let them choose the colors, then go to town designing their own outdoor works of art. You can join in the fun, drawing everything from rainbows to hopscotch courts, cats, and clouds. Sidewalk paint is a slippery twist on sidewalk chalk and you can make your own! See how at our Home's Cool video tutorial.
Stay Connected…to Fun! Sometimes these days can feel like all work and no play… for you AND your kids! Help your kids escape the screens and stress of at-home learning and get back to the business of play with these awesome, hands-on, activity ideas perfect for after-school playtime!Hands-On Fun for Big KidsThere’s a reason recess is built into the school day – big kids’ brains need a break! Hands-on play improves behavior, develops imagination and creativity, helps kids express their emotions, and so much more.Busy builders can blast into hands-on, building play fun (with a circuit-building STEM twist!) with EI’s brand-new Circuit Explorer sets! Kids follow the arrows to connect the pieces, at the same time connecting circuits that activate lights, sounds, and moving pieces. Get started with the Rocket set, complete with light-up nose cone and nozzles, Space Rover with light-up headlights, and Landing Pad with color-changing lights. Progress to the Rover set and build a Communications Station with a rotating Radar Dish, Power Station with Rover Charger, Powered Space Rover and Freewheeling Space Rover, both with light-up headlights. Then surprise your 3-D, circuit-building sweetie with the Deluxe Base Station, a Deluxe Base Station with circuit-powered Towers, Spinning Diner Sign, Planetarium with color-changing dome light, Voice Synthesizer Station with 10 space sounds, Communication Station with rotating Radar Dish, a Powered Space Rover and a freewheeling Space Rover both with light-up headlights. The perfect holiday gifts, the pieces in each set work with the others for a totally interconnected circuit system, and each set includes pretend play figures perfect for imaginative play. The only circuit-building set with buildable, 3-D pieces, Circuit Explorers are available exclusively on Amazon.com.Puppet shows are another great way to light up your kids’ imaginations! Put those cardboard delivery boxes to use and create a homemade puppet theater following the simple instructions at AskaGranny. Let your big kid decorate the theater using paints and markers, then pull out your puppet collection – or make your own sock puppets or tube puppets - and act out your kiddo’s favorite book or let them freestyle with a story of their own making. Also, for the ultimate time-saving way to have fun, check out this super simple creative video featuring ways to make puppets out of regular household items and foods! They'll never look at their orange the same way again!Hands-On Fun for PreschoolersUnplugged, hands-on playtime is a must in every preschooler’s day. Hands-on play engages all of a preschooler’s senses, building critical fine motor skills, and exercising problem-solving skills.Design & Drill® Bolt Buddies™ are perfect for hands-on preschool playtime! Kids use snap-together pieces to build the bodies of a Rocket, Racecar, or Recycling Truck, then use a real, working, kid-friendly drill to bolt them together. When the hands-on construction fun is done, use the included driver and pal figurines to play out various pretend play scenarios, encouraging creativity and imagination, too!Slime is also a great hands-on activity for preschoolers! Perfect for sensory stimulation, slime is calming, promotes mindfulness and focus, encourages independent play, and helps build fine motor skills. Find all kinds of easy slime recipes, including MomDot.com’s edible slime, sand slime, rainbow explosion slime, and more, on our Easy SlimeTime Pinterest Board! Or create a homemade batch of party slime to give as an adorable birthday gift or party favor! Add glitter, Playfoam, pool noodles or whatever you fancy to make your batch colorful and textured!Photo credit: MomDot.comHands-On Fun for ToddlersEven though they’re not in school, toddlers are clocking more screen time than ever during this unusual year at home. Hands-on play is a great way to practice basic concepts including shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, develop language skills, and introduce early math concepts like bigger and smaller, shorter and taller, counting, sorting, and matching.The hands-on fun really stacks up with EI’s Bright Basics Nest & Stack Cubes! Kids as young as two can build a 3-foot tall tower by stacking 10 cubes featuring animals, shapes, numerals, quantities, and sweet starry scenes. When they’re done stacking, toddlers can nest each cube inside the next, building visual discrimination, spatial reasoning, fine motor, and early math skills as they play.Sidewalk chalk is a highly-satisfying, hands-on activity perfect for toddlers. Let them choose the colors, then go to town designing their own outdoor works of art. You can join in the fun, drawing everything from rainbows to hopscotch courts, cats, and clouds. Sidewalk paint is a slippery twist on sidewalk chalk and you can make your own! See how at our Home's Cool video tutorial.
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As the holidays approach, many families are looking for ways to teach the joy of giving. At the same time, we’re all looking for ways to feel more connected with our community, even though we can’t get together in the same ways we used to. Below are a few of our favorite ideas for introducing the spirit of giving and community!Donate ThingsExplain to your kids that some parents in your area have not been able to go to work because of Coronavirus and may not have the money they need to make the holidays special for their families. One way your kids can help is to donate some of the clothing and toys they’re not using anymore so that those parents can give them to their kids. Both The Salvation Army and Goodwill are accepting donations again – visit their websites to find your local drop off location.Ditto food items! Feeding America can help you locate your nearest food pantry. Help your kids choose a few favorite, unopened items from the cupboard and perhaps supplement with a few picks from the grocery store, then deliver your donation. Explain to your kids that some families are having a really hard time and don’t have enough money to buy food, but that your donation will help feed those families for free!Books also make great donation items, particularly since many libraries are still closed. Have your kids choose a few they’re finished with, give the covers a quick once over with an antibacterial wipe, then wash your hands, put on your mask, and walk them over to your nearest neighborhood Little Free Library.Photo credit: littlefreelibrary.orgDonate TimeSome neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, may be reluctant to go out these days. Your family can help by offering to pick up groceries or prescriptions. Depending on your kids’ ages, they may also be able to help with things like mowing lawns, weeding, bringing trash cans in/out, and dog walking.Your family can also volunteer time unloading trucks and stocking shelves at your local food bank or even create your own neighborhood pop-up pantry. This can range from a cardboard box on your curb with a homemade sign saying “Help Yourself” to a permanent fixture like the Little Free Library that’s stocked with non-perishable canned and boxed goods. Follow @LittleFreePantry on Instagram for some great ideas and inspiration.Photo credit: littlefreepantryIf you aren't sure how to choose the best option for your family, check out Project Giving Kids, a non-profit whose core mission is to help teach empathy and social responsibility to young people. They connect families to high-quality, age-appropriate volunteer activities with a network of charitable partners across the country! How cool is that? You can also sign-up for a special Create the Change Week (November 7-15, 2020) that provides free virtual activities for kids and families to give back!Your kids can also easily brighten your neighbors’ days with a chalk drawing or positive statement on the sidewalk, a coloring sheet in a neighbor’s mailbox, or a smile on an evening walk. Download our free greeting cards for loved ones here. Or our adorable birthday greeting cards to make someone feel extra special on their day!Donate MoneyAn easy rule of thumb is that kids should save about 20% of what they earn, spend about 70%, and give 10% to charity. Even the littlest kids can earn a bit of money helping with simple chores like emptying trash cans and feeding pets, while older kids may have more complex chores or earn money outside the home with paper routes or mowing lawns. Encourage them to set some of their earnings aside to help those in need – then offer to match what they’re willing to donate.Charity Navigator has lots of options ranging from national to local charities. Work with your child to decide who should receive your donation. Read the charity’s description to your kids and talk about how much the recipients of their donations will appreciate their help.Or maybe they’d like to contribute locally, via a small bonus and thank you card for your mail carrier, street sweeper, or waste management crew. If your kids aren’t aware of the hard workers that come together to ensure your mail deliveries, empty trash cans, trimmed trees, and clean streets, play is a great way to teach them! EI’s Design & Drill® Bolt Buddies™ Recycle Truck is great for pretend play.Kids are natural givers and caring by nature. Set them down the road to giving and they’ll likely continue to do so as adults!
Simple, COVID-Safe Ways to Stay Connected to Your Community As the holidays approach, many families are looking for ways to teach the joy of giving. At the same time, we’re all looking for ways to feel more connected with our community, even though we can’t get together in the same ways we used to. Below are a few of our favorite ideas for introducing the spirit of giving and community!Donate ThingsExplain to your kids that some parents in your area have not been able to go to work because of Coronavirus and may not have the money they need to make the holidays special for their families. One way your kids can help is to donate some of the clothing and toys they’re not using anymore so that those parents can give them to their kids. Both The Salvation Army and Goodwill are accepting donations again – visit their websites to find your local drop off location.Ditto food items! Feeding America can help you locate your nearest food pantry. Help your kids choose a few favorite, unopened items from the cupboard and perhaps supplement with a few picks from the grocery store, then deliver your donation. Explain to your kids that some families are having a really hard time and don’t have enough money to buy food, but that your donation will help feed those families for free!Books also make great donation items, particularly since many libraries are still closed. Have your kids choose a few they’re finished with, give the covers a quick once over with an antibacterial wipe, then wash your hands, put on your mask, and walk them over to your nearest neighborhood Little Free Library.Photo credit: littlefreelibrary.orgDonate TimeSome neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, may be reluctant to go out these days. Your family can help by offering to pick up groceries or prescriptions. Depending on your kids’ ages, they may also be able to help with things like mowing lawns, weeding, bringing trash cans in/out, and dog walking.Your family can also volunteer time unloading trucks and stocking shelves at your local food bank or even create your own neighborhood pop-up pantry. This can range from a cardboard box on your curb with a homemade sign saying “Help Yourself” to a permanent fixture like the Little Free Library that’s stocked with non-perishable canned and boxed goods. Follow @LittleFreePantry on Instagram for some great ideas and inspiration.Photo credit: littlefreepantryIf you aren't sure how to choose the best option for your family, check out Project Giving Kids, a non-profit whose core mission is to help teach empathy and social responsibility to young people. They connect families to high-quality, age-appropriate volunteer activities with a network of charitable partners across the country! How cool is that? You can also sign-up for a special Create the Change Week (November 7-15, 2020) that provides free virtual activities for kids and families to give back!Your kids can also easily brighten your neighbors’ days with a chalk drawing or positive statement on the sidewalk, a coloring sheet in a neighbor’s mailbox, or a smile on an evening walk. Download our free greeting cards for loved ones here. Or our adorable birthday greeting cards to make someone feel extra special on their day!Donate MoneyAn easy rule of thumb is that kids should save about 20% of what they earn, spend about 70%, and give 10% to charity. Even the littlest kids can earn a bit of money helping with simple chores like emptying trash cans and feeding pets, while older kids may have more complex chores or earn money outside the home with paper routes or mowing lawns. Encourage them to set some of their earnings aside to help those in need – then offer to match what they’re willing to donate.Charity Navigator has lots of options ranging from national to local charities. Work with your child to decide who should receive your donation. Read the charity’s description to your kids and talk about how much the recipients of their donations will appreciate their help.Or maybe they’d like to contribute locally, via a small bonus and thank you card for your mail carrier, street sweeper, or waste management crew. If your kids aren’t aware of the hard workers that come together to ensure your mail deliveries, empty trash cans, trimmed trees, and clean streets, play is a great way to teach them! EI’s Design & Drill® Bolt Buddies™ Recycle Truck is great for pretend play.Kids are natural givers and caring by nature. Set them down the road to giving and they’ll likely continue to do so as adults!
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Seven Reasons Why You’re Going to Be AWESOME This Year and Seven Sweet Ideas, to Boot!We’re the first to admit, this school year may be a little bit crazy. No matter your school’s current scenario, things are definitely not status quo. But teachers, you’ve got this! Here are three reasons why you’re going to ROCK this school year, from us, your biggest fans!First, you’re fab on the fly. What you teach may be mandated, but how you teach it has always been up to you! You’re flexible, you try different approaches with different students, and you turn on a dime when something’s not working. Second, you’re cool with collab. You’re used to collaborating with your colleagues, bouncing crazy ideas off each other, and sharing resources. And you’ll be there for each other now, too, to test each other’s online platform sign-in processes, do trial runs of video calls, troubleshoot technology issues, and share the awesome TED Talks, Khan Academy lessons, free downloadable EI worksheets, and funny teaching memes you find. And third, you bring the fun! From putting their packs on the right pegs to lining up for lunch, you’re used to making even the most mundane activities more fun – and we know you’ll keep finding awesome ideas to do just that ????Speaking of awesome ideas, we’re sharing a few of our own, meant to make your learning space, day, and overall outlook just a little bit brighter:1. Keep Things Quiet!If you’re teaching or learning from home, create a customized doorhanger to let the rest of your crew know that you are online. Cut your own door hanger out of sturdy cardboard, purchase a blank wood hanger at Michael’s and paint it yourself, or follow these easy instructions to transfer an inkjet page onto wood.Photo credit: FamilyShoppingBag.com2. Add Some Inspiration!Print a positive message each day and post it where your kids can see it. Or, if you’ve got great writing, write your words of encouragement on your whiteboard. Then read it aloud with your kids at the start of the day (and again the middle and end, if need be!). Find some great quotes to copy at Greeting Card Poet. Visit our blog for some super tips on building back-to-school confidence and print out our adorably awesome mini posters to help set the tone for an inspiring year!3. Stay Organized!If you’re working from a smaller space than usual, it’s especially important to have a place for everything and keep things organized. Our Small Space Place Pocket Chart is a great way to store your materials! You can also use it to plan and organize your week, revealing one pocket at a time to your students.4. Get to Know Each Other!Kids crave connections and teachers want to get to know their teachers, so host a virtual show and tell. Save a bit of time each week for kids to show off their pets while you share your prized coffee cup collection or whatever other wacky things you’ve got to get your kids giggling. Here are some ideas on how to get set-up!Photo caption: sarahchesworth.com5. Get Moving!A welcomed break from the computer screen, send your kids on a scavenger hunt! Have students find items from around the house as they relate to lessons. Teaching Science or STEM? Have them go find a real-world example of an inclined plane. Teaching math? See if they can snap a pic of a parabola. Check out these fantastic 22 Scavenger Hunt Ideas.6. Play Dress Up!Keep things light with a spirit week! Have the class dress up in a different theme each day – and you do it, too! Think crazy hair, Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and pajamas. Odds are, your online students won’t even have to change! Here are 4 serious benefits of playing dress up for child development.[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo credit: mommyevolution.com[/caption]7. Bring in Reinforcements!You’re not in this alone. Use your parents and online resources to add some variety and keep your kids engaged. Host a reader’s workshop with parent guest readers or authors reading their own books online. Type “Children’s Book Authors” into YouTube and take your pick or click here for awesome options from PBS Kids. Join this read-along of "You Matter" with author Christian Robinson.This year is a huge ask, for sure. Teachers are going above and beyond what they ever imagined they’d be doing in the name of educating our kids and keeping them safe. There’s no one we trust more than you to do it – and we’re here for you! Find free resources, including ideas, experiments, printables, and downloads perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike, on EducationalInsights.com. You’ve got this!
Teachers (and Parents Helping from Home), You’ve Got This! Seven Reasons Why You’re Going to Be AWESOME This Year and Seven Sweet Ideas, to Boot!We’re the first to admit, this school year may be a little bit crazy. No matter your school’s current scenario, things are definitely not status quo. But teachers, you’ve got this! Here are three reasons why you’re going to ROCK this school year, from us, your biggest fans!First, you’re fab on the fly. What you teach may be mandated, but how you teach it has always been up to you! You’re flexible, you try different approaches with different students, and you turn on a dime when something’s not working. Second, you’re cool with collab. You’re used to collaborating with your colleagues, bouncing crazy ideas off each other, and sharing resources. And you’ll be there for each other now, too, to test each other’s online platform sign-in processes, do trial runs of video calls, troubleshoot technology issues, and share the awesome TED Talks, Khan Academy lessons, free downloadable EI worksheets, and funny teaching memes you find. And third, you bring the fun! From putting their packs on the right pegs to lining up for lunch, you’re used to making even the most mundane activities more fun – and we know you’ll keep finding awesome ideas to do just that ????Speaking of awesome ideas, we’re sharing a few of our own, meant to make your learning space, day, and overall outlook just a little bit brighter:1. Keep Things Quiet!If you’re teaching or learning from home, create a customized doorhanger to let the rest of your crew know that you are online. Cut your own door hanger out of sturdy cardboard, purchase a blank wood hanger at Michael’s and paint it yourself, or follow these easy instructions to transfer an inkjet page onto wood.Photo credit: FamilyShoppingBag.com2. Add Some Inspiration!Print a positive message each day and post it where your kids can see it. Or, if you’ve got great writing, write your words of encouragement on your whiteboard. Then read it aloud with your kids at the start of the day (and again the middle and end, if need be!). Find some great quotes to copy at Greeting Card Poet. Visit our blog for some super tips on building back-to-school confidence and print out our adorably awesome mini posters to help set the tone for an inspiring year!3. Stay Organized!If you’re working from a smaller space than usual, it’s especially important to have a place for everything and keep things organized. Our Small Space Place Pocket Chart is a great way to store your materials! You can also use it to plan and organize your week, revealing one pocket at a time to your students.4. Get to Know Each Other!Kids crave connections and teachers want to get to know their teachers, so host a virtual show and tell. Save a bit of time each week for kids to show off their pets while you share your prized coffee cup collection or whatever other wacky things you’ve got to get your kids giggling. Here are some ideas on how to get set-up!Photo caption: sarahchesworth.com5. Get Moving!A welcomed break from the computer screen, send your kids on a scavenger hunt! Have students find items from around the house as they relate to lessons. Teaching Science or STEM? Have them go find a real-world example of an inclined plane. Teaching math? See if they can snap a pic of a parabola. Check out these fantastic 22 Scavenger Hunt Ideas.6. Play Dress Up!Keep things light with a spirit week! Have the class dress up in a different theme each day – and you do it, too! Think crazy hair, Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks, and pajamas. Odds are, your online students won’t even have to change! Here are 4 serious benefits of playing dress up for child development.[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo credit: mommyevolution.com[/caption]7. Bring in Reinforcements!You’re not in this alone. Use your parents and online resources to add some variety and keep your kids engaged. Host a reader’s workshop with parent guest readers or authors reading their own books online. Type “Children’s Book Authors” into YouTube and take your pick or click here for awesome options from PBS Kids. Join this read-along of "You Matter" with author Christian Robinson.This year is a huge ask, for sure. Teachers are going above and beyond what they ever imagined they’d be doing in the name of educating our kids and keeping them safe. There’s no one we trust more than you to do it – and we’re here for you! Find free resources, including ideas, experiments, printables, and downloads perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike, on EducationalInsights.com. You’ve got this!
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Whether your kiddo is spending their school day sitting at a desk at home, or they’re back in the classroom, masked, working hard to follow social distancing, hand washing, and no-contact play rules, they are going to be ready for a break once the school day is done. But that doesn’t have to mean screen time! Below are some of our favorite screen-free, take-a-break activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination through good old-fashioned PLAY!1. Get the Wiggles Out!Little ones weren’t built to sit still for extended periods of time. Turn on some tunes and throw a crazy dance party or get those Kindergarten crazies out with the Magic Moves® Electronic Wand! This amazing electronic wand features 90 fun, physical commands, twinkling light shows, and 26 different musical tunes. Your kids will be stomping like dinosaurs, soaring like eagles, and so much more, all the while building their vocabularies and practicing following directions.2. Set Up a Scavenger Hunt!Make a list of 10 things to find in your home or your backyard and let your little one loose! Early readers can practice sounding out the items they’re searching for – then let them make a list of things for you to find, to practice their writing and spelling skills. Take a twist on traditional scavenger hunts by having your kiddos search for items that are specific colors (check out the smarties at iheartcraftythings.com), or for objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.Photo credit: iheartcraftythings.com3. Go Creepy Crawly!Speaking of outdoor activities, kids can soak up a little vitamin D – and some serious science skills! – with the GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars. Little scientists can catch and observe critters, leaves, flowers, and more in this bug-friendly, kid-cool, transparent container. It's perfect for STEM learning! Bonus points if kids sketch their finds in a notebook, give their friends names, or write silly stories about them![caption id="attachment_6915" align="alignnone" width="840"] GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars[/caption]4. Rock On!Rock painting does double activity duty – first a walk to search for your “canvasses”, followed by an arts and crafts session to paint them! Use acrylic paints to create free form designs, seasonal objects (think pumpkins, turkeys, or snowflakes), or quotes. We love the kind and crafty ideas on the Curious Doodle blog! In addition to bolstering creativity, painting is also a great way to build those fine motor skills.Photo credit: curiousdoodle.com5. Get Strategic!If your sweetie just needs some space after a long day of schooling, settle them down with Kanoodle®! This best-selling, award-winning solo play game is a great way to lose yourself for a little while. Place the puzzle pieces as shown, then figure out how to fit the remaining pieces to solve the puzzle, building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as they do. And with 200 puzzles to solve, your kids will be busy for hours. As you know, educational toys and games are our specialty. Check our more brain teasers and brain games here.[caption id="attachment_6888" align="alignnone" width="840"] EI Strategy Games & Brain Teasers[/caption]6. Chalk It Up!Chalk art had a moment during the pandemic – you may have seen the trendy designs around your own neighborhood. Your kids can make their own chalk masterpieces – and get some hands-on practice with shapes and colors – following the super simple instructions at TheIdeaRoom.net.Photo credit: TheIdeaRoom.net7. Squish the Stress Away!Squishy, squashy Playfoam® is perfect for sculpting! Squish it into shape, smash it down, and start again – this non-toxic substance never dries out so kids can use it again and again. Sculpt cats, dogs, snowmen, or butterflies, or use it to create letters and spell your child’s name! Playfoam also offers endless ways to learn through play! You'll love these learning activity ideas for solo play and even more creative fun![caption id="attachment_6856" align="alignnone" width="595"] Photo credit: @mayra_valdez[/caption]8. Go Fly a Kite!Flying a kite is a science lesson unto itself – and so is making one! Follow the simple instructions on this video from EasyArtyCrafty to create your own flying machine, then take it for a test spin. If your kids love being outside, you can find other great outdoor activity ideas on our blog!Relaxing time doesn’t have to mean screen time. Give these ideas a go, then find other fun ideas for screen-free learning activities here!
Step Away from the Desk: 8 No-Screen After-School Activity Ideas Whether your kiddo is spending their school day sitting at a desk at home, or they’re back in the classroom, masked, working hard to follow social distancing, hand washing, and no-contact play rules, they are going to be ready for a break once the school day is done. But that doesn’t have to mean screen time! Below are some of our favorite screen-free, take-a-break activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination through good old-fashioned PLAY!1. Get the Wiggles Out!Little ones weren’t built to sit still for extended periods of time. Turn on some tunes and throw a crazy dance party or get those Kindergarten crazies out with the Magic Moves® Electronic Wand! This amazing electronic wand features 90 fun, physical commands, twinkling light shows, and 26 different musical tunes. Your kids will be stomping like dinosaurs, soaring like eagles, and so much more, all the while building their vocabularies and practicing following directions.2. Set Up a Scavenger Hunt!Make a list of 10 things to find in your home or your backyard and let your little one loose! Early readers can practice sounding out the items they’re searching for – then let them make a list of things for you to find, to practice their writing and spelling skills. Take a twist on traditional scavenger hunts by having your kiddos search for items that are specific colors (check out the smarties at iheartcraftythings.com), or for objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.Photo credit: iheartcraftythings.com3. Go Creepy Crawly!Speaking of outdoor activities, kids can soak up a little vitamin D – and some serious science skills! – with the GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars. Little scientists can catch and observe critters, leaves, flowers, and more in this bug-friendly, kid-cool, transparent container. It's perfect for STEM learning! Bonus points if kids sketch their finds in a notebook, give their friends names, or write silly stories about them![caption id="attachment_6915" align="alignnone" width="840"] GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars[/caption]4. Rock On!Rock painting does double activity duty – first a walk to search for your “canvasses”, followed by an arts and crafts session to paint them! Use acrylic paints to create free form designs, seasonal objects (think pumpkins, turkeys, or snowflakes), or quotes. We love the kind and crafty ideas on the Curious Doodle blog! In addition to bolstering creativity, painting is also a great way to build those fine motor skills.Photo credit: curiousdoodle.com5. Get Strategic!If your sweetie just needs some space after a long day of schooling, settle them down with Kanoodle®! This best-selling, award-winning solo play game is a great way to lose yourself for a little while. Place the puzzle pieces as shown, then figure out how to fit the remaining pieces to solve the puzzle, building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as they do. And with 200 puzzles to solve, your kids will be busy for hours. As you know, educational toys and games are our specialty. Check our more brain teasers and brain games here.[caption id="attachment_6888" align="alignnone" width="840"] EI Strategy Games & Brain Teasers[/caption]6. Chalk It Up!Chalk art had a moment during the pandemic – you may have seen the trendy designs around your own neighborhood. Your kids can make their own chalk masterpieces – and get some hands-on practice with shapes and colors – following the super simple instructions at TheIdeaRoom.net.Photo credit: TheIdeaRoom.net7. Squish the Stress Away!Squishy, squashy Playfoam® is perfect for sculpting! Squish it into shape, smash it down, and start again – this non-toxic substance never dries out so kids can use it again and again. Sculpt cats, dogs, snowmen, or butterflies, or use it to create letters and spell your child’s name! Playfoam also offers endless ways to learn through play! You'll love these learning activity ideas for solo play and even more creative fun![caption id="attachment_6856" align="alignnone" width="595"] Photo credit: @mayra_valdez[/caption]8. Go Fly a Kite!Flying a kite is a science lesson unto itself – and so is making one! Follow the simple instructions on this video from EasyArtyCrafty to create your own flying machine, then take it for a test spin. If your kids love being outside, you can find other great outdoor activity ideas on our blog!Relaxing time doesn’t have to mean screen time. Give these ideas a go, then find other fun ideas for screen-free learning activities here!
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Home's Cool! While we're all working from home, the parents, former teachers, and play experts at EI are sharing some of their favorite educational activities to help keep your family learning and growing. Check out this idea from Michael Sheridan, one of our EI Product Managers!Ages: 5+Grades: K+Supplies:• Egg• White vinegar• Glass jar with lidProcedure:1. Gently place the egg in a glass jar.2. Fill the jar ¾ full of white vinegar.3. Watch the bubbles form on the eggshell. This is carbon dioxide gas (like in soda) and is just the beginning of the chemical reactions you’ll observe!4. Put the lid on the jar and let it set for a few days, or even a week.5. Check the jar every day to see if you need to add more vinegar to keep the jar ¾ full.6. After a week, CAREFULLY remove the egg from the jar. Gently wash the egg and rub off the remaining parts of the shell. You’ll be left with a shell-less egg that’s rubbery. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or else the egg might burst!7. Drop the rubber egg from a low height (about 1-2”) to see it bounce and jiggle like a water balloon. Again, be careful not to be too rough or the egg may burst.8. When you’re done with this experiment, you can compost your egg. We strongly advise that you do NOT eat the egg since it has been out at room temperature for a week or more.Explanation:Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is an acid. Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which is a base.Other experiments:• What happens if you soak the shell-less egg in corn syrup?• After soaking the shell-less egg in corn syrup and seeing the result, what happens when you put the egg back in a jar of water? Try adding some food coloring to the water and see what happens!EI Product Manager Michael Sheridan is a jack of all trades! An avid surfer and former international soccer competitor, this outdoor and sporting enthusiast also has a degree in Astrophysics from UCLA and eight years of product development experience in a variety of industries. Prior to helping build EI's science products and brain game lines, Michael developed everything from folding chairs to electric scooters and skateboards!
Home's Cool Learning Activity With Simple Science: How to Make a Rubber Egg Home's Cool! While we're all working from home, the parents, former teachers, and play experts at EI are sharing some of their favorite educational activities to help keep your family learning and growing. Check out this idea from Michael Sheridan, one of our EI Product Managers!Ages: 5+Grades: K+Supplies:• Egg• White vinegar• Glass jar with lidProcedure:1. Gently place the egg in a glass jar.2. Fill the jar ¾ full of white vinegar.3. Watch the bubbles form on the eggshell. This is carbon dioxide gas (like in soda) and is just the beginning of the chemical reactions you’ll observe!4. Put the lid on the jar and let it set for a few days, or even a week.5. Check the jar every day to see if you need to add more vinegar to keep the jar ¾ full.6. After a week, CAREFULLY remove the egg from the jar. Gently wash the egg and rub off the remaining parts of the shell. You’ll be left with a shell-less egg that’s rubbery. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or else the egg might burst!7. Drop the rubber egg from a low height (about 1-2”) to see it bounce and jiggle like a water balloon. Again, be careful not to be too rough or the egg may burst.8. When you’re done with this experiment, you can compost your egg. We strongly advise that you do NOT eat the egg since it has been out at room temperature for a week or more.Explanation:Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is an acid. Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which is a base.Other experiments:• What happens if you soak the shell-less egg in corn syrup?• After soaking the shell-less egg in corn syrup and seeing the result, what happens when you put the egg back in a jar of water? Try adding some food coloring to the water and see what happens!EI Product Manager Michael Sheridan is a jack of all trades! An avid surfer and former international soccer competitor, this outdoor and sporting enthusiast also has a degree in Astrophysics from UCLA and eight years of product development experience in a variety of industries. Prior to helping build EI's science products and brain game lines, Michael developed everything from folding chairs to electric scooters and skateboards!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLULocKubd4&feature=emb_logoHome's Cool! Create your own silly story with crazy characters doing funny things in interesting settings! It’s all up to you and your imagination! These stories can be told to a friend or family member or written out with lots of detail. This also makes a fun family game – telling silly stories to one another!Ages: 4-10Supplies:
3 envelopes
Small slips of paper
Writing paper
Pencil
Procedure:
Divide your slips of paper into three piles.
Label your envelopes, one with “Who?”, the next with “What?”, and the third with “Where?”
On each slip of paper in the first pile, write the name of a different character. You can write your sister’s name, your teacher’s, an alien, a frog. The possibilities are endless! Place these slips of paper in the “Who?” envelope.
On each slip of paper in the next pile, write a different “situation” or “activity”. Think of things that you’d like to see happen in a story. For example- climbing a mountain, doing homework, swimming, playing a video game. Place these slips of paper in the “What?” envelope.
Write a different “setting” on each slip of paper in the last pile. Think of fun places for a story to take place. Great examples are Mars, school, the doctor’s office, or an amusement park. Place these slips of paper in the “Where?” envelope.
Now you’re ready to tell your story! Pull one slip from each envelope to create your silly story. (Parent note: Depending on child’s age- you can tell the story orally, or have them write it down with plenty of details about their character and setting)
For even more family fun, have each player draw a picture illustrating a scene from the story and share it with the group!
With first-hand experience teaching Kindergarten and first grade and 13 years of product development know-how, EI Product Manager Stacie Palka is uniquely qualified to develop products that spark curiosity and a-ha moments. When she's not coming up with cool (and smart!) new ways to play, So Cal native and board game buff Stacie is caring for her two kids and adorable doggo, Frankie.
Home's Cool Learning Activity: Silly Stories Writing Prompts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLULocKubd4&feature=emb_logoHome's Cool! Create your own silly story with crazy characters doing funny things in interesting settings! It’s all up to you and your imagination! These stories can be told to a friend or family member or written out with lots of detail. This also makes a fun family game – telling silly stories to one another!Ages: 4-10Supplies:
3 envelopes
Small slips of paper
Writing paper
Pencil
Procedure:
Divide your slips of paper into three piles.
Label your envelopes, one with “Who?”, the next with “What?”, and the third with “Where?”
On each slip of paper in the first pile, write the name of a different character. You can write your sister’s name, your teacher’s, an alien, a frog. The possibilities are endless! Place these slips of paper in the “Who?” envelope.
On each slip of paper in the next pile, write a different “situation” or “activity”. Think of things that you’d like to see happen in a story. For example- climbing a mountain, doing homework, swimming, playing a video game. Place these slips of paper in the “What?” envelope.
Write a different “setting” on each slip of paper in the last pile. Think of fun places for a story to take place. Great examples are Mars, school, the doctor’s office, or an amusement park. Place these slips of paper in the “Where?” envelope.
Now you’re ready to tell your story! Pull one slip from each envelope to create your silly story. (Parent note: Depending on child’s age- you can tell the story orally, or have them write it down with plenty of details about their character and setting)
For even more family fun, have each player draw a picture illustrating a scene from the story and share it with the group!
With first-hand experience teaching Kindergarten and first grade and 13 years of product development know-how, EI Product Manager Stacie Palka is uniquely qualified to develop products that spark curiosity and a-ha moments. When she's not coming up with cool (and smart!) new ways to play, So Cal native and board game buff Stacie is caring for her two kids and adorable doggo, Frankie.
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This earth-friendly science activity will give your garden a boost!Ages: 3+Supplies:• Clay (1-2oz per seed ball)• Seeds (wildflower, sunflower, grass)• Soil (1oz per ball)• WaterProcedure:1. Form your clay into a ball, then flatten the ball like a pancake.2. Use your fingers to sprinkle water on the clay until it feels moist on both sides.3. Add soil to both sides of the clay “pancake."4. Add your seeds of choice on top of the soil on one side of the clay.5. Roll the clay into a ball and place it in the sun to dry.When you are ready to use your seed ball, toss it into the garden where you want your seeds to grow. It will take a while, but you should see some new sprouts soon!Extra FunWrap a dry seed ball in cellophane and tie a ribbon around it. Make a tag explaining what kind of seed ball it is and how to use it. Share with a friend or neighbor! ????
DIY Seed Ball - Gardening With Earth Friendly Science This earth-friendly science activity will give your garden a boost!Ages: 3+Supplies:• Clay (1-2oz per seed ball)• Seeds (wildflower, sunflower, grass)• Soil (1oz per ball)• WaterProcedure:1. Form your clay into a ball, then flatten the ball like a pancake.2. Use your fingers to sprinkle water on the clay until it feels moist on both sides.3. Add soil to both sides of the clay “pancake."4. Add your seeds of choice on top of the soil on one side of the clay.5. Roll the clay into a ball and place it in the sun to dry.When you are ready to use your seed ball, toss it into the garden where you want your seeds to grow. It will take a while, but you should see some new sprouts soon!Extra FunWrap a dry seed ball in cellophane and tie a ribbon around it. Make a tag explaining what kind of seed ball it is and how to use it. Share with a friend or neighbor! ????
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Sometimes these days can feel like all work and no play… for you AND your kids! Help your kids escape the screens and stress of at-home learning and get back to the business of play with these awesome, hands-on, activity ideas perfect for after-school playtime!Hands-On Fun for Big KidsThere’s a reason recess is built into the school day – big kids’ brains need a break! Hands-on play improves behavior, develops imagination and creativity, helps kids express their emotions, and so much more.Busy builders can blast into hands-on, building play fun (with a circuit-building STEM twist!) with EI’s brand-new Circuit Explorer sets! Kids follow the arrows to connect the pieces, at the same time connecting circuits that activate lights, sounds, and moving pieces. Get started with the Rocket set, complete with light-up nose cone and nozzles, Space Rover with light-up headlights, and Landing Pad with color-changing lights. Progress to the Rover set and build a Communications Station with a rotating Radar Dish, Power Station with Rover Charger, Powered Space Rover and Freewheeling Space Rover, both with light-up headlights. Then surprise your 3-D, circuit-building sweetie with the Deluxe Base Station, a Deluxe Base Station with circuit-powered Towers, Spinning Diner Sign, Planetarium with color-changing dome light, Voice Synthesizer Station with 10 space sounds, Communication Station with rotating Radar Dish, a Powered Space Rover and a freewheeling Space Rover both with light-up headlights. The perfect holiday gifts, the pieces in each set work with the others for a totally interconnected circuit system, and each set includes pretend play figures perfect for imaginative play. The only circuit-building set with buildable, 3-D pieces, Circuit Explorers are available exclusively on Amazon.com.Puppet shows are another great way to light up your kids’ imaginations! Put those cardboard delivery boxes to use and create a homemade puppet theater following the simple instructions at AskaGranny. Let your big kid decorate the theater using paints and markers, then pull out your puppet collection – or make your own sock puppets or tube puppets - and act out your kiddo’s favorite book or let them freestyle with a story of their own making. Also, for the ultimate time-saving way to have fun, check out this super simple creative video featuring ways to make puppets out of regular household items and foods! They'll never look at their orange the same way again!Hands-On Fun for PreschoolersUnplugged, hands-on playtime is a must in every preschooler’s day. Hands-on play engages all of a preschooler’s senses, building critical fine motor skills, and exercising problem-solving skills.Design & Drill® Bolt Buddies™ are perfect for hands-on preschool playtime! Kids use snap-together pieces to build the bodies of a Rocket, Racecar, or Recycling Truck, then use a real, working, kid-friendly drill to bolt them together. When the hands-on construction fun is done, use the included driver and pal figurines to play out various pretend play scenarios, encouraging creativity and imagination, too!
Slime is also a great hands-on activity for preschoolers! Perfect for sensory stimulation, slime is calming, promotes mindfulness and focus, encourages independent play, and helps build fine motor skills. Find all kinds of easy slime recipes, including MomDot.com’s edible slime, sand slime, rainbow explosion slime, and more, on our Easy SlimeTime Pinterest Board! Or create a homemade batch of party slime to give as an adorable birthday gift or party favor! Add glitter, Playfoam, pool noodles or whatever you fancy to make your batch colorful and textured!
Photo credit: MomDot.comHands-On Fun for ToddlersEven though they’re not in school, toddlers are clocking more screen time than ever during this unusual year at home. Hands-on play is a great way to practice basic concepts including shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, develop language skills, and introduce early math concepts like bigger and smaller, shorter and taller, counting, sorting, and matching.The hands-on fun really stacks up with EI’s Bright Basics Nest & Stack Cubes! Kids as young as two can build a 3-foot tall tower by stacking 10 cubes featuring animals, shapes, numerals, quantities, and sweet starry scenes. When they’re done stacking, toddlers can nest each cube inside the next, building visual discrimination, spatial reasoning, fine motor, and early math skills as they play.
Sidewalk chalk is a highly-satisfying, hands-on activity perfect for toddlers. Let them choose the colors, then go to town designing their own outdoor works of art. You can join in the fun, drawing everything from rainbows to hopscotch courts, cats, and clouds. Sidewalk paint is a slippery twist on sidewalk chalk and you can make your own! See how at our Home's Cool video tutorial. 
