December 2010 Notable Toys — School Supplies

This Brain Quest write and erase format is geared to give the earliest learners a leg up on writing, reading, and using number. Featuring an attached pack of 40 large, write-on, wipe-off cards plus a dry-erase pen, each deck teaches a critical skill to help children learn to read before kindergarten. These are practical lessons that are also fun, entertaining, and informative. Phonics teaches early reading with fill-ins for long and short vowels and basic consonant sounds, letter scrambles, complete-the-words, and more.
— ''We just got [the Phonics write & erase sets] in, and we sold 18 last month,'' said Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va.
— ''Brainquest work books and cards go the fastest,'' seconded Susan Blanton, owner of Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va.
— In a November 2011 survey 2 out of 12 retailers said that Brainquest was their best selling educational item. “Brain Quest (Workman Publishing) has always done well for us," Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly that sell about 30 units of Brain Quest each month.

Air-Dry modeling material for active hands. Dense, durable, responsive and air-drying, it features fine grain for finer detail and available in white or natural terra cotta color. Carvable, paintable and light weight.

Activa's Model N' Mold is reusable and non-toxic, with natural color and waterproof properties. This enables the creation of landscapes and models, be painted, and support water such as a river, lake, or moat. Suited for fast dimensional studies, an introductory carving material, as well as producing molds for sand casting. Mold N' Mold is special sand designed for creative use indoors or out.

Colored sand scenes from Sandtastik. Peel and add sand. Package contains two die cut 5x7 boards and 6 sparkling sand colors.

Sandtastik Rappit Plaster Molding Cloth is made from safe and non-toxic materials. Ideal for making volcanoes, masks, body castings, sculptures, jewelry, dioramas and more. Simply cut, dip in water, squeeze out excess, and begin to model. From set up to finished craft in minutes. Available in rolls of 4”x15’, 8”x15’, 4”x135’, and 4”x270’.

The MathMosis Classroom Kit is an instructional tool which coincides with a school’s already existing math program. MathMosis was designed for kindergarten through third grade classrooms. Supported by research, this math supplemental teaches children to count by multiples through a variety of learning modalities and utilizes a strategy which assists in understanding and memorizing multiplication and division problems beginning at an early age. Kit includes MathMosis Book, MathMosis Mania Games, MathMosis Posters, and MathMosis Music CD.

Kids can use this decorative computer paper to personalize and jazz-up newsletters, announcements, awards, writing center prompts and more! 50 8 1/2" x 11" sheets are included per package.

This motivating bookmark is designed for celebrations and reading rewards, with an added bonus message: make a difference by living green. It comes in a pack of 30 bookmarks, so every student can learn about taking care of the environment while reading various books. "These bookmarks not only promote an eco-friendly lifestyle, but are made with 20 to 28-percent post-consumer waste material," Creative Teaching Press Marketing Specialist Lauren Tuculescu told TDmonthly.

Teachers can welcome new students with this back-to-school Web-themed display. Use the colorful pieces to promote an interactive learning environment while introducing students to the latest trend in Internet-based communication. Each bulletin board set includes a “Welcome!” sign, a “Class Web Page” chart, 30 student web page headers and four customizable web buttons. "This product is trendy, and speaks to students on a level they can relate to and enjoy," Creative Teaching Press Marketing Specialist Lauren Tuculescu told TDmonthly.

An enjoyable craft project/activity for children and adults. Recommended for use with Sandtastik PlasterMix. 18 unique and reusable Molds per pack. Simply choose the preferred color of plaster, mix the colored plaster with water, pour the mixture into Sandtastik Plaster Molds, wait 30 minutes, and then paint and decorate. Plaster Molds can be re-used over and over again.