June 2011 Notable Toys — Language

20 large-format bilingual coloring and activity pages printed on heavy art paper and a colorful kid-friendly glossary invite children to discover their artistic talents and explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, animals and musical instruments of Latin America. "The Latin America Coloring Book is bilingual English and Spanish. This aspect along with its beautiful aesthetic sets it apart from other coloring books on the market," Ava Mostefaoui, co-manager of Putamayo Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Word Braniac includes 120 Letter Cards, 1 Game Timer and 1 copy of Word Brainiac Games Booklet-Volume 1, featuring 5 entertaining and educational word games- all contained in a handy re-closable plastic pouch. There are also instructions to 45 more games on Word Braniac's website- players can play a different game every time. Kids can enjoy a game alone or play with their friends, and can compete against each other or battle as teams. There are games for kids, adults and older folks. There are games for students and those wanting to learn English as their second language. All games are excellent vocabulary-builders. Some focus on English grammar and general academic subjects. Most entail abstract and logical thinking. Each game rewards individual risk-taking while some games promote team building.25% of your purchase will fund youth-oriented development projects.

One 23" green Beanpod fits four Beandolls, including one pink Beandoll (named “MeiLin”), one red Beandoll (named “Bahiya”), one orange doll (named “Adora”) and one green doll (named “Oris”). The Beandolls are soft and cuddly and the Beanpod can be hung from a loop on its end. Each Beandoll represents a different cultural theme and has a special symbol on it (the meaning of which is explained on its tag). Also sold individually or in pods of two.

At the core of this game lies a fast paced word game that will help children develop many useful skills including improving their spelling and vocabulary and the ability to think quickly under pressure. The rules of the game are simple. Each player selects 20 lettered tiles and must be the first person to spell 5 different words (a 2 letter, 3 letter, 4 letter, 5 letter and 6 letter word) within a five minute time frame. The first player to do this will score points for tiles left unused by his/her opponents. The first player to score 100 points wins the game. To make the game a little easier for new spellers, simply remove or extend the timer or omit the 5 and 6 letter word requirement.

Spanish for Kids is an award-winning Spanish immersion DVD series featuring the adorable Fritzi, an animated mouse who interacts with live-action adults and children to help teach Spanish.  In Las Estaciones (The Seasons), Fritzi wants to celebrate his birthday, which comes in the Fall.  With the help of his friend Maria, young viewers learn about the many joys associated with all four seasons, from sledding and snowball fights in winter (el invierno), to trick-or-treating in autumn (el otoño). 

Kloo has taken the proven five principles of language learning and embedded them in a game system. These principles of language learning are independently corroborated by language experts. It means you can just play and learn a language at least 200% faster and much more easily. There is no work, writing or study – just playing, learning naturally and having fun. Comes in French or Spanish.
Awards— Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys for 2011

The Language Mechanic is an effective, comprehensive program that uses fun examples and logical reasons to eliminate the confusion students often feel while learning the rules of language mechanics. Each activity demonstrates and reinforces why following the logical rule is important. Lessons begin with a "grabber”—a humorous miscommunication that results when a rule is broken. Examples are followed by an explanation of the specific rule, the logic behind it, then guided and independent practice exercises. Includes presentation and reinforcement suggestions, answers, a glossary, and a compare/contrast organizer.
Awards— Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys for 2011