Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog

Does your child like to read?  Winter break is around the corner, what will your kids be doing the entire time?  My daughter loves to read.  My son was the total opposite.  He did not like books or reading.  I tried everything I could think of.  But I remember having a hard time with reading too.

Disclosure-Sample product was received for book review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Reading was not my thing.  But that is why I wanted my kids to like it.  Reading can take us places, teach us so much, and you can do it anywhere at any age.

My daughter received the book Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog.  The Ted the Friendly Frog books are great for kids.  Written with kids in mind by a parent trying to teach his kid how to read. 

In the book - Ted and his brother Brad are snuggled up by the fire on Christmas Eve, waiting to hear the story of Santa Frog.  Their father tells them an incredible tale of the time he met Santa Frog, and they can't believe their ears!  A frog in a red coat, flying a sleigh pulled by nine birds, leaving presents under Christmas trees; it almost sounds too good to be true.  When the story is done, Ted and Brad can't wait to see if Santa Frog comes again that night.  Will Ted get to meet Santa Frog this Christmas?

I like the story.  I like that the book rhymes and is an easy read.  I like the lesson in the story.  My daughter liked reading about Ted and following along the adventure as each page was turned.

  

Scott McCall began writing short stories to help his son learn to read.  Together they wrote some stories that rhymed.  It was from this experience that the idea of Ted the Friendly Frog evolved.  Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog is the third book in the series.

 For more information about the series and author, visit www.TedTheFriendlyFrog.com. 

Code Ninjas Pearland - Silverlake

Another year is upon us now, are you ready?  As a parent, we worry about our children being prepared or ready for the life they will live.  We want to prepare them with all the tools they will need.  Is your child ready for the 2019 - 2020 school year?

Thanks to Code Ninjas Silverlake for inviting my daughter to check out their place.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Technology is improving our world, day by day.  We are in the age of technology.  The things I learned when I was in school, are now part of old history and there is a new age of stories to be told.  I want to prepare my kids.  Coding is taking over and is everywhere.  Do you know how to code?

What if there was a place that could teach your child about coding in a fun environment?  Code Ninjas is a center for learning valuable skills with a game-based curriculum for kids ages 7-14. 

Your child can build, play, and learn at their own pace as they gain ninja skills.  They will be guided and helped by the Code Senseis®.  They will receive color-coded wristbands and lesson plans to match their skill level.  As they advance from white to black belt, they will receive special recognition.  

I had my reservations that my daughter would not be able to even figure out what to do.  But she easily absorbed everything that was being shown to her.  She went through a lesson and was coding.

As scary as new things may be, it is ok to try them.  Code Ninjas makes it super easy to be a hovering parent at arms reach.  Your child will not only build video games while learning to coding, but also construct and play with cool robotics, and engage in fun STEM games and activities.

If you are looking for a place to take your kids after school that they will enjoy, Code Ninjas has a flexible year-round schedule.  Find out more information, go to www.codeninjas.com.

Code Ninjas - 8325 Broadway St.Suite 224, Pearland, TX 77581

Let Them Build It - Strawbees

I hate when my kids get summer colds.  Those are the worst.  The doctor recommends lots of rest which includes staying at home with dad and it disrupts my daughter's routine.  When my daughter gets sick, I try to distract her from the crummy feeling.

Thanks to Strawbees for sending sample product fore review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When I am sick, I feel that distracting my brain helps me feel better.  It always works for me.  My daughter is the same way.  She loves to be engaged and enjoys experimenting.

My kids have always been very independent.  They love to tinker, discover, and create things all on their own.  

Strawbees Inventor Kit allows kids to be creative.  They can let their imagination run wild as they build.  The creations they make with their own hands.  It is a wonderful educational toy.  Kids do not even realize that they are actually learning while getting creative.

The toys that brings hours of fun for my future inventor.   Whether your kids get cabin fever, are looking for a challenging toy, or just love to work with their imagine; this is the perfect toy for them.  

Sprout New Preschool Series - FLOOGALS

***Disclosure-I was invited to a luncheon at Benjy's to get a sneak preview of a new show.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Do your kids watch Sprout?

Sprout is a 24-hour preschool network.  Their programming is different then other networks.  They are launching FLOOGALS a new original series created for kids ages 2-6.  

FLOOGALS follows the adventures of three exuberantly inquisitive aliens exploring Planet Earth.  Every day an exciting mission of experimentation, learning, and discovery awaits Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer as they explore the human way of life.  FLOOGALS follows the aliens’ hilarious antics as they learn about the oddities of the world, offering an unexpected and fun perspective on everyday life.  Each episode features the Floogals on a mission of discovery, using gadgets and teamwork to learn about this new planet.  The show features vibrant CGI animation alongside live action, and captures Earth from the perspective of these pocket-sized creatures. FLOOGALS encourages curiosity while grounding the excitement of exploration in the realities of a child’s world.

Each character has their own personalities.
-Captain Fleeker is a seeker of any open door to adventure.

-First Officer Flo is a collector of clues and explorer of animals, water and more.

-Junior Boomer, the tiniest Floogal who likes to dream big and has an eager eye to discover the “hooman” creatures living on Earth.

FLOOGALS encourages preschoolers to “floogal” their own world—to explore, observe, and view things from a different perspective.

FLOOGALS premieres on Sprout today at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

To learn more about FLOOGALS and Sprout’s original programming, visit www.SproutOnline.com.

Baby's First Book Blocks Review

Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own.

My daughter loves books.  She always has.  I like finding learning products that help our kids learn.  Recently I was looking for gifts for a couple of friends who will be first time mamis, and was introduced to Baby’s First Book Blocks. 

It is a series of mini board books designed to entice infants to focus and develop their visual acuity. Featuring high-contrast colors, eye-catching shapes, and colorful patterns, these chunky little books also incorporate the latest scientific research about vision development, making for the perfect introductory baby books.

Book 1: Black and White—simple but interesting shapes moving into more complex shapes and patterns
Book 2: Red, Blue, and Yellow—introduces primary colors and slightly more complex shapes, moving into real patterns with multiple colors
Book 3: Color and Pattern—secondary colors and more complex patterns
Book 4: Visual Excitement—subtle shades and complicated patterns 

Studies show that during the first year of life, babies’ visual skills develop dramatically. A month-old infant will prefer sharply defined, black-and-white edges and patterns, while by 4 months of age, most babies can distinguish even subtle shades and respond to repeating patterns.

These blocks are a perfect gift for an expectant mami so they can start the interaction from day one.  They can explore, examine, and help develop their babies visual skills.  And can continue using this even when they are older.  I like all the different colors, and patterns.  My daughter really liked stacking them, describing what she saw, and it was a fun game she keeps playing with us everyday.

For more information, go to http://powkidsbooks.com/babys-first-book-blocks/

Little Passports Review

Spring break is next month already.  Any plans for the kiddos to stay busy and not be at home bored?  Is a Staycation in your future plans?  Well get those little passports ready!

Little Passports is a subscription-based service that fosters excitement about geography, history, and culture by following the travels of animated characters Sam and Sofia on their magic scooter – both around the world and in the USA! 

Kids travel to far off countries and different states with letters, activities and souvenirs they receive each month in packages from Sam and Sofia. Please find more information about the USA Edition and World Edition. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new cultures each month.

My thoughts-My son has traveled with school and church all over the USA.  He was excited when he saw this kit:

USA Edition (ages 7-12)

The recently released USA Edition begins with the USA Discovery Kit, including a letter from Sam and Sofia, a wall-sized USA map, field guide, scratch book, disposable camera and photo scavenger hunt.  In subsequent months, kids will receive a travel journal packed with 32 pages of activities themed around two different states.

He pointed to all the places we have been to together, places he has been too, and places he wants to visit.  He liked that he was able to learn about places in the USA.  He was actually off on Friday and read up on New York, Texas and Florida, which are all places he has been too.  He made notes of things he did not see and wants to see next time he visits.  I love all the learning he has done and how much interest he has had for this.  

If you are looking for something for your kiddos to get into, or just learning guides for them, Little Passports is a great choice.  Growing up we never traveled anywhere.  Travel for me was in the books I read but so distant.  These kits are so much fun and perfect for your kiddos.  They will enjoy them like mine did.

***Disclosure-Sample kit was received to review.  All opinions stated are my very own, honest opinions.