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Wake Up and Play: 4 Funny Ways to Start Your Family's Day Off Right
- EI Editor Posted On Jan 27, 2021 | Learning Through Play
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Sensory Play
Wake Up and Play!
- EI Editor Posted On Jan 20, 2021 | Learning Through Play
Wake Up and Play!
- EI Editor Posted On Jan 13, 2021 | Learning Through Play
Spending time with your preschooler strengthens your family bond, encourages positive behavior, builds communication skills, boosts self-esteem, and so much more. All good, right? So next time you have a morning free, surprise your sweetie and spend a few straight hours playing – together! Below, the Play Experts at EI share some of our favorite games, activities, and songs perfect for whiling away the winter hours with your little one, like:Games to Play Together:
I Spy with My Little EyeSnuggle up and see what you can see – together! Spy things that are big, small, short, tall, square, circular, soft, hard, things that are certain colors, things with wheels or paws… you get the idea! This is a great way to build your little one’s vocabulary and introduce early math skills like shape and size.The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!Spin the day away with everyone’s favorite preschool game! Celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of Amazon’s best-selling preschool games, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game! helps kids master colors while building fine motor and pre-handwriting skills.
Bean Bag TossStand close together and see how many times you and your cutie can toss and catch a beanbag or balled up sock. Add a bit of a challenge by taking a step backwards every so often, taking turns tossing your beanbags into a laundry basket or mixing bowl, or balancing a beanbag on your heads while you play. A fun way to develop those gross motor skills!
Activities to Do Together:
Sensory BinsPreschool teachers trust these bins to build their students’ brains, including developing nerve connections, building language skills, enhancing fine and gross motor skills, and encouraging problem solving. Start by filling a large bin with Playfoam Pluffle, the mesmerizing, mixable, can’t resistable, feel-good fluffy stuff that never dries out. Then add a variety of objects for you and your little one to find, feel, describe, sort, match, and more. Find some fabulous Sensory Bin ideas on our blog and our Sensory Play Ideas Pinterest board.
ColorWho doesn’t love to color? Grab some printer paper and a new box of crayons and let your inner artists loose or print some of our free, downloadable coloring pages featuring your kiddo’s favorite EI characters. The trick here is that you need to color, too. Talk about the colors you’re using, give your creation a name, and make up a backstory – where does this creature live? What does it eat? What does it do all day?LearnLearning is more fun together! Our free, downloadable preschool packet includes colorful and engaging early literacy, math, and art activities perfect for sneaking some learning into your together time.
Songs to Sing Together:
I’m a Little TeapotTeaching your kiddos a new tune is always a blast. Here are the words, in case you need a refresher (or didn’t know there were actually two verses!). Don’t forget to show your little ones how to make their handles and spouts!5 Little MonkeysWarning – this little ditty may lead to some jumping on the bed. But it’s a classic every kid should know. Find the words here and encourage your kiddos to act the story out, complete with 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 countdown on their fingers.Itsy Bitsy SpiderThis sweet sing-along story has a happy ending – and helps develop those fine motor skills with specific hand movements, shown here. Sing the song a few times, then see if your little one can remember the words – and the moves!
Photo Credit: pre-kpages.comIf You’re Happy and You Know ItGet ready for some hand clappin’, palm-tingling good times! Show your sweetie how it’s done, then take turns calling out what to do if you’re happy – clap your hands, stomp your feet, nod your head, shake your tush, etc.
Whatever you choose to do together, time spent playing with your preschooler has a host of benefits – for you both. So get out there and play, sing, dance, craft, read, tickle, snuggle, and love on your little one right now!
Wake Up and Play!
Spending time with your preschooler strengthens your family bond, encourages positive behavior, builds communication skills, boosts self-esteem, and so much more. All good, right? So next time you have a morning free, surprise your sweetie and spend a few straight hours playing – together! Below, the Play Experts at EI share some of our favorite games, activities, and songs perfect for whiling away the winter hours with your little one, like:
Bean Bag TossStand close together and see how many times you and your cutie can toss and catch a beanbag or balled up sock. Add a bit of a challenge by taking a step backwards every so often, taking turns tossing your beanbags into a laundry basket or mixing bowl, or balancing a beanbag on your heads while you play. A fun way to develop those gross motor skills!
ColorWho doesn’t love to color? Grab some printer paper and a new box of crayons and let your inner artists loose or print some of our free, downloadable coloring pages featuring your kiddo’s favorite EI characters. The trick here is that you need to color, too. Talk about the colors you’re using, give your creation a name, and make up a backstory – where does this creature live? What does it eat? What does it do all day?LearnLearning is more fun together! Our free, downloadable preschool packet includes colorful and engaging early literacy, math, and art activities perfect for sneaking some learning into your together time.
Photo Credit: pre-kpages.comIf You’re Happy and You Know ItGet ready for some hand clappin’, palm-tingling good times! Show your sweetie how it’s done, then take turns calling out what to do if you’re happy – clap your hands, stomp your feet, nod your head, shake your tush, etc.
Whatever you choose to do together, time spent playing with your preschooler has a host of benefits – for you both. So get out there and play, sing, dance, craft, read, tickle, snuggle, and love on your little one right now!
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Spending time with your preschooler strengthens your family bond, encourages positive behavior, builds communication skills, boosts self-esteem, and so much more. All good, right? So next time you have a morning free, surprise your sweetie and spend a few straight hours playing – together! Below, the Play Experts at EI share some of our favorite games, activities, and songs perfect for whiling away the winter hours with your little one, like:Games to Play Together:
I Spy with My Little EyeSnuggle up and see what you can see – together! Spy things that are big, small, short, tall, square, circular, soft, hard, things that are certain colors, things with wheels or paws… you get the idea! This is a great way to build your little one’s vocabulary and introduce early math skills like shape and size.The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!Spin the day away with everyone’s favorite preschool game! Celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of Amazon’s best-selling preschool games, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game! helps kids master colors while building fine motor and pre-handwriting skills.Bean Bag TossStand close together and see how many times you and your cutie can toss and catch a beanbag or balled up sock. Add a bit of a challenge by taking a step backwards every so often, taking turns tossing your beanbags into a laundry basket or mixing bowl, or balancing a beanbag on your heads while you play. A fun way to develop those gross motor skills! Activities to Do Together:
Sensory BinsPreschool teachers trust these bins to build their students’ brains, including developing nerve connections, building language skills, enhancing fine and gross motor skills, and encouraging problem solving. Start by filling a large bin with Playfoam Pluffle, the mesmerizing, mixable, can’t resistable, feel-good fluffy stuff that never dries out. Then add a variety of objects for you and your little one to find, feel, describe, sort, match, and more. Find some fabulous Sensory Bin ideas on our blog and our Sensory Play Ideas Pinterest board.ColorWho doesn’t love to color? Grab some printer paper and a new box of crayons and let your inner artists loose or print some of our free, downloadable coloring pages featuring your kiddo’s favorite EI characters. The trick here is that you need to color, too. Talk about the colors you’re using, give your creation a name, and make up a backstory – where does this creature live? What does it eat? What does it do all day?LearnLearning is more fun together! Our free, downloadable preschool packet includes colorful and engaging early literacy, math, and art activities perfect for sneaking some learning into your together time. Songs to Sing Together:
I’m a Little TeapotTeaching your kiddos a new tune is always a blast. Here are the words, in case you need a refresher (or didn’t know there were actually two verses!). Don’t forget to show your little ones how to make their handles and spouts!5 Little MonkeysWarning – this little ditty may lead to some jumping on the bed. But it’s a classic every kid should know. Find the words here and encourage your kiddos to act the story out, complete with 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 countdown on their fingers.Itsy Bitsy SpiderThis sweet sing-along story has a happy ending – and helps develop those fine motor skills with specific hand movements, shown here. Sing the song a few times, then see if your little one can remember the words – and the moves!Photo Credit: pre-kpages.comIf You’re Happy and You Know ItGet ready for some hand clappin’, palm-tingling good times! Show your sweetie how it’s done, then take turns calling out what to do if you’re happy – clap your hands, stomp your feet, nod your head, shake your tush, etc.Whatever you choose to do together, time spent playing with your preschooler has a host of benefits – for you both. So get out there and play, sing, dance, craft, read, tickle, snuggle, and love on your little one right now!
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Wake Up and Play!
- EI Editor Posted On Jan 6, 2021 | Learning Through Play
Little kids wake up rarin’ to go! Race into the day with them with these delicious breakfast ideas that pair perfectly with their favorite preschool games:
The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel goes nuts for muffins and your kids will, too! Start the day by whipping up a batch of these fun, fantastic finger foods – together!Ingredients:• 3-4 ripe bananas• 1 ½ cups flour• 1 tsp baking powder• 1 tsp baking soda• ½ tsp salt• ¾ cup white sugar• 1 egg• 1/3 cup butter, melted• ½ cup chopped walnutsBake-It-Together Instructions:1. You - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Your Little One – Place a paper muffin liner in each cup of your muffin tin.3. You – Sift the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together and set aside.4. Your Little One – Use a fork or potato masher to mash up the bananas in a plastic bowl.5. You – Use a mixer to blend the bananas, sugar, egg, and butter; slowly add the flour mixture and mix until smooth.6. Your Little One – Use a plastic spatula to blend the walnuts into the muffin mixture.7. You – Fill your muffin cups ¾ full and bake 25-30 minutes (10-15 minutes for mini muffins) or until muffins spring back when tapped.While You Wait:Enjoy a round or two of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, practicing colors, building fine motor skills, and enjoying some special together time with your favorite early riser.Benefits:Bananas help build lean muscle, fend off diseases, support healthy eyes and vision, promote a good night’s sleep, and help your body fight stress, anxiety, and depression. And the riper the banana, the stronger its powers, so dig into these muffins and reap those ripe banana benefits!
Wake Up and Play!
Little kids wake up rarin’ to go! Race into the day with them with these delicious breakfast ideas that pair perfectly with their favorite preschool games:
The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel goes nuts for muffins and your kids will, too! Start the day by whipping up a batch of these fun, fantastic finger foods – together!Ingredients:• 3-4 ripe bananas• 1 ½ cups flour• 1 tsp baking powder• 1 tsp baking soda• ½ tsp salt• ¾ cup white sugar• 1 egg• 1/3 cup butter, melted• ½ cup chopped walnutsBake-It-Together Instructions:1. You - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Your Little One – Place a paper muffin liner in each cup of your muffin tin.3. You – Sift the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together and set aside.4. Your Little One – Use a fork or potato masher to mash up the bananas in a plastic bowl.5. You – Use a mixer to blend the bananas, sugar, egg, and butter; slowly add the flour mixture and mix until smooth.6. Your Little One – Use a plastic spatula to blend the walnuts into the muffin mixture.7. You – Fill your muffin cups ¾ full and bake 25-30 minutes (10-15 minutes for mini muffins) or until muffins spring back when tapped.While You Wait:Enjoy a round or two of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, practicing colors, building fine motor skills, and enjoying some special together time with your favorite early riser.Benefits:Bananas help build lean muscle, fend off diseases, support healthy eyes and vision, promote a good night’s sleep, and help your body fight stress, anxiety, and depression. And the riper the banana, the stronger its powers, so dig into these muffins and reap those ripe banana benefits!
Fun-loving Frida can’t get enough of her favorite fruit salad! Check out our list of kid-friendly fruits below and let your little one help rinse, chop (butter knives only, please), scoop, and arrange your family’s own version of Frida’s Fruit Fiesta!Fruits for You to Prepare:• Strawberries – Remove the tops and bottoms, then quarter.• Grapes – Let your little ones pull them from the stem, then you cut them in half.• Pineapple – Slice off the top and bottom, trim the skin and remove the eyes, slice into small chunks.• Peaches – Halve the peach, remove the pit, and slice.Fruits for Your Kids to Prepare:• Bananas – Kids can slice whole bananas into pieces using a butter knife.• Melon – Let your little one loose with the melon baller!• Blueberries – Rinse and pat dry.• Raspberries – Rinse and pat dry.Once you’ve chosen and prepared your fruits, let your little one dump them into a large plastic bowl and mix – you may want to add yogurt or sprinkle a bit of sugar on top. Serve and enjoy!When You’re Done:Challenge your fruit-fueled little friends to a round of Frida’s Fruit Fiesta Game™! Spin the spinner, find the matching letter, use the squeezers to pick it up (and build those fine motor skills!) and place it in your nest. As you play, remind your kiddo of the fruits they just ate that match the letter sounds they’re finding – B – buh - banana!Benefits:Fruits, especially berries, can improve brain function and memory, build strong bones, aid in digestion, protect the body from disease, lower cholesterol, heal wounds, and even revitalize the skin!
Kids with crazy energy love the Pancake Pile-Up!™ Relay Game! Fuel their physical fun with a homemade pancake breakfast that you make together.Ingredients:• 1 ½ cups flour• 3 ½ tsp baking powder• 1 tsp salt• 1 tbs sugar• 1 ¼ cups milk• 1 egg• 3 tbs butter, meltedInstructions:1. Measure the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a bowl. Let your little one slowly stir to sift the ingredients together.2. Make a hole in the center of the ingredients for the milk, egg, and butter and mix until smooth.3. Heat your griddle or frying pan and prime with a bit of butter or cooking spray.4. Scoop ¼ cup of batter out of the bowl and pour onto pan.5. When you see bubbles forming on the up-side of your pancake, flip it over and cook the bottom until browned.6. Stack your pancakes on a plate, covering with a dish towel to keep them warm until ready to eat.Serve with your family’s favorite Pancake Pile-Up Relay Game-inspired toppings! Choose from butter, syrup, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or even chocolate chips and get ready to chow down!When You’re Done:When your family is all fueled up, burn that breakfast off with a round of Pancake Pile-Up! Divide into teams and turn over an order card to see the order of your pancake pile. Then race to the other side of the room, use the included spatulas to scoop the correct pancake onto your plate, and race back to pass off your plate to the next player. The first team to correctly complete their stack – and top it with a pat of butter – wins!Benefits:The Pancake Pile-Up! ™ Relay Game helps kids develop important gross motor skills, balance, and coordination and teaches kids to follow a pattern – a key early math skill! Eating breakfast has big-time benefits, too, like providing energy to start your day, improving behavior, increasing the ability to learn and focus, and promoting weight management. It’s the icing on the (pan)cake!
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Little kids wake up rarin’ to go! Race into the day with them with these delicious breakfast ideas that pair perfectly with their favorite preschool games:The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel goes nuts for muffins and your kids will, too! Start the day by whipping up a batch of these fun, fantastic finger foods – together!Ingredients:• 3-4 ripe bananas• 1 ½ cups flour• 1 tsp baking powder• 1 tsp baking soda• ½ tsp salt• ¾ cup white sugar• 1 egg• 1/3 cup butter, melted• ½ cup chopped walnutsBake-It-Together Instructions:1. You - Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. Your Little One – Place a paper muffin liner in each cup of your muffin tin.3. You – Sift the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together and set aside.4. Your Little One – Use a fork or potato masher to mash up the bananas in a plastic bowl.5. You – Use a mixer to blend the bananas, sugar, egg, and butter; slowly add the flour mixture and mix until smooth.6. Your Little One – Use a plastic spatula to blend the walnuts into the muffin mixture.7. You – Fill your muffin cups ¾ full and bake 25-30 minutes (10-15 minutes for mini muffins) or until muffins spring back when tapped.While You Wait:Enjoy a round or two of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, practicing colors, building fine motor skills, and enjoying some special together time with your favorite early riser.Benefits:Bananas help build lean muscle, fend off diseases, support healthy eyes and vision, promote a good night’s sleep, and help your body fight stress, anxiety, and depression. And the riper the banana, the stronger its powers, so dig into these muffins and reap those ripe banana benefits!
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Sneaky Snacky Squirrel’s Top 7 Secrets for a Super New Year
- EI Editor Posted On Dec 23, 2020 | Learning Through Play
It’s a brand-new year and the 10th anniversary of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, EI’s best selling game for preschoolers. In honor of our furry friend’s birthday, Sneaky is sharing his top 7 secrets for a super new year. Check out his advice below and be sure to share his tips for a fun and fabulous year with your kiddos!1. Take TurnsThis year will be far more fun if everyone has a chance to play! An important step toward making – and keeping – friends, turn taking also teaches kids the back and forth rhythm of everyday communication and activity.
2. ShareIf we share what we have with others then everyone has a chance to enjoy, together. Plus, when we share, odds are our friends will share, too. This means more games, more toys, and more fun for everyone in 2021!
3. Be PatientGood things come to those who wait, even when it’s hard! Waiting while everyone else has a turn can be tough, but your turn will come and boy, will it be worth it. This year help your kids find ways to enjoy the wait – like cheering for other players’ successes and supporting them when things go wrong.
4. Be a Good Winner in 20-20-WON!It’s true that nothing feels quite like winning. It’s okay to celebrate your wins but be sure to do it in a way that makes everyone else feel happy, too. In fact, sometimes it’s more fun to celebrate a fun game played than who actually won or lost.
5. Be a Good LoserIt’s disappointing not to win, but this year let’s focus on being happy for the player who did win, so everyone feels good. There will always be another chance for you to come in first.
6. Try AgainWe’ve got a whole new year ahead of us with plenty of time to play. Plus, the more you play, the better you get, so when things don’t go your way, give it another go! Instead of focusing on your loss, focus on what you’ve learned and put that into play next time around.
7. Have FunPutting the emphasis on having fun, rather than the process or the outcome, helps make sure that everyone has a good time. It’s not about whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game. Let’s make this new year fun!
Sneaky Snacky Squirrel’s Top 7 Secrets for a Super New Year
It’s a brand-new year and the 10th anniversary of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, EI’s best selling game for preschoolers. In honor of our furry friend’s birthday, Sneaky is sharing his top 7 secrets for a super new year. Check out his advice below and be sure to share his tips for a fun and fabulous year with your kiddos!1. Take TurnsThis year will be far more fun if everyone has a chance to play! An important step toward making – and keeping – friends, turn taking also teaches kids the back and forth rhythm of everyday communication and activity.
2. ShareIf we share what we have with others then everyone has a chance to enjoy, together. Plus, when we share, odds are our friends will share, too. This means more games, more toys, and more fun for everyone in 2021!
3. Be PatientGood things come to those who wait, even when it’s hard! Waiting while everyone else has a turn can be tough, but your turn will come and boy, will it be worth it. This year help your kids find ways to enjoy the wait – like cheering for other players’ successes and supporting them when things go wrong.
4. Be a Good Winner in 20-20-WON!It’s true that nothing feels quite like winning. It’s okay to celebrate your wins but be sure to do it in a way that makes everyone else feel happy, too. In fact, sometimes it’s more fun to celebrate a fun game played than who actually won or lost.
5. Be a Good LoserIt’s disappointing not to win, but this year let’s focus on being happy for the player who did win, so everyone feels good. There will always be another chance for you to come in first.
6. Try AgainWe’ve got a whole new year ahead of us with plenty of time to play. Plus, the more you play, the better you get, so when things don’t go your way, give it another go! Instead of focusing on your loss, focus on what you’ve learned and put that into play next time around.
7. Have FunPutting the emphasis on having fun, rather than the process or the outcome, helps make sure that everyone has a good time. It’s not about whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game. Let’s make this new year fun!
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It’s a brand-new year and the 10th anniversary of The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!®, EI’s best selling game for preschoolers. In honor of our furry friend’s birthday, Sneaky is sharing his top 7 secrets for a super new year. Check out his advice below and be sure to share his tips for a fun and fabulous year with your kiddos!1. Take TurnsThis year will be far more fun if everyone has a chance to play! An important step toward making – and keeping – friends, turn taking also teaches kids the back and forth rhythm of everyday communication and activity.2. ShareIf we share what we have with others then everyone has a chance to enjoy, together. Plus, when we share, odds are our friends will share, too. This means more games, more toys, and more fun for everyone in 2021!3. Be PatientGood things come to those who wait, even when it’s hard! Waiting while everyone else has a turn can be tough, but your turn will come and boy, will it be worth it. This year help your kids find ways to enjoy the wait – like cheering for other players’ successes and supporting them when things go wrong.4. Be a Good Winner in 20-20-WON!It’s true that nothing feels quite like winning. It’s okay to celebrate your wins but be sure to do it in a way that makes everyone else feel happy, too. In fact, sometimes it’s more fun to celebrate a fun game played than who actually won or lost.5. Be a Good LoserIt’s disappointing not to win, but this year let’s focus on being happy for the player who did win, so everyone feels good. There will always be another chance for you to come in first.6. Try AgainWe’ve got a whole new year ahead of us with plenty of time to play. Plus, the more you play, the better you get, so when things don’t go your way, give it another go! Instead of focusing on your loss, focus on what you’ve learned and put that into play next time around.7. Have FunPutting the emphasis on having fun, rather than the process or the outcome, helps make sure that everyone has a good time. It’s not about whether you win or lose – it’s how you play the game. Let’s make this new year fun!
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Hands Down, the Best STEM Toy to Give This Holiday Season…
- EI Editor Posted On Nov 25, 2020 | Learning Through Play
9 Must-Have Stocking Stuffers Approved by Santa Himself
- EI Editor Posted On Nov 18, 2020 | Learning Through Play
Old St. Nick gives two mittened thumbs up to these curiosity-sparking, brain-teasing, creativity-inspiring toys and games perfect for stuffing those stockings!1. Keep those kiddos busy all winter break with a set of four different Special Edition Playfoam® Jumbo Pods! Including glow in the dark, sparkle, mermaidy, and unicornish colors, this set has plenty of Playfoam for squishy, squashy sculptors to create whatever their holiday hearts desire. Plus, non-toxic Playfoam won’t stick to carpet or clothes, so you can say so long to slime forever. For ages 3+. $5.99 for a set of four on Amazon!
2. Fill Christmas day with hours of pretend play, thanks to Playfoam® Pals™! Choose from a variety of themes – each pack is filled with a pod of squishy, squashy Playfoam and a hidden Pal. Kids dig it out, then use the Playfoam to build the perfect props for playtime. For ages 5+. 2-packs $7.99-11.99 on Amazon.
3. Creative Christmas cuties can make a merry masterpiece with Color by Playfoam®! Choose a unicorn or a dragon, then use the included tool to squish the Playfoam into each section of the canvas. Show off your creation, then scoop it out and start all over again – Playfoam never dries out so kids can create again and again. For ages 5+. $7.86 on Amazon.
4. Overstimulated much? Calm the Christmas day crazies with Playfoam® Pluffle™, the mesmerizing, mixable, can’t resistible, feel-good fluffy stuff that never dries out! Flip it over and watch it flow, scoop some up and see it slither, or use it as a base in your festive sensory bin. For ages 5+. 2-packs $15.99 on Amazon.
5. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa, flying back to the North Pole! With GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars®, the only binoculars designed specifically for kids, little explorers can scope out all kinds of things! Kidnoculars offer focus-free, 2x magnification, enlarged eyepieces and foolproof placement goggles, and a breakaway neck strap for frustration-free, holiday break backyard exploration. For ages 3+. $14.18 on Amazon.
6. Fruitcake-fueled brains can put their strategic thinking skills to the test with Kanoodle®, the noodle-knotting solitaire game featuring 200 2-D and 3-D puzzles. Start by placing the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then use your smarts to pace the remaining pieces and solve the puzzle. Small enough for a stocking, this solo-play game will also give Mama a few minutes to herself ????. For ages 7+. $8.39 on Amazon.
7. A topsy-turvy twist on traditional Kanoodle®, Kanoodle® Flip features flipping puzzle pieces! Players set the matching block shape on the starting space indicated, then flip the block to the finishing line in as few moves as possible. Jingle bell bonus: your kids will be building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as they try to beat their own best scores. For ages 7+. $14.99 on Amazon.
8. If your kiddo has mastered classic Kanoodle, Christmas is the perfect time to up their outer space game with Kanoodle® Cosmic! Players place the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then fill the empty spaces with the remaining pieces, including six asymmetrical shapes that fit four different ways! Two hundred puzzle challenges will keep kids coming back for more. For ages 7+. $12.99 on Amazon.
9. Light up Christmas night with BrainBolt™, the ultimate memory test! Kids take turns memorizing the light sequence shown, then following along as long as they can without breaking the pattern. For ages 7+. $21.99 on Amazon.
9 Must-Have Stocking Stuffers Approved by Santa Himself
Old St. Nick gives two mittened thumbs up to these curiosity-sparking, brain-teasing, creativity-inspiring toys and games perfect for stuffing those stockings!1. Keep those kiddos busy all winter break with a set of four different Special Edition Playfoam® Jumbo Pods! Including glow in the dark, sparkle, mermaidy, and unicornish colors, this set has plenty of Playfoam for squishy, squashy sculptors to create whatever their holiday hearts desire. Plus, non-toxic Playfoam won’t stick to carpet or clothes, so you can say so long to slime forever. For ages 3+. $5.99 for a set of four on Amazon!
2. Fill Christmas day with hours of pretend play, thanks to Playfoam® Pals™! Choose from a variety of themes – each pack is filled with a pod of squishy, squashy Playfoam and a hidden Pal. Kids dig it out, then use the Playfoam to build the perfect props for playtime. For ages 5+. 2-packs $7.99-11.99 on Amazon.
3. Creative Christmas cuties can make a merry masterpiece with Color by Playfoam®! Choose a unicorn or a dragon, then use the included tool to squish the Playfoam into each section of the canvas. Show off your creation, then scoop it out and start all over again – Playfoam never dries out so kids can create again and again. For ages 5+. $7.86 on Amazon.
4. Overstimulated much? Calm the Christmas day crazies with Playfoam® Pluffle™, the mesmerizing, mixable, can’t resistible, feel-good fluffy stuff that never dries out! Flip it over and watch it flow, scoop some up and see it slither, or use it as a base in your festive sensory bin. For ages 5+. 2-packs $15.99 on Amazon.
5. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa, flying back to the North Pole! With GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars®, the only binoculars designed specifically for kids, little explorers can scope out all kinds of things! Kidnoculars offer focus-free, 2x magnification, enlarged eyepieces and foolproof placement goggles, and a breakaway neck strap for frustration-free, holiday break backyard exploration. For ages 3+. $14.18 on Amazon.
6. Fruitcake-fueled brains can put their strategic thinking skills to the test with Kanoodle®, the noodle-knotting solitaire game featuring 200 2-D and 3-D puzzles. Start by placing the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then use your smarts to pace the remaining pieces and solve the puzzle. Small enough for a stocking, this solo-play game will also give Mama a few minutes to herself ????. For ages 7+. $8.39 on Amazon.
7. A topsy-turvy twist on traditional Kanoodle®, Kanoodle® Flip features flipping puzzle pieces! Players set the matching block shape on the starting space indicated, then flip the block to the finishing line in as few moves as possible. Jingle bell bonus: your kids will be building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as they try to beat their own best scores. For ages 7+. $14.99 on Amazon.
8. If your kiddo has mastered classic Kanoodle, Christmas is the perfect time to up their outer space game with Kanoodle® Cosmic! Players place the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then fill the empty spaces with the remaining pieces, including six asymmetrical shapes that fit four different ways! Two hundred puzzle challenges will keep kids coming back for more. For ages 7+. $12.99 on Amazon.
9. Light up Christmas night with BrainBolt™, the ultimate memory test! Kids take turns memorizing the light sequence shown, then following along as long as they can without breaking the pattern. For ages 7+. $21.99 on Amazon.
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Old St. Nick gives two mittened thumbs up to these curiosity-sparking, brain-teasing, creativity-inspiring toys and games perfect for stuffing those stockings!1. Keep those kiddos busy all winter break with a set of four different Special Edition Playfoam® Jumbo Pods! Including glow in the dark, sparkle, mermaidy, and unicornish colors, this set has plenty of Playfoam for squishy, squashy sculptors to create whatever their holiday hearts desire. Plus, non-toxic Playfoam won’t stick to carpet or clothes, so you can say so long to slime forever. For ages 3+. $5.99 for a set of four on Amazon!2. Fill Christmas day with hours of pretend play, thanks to Playfoam® Pals™! Choose from a variety of themes – each pack is filled with a pod of squishy, squashy Playfoam and a hidden Pal. Kids dig it out, then use the Playfoam to build the perfect props for playtime. For ages 5+. 2-packs $7.99-11.99 on Amazon.3. Creative Christmas cuties can make a merry masterpiece with Color by Playfoam®! Choose a unicorn or a dragon, then use the included tool to squish the Playfoam into each section of the canvas. Show off your creation, then scoop it out and start all over again – Playfoam never dries out so kids can create again and again. For ages 5+. $7.86 on Amazon.4. Overstimulated much? Calm the Christmas day crazies with Playfoam® Pluffle™, the mesmerizing, mixable, can’t resistible, feel-good fluffy stuff that never dries out! Flip it over and watch it flow, scoop some up and see it slither, or use it as a base in your festive sensory bin. For ages 5+. 2-packs $15.99 on Amazon.5. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa, flying back to the North Pole! With GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars®, the only binoculars designed specifically for kids, little explorers can scope out all kinds of things! Kidnoculars offer focus-free, 2x magnification, enlarged eyepieces and foolproof placement goggles, and a breakaway neck strap for frustration-free, holiday break backyard exploration. For ages 3+. $14.18 on Amazon.6. Fruitcake-fueled brains can put their strategic thinking skills to the test with Kanoodle®, the noodle-knotting solitaire game featuring 200 2-D and 3-D puzzles. Start by placing the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then use your smarts to pace the remaining pieces and solve the puzzle. Small enough for a stocking, this solo-play game will also give Mama a few minutes to herself ????. For ages 7+. $8.39 on Amazon.7. A topsy-turvy twist on traditional Kanoodle®, Kanoodle® Flip features flipping puzzle pieces! Players set the matching block shape on the starting space indicated, then flip the block to the finishing line in as few moves as possible. Jingle bell bonus: your kids will be building strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as they try to beat their own best scores. For ages 7+. $14.99 on Amazon.8. If your kiddo has mastered classic Kanoodle, Christmas is the perfect time to up their outer space game with Kanoodle® Cosmic! Players place the pieces shown in the puzzle book, then fill the empty spaces with the remaining pieces, including six asymmetrical shapes that fit four different ways! Two hundred puzzle challenges will keep kids coming back for more. For ages 7+. $12.99 on Amazon.9. Light up Christmas night with BrainBolt™, the ultimate memory test! Kids take turns memorizing the light sequence shown, then following along as long as they can without breaking the pattern. For ages 7+. $21.99 on Amazon.
Fun Ways to Stay Connected to Nature – Outdoors and At Home!
- EI Editor Posted On Oct 27, 2020 | Learning Through Play
The leaves are changing and crisp fall air is upon us…the perfect time to head out into nature! Not only does time spent in nature promote exercise and fresh air (duh), but it has also been shown to build confidence, promote creativity and imagination, and reduce stress and fatigue (we’re all feeling a bit of both these days, no?). Since we’re all spending more time indoors now, getting out into nature is more important than ever before. (Not to panic you, but Nature Deficit Disorder is actually a real thing.)Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore! The weather is brisk and cool and there are so many amazing things to discover and do, both on your walk and after, like:Count the Colors!
On your walk: Colorful leaves are one of the most amazing things about fall. See if you can spot brown, yellow, orange, red, and multicolored leaves. Take a few of your favorites home with you and…At home: Try printing them in paper clay and painting them, turning them into autumn suncatchers, making crayon rubbings, and more. While your kids are creating, you can share this simple explanation for color-changing leaves (and find other awesome fall leaf activities), from the EI blog. Don’t forget the apple cider!
Photo credit: artfulparent.comEI Tip: Leaf peeping is even more fun with the GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars® Extreme™! Kids can magnify what they see AND hear with this set of kid-friendly binoculars featuring 3x magnification and built-in audio amplification.
Watch for Critters!
On your walk: Stop, stand still (a challenge, we know), stay quiet, and look around. The critters you could see depend on where you’re walking, but you just might spot furry friends like rabbits, groundhogs, and chipmunks. Turn your gaze toward the ground and you see if you can spy any ants (look for the mounded dirt that marks their colonies), stinkbugs, ladybugs, or beetles. Check the trees for woodpeckers, hawks, jays, and squirrels. Watch your heads though – squirrels are scavenging for nuts in the fall!To add to the fun try a scavenger hunt that allows you and your little ones to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of fall! You'll love these free scavenger hunt printables from teachingmama.org. Get out and explore!
At home: Check your hunt list and talk about all the things you found, and what you'll be on the lookout for next time. This may help inspire more curious questions and learning fun! Here are 5 Random Fall Facts facts you can add to the mix!EI Tip: If your kids can’t get enough of the amazing, organized activity of ants, bring home the GeoSafari® Ant Factory, an escape-proof ant habitat perfect for observing ants in action. Comes complete with mail-in ant certificate.
Scope Out the Spiders!
On your walk: Get out into nature early enough on a cool, fall day, and you’ll be rewarded with a spooky spattering of silky spiderwebs! Covered in morning dew, they’re easy to spot in the trees, on the bushes, and suspended between upright objects. With more than 45,000 different species of spiders found around the world, you’re bound to see something pretty cool. (Interesting note – only about a dozen types of spiders can harm humans!) Take the time to inspect their webs and point out the different weaving patterns and…At home: Make your own spider web, using a paper plate, hole punch, kid-safe plastic needle, and yarn, following these simple instructions from JugglingWithKids.com.
Photo Credit: jugglingwithkids.comEI Tip: If you find a special spider you’d like to see a little closer, use the GeoSafari® Jr. Critter Habitat to take an up-close look! Built-in magnifiers reveal amazing details, while built-in air holes keep creepy crawlies safe until it’s time to release them back where they were caught.
No matter where you walk or what you see, a trip into nature never disappoints! If your kids can’t get enough of nature, check out the brand new GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera. The camera features 130 amazing wildlife images and speaks 200 fun animal facts in the voice of Robert Irwin. Kids choose between Fact and Quiz mode to test their memories and make nature even more fun. The perfect present for your little nature lover!
Fun Ways to Stay Connected to Nature – Outdoors and At Home!
The leaves are changing and crisp fall air is upon us…the perfect time to head out into nature! Not only does time spent in nature promote exercise and fresh air (duh), but it has also been shown to build confidence, promote creativity and imagination, and reduce stress and fatigue (we’re all feeling a bit of both these days, no?). Since we’re all spending more time indoors now, getting out into nature is more important than ever before. (Not to panic you, but Nature Deficit Disorder is actually a real thing.)Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore! The weather is brisk and cool and there are so many amazing things to discover and do, both on your walk and after, like:Count the Colors!
On your walk: Colorful leaves are one of the most amazing things about fall. See if you can spot brown, yellow, orange, red, and multicolored leaves. Take a few of your favorites home with you and…At home: Try printing them in paper clay and painting them, turning them into autumn suncatchers, making crayon rubbings, and more. While your kids are creating, you can share this simple explanation for color-changing leaves (and find other awesome fall leaf activities), from the EI blog. Don’t forget the apple cider!
Photo credit: artfulparent.comEI Tip: Leaf peeping is even more fun with the GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars® Extreme™! Kids can magnify what they see AND hear with this set of kid-friendly binoculars featuring 3x magnification and built-in audio amplification.Watch for Critters!
On your walk: Stop, stand still (a challenge, we know), stay quiet, and look around. The critters you could see depend on where you’re walking, but you just might spot furry friends like rabbits, groundhogs, and chipmunks. Turn your gaze toward the ground and you see if you can spy any ants (look for the mounded dirt that marks their colonies), stinkbugs, ladybugs, or beetles. Check the trees for woodpeckers, hawks, jays, and squirrels. Watch your heads though – squirrels are scavenging for nuts in the fall!To add to the fun try a scavenger hunt that allows you and your little ones to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of fall! You'll love these free scavenger hunt printables from teachingmama.org. Get out and explore!At home: Check your hunt list and talk about all the things you found, and what you'll be on the lookout for next time. This may help inspire more curious questions and learning fun! Here are 5 Random Fall Facts facts you can add to the mix!EI Tip: If your kids can’t get enough of the amazing, organized activity of ants, bring home the GeoSafari® Ant Factory, an escape-proof ant habitat perfect for observing ants in action. Comes complete with mail-in ant certificate.
Scope Out the Spiders!
On your walk: Get out into nature early enough on a cool, fall day, and you’ll be rewarded with a spooky spattering of silky spiderwebs! Covered in morning dew, they’re easy to spot in the trees, on the bushes, and suspended between upright objects. With more than 45,000 different species of spiders found around the world, you’re bound to see something pretty cool. (Interesting note – only about a dozen types of spiders can harm humans!) Take the time to inspect their webs and point out the different weaving patterns and…At home: Make your own spider web, using a paper plate, hole punch, kid-safe plastic needle, and yarn, following these simple instructions from JugglingWithKids.com.
Photo Credit: jugglingwithkids.comEI Tip: If you find a special spider you’d like to see a little closer, use the GeoSafari® Jr. Critter Habitat to take an up-close look! Built-in magnifiers reveal amazing details, while built-in air holes keep creepy crawlies safe until it’s time to release them back where they were caught.
No matter where you walk or what you see, a trip into nature never disappoints! If your kids can’t get enough of nature, check out the brand new GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera. The camera features 130 amazing wildlife images and speaks 200 fun animal facts in the voice of Robert Irwin. Kids choose between Fact and Quiz mode to test their memories and make nature even more fun. The perfect present for your little nature lover!
READ MORE
The leaves are changing and crisp fall air is upon us…the perfect time to head out into nature! Not only does time spent in nature promote exercise and fresh air (duh), but it has also been shown to build confidence, promote creativity and imagination, and reduce stress and fatigue (we’re all feeling a bit of both these days, no?). Since we’re all spending more time indoors now, getting out into nature is more important than ever before. (Not to panic you, but Nature Deficit Disorder is actually a real thing.)Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore! The weather is brisk and cool and there are so many amazing things to discover and do, both on your walk and after, like:Count the Colors!On your walk: Colorful leaves are one of the most amazing things about fall. See if you can spot brown, yellow, orange, red, and multicolored leaves. Take a few of your favorites home with you and…At home: Try printing them in paper clay and painting them, turning them into autumn suncatchers, making crayon rubbings, and more. While your kids are creating, you can share this simple explanation for color-changing leaves (and find other awesome fall leaf activities), from the EI blog. Don’t forget the apple cider!Photo credit: artfulparent.comEI Tip: Leaf peeping is even more fun with the GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars® Extreme™! Kids can magnify what they see AND hear with this set of kid-friendly binoculars featuring 3x magnification and built-in audio amplification.Watch for Critters!On your walk: Stop, stand still (a challenge, we know), stay quiet, and look around. The critters you could see depend on where you’re walking, but you just might spot furry friends like rabbits, groundhogs, and chipmunks. Turn your gaze toward the ground and you see if you can spy any ants (look for the mounded dirt that marks their colonies), stinkbugs, ladybugs, or beetles. Check the trees for woodpeckers, hawks, jays, and squirrels. Watch your heads though – squirrels are scavenging for nuts in the fall!To add to the fun try a scavenger hunt that allows you and your little ones to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of fall! You'll love these free scavenger hunt printables from teachingmama.org. Get out and explore!At home: Check your hunt list and talk about all the things you found, and what you'll be on the lookout for next time. This may help inspire more curious questions and learning fun! Here are 5 Random Fall Facts facts you can add to the mix!EI Tip: If your kids can’t get enough of the amazing, organized activity of ants, bring home the GeoSafari® Ant Factory, an escape-proof ant habitat perfect for observing ants in action. Comes complete with mail-in ant certificate.Scope Out the Spiders!On your walk: Get out into nature early enough on a cool, fall day, and you’ll be rewarded with a spooky spattering of silky spiderwebs! Covered in morning dew, they’re easy to spot in the trees, on the bushes, and suspended between upright objects. With more than 45,000 different species of spiders found around the world, you’re bound to see something pretty cool. (Interesting note – only about a dozen types of spiders can harm humans!) Take the time to inspect their webs and point out the different weaving patterns and…At home: Make your own spider web, using a paper plate, hole punch, kid-safe plastic needle, and yarn, following these simple instructions from JugglingWithKids.com.Photo Credit: jugglingwithkids.comEI Tip: If you find a special spider you’d like to see a little closer, use the GeoSafari® Jr. Critter Habitat to take an up-close look! Built-in magnifiers reveal amazing details, while built-in air holes keep creepy crawlies safe until it’s time to release them back where they were caught.No matter where you walk or what you see, a trip into nature never disappoints! If your kids can’t get enough of nature, check out the brand new GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera. The camera features 130 amazing wildlife images and speaks 200 fun animal facts in the voice of Robert Irwin. Kids choose between Fact and Quiz mode to test their memories and make nature even more fun. The perfect present for your little nature lover!
READ MORE
Stay Connected…to Fun!
- EI Editor Posted On Oct 20, 2020 | Learning Through Play
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
