Showing posts with label shapes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shapes. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock Review

Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock
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I recently bought this toy for grandchildren, ages 3 and younger, for when they are at my house.
Previous reviews complained that the shapes of numbers 5 and 6 might be confusing, and so I avoided this purchase for a while. BUT, the one I bought is NEW and the 5 is the pentagon shape and the 6 is the hexagon shape, so that is no longer a concern. Look at the picture of the product above - today the picture I am looking at on this page shows the correct shapes for 5 and 6, so it appears that Melissa and Doug have corrected this problem! If you were to purchase an older or used version of this clock be aware that it may have the wrong shapes - but the newest ones I would presume are correct. Mine is.
I rate this toy 5-star. It is certainly not a bells and whistles toy, no noises, no lights. Thank goodness. But I think there is a lot of value in this toy.
This is a concrete hands-on way for children to begin learning about not only clocks, but also shapes, order of numbers, and more, depending on the age and stage of the child. It is a toy that can grow with a child, one to be taken out and used for a while, then as interest wanes, put it away for a while, and then bring it out later for a child to explore at a different stage.
Please keep in mind that children will probably get more value out of any toy, where a parent, grandparent, teacher, sibling, babysitter, etc. first sits down and talks with the child about the toy and maybe models how the child might use the toy. Then expect them to try using it for different things - like stacking, or pretending that one piece or another is food for a doll, or whatever - and that is OK too - keep in mind kids learn in different ways than we might expect. (Of course keep an eye on younger children to make sure they are not putting pieces in their own mouths, pretending it is their own food!)
There is obvious shape-matching value for younger children.
A child might take the shapes outside of the "puzzle" and line them up - in numeric order, or just to compare shapes, colors or whatever.
With an older child, you might introduce time-telling vocabulary, in relationship to where the clock hands are.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Melissa & Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock

It's time to "block" around the clock! Two toys in one, this colorful clock combines shape sorting and learning to tell time. Place the numbered and shaped pieces in their proper place on the face of the clock, then move the hour and minute hands to make telling time fun! Measures 9" x 5".

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Lauri Toys Tangrams Plus Review

Lauri Toys Tangrams Plus
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This toy is amazing! My children both love it and will play with this toy for 30+ minutes!
I think the age category is a little on the high side. My 4 year old does all levels independently and my 2 year old can do some of level one independently and level 2 with assistance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lauri Toys Tangrams Plus

This transformed Chinese puzzle is an addictive game that "wires" kids' brains by developing skills needed for architecture, engineering and artistic endeavors. Three skill levels progress from basic spatial reasoning to complex problem-solving. The abundant Lauri Crepe Rubber shapes have different colors on front and back, providing colorful design options. Large triangle is 6-1/4" wide.*22 progressively challenging patterns *20 BIG rubber shapes (2 tangrams & more) *Solution card *Suggested activities *Carrying case for neat storage.

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Monday, September 17, 2012

Battat Shape Sorter Cube Review

Battat Shape Sorter Cube
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My son got this Shape Sorter for his first birthday, and I was immediately impressed with the thoughtful details. Unlike the classic Tupperware toy, the pieces are easy to get back out, even for little hands. Ours is better than the one in the photo, in that the sides are color-coded with the pieces that match that side. This makes the matching easier, and gives us an excuse to talk about colors as well as shapes. The sixth side has some bead sliders to make the toy interesting even before your baby is ready for matching. Plus, some of the shapes are letters and numbers. The whole thing seems very sturdy. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but I'm impressed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Battat Shape Sorter Cube

For little hands reaching out to explore the big world, this Shape Sorter Cube by Battat provides a whole new world of stimulation. Cube includes 6 different sides of fun and learning! Children will learn the alphabet and numbers as well as match shapes. All shapes store neatly in the sorter cube. The flap door is used to retrieve all the pieces. One side has a fun bead maze too.

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Monday, September 3, 2012

KidKraft Bead Maze Cube Review

KidKraft Bead Maze Cube
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Other than the sharp corners, this toy is ok and very well built. It is just not safe for a wobbly infant. The corner is very sharp. If an infant hits his or her her head on the corner, an open wound is guaranteed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: KidKraft Bead Maze Cube



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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Briarpatch, I Spy 4 in 1 Little Wheels Puzzle, 8.00 x 2.00 x 11.00 Review

Briarpatch, I Spy 4 in 1 Little Wheels Puzzle, 8.00 x 2.00 x 11.00
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I purchased this puzzle because we have a couple of other Briarpatch puzzles and love them (Simms Tabak 4 in 1 Safari and Things that Move). Their other puzzles were very sturdy and the images were of a good quality. However, this puzzle set (along with the I Spy Little Animals set) is of a very poor quality. The pieces were all mixed together in the box (there are four puzzles - easy enough to separate, but the other Briarpatch puzzles came in separate bags) and were sort of warped. The picture quality is low and seemed poorly thought out. I heartily recommend the other Briarpatch Puzzle sets (Simms Taback Safari and Things that Move) but do not waste time/money/energy on these sets. Incidently, if you're looking for good puzzles, I purchased the eeBoo "Life on Earth" set - it is excellent quality all around - very heartily recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Briarpatch, I Spy 4 in 1 Little Wheels Puzzle, 8.00 x 2.00 x 11.00

Based on the popular I Spy Book Series. Trusted Scholastic Brand among parents and educators. New additions to our successful line of I Spy puzzles . Remember - our I Spy puzzles are both a puzzle and game. No Reading required!

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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Can Do Roo Anything Roo Can Do, You Can Do Too Review

Can Do Roo Anything Roo Can Do, You Can Do Too
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This is a fun game with upper case letter, shapes, colors, and number to 9, You draw a card fromt he kangaroo's stomach, if you card has a square on it you hop to something that is a square, if it has a number, you hop that number of times, if it has a letter you can either just say what the letter is, or say a word that starts with the letter. You keep the cards that you get right and when someone draws a stop card, the game stops and you count your cards.
I left the kids keep all of their cards and we just played it as an educational activity.
This game would be frustrating for a child that doesn't know any of the letters or numbers, possibly you could take out peices and only put in peices that they are familiar with and just add a couple new letters or numbers that they are working on learning.
The concept of hoping to items is nice, My 3 and 4 year olds really are enjoying the game.


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Can-Do Roo has a pouch full of things to do. Pull out a chip (Name It Chips, Sound and Act Like Chips and Hop to Chips) and let the fun begin. Includes Can-Do Roo with game pouch, 192 fun cards, and rules. For two or more players.

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Friday, June 22, 2012

Vtech Dial & Discover Phone Review

Vtech Dial and Discover Phone
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My daughter has had this phone for about 2 yrs. It has grown with her. At 1 - she liked the lights and sounds (and could chew on the antennae without worry). At 2 - she knew what sounds came from which button in all 3 modes. Now at 3 she is listening to the words and repeating them and thinking about what it all means. I leave this in the car and it's her toy when we are on the road. I love that it has French and Spanish on it as well as English. It's never too early to introduce other languages. We had tried a few other brands before we found this one and by far this one is the best. Batteries last forever in it. This would make a perfect gift to expecting parents.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Vtech Dial & Discover Phone

Baby can dial and discover a world of fun! This toy teaches numbers, colors, music, sounds and shapes. A favorite activity for babies is talking on the phone, and now they will learn while talking. With the press of a button, the light-up screen magically changes images activities. Realistic phone sounds and conversational phrases give baby a fun role-play experience. Automatic shut-off preserves battery life. Durable design for long-lasting play. Requires 2 "AA" batteries (not included).

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Plan Toy Geometric Peg Board Review

Plan Toy Geometric Peg Board
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I bought this pegboard as a safer, less-toxic puzzle-like activity to replace our recently weeded-out Melissa & Doug puzzles.
My daughter, just turned two, is less enthusiastic than I had hoped she would be about it. It's not a great challenge to her since she's well versed in colors and shapes (not the puzzle's fault). The challenge enters when somewhat clumsy little hands knock some of the already standing pieces over when she tries to place new pieces, which clearly frustrates her. Because the puzzle-board is rather thin, and thus the holes shallow, the pieces are very easy to overturn when you add successive pieces. And, of course, you can't carry the completed puzzle anywhere, because they will all overturn. The easy solution to this would be a thicker board and deeper holes for the pegs, but I imagine the amount of wood required to make this minor amendment would jack the cost up to far more than would be worth paying considering the practical uses of this toy.
My eldest daughter, 4 years, who has far more dexterity, is able to put the puzzle back together carefully without upsetting the pieces, but as far as the challenge of the puzzle, it is far beneath her skill level, so she's not driven to play with it a great deal either.
The pieces are often integrated into general block building. The girls both like adding a little color to their natural wood block buildings. And the base has been flipped and used as a surface for little projects. So it's not completely without use. If I sit with my youngest daughter and help her right the overturned pieces, she will put the thing together and talk about he shapes and colors whilst doing it.
However, this hasn't been the most impressive of the Plan Toys line, and I would absolutely recommend the Geometric Sorting Board, which we also own, over this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plan Toy Geometric Peg Board

These 16 geometrical pegs (4 different sizes, shapes and colors) can be sorted, counted, and stacked on a sturdy wooden base.
Playtime Ideas:


The Geometric Peg Board can teach multiple concepts (shapes, height and color) through fun activities like stacking, sorting and counting.
Children will have fun stacking the wooden pieces in the appropriate place on the sturdy wooden base.
The wooden shapes can also be used as building and stacking blocks.
Apart from teaching shapes, colors, height, and counting, the toy also develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.



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Monday, April 2, 2012

Galt First Octons Review

Galt First Octons
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I have 4 1/2 your old twins. We had to buy a second box so that they had enough pieces to both create something. They both love to build and the Octons can keep their attention for quite awhile. They are well made, fit together and come apart easily (not requiring any parent help), and their constructions stay together while they play with them.

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GALT/GIDDY UP-First Octons. An ideal construction toy for young children featuring one simple octagonal shape. The pieces are made of tough plastic for durability and lock together to make a wide variety of exciting shapes and models. This kit contains 48 octogon pieces in a variety of colors and one instruction guide. Recommended for ages 3 and up. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years. Imported.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

University Games Miss Weather Dress-Up Set Review

University Games Miss Weather Dress-Up Set
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I purchased the Miss Weather Dress-Up Set for my cousin's two year old daughter. At her birthday party, all the other gifts were forgotten as she sat and played with the Colorforms. The adults were waiting in line to play with them also! This set has larger pieces which are perfect for younger children. This is the perfect gift...inexpensive, fun, promotes fine motor and speech/language skills, and has educational value!

Click Here to see more reviews about: University Games Miss Weather Dress-Up Set

Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring . . . Dress up Miss Weather!Wear your mittens, its cold outside! Miss Weather Colorforms Play Set combines classic themes with learning and creative play. Approx. 12 in. x 12 in. Bigger pieces for little fingers.

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Giddy-up Play Doh Creations Bend n Build Small Activity Kit (Pretty Pets) Review

Giddy-up Play Doh Creations Bend n Build Small Activity Kit (Pretty Pets)
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When my 2 yo was asked what he wanted Santa to bring, he ONLY asked for a "play-Doh stick ball" after falling in love with the pack his 5 yo brother received on his birthday a month earlier. He naturally received these xmas morning and proceeded to open the whole pack and roll them together into one giant ball. He's carried it around in a little xmas box for a full month now and has since turned 3. Silliest thing ever, but whatever makes him happy:)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Giddy-up Play Doh Creations Bend n Build Small Activity Kit (Pretty Pets)

Bend the sticks, mold the dough, and show off your creations! The reusable Bend N Build sticks let you create endless Play-Doh art! Includes 3 one-ounce bags of Play-Doh Brand Modeling Compound, 100 reusable Wax Bend N Build sticks, and 1 idea booklet

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Battat Shape Sorter Bucket Review

Battat Shape Sorter Bucket
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This is a shape sorter bucket with, stars, circles, squares and triangle shapes, 2 for each shape so you get 8 in total. The problem with this toy is that the bucket was slightly out of shape, so the lid was difficult to fit, and this of course frustrated my toddler. I went back and exchanged it for another one but that also had the same problem. Also, you can push the triangle through the circle cut out if you put it sideways and have it at just the right angle. Don't get me wrong, the toy has some education value, but there are so many better made shape sorters out there, I wouldn't recommend this one. I did buy this at a local store that sells brand names items at a discount so I only paid $5 so it's not worth taking back to the store, but it's certainly not worth more than that.
The main problem I have is the shapes fit through a paper towel roll. From what I read, any type of toy/block..ect that fits through a paper towel roll is considered a choking hazard.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Battat Shape Sorter Bucket

Shape Sorter Bucket by Battat encourages early eye and hand coordination as well as shape and color identification skill development. Features easy to grasp handle on round bucket and easy to remove shape sorter lid. Eight colorful geometric shapes. Designed with your toddler in mind. Ages 18 months & up.

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Lauri Toys Toddler Tote Review

Lauri Toys Toddler Tote
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I bought this Toddler Tote for my two year old daughter and she absolutely loves it. Now that she's gotten the hang of matching the shapes with the right hole, we have started organizing them by color and size. When my ten month old nephew comes to visit, he plays with the little foam pieces UNDER CLOSE SUPERVISION. I don't have to worry about him chewing on the pieces because I can just was them in hot water. My four year old son has played with it, but it didn't hold his interest for very long. I would recommend this toy for younger toddlers

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lauri Toys Toddler Tote

2 - 5 years. Toddler Totepromotes color and shape recognition, concentration, fine motor and eye-hand coordination. Made of crepe rubber, it's safe, quiet, and completely washable.

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Friday, September 2, 2011

LeapFrog ClickStart Educational Software Dora the Explorer Friends ?Amigos Review

LeapFrog ClickStart Educational Software Dora the Explorer Friends ?Amigos
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Dora the Explorer is a favorite of my 4 year old grandson. This software has a 2 part benefit for children. Learning in English and in Spanish. Dora and her adventures provide hours of fun while learning to count, learn colors, matching pairs, and shapes in English and Spanish. Their are 2 learning levels allowing the child to build their way to more challenging games and adventures as they learn.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LeapFrog ClickStart Educational Software Dora the Explorer Friends ?Amigos

Dora the Explorer: Friends! Amigos! brings favorite characters Dora and Boots to the ClickStart software library for an exploration sensation. Dora guides children in matching, shapes, letters, and counting in Spanish. Players help Dora reach a hot-air balloon; fill holes in a bridge to reach and rescue a jaguar cub, and match letters, words, and pictures to cross Troll Bridge. For use with the ClickStart My First Computer (sold separately).

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards Review

Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
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I bought this toy because my children loved to play with pattern blocks at science and art museums. This was the only toy I found with real wood blocks that were the size and feel of the toys they had played with earlier. Using the blocks alone, my children loved to create an endless number of beautiful geometric patterns. The toy encourages creativity and promotes mathematical thinking.
My daughter, who was five or six at the time, tried using the picture boards. At her age, she was able to do it although it was frustrating when the pieces moved out of place. For awhile, she thought that she had to use the picture boards in order to play with the toy properly. Once she got over that, we had a wonderful toy again.
If you throw away the picture boards from the beginning and let your child's creativity take over, you have a 5 star toy that even older children and adults enjoy tinkering with.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards

These Pattern Blocks and Boards will keep children engaged for hours of rewarding play. They feature 10 simply designed, colorful patterns and over 100 pattern blocks in six different shapes and colors to replicate the pattern shown. Contents store neatly in durable wooden case. Develops shape recognition and spatial relations.

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