Resources for Balancing Playing and Learning

• Play is key to healthy children, as noted by the National Institute for Play
• The importance of play and learning, from the 360kid blog
• One dad’s view on how playfulness is developed in math learning, from GeekDad on the Wired blog network
• Play and learning is not just for kids, from a CenterNetworks article
• A teacher’s take on learning fun, from the New Teacher Network
• At the heart of play is pleasure, an important component in learning, from Yello Dyno
• Play is a vital sign as noted by the Erikson Institute in Chicago
• Participate in World Math Day on March 4, 2009. Open to individuals or entire classrooms!

ItzaBitza: A Learning Game Filled with Artistic Adventure for Ages 4 and Up

Top Educational Toys for the Holidays

ItzaBitza Every parent of a kindergartner has at least one crayon drawing proudly displayed on the fridge. And every youngster wonders what would happen if that drawing came to life. ItzaBitza (software for the PC) makes artwork animate in the framework of an imaginative, easy-to-play learning game for ages 4 and up. The game begins when the player chooses a Sketchy – an animated boy or girl, ready to embark on an learning adventure. The Sketchy asks the player to draw objects needed to complete the surroundings. Adventure ensues when color and action connect. Circles become beaming suns. Golden stars streak through the night sky. The universe magically comes to life and discovery is endless. As the player mouses over words, the Sketchy sounds them out, thereby improving reading skills. Kids learn counting and colors as star challenges ask them to perform actions, such as "pick five purple flowers." Overall, ItzaBitza is an innovative learning toy with endless adventure and many learning merits. Fosters imagination Improves reading skills Gives children a sense of accomplishment Provides a visual of cause and effect Ages: 4 and up Learn More about ItzaBitza

My First Discovery Box: Full of Engaging Activities for Ages 2 and up

Discovery boxes make excellent first learning toys for toddlers. They teach children motor skills and stimulate tactile senses with colored beads and dials. Read on and find out why we picked the My First Discovery Box for number 6 in our educational toys countdown.

Top Educational Toys for the Holidays

My First Discovery Box The My First Discovery Box features five sides of fun learning activities. This discovery box is compact, eco-friendly, and absolutely adorable. And what child could resist that funny fish face? This little box is full of educational benefits. One side has an abacus with four rows of colored beads that help tots learn to count. The rainbow clock introduces kids to new color combinations. And those googly fish eyes actually help improve motor skills as kids turn the dial to make the eyes roll. Learning benefits: Kids learn colors and counting Improves motor skills Stimulates tactile senses Teaches cause and effect Ages: 2 and up Learn More about My First Discovery Box

Mancala: A marvelous math game for kids ages 6 and up.

Top Educational Toys for the Holidays

Deluxe Wood Folding Mancala The word Mancala means to transfer in Arabic and that’s the premise of the game. Players pick up “seeds” (brightly colored glass gemstones) from their pit and drop them one by one into each pocket counter clockwise around the board in an action called “sowing.” Depending on the last hole sown in a lap, a player may capture stones from the board. The object of the game is to capture more stones than the opponent and the player who empties their side first wins. We recommend the Deluxe Wood Folding Mancala because it comes with a sturdy, oak-finished wood board that stands up to child’s play. Fast-paced and fun for the whole family, Mancala puts the glee back into strategy. Mancala does have one drawback: it’s pretty easy to lose (and…ouch… step on) those tiny glass marbles. But replacement marbles are readily available and the board lasts for years. Learning benefits: Teaches kids how to count Improves strategic thinking Helps with concentration Develops math and logic skills Ages: 6 and Up Learn More about the Deluxe Wood Folding Mancala

Charley Harper Memory Game: A Challenging and Beautifully Illustrated Memory Game for Ages 4 to 8

Top Educational Toys for the Holidays

Charley Harper Memory Game The classic memory game gets a makeover with this beautiful 72-piece set, illustrated by American artist Charley Harper. Kids flip all the pieces face down and practice memory skills as they find matching pairs. Pre-school-age children can play an easier version with fewer matching pairs and older kids can play a more difficult version with all 36 matching pairs. This set comes packaged in a recycled natural kraft colored box. Learning benefits: Sharpens memory Improves concentration Fosters imagination Improves pattern matching ability through color, shapes, and images Ages: 4 to 8 Learn More about the Charley Harper Memory Game

Melissa and Doug Underwater Puzzle: A Challenging 48- Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Ages 3-5

Melissa and Doug Underwater Puzzle

Melissa and Doug Underwater Puzzle Jigsaw puzzles have enormous educational benefits – most notably, they develop logical thought, problem solving skills, and spatial awareness in a fun environment. With a vibrant illustration of sea life, this cardboard jigsaw puzzle visually appeals to most kids. Children learn dexterity, problem solving, and matching skills as they put the 48-piece floor puzzle together. When the child places the final piece in the puzzle, they gain an amazing sense of accomplishment. And no batteries necessary! Fun Learning benefits: Develops dexterity Encourages problem solving Fosters independent thinking Improves spatial awareness Ages: 3 – 5 Learn more about the Melissa and Doug Underwater Puzzle.

Planet Earth Grow A World: A Great Way to Introduce Kids Ages 4 and Up to Geography and Science

Top Educational Toy for the Holidays

Planet Earth Grow a World It’s never too early to teach kids science or geography. With the Grow-A-World Kit by Planet Earth, kids ages 4 and up learn about both. Simply plant the seeds, pour water through the top of the globe and watch the continents grow! As the grass grows, kids learn that plants need sunlight and water to survive. When the continents develop, parents can teach their children basic geography. The learning doesn’t stop there: Grow A World comes with an interactive and educational CD-Rom that features fun crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blank word games, and coloring activities. Learning Benefits: Teaches basic geography Fosters an interest in science CD Rom improves language skills Ages: 4 and up Learn more about Planet Earth Grow A World