August 2010 Notable Toys — Language

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit Kindergarten Edition is designed to teach children essential skills that build a strong foundation for reading and writing. This program aims to help kids gain confidence while mastering grade level phonics, reading and writing skills. "This comprehensive, teacher-designed kit builds a foundation for literacy: reading, writing, reading comprehension and handwriting," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
— The mom blogger at Welcome to Our Wonderland read both Magic Letters and Magic Words from the kit. She stated that the “text is predictable so your child can learn the story and participate,” leading to “the clicking moment” when letter sounds and words are associated in the child’s mind. The reviewer and her daughter enjoyed the books “more then most other word family books.”
— Jenny Thompson of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine reviewed Magic Letter, Magic Words and the audio CD from the kit. Jenny exclaimed “I am not exaggerating when I say that these books changed our lives! These were the first books my daughter was enthusiastic about reading. She could not wait to read each story.”

This 16" doll is designed to resemble Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and wears a racing uniform and cap. A miniature Nascar car is included.

As the official symbol for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the image of the Inuksuk was everywhere. This book teaches children all about life in the Arctic and these amazing stone statues. The acrostic poem, complemented by paintings, celebrates the Arctic landscape, culture and traditions. "Words are written in both English and Inuktitut, with an Inuktitut pronunciation guide included at the back of the book, so children can sound out the words in both languages," Kendal Gerard, Marketing Associate, Owlkids, told TDmonthly.

TDmonthly Review:

Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.

This full-color 22" x 28" poster depicts 26 different feelings in correlation to the alphabet. It contains both an English word and a Spanish word for each feeling. "This product teaches about feelings, but it also teaches both Spanish and English words," ABC Feelings Vice President Gene Abrams told TDmonthly.

This easy-to-use educational tool promotes accelerated learning, literacy and new language skills. The WhisperPhone Element is adjustable for fit and comfort, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.