Tagged with 'Kids'

There’s something purely magical about playtime - the bonding, the learning, the laughing, and even more laughing. Studies show that playtime lightens moods, allow kids to learn how to cooperate, and most importantly, encourages creative problem-solving, all crucial for succeeding in school. Plus, as we get older, we sort of forget how important play is, don’t we? We - little kids and big ones too, yes, YOU - all need a bit more play time. So, JOIN US, and find easy-peasy ways to sprinkle a bit more fun and laughter into every day.

• We’ll post one very simple play idea to our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages every day for 30 days.
• Once you see the post, do the play idea and be sure to SHARE on our Facebook page or tag our handle @educationalinsights on Instagram or @ed_insights on Twitter.
• Be sure to use the hashtag #believeinplay!
• We'll share our favorites and award them with an EI toy at the end of the 30 days.

We hope that you take the time to play with us and help others #believeinplay again! How will we play together? See our daily posts below. We started Monday, November 17th, so join us for some fun!Day 1: Take a silly selfie.Day 2: Do a cartwheel.Day 3: Create a unique handshake.Day 4: Wear a funny looking hat.Day 5: Tell a knock-knock joke.Day 6: Have a staring contest. Try not to blink!Day 7: Play musical chairs.Day 8: Play Rock, Paper, Scissors.Day 9: Grab a few friends and make a letter with your bodies.Day 10: Take a jumping picture.Day 11: Thanksgiving! Cook together; it’s OK to play with your food.Day 12: Do a conga line with friends.Day 13: Create something artistic.Day 14: Put on a puppet show.Day 15: Battle it out in an epic thumb war.Day 16: Have a group huddle.Day 17: Say “Jolly jugglers juggle jacks” five times.Day 18: Play telephone (it’s more fun when there’s 5 – 10 people).Day 19: Play freeze dance.Day 20: Do a science experiment!Day 21: Build an indoor fort / tent.Day 22: Talk like a pirate.Day 23: Create a funny word.Day 24: Say, “Hi, let’s play” in a foreign language.Day 25: Dance to your favorite song.Day 26: Run a Relay Race.Day 27: Have a family game night.Day 28: Gift-wrap a present using items in the house. Get creative.Day 29: Act like your favorite animal.Day 30: Add some coloring to your playtime.

Dinosaur toys never go out of style. Most children go through that phase where they absolutely need the newest and coolest toys based on their favorite prehistoric creatures. Plus, dinosaur toys aren’t just awesome, they’re educational! What’s not to love? It’s no surprise that there’s a wide variety of these toys available for kids and the young at heart.We have a roar-some list of dinosaur toy ideas that can be used for either the home or the classroom. Our dinosaur toys are fun and educational, encouraging creative thinking and positive communication. With these amazing, prehistoric-inspired toys, your little ones will spend hours learning, and more importantly, having fun!Dinosaur Puppet-On-A-Stick™, Set of 3Join Crusher, Stomper, and Buster in prehistoric puppet playtime! These adorable dinosaur toys make for great addition in either the home or the classroom. Kids will love making up stories and telling tales using the easy-to-manipulate and colorful puppets. Teachers and parents love that kids are able to stay entertained, practice creative expression, and further develop their communication skills. The puppets also travel well and clean up easy, making playtime convenient and fun! Dino CheckersThe classic game of Checkers is back and with a Tyrannosaurus twist! Battle with your partner in this prehistoric throwdown, as Stegosaurus and Brontosaurus fight for squares of lava. Captured dinosaurs are held captive in the “tar pits,” and the dinos transform into T. Rex’s when kinged. This game provides fun for kids, as well as teaching logical thinking skills, strategy, positive communication, and problem solving. Add this dinosaur toy to your collection! GeoSafari® Dino Digs VelociraptorsWatch kids find their inner scientist as they enjoy the amazing Dino Dig Velociraptor from Geosafari®. This awesome toy allows students to discover, excavate, and assemble two complete velociraptor skeletons that come from faux fossilized rocks. Perfect for dinosaur units, this kit provides hand-on activity and encourages communication between children. The kit comes fully prepared, offering excavation tools, dust brushes, wax adhesives, and activity guides. Watch your little archaeologists work together to find the hidden secrets of the Jurassic Era with this amazing toy! Dino Construction Company™–Wrecker the T-Rex Skid Loader This awesome titan will inspire imagination and keep kids busy for hours. Not only is it a fun combination of dinosaurs and construction equipment, but Wrecker the T-Rex Skid Loader also promotes outdoor play and helps to fine-tune children’s motor skills. It’s designed to last, and it’s perfect for kids of multiple ages. This makes for a great learning toy for younger children in earlier grades, and can be enjoyed at home or on the playground. For more information on our dinosaur toys and brands, visit educationalinsights.com. Our goal is to provide fun and creative toys that provide an enriching learning experience. With amazing dinosaurs toys and more, we offer everything a parent or teacher needs to build a fun and educational environment.

It's National Metric Week! In 1976, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics launched an annual celebration to emphasize the simplicity and importance of metrics and to promote metric awareness. Since metrics is based on units of ten, Metric Week occurs during the week in which the tenth day of the tenth month falls. This year, those dates are October 6-12, 2014. Ah, those witty mathematicians!Get your kids to learn metrics easily with the Magnetic Staircase. Download our easy to print Metric Staircase illustration, here.

Sticky, slippery, gooey, heavy, light, lumpy or bumpy. Try these hands-on activities so your child can get a feel of their world. Studies show that sensory learning excels creativity, social skills, and cognitive development.Purple Sensory Bin (Rubberboots and Elf Shoes)A space-themed sensory box (House of Brown)Pirate Slime Sensory Play (Where Imagination Grows)Black Light Sensory Bin (Play Create Explore)See more activities on our Feel The World: Sensory Learning Pinterest board.

You know, of course, that liquid detergent is great for washing dishes. But did you know that you can use liquid detergent to stage a unique boat race? Grab some pals and let the games begin in this fun at-home science experiment. Stuff you’ll need:• Paper clip• Toothpick• Liquid dish-washing detergent• Cup or glass filled with waterNow, get ready, set go! Get instructions on the Soap Boat Derby science experiment, here.

Are you stumped on what to do with your curious, bright learner during the summer? Well, we’ve got 25+ ways to keep your bright learner busy during summer vacation. From board games to science experiments, we’ve got you covered! Even Steven’s Odd™ is a fast-paced dice game that helps kids get a grasp on basic math such as even/odd, addition, subtraction, and more. Teach Mama found a fun way for her child to learn the alphabets with Alphabet Letter Splash.Try this cool worksheet for kids to learn the major organs.Visit our Summer Learning Pinterest board get more playful learning activity ideas, HERE.

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Day! Our resident chef, Chet the Cat, wants you to check out his Pinterest board for Chocolate Chip inspired recipes and more! Please share your tasty Chocolate Chip recipes below. Yum!

Are you ready to see what 2013 has in store from Educational Insights? Head over to EducationalInsights.com and get shopping!