This is a demo store. No orders will be fulfilled.

Tagged with 'sensory play'

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!
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!
READ MORE

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!
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! READ MORE

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.
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.
READ MORE

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! 
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!  READ MORE

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!
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! READ MORE

Create a Calm, Cool, Collected Classroom: 5 Fun Ideas (plus ideas to show teacher appreciation!)

Although it may manifest in different ways, many kids will be carrying some serious stress when they return to the classroom. From concerns about COVID and a new set of rules to follow to social anxiety and worries about getting back into the school schedule after months of being away, this will by no means be a typical school year. And that’s just the kids! Teachers have their own set of stressors.While we can’t solve all these problems, we do have some great ideas to help create a calm, cool, collected classroom during these crazy times, like:1. Sometimes we all just need a moment. Visit our friends at Teachstarter.com for some amazing mindfulness activities and meditation moment ideas. Breathing is about as easy as it gets, with great, calming results. Have students place their hands on their bellies, close their eyes, and take a deep breath in, then out. See if they can move their hands using only their breath.[caption id="attachment_6810" align="alignnone" width="843"] Photo credit: https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/[/caption]2. Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, quiet anger, and soothe restlessness. So, spritz your classroom with a spray, keep lavender-scented lotion at your desk, and opt for lavender scented hand sanitizer at your hand washing station. Or, better yet, put all of these things on your classroom wish list!3. Sensory play has also been proven to help kids stay calm and sit still and is particularly important for students with Sensory Processing Disorder. Providing breaks for sensory stimulation is a great way to create a more soothing space and there are so many ways to do it! Find some great sensory play ideas including bean boxes, colored rice, and more on our Pinterest board, Sensory Activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. And, of course, Playfoam® is the perfect mess-free sensory play substance – kids can squish, squash, and sculpt – then stash the Playfoam away for next time. It never dries out, so the sensory fun never ends! Check out tons more ideas for Playfoam activities here.[video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://www.educationalinsights.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PF_pinterest_5.mp4"][/video] 4. Sometimes we need more than a moment! Help calm a completely crazy classroom with “heads down in the dark.” Turn off the lights, turn on some soft, classical music, and have students place their cheeks down on their cool desks. Breathe in and out, listening to the music and the sound of your breath, until everyone seems ready to resume the day.[caption id="attachment_6818" align="alignnone" width="839"] Photo credit: Washington Post[/caption]5. Speaking of lights, flickering, glaring fluorescent lighting can cause eyestrain, headaches, and tension for all. Cover it up and create a soothing atmosphere in the classroom with calming Classroom Light Filters! Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, Classroom Light Filters are designed to fit over standard fluorescent ceiling lights, attaching securely to their metal frames with sewn-in magnets.Parents! Show your thanks for teachers who are going above and beyond to keep your kids safe and smart. Many of these ideas also make great teacher gifts! Check out more cute ideas on our Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board! 
Create a Calm, Cool, Collected Classroom: 5 Fun Ideas (plus ideas to show teacher appreciation!) Although it may manifest in different ways, many kids will be carrying some serious stress when they return to the classroom. From concerns about COVID and a new set of rules to follow to social anxiety and worries about getting back into the school schedule after months of being away, this will by no means be a typical school year. And that’s just the kids! Teachers have their own set of stressors.While we can’t solve all these problems, we do have some great ideas to help create a calm, cool, collected classroom during these crazy times, like:1. Sometimes we all just need a moment. Visit our friends at Teachstarter.com for some amazing mindfulness activities and meditation moment ideas. Breathing is about as easy as it gets, with great, calming results. Have students place their hands on their bellies, close their eyes, and take a deep breath in, then out. See if they can move their hands using only their breath.[caption id="attachment_6810" align="alignnone" width="843"] Photo credit: https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/[/caption]2. Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, quiet anger, and soothe restlessness. So, spritz your classroom with a spray, keep lavender-scented lotion at your desk, and opt for lavender scented hand sanitizer at your hand washing station. Or, better yet, put all of these things on your classroom wish list!3. Sensory play has also been proven to help kids stay calm and sit still and is particularly important for students with Sensory Processing Disorder. Providing breaks for sensory stimulation is a great way to create a more soothing space and there are so many ways to do it! Find some great sensory play ideas including bean boxes, colored rice, and more on our Pinterest board, Sensory Activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. And, of course, Playfoam® is the perfect mess-free sensory play substance – kids can squish, squash, and sculpt – then stash the Playfoam away for next time. It never dries out, so the sensory fun never ends! Check out tons more ideas for Playfoam activities here.[video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://www.educationalinsights.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/PF_pinterest_5.mp4"][/video] 4. Sometimes we need more than a moment! Help calm a completely crazy classroom with “heads down in the dark.” Turn off the lights, turn on some soft, classical music, and have students place their cheeks down on their cool desks. Breathe in and out, listening to the music and the sound of your breath, until everyone seems ready to resume the day.[caption id="attachment_6818" align="alignnone" width="839"] Photo credit: Washington Post[/caption]5. Speaking of lights, flickering, glaring fluorescent lighting can cause eyestrain, headaches, and tension for all. Cover it up and create a soothing atmosphere in the classroom with calming Classroom Light Filters! Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, Classroom Light Filters are designed to fit over standard fluorescent ceiling lights, attaching securely to their metal frames with sewn-in magnets.Parents! Show your thanks for teachers who are going above and beyond to keep your kids safe and smart. Many of these ideas also make great teacher gifts! Check out more cute ideas on our Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board!  READ MORE

Home's Cool Art Activity: Drill Drawings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5U2JQWUt7E&feature=emb_logoHome'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 Sahad Rivera Sonda, one of our Product Managers!Ages: 3-5Supplies:SRS_EI_DrillDrawings_Image_1Procedure:
  1. Choose a marker and use your tape to secure it to the drill bit.
  2. Attach the drill bit to the drill.
  3. Turn the drill on and get ready to draw!
  4. We’re drawing a lion, so let’s start with the mane. Set the marker down on the paper and activate the drill, creating a large spiraled circle.
  5. Next, switch to a different color. Let’s try green so we can draw some trees.
  6. Use your yellow marker to draw the outline of your lion’s head, then color it in.
  7. Use a brown marker to draw trunks for the trees.
  8. Use a black marker to add the lion’s nose, mouth and whiskers.
  9. Add googly eyes to finish!
[caption id="attachment_6589" align="alignnone" width="945"] Design & Drill® Bolt-It Bucket™[/caption]SahadSahad Rivera Sonda has dreamed of being a toy designer since she was a child in Mexico! Her passion for miniatures and other playful oddities (her collection includes everything from a plush churro to a miniature French fry) eventually led her to Otis College of Art and Design in California, where she obtained a degree in Toy Design. Sahad’s dreams came true when she landed a job with EI, designing the look and feel for many of our toys and games, including Playfoam Pals, Design & Drill and our plush line.
Home's Cool Art Activity: Drill Drawings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5U2JQWUt7E&feature=emb_logoHome'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 Sahad Rivera Sonda, one of our Product Managers!Ages: 3-5Supplies:SRS_EI_DrillDrawings_Image_1Procedure:
  1. Choose a marker and use your tape to secure it to the drill bit.
  2. Attach the drill bit to the drill.
  3. Turn the drill on and get ready to draw!
  4. We’re drawing a lion, so let’s start with the mane. Set the marker down on the paper and activate the drill, creating a large spiraled circle.
  5. Next, switch to a different color. Let’s try green so we can draw some trees.
  6. Use your yellow marker to draw the outline of your lion’s head, then color it in.
  7. Use a brown marker to draw trunks for the trees.
  8. Use a black marker to add the lion’s nose, mouth and whiskers.
  9. Add googly eyes to finish!
[caption id="attachment_6589" align="alignnone" width="945"] Design & Drill® Bolt-It Bucket™[/caption]SahadSahad Rivera Sonda has dreamed of being a toy designer since she was a child in Mexico! Her passion for miniatures and other playful oddities (her collection includes everything from a plush churro to a miniature French fry) eventually led her to Otis College of Art and Design in California, where she obtained a degree in Toy Design. Sahad’s dreams came true when she landed a job with EI, designing the look and feel for many of our toys and games, including Playfoam Pals, Design & Drill and our plush line.
READ MORE