Magnetic Fractions Set

Learning Resources Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Cubes and Spheres

The Rainbow Fraction Cubes and Spheres set is an excellent magnetic toy that reinforces learning fractions and allows kids to understand part-to-whole relationships.

Children’s minds and hands are busy while they learn fractions using these cubes and spheres made of interchangeable, color-coded magnetic pieces.

Unique 3D forms come to life with this developmental toy when ingenious minds turn it into a an improvised magnetic building set.

The kit uses 4 cubes representing 1 whole, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 and 4 spheres representing the same (20 pieces total). It is color-coded to match the Rainbow Fraction® Teaching System.

The components are made of sturdy plastic with magnets embedded for safety, the cubes and spheres share a common 3″ dimension.

The Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Cubes and Spheres set includes an activity guide and labeled storage tray.

Age 6+

Find this Learning Resources Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Cubes and Spheres at Amazon.com

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Rody Horse

Rody Horse by TMI Toymarketing International Inc. is the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 20101 winner in the Classic Play category.

The Gymnic Line Rody Horse comes in several different colors; it’s made in Italy from strong long lasting, yet soft latex-free vinyl, which makes it washable and very durable.

Rody is a good active play product convenient for both indoors and outdoors, as long it is used on soft surfaces to prevent injuries from falling. A bouncy ride with this toy promotes body coordination and balance, and it is an opportunity to engage in a fun workout session for kids.

Rody holds up to 400 pounds.

Age 3+

Find the Gymnic / Rody Inflatable Hopping Horse, Blue at Amazon.com

1. The award winning toys selected by The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), are chosen because they are considered to be engaging, unique, open-ended, fun and safe. For more information visit Astra’s official website at www.astratoy.org.

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Zingo 1-2-3

Zingo 1-2-3 by ThinkFun is the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 20101 winner in the Game Play-Preschool Game category.

This child educational toy combines entertainment with skill building strategies for reading and counting. The players match numbered tiles to images on their cards. When a card is completed the winner celebrates his or her victory by yelling “Zingo”.

The game is a fast paced exiting adventure of Mathematics for kids and their families; it allows two levels of play focusing on counting and addition.

Features: 2 Levels of Play 6 Double-Sided Zingo! Cards 72 Double-Sided Tiles Zingo! Zinger.

Age 4+

Find the ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 at Amazon.com

1. The award winning toys selected by The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), are chosen because they are considered to be engaging, unique, open-ended, fun and safe. For more information visit Astra’s official website at www.astratoy.org.

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Faux Bow

The Faux Bow by Marky Sparky is the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 20101 winner in the Active Play category.

The Faux Bow is a very safe high performing toy bow. Shooting toys enthusiasts will be surprised by its reach and accuracy.

This high quality, latex and phthalate-free toy has the feel of a real bow, it shoots foam missiles over 100 feet in distance.

The Faux Bow comes with 3 arrows and a titanium quiver that holds up to three extra missiles.

Age 8+

Find the Marky Sparky Faux Bow at Amazon.com

1. The award winning toys selected by The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), are chosen because they are considered to be engaging, unique, open-ended, fun and safe. For more information visit Astra’s official website at www.astratoy.org.

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Little Partners Learning Tower

Kids like to get involved and participate in activities with their parent and other adults. But they are little people, so counters and other elevated surfaces are normally off limits, leaving children only a few options to take part in projects like cooking, for example.

Little Partners has come up with a great solution to include curious proactive children in family projects taking place above the ground. The learning tower is a kid’s stepping stool designed around the concept of safety.

The Learning Tower provides children with a special roomy place to observe and participate, learning about creativity and cooperation. Its overall size is compact and manageable.

The learning tower is made of high quality layered Birch, it’s carefully finished with a non-toxic lead-free finish that cleans easily with a damp cloth. This secure sturdy stool supports up to 500 pounds, and it is safe for up to two children using it at a time. This is great for siblings or friends looking for involvement simultaneously in the same project or activity.

One of the coolest features is that the Learning Tower can also be configured and used as a variety of settings to host fun activities, from doll house to Puppet Theater. To discover great accessories and find out more, visit The Learning Tower Playhouse Kit link.

Traditional stools can be dangerous if used by kids who are standing for prolonged periods of time, and sharing one, may be a recipe for disaster. The learning tower encourages kids to help and collaborate. Making sure kids are protected during such wonderful experiences should be the top priority. This is a great investment for a creative family!

Age 18 months +

Find the Little Partners Learning Tower – Natural or the Little Partners Learning Tower and Easel in Dark Cherry at Amazon.com

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ASTRA Award Winning Toys 2010

ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 2010

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has released its list of award winning toys for 2010. These top rated toys have been selected by more than 500 independent and neighborhood toy retailers across the nation.

The criteria for this selection consider factors such as engagingness, uniqueness, open-endedness, fun, and toy safety.

In ASTRA’s opinion, The 2010 Best Toys for Kids list features toys that deliver exceptional value and expand a child’s imagination, toys that invite discovery and exploration, toys that get kids moving, toys that build creativity, toys that fascinate babies, and even toys that delight hard-to-shop-for pre-teens.

The award winning toys selected by ASTRA in 2010 are:

Active Play

Faux Bow by Marky Sparky

Game Play-Preschool Game

Zingo 1-2-3 by ThinkFun

Classic Play

Rody Horse by Toymarketing Intl, Inc

Snap Circuits Jr by Elenco

Constructive Play

Magformers Carnival Set by Rainbow Products

Creative Arts Play

Sticky Mosaics Heart Box by The Orb Factory Limited

Bubber by Waba Fun

Early Play

Stacker by Green Toys

Block Set by Green Toys

Henrietta the Pull Along Hen by International Playthings

Game Play-Family Game

Spot It! by Blue Orange Games

Game Play-Party Game

Anomia by Anomia Press

Game Play-Dexterity Game

Perplexus by Plasmart

Just for Fun

HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set by Innovation First

Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station by Pumponator

Pretend Play-Doll Play

Learn to Dress Kitty by Alex

Golden Retriever Puppy Puppet by Folkmanis

Pretend Play-Role Play

Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set by Melissa & Doug

Furnished School Building by Playmobil

Pretend Play-Fantasy Play

Calico Critters Country Tree House by International Playthings

Scientific Play

Sustainable Earth Lab by Thames & Kosmos

Solar Rover by Toysmith/4M

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Light Table Center

Light Table

Light Table

The light table is the platform for many adventures exploring light and color. This 42-1/2″W x 22-1/2″D x 18-1/2″H light table is the perfect setting for learning activities with amazing translucent creative toys such as the crystal bricks or the crystal connectors.

Children love to play with blocks toys, building figures and structures product of their imagination and ingenuity, but incorporating the effects of light and rich color combinations to their creative play activities, brings new dimensions of fun and development.

Kids can find many uses for an illuminated wide surface, because it’s a great tool for discovery for curious young minds intrigued by shapes and compositions. But this furniture toy is also safe and well made, featuring safe edges and strong construction.

The Light Table Center includes a convenient storage area near the base, reflective panels to evenly distribute the light, and UL approved electrical components. It weighs 60 lbs.

Age 3+

Find this and other cool Light Tables at Discount School Supply.

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Modern Architecture for Children

Grow Space For Kids

Architecture and Design are noble creative professions that conceive spaces for people’s living. But how often do we see great design with a special dedication to children?

Check out the fantastic work of h2o Architects, a multifunctional space to host kids daily’s adventures: a mix of furniture toy, modern design and flexible architecture for the little ones.

Learn more about Grow Space For Kids in:

http://www.inewidea.com/2010/02/17/22238.html

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Future Doctor Kit

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Doctor Set at Amazon

Learning Resources presents the Pretend & Play Doctor Set. This role play set provides the perfect way to ease kids’ anxiety about doctor visits.

The 19-piece kit includes medical tools such as forceps, stethoscope, pager, cell phone, bandages and more on a 12″X14″X3″ plastic case.

For more information visit the link:

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Doctor Set

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Developmental Creative Toy

Creative Toy

The creative toy is one of the most representative types of developmental toy, it stimulates children’s minds and entertains their spirits simultaneously. Kids can play for hours improvising with forms while letting their imaginations loose. The beauty of creative toys is that children get to acquire and improve their skill sets in a natural spontaneous way.

Creative toys engage kids in construction activities of creation where they make something out of nothing, nothing meaning pieces in most cases. But by assembling and putting together an object, they benefit from multiple learning experiences in many different levels.

Blocks toys are the most recognizable type of creative toy there is. An excellent starting point for introducing younger children into creativity. It has just the right level of difficulty being a very intuitive and logical kind of toy. Blocks are appropriate for very young children, with some manufacturers labeling their product safe for babies one year old and above.

The dynamism of this developmental toy is broad and extensive, in aspects such as flexibility, complexity or theme diversity, you have many choices as a consumer, such as different brands and price ranges to choose from. You can’t go wrong with blocks toys if your goal is to provide kids with solid educational toys.

Creative toy is a wide category that has evolved thanks to technology, innovation and especially ingenuity. Multiple systems for connections have been developed bringing playing creation mechanics to a new level.

The forms and attachment system of the pieces go from one end of the spectrum to the other, from the classic brick that started it all, to elaborate gears toys to create pretty much anything your child can think.

The potential benefit and contribution of a creative toy to the children in your life is limitless. You can’t ask for a better value for your money.

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