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Tried & Tested: GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope

Laura Hutchinson Posted On Aug 15, 2017 | Learn

Name: Cassie from Lily’s Little LearnersAge of young learner: 2Product Testing: GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope Cassie is a qualified Early Years Practitioner and blogs at Lily’s Little Learners. Her blog shares posts about daily activities, mummy life, toy reviews and learning through play. What were your first thoughts when the toy arrived? It looked fantastic! It looked like it was going to be really easy for Lily to use and very child friendly. We were excited to try it out.

How did you use it? We collected items from outdoors so we could place them under the microscope and learn more about them. I let Lily try it for herself and she really enjoyed looking through the double eye piece to see the items she had found in more detail.

"After we had been through all the objects she decided that she wanted to do it all over again. This time she did it all by herself while I sat back and watched. “

What are the educational benefits? It’s a great start to getting children used to using scientific equipment to help them learn. It promotes an interest in early science and encourages a child to explore nature and learn more about the world around them.

What did you like/dislike about the toy?There wasn’t anything I disliked about the toy! It was very easy to use, the perfect size and the two piece eye viewer meant that Lily didn’t have to close one eye to be able to use it. She could easily turn the wheel to focus the items also.

What is the long term appeal?As Lily grows she will be able to use this to learn more about different objects. As she starts to understand things more she will learn how to describe objects and describe what she can see. Is it unique?I think the fact that it has a two piece eye viewer makes it unique. It’s unique that Learning Resources have made it possible for a child as young as Lily to use something that an adult will use in science. Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes - this set sure has made us get wild about learning! The Final ScoreFun factor: 5/5Educational benefits: 5/5Ease of use: 5/5

*For more fun follow Lily’s Little Learners on Facebook, twitter and Instagram!

Our GeoSafari® Jr. products let young explorers curiously investigate using colourful and functional tools and activities that have been designed specially for them. Discover the full range on our website!#LoveLearning

Tried & Tested: GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope Name: Cassie from Lily’s Little LearnersAge of young learner: 2Product Testing: GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope Cassie is a qualified Early Years Practitioner and blogs at Lily’s Little Learners. Her blog shares posts about daily activities, mummy life, toy reviews and learning through play. What were your first thoughts when the toy arrived? It looked fantastic! It looked like it was going to be really easy for Lily to use and very child friendly. We were excited to try it out.

"After we had been through all the objects she decided that she wanted to do it all over again. This time she did it all by herself while I sat back and watched. “

*For more fun follow Lily’s Little Learners on Facebook, twitter and Instagram! GeoSafari Jr

Tried & Tested: GeoSafari® Jr. Subscope™

Laura Hutchinson Posted On Jul 14, 2017 | Community

Product Testing: GeoSafari® Jr. Subscope™Name: Niki from Play and Learn EverydayAge of children: 3 and 5

Niki is a former teacher and deputy headmistress. She is currently a full time, stay at home mum to her two young children, doing as many fun and educational activities as they can each day. What were your first thoughts when the toy arrived?The Subscope looks really impressive; the kids were so excited as soon as I pulled it out of the box! They couldn’t wait to give it a try and knew almost immediately when looking at it what it could be used for.

"I cannot even express to you just how excited Ethan was when this Subscope arrived for him to play with!”

How did you use it?We filled up some buckets with water and some shells and special rocks from our recent holiday to Cornwall to examine.

"The Subscope couldn't be easier to use, you just put one end into the water and put your eyes up to the other end.”

What are the educational benefits?The Subscope is great for STEM learning, exploring and having a closer look at things that you can then use as a springboard for many different activities. What did you like/dislike about the toy?We really like that the Subscope is so easy to use, both children were able to pick it up and use it straight away.

What is the long term appeal?We will be able to use the Subscope in different situations; it will probably even come on holiday with us!

"The next step is to take our Subscope down to the river to do some real investigating; the children are definitely going to love that!”

Is it unique?It is very unique. I have definitely never seen anything like it! Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes, definitely. The Final Score:

Fun Factor: 4/5Educational Benefits: 5/5Ease of use: 5/5 *For more fun follow Play and Learn Everyday on Facebook, twitter and Instagram!

#Love Learning

Tried & Tested: GeoSafari® Jr. Subscope™ Product Testing: GeoSafari® Jr. Subscope™Name: Niki from Play and Learn EverydayAge of children: 3 and 5

"I cannot even express to you just how excited Ethan was when this Subscope arrived for him to play with!”

How did you use it?We filled up some buckets with water and some shells and special rocks from our recent holiday to Cornwall to examine. GeoSafari Jr SubScope in use

"The Subscope couldn't be easier to use, you just put one end into the water and put your eyes up to the other end.”

What is the long term appeal?We will be able to use the Subscope in different situations; it will probably even come on holiday with us!

"The next step is to take our Subscope down to the river to do some real investigating; the children are definitely going to love that!”

Is it unique?It is very unique. I have definitely never seen anything like it! Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes, definitely. The Final Score:

Fun Factor: 4/5Educational Benefits: 5/5Ease of use: 5/5 *For more fun follow Play and Learn Everyday on Facebook, twitter and Instagram!

#Love Learning

Hoppy Floppy’s Easter Activities

Learning Resources Posted On Apr 13, 2017 | Seasonal Fun

Free Easter worksheets ideal featuring the adorable Hoppy Floppy bunny! This printable Easter activities pack contains a fun word search, maze, colouring sheets, and more!

Hoppy Floppy’s Easter Activities

Free Easter worksheets ideal featuring the adorable Hoppy Floppy bunny! This printable Easter activities pack contains a fun word search, maze, colouring sheets, and more!

Learning Resources Posted On Apr 12, 2017 | Community

Name of tester: Tracy BakerEstablishment name: Little Bright Sparks fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classesAge range of children: 2-7 yearsProduct tested: Word Construction

â€œTracy teaches phonics, literacy and numeracy for 2-7 year olds at Little Bright Sparks. Helping children to prepare for school, classes show children and parents how to use the phonics system used in the classroom.â€Â Ratings:

How did you use the product?

To promote phonic knowledge, spelling and reading.Â Â Â

What did you like/dislike about the resource?

What I like about this resource is that it helps to refine motor skills, improve hand-eye co-ordination and strengthen the little muscles in childrenâ€™s hands. This will help them to hold a pencil correctly and for continued lengths of time.Â

Did the children enjoy using the product?

They loved using this product and didnâ€™t realise that they were learning at the same time. Â This is useful for special needs children and children that find it difficult to concentrate and sit still to learn. It allows them time to think about the next letter whilst screwing on the previous letter.

Â Â

How would you rate the long term appeal of the resource?

I believe this is something I will be using for many years to come and that it will be a favourite for all of the children I teach (2-7 year olds).Â

Do you currently have any similar products within your setting?

This is completely unique and different from the current toys that I use. Â I have phonics puzzles, kids bingo games and lots of homemade resources but nothing like this.

Â Â

How cost effective do you feel the resource is in terms of the results it delivers?

Very cost effective and great value for money.Â

Is the product unique?

Yes, I havenâ€™t seen anything like this on the market!Â To discover more about Little Bright Sparks visit their Website or Facebook page! Classes are held on Wednesdays in East Malling, Thursdays in West Kingsdown and Fridays in Eynsford. #LoveLearning

Tried & Tested: Word Construction

Name of tester: Tracy BakerEstablishment name: Little Bright Sparks fun phonics, literacy and numeracy classesAge range of children: 2-7 yearsProduct tested: Word Construction

How did you use the product?

To promote phonic knowledge, spelling and reading.Â Â Â

What did you like/dislike about the resource?

Did the children enjoy using the product?

Â Â

How would you rate the long term appeal of the resource?

I believe this is something I will be using for many years to come and that it will be a favourite for all of the children I teach (2-7 year olds).Â

Do you currently have any similar products within your setting?

This is completely unique and different from the current toys that I use. Â I have phonics puzzles, kids bingo games and lots of homemade resources but nothing like this.

Â Â

How cost effective do you feel the resource is in terms of the results it delivers?

Very cost effective and great value for money.Â

Is the product unique?

The Autism Friendly Tool Box A Guest Post by AuKids Magazine

Learning Resources Posted On Mar 30, 2017 | Community

Name: Debby ElleyTitle: Co-editor AuKids magazineAge of children: Twins aged 13

Â For Autism Awareness Day weâ€™ve teamed up with Debby from AuKids, a parenting magazine for those raising and educating children with autism, to provide personal product recommendations and tips about buying presents for autistic children.

Social communication difficulties mean that pretend play often carries little interest for them early on. Motor planning can also be affected and so toys that require building may prove frustrating. Â Our first piece of advice when buying for an autistic child: never guess. If you want to be known for thoughtful presents, prepare by asking mum or dad the type of thing their youngster likes. Some autistic children donâ€™t like surprises or change very much, even when it comes to birthdays. Itâ€™s a nice idea to give them some suggestions â€“ with images â€“ and let them choose between them.Â Â Sensory PlayIn children with autism, theÂ sensory exploration stage is very important and often very engaging, too.Â Sensory toys can be fantastic for these children, but do check with their carers whether they have any sensitivities or aversions. The Sand Moulds Lowercase AlphabetÂ is a good bet, helping finemotor skills as they pack the sand into a letter shape. Itâ€™s also an opportunity for parent and child to use simple language together whilst they have shared attention. This is the best way for autistic children to pick up new vocabulary.

We love toys that combine sensory fun with learning as they can be appreciated on different levels. Sensory rooms for children with autism can be very expensive â€“ but there are some lovely toys that can make a bedroom a wonderful place to be at night. The Primary Scienceâ„¢ Shining Stars Projector gives super images and is a captivating little gadget. Often parents of children with special needs know that they enjoy sensory play, but the reality of cleaning up after every play session can be a little draining! We love the Playfoam Combo 8 Pack â€“ Playfoam is non toxic and it doesnâ€™t stick to carpet â€“ result! They donâ€™t need to build anything marvellous, just the process of squishing and squashing is extremely good for motor skills. We suggest you also buy a cheap shower curtain from the supermarket for about Â£1 â€“ this provides great floor or table cover and is invaluable for a quick clear-up operation.

Time Team

Understanding the concept of timeÂ is particularly difficult for autistic children. It is an abstract concept â€“ that is, the passing of time is a notion that you keep in your head. Autistic children rely on solid visual information. For those children who are in a mainstream school and ready to develop their understanding of time, we like About Time - Telling the Time & Understanding Elapsed Time.

Whatâ€™s particularly good about this kit is that it includes visual representations of quarter of an hour and half an hour, helping children to understand their relationship to an hour. Â Some older school children with autism would benefit from this, too.

For Spin Doctorsâ€¦

If the autistic child in your life enjoys watching things that spin around, then the Gears! Gears! Gears!Â® sets are a great bet. Not only can you support them to build, using fine motor skills, but at the end they have a fantastic, motivating visual activity. These gears sets can be appreciated on many levels. Parents can build for younger children and then start encouraging them to join in gradually. There are many sets to choose from â€“ we loved the Gizmos Building Set and the Space Explorers Building Set but if thatâ€™s a little outside your price range, the Build & Spin Flower Garden Building SetÂ is also bound to be a hit.

Motor Skills

The Design & DrillÂ® BrightWorksâ„¢ set stands out for us as toy that is perfect for children with special needs. The colourful plastic bolts and drill are solid and durable and even those with shaky hands can enjoy great success making patterns on the light-up drill board. As with any child who has a tendency to mouth toys, an adult needs to closely monitor play to ensure that they donâ€™t try and eat the bolts or drill too much â€“ which puts a strain on the motor. But with a little prompting, this is a very useful toy to develop fine motor skills. Because it lights up, itâ€™s great sensory play, and very motivating.

Â Â Froggy Feeding Funâ„¢ is another good game to develop fine motor; squeeze the frogâ€™s mouth to catch a treat. Great for counting skills and colour recognition, it also gives an easy reward â€“ so encouraging!Â Â

Communication Fun

Developing attention, listening and copying skills will be much easier with the Magic MovesÂ® Electronic Wand. This fun little gadget gives you ideas to copy - stomp like a dinosaur, swoop like an eagle, hop like a kangaroo! We suggest you join in too, and see what happens.

Even if theyâ€™re not ready to copy movement, it also has 26 random tunes and twinkling lights. Fun on lots of levels.

Other Ideas

Vehicles tend to be popular with autistic kids, as they have a definite purpose and the repetitive movement of them can be quite comforting. Thomas the Tank Engine is particularly popular. Find out which track the child owns and buy an interesting new piece for it. Many autistic kids love their iPads or computers. Colourful keyboards or a keyboard mouse might be a nice bet (you can even get large letter keyboards if their hand-eye co-ordination isnâ€™t up to much). Cordless headphones that use Bluetooth can save endless headaches, as getting a fiddly jack into an iPad wearing a protective case can be a struggle. Most kids have collections of some sort, particularly as many computer games now have associated interactive figures. When an autistic child builds a collection, this isnâ€™t just an ordinary haphazard semi-completed collection, oh no. You may hear the term â€˜special interestâ€™ in relation to autism. All this means is, when autistic kids like something, they like it A LOT. Their collection will be cherished; their collection will be complete; and having to complete it is the nightmare of most parents of autistic kids. So seek out the figures that they donâ€™t already own. If you want to spend money on something that doesnâ€™t gather dust, this is it.

Say it with Slogans

Parents spend so much extra on special needs children that they often donâ€™t have as much disposable income as theyâ€™d like to spend on clothing. Positive messages are great signals for the public and families alike. Just check out any sensory sensitivities before you buy. You can get specialist autism T-shirts with positive slogans on them, dreamt up by AuKids magazine, fromÂ www.aukids.co.ukÂ or www.finsdesignandprint.co.ukÂ For more advice on autism, sign up for AuKids magazine for Â£16 a year at www.aukids.co.uk

The Autism Friendly Tool Box A Guest Post by AuKids Magazine

Name: Debby ElleyTitle: Co-editor AuKids magazineAge of children: Twins aged 13

Time Team

For Spin Doctorsâ€¦

Motor Skills

Communication Fun

Even if theyâ€™re not ready to copy movement, it also has 26 random tunes and twinkling lights. Fun on lots of levels.

Other Ideas

Say it with Slogans

Learning Resources Posted On Mar 29, 2017 | Community

Name of tester:Â Kerri HibberdTitle:Â Class TeacherSchool name:Â Woodside AcademyAge of child:Â Three years oldAge of school class:Â Reception; ages four and fiveProduct Testing: Alphabet Acorns Activity Set â€œKerri has been a teacher for 11 years. She is currently the phonics co-ordinator at her school and works part time. The rest of the time she is at home with her 3 year old daughter.â€

Ratings:

What were your first thoughts when the product arrived?

I was impressed with how colourful it was. My daughter was very excited and she couldnâ€™t wait to get it out of the box.

How did you use the product?

With my daughter at home, we first found all the matching objects for each letter. She enjoyed using the resource so much that we used it every day for the next week. To extend her learning we tried to use the resource in different ways. We matched upper and lowercase letters and then found all three matching parts, the uppercase letter, lowercase letter and object. I also used this resource for phonics teaching. I chose a letter and asked her to find the object beginning with the same sound and then did this the other way around by choosing an object and asking her to find the matching acorn parts. As she is young and doesnâ€™t know all her sounds yet she needed a little support.

How did you use this product in the classroom?

Within the classroom I used this resource in two different ways, first as an exploration activity for independent learning. I set it up with other outside objects and allowed the children to explore. Some children used it as a matching activity and matched the upper and lowercase letters while others tried to find the matching objects. As a teacher focus I used it as a matching the initial sound and object activity and was also able to assess the childrenâ€™s phonic and letter knowledge.

What are the educational benefits of the resource?

There are lots of benefits to this resource as it can be used in different ways such as letter and grapheme correspondence, initial letter sounds, matching upper and lowercase letters and even sorting colours. Thereâ€™s even more ideas in the box!

What did you like/dislike about the resource?

To make this even more appealing for schools I think an alternative â€˜quâ€™ should be added. This will enable the resource to be used forÂ phonic activities as well as alphabet activities. I loved this resource and it was very appealing to my daughter and children at the school. I liked the bright colours used and that the letters on the front of the acorn, lid and object all matched in colour so younger children, like my daughter, or less able children, could be told to look for a blue object that matched or a red top etc.