May 2010 Notable Toys — Educational

DGA-TV is a co-operative game about running a TV station. Players are producers who run 7 Studios, featuring everything from children’s shows to current affairs, working together to bring award-winning programming to the viewing public. They must deal with the critics, ratings, sponsors and the actions of people behind and in front of the cameras while putting together as popular a TV program as possible in order to avoid cancellations and earn awards. The game includes eight player game boards, rules, six movers, seven success markers, a program marker, 41 thumbs up and 45 thumbs down cards, and a rules summary chart. Launch date: 2006.

This board game is designed particularly for young children who have an interest in stars, planets, astronauts and space travel. Players are among a team of astronauts sent out into the universe to find another planet with new sources of energy, food and minerals as a suitable environment for earth's growing population. Dark and Dangerous Skies includes two more games of increasing complexity, making it a game youngsters can start off on and then grow with, well into adult years. Jim Deacove, President of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly that one of the notable features of the game is that one can "play as friends, not as enemies!" The game includes a 12" x 12" board, four explorer craft, four matching astronaut movers, a die, rules, and 10 equipment, 19 danger and 12 info tokens. Launch date: 2006.

This 4D educational biology series includes kits on human anatomy, cell and plant biology, and animal figures complete with anatomical guide. Tedco's 4D Vision Anatomy Kits expand to include cross-section models of Sea Life and Mammals. Launch date: 2010.

The GummiBear character that has become an internet sensation is now licensed as a karaoke for children. With 50 built-in songs for kids, the microphone recognizes pitch and sync as they sing to the music, grading the child's performance along the way. Launch date: 2010.

The hobby kits by WALACHIA vary in size and theme. They contain up to 300 parts of precisely cut wooden prisms of 9 x 9 mm, gables, roofs and bases made of plywood, doors and windows, even foil to substitute for glass. Paper prints can be applied on roof areas, or children can glue shingles made of beech veneer. The set also contains dusting material to represent grass, as well as sandpaper to use for small adjustments. Individual parts are glued with wood and paper glue according to step-by-step diagram instructions. Instructions available in eight languages. Launch date: 1992.

It is possible to build multiple variants of different buildings with the Dismantlable Vario Building Set from WALACHIA. The set contains beech parts of 15 mm in diameter, of various lengths, with which by means of locks at the ends, creative and unique constructions may be assembled and dismantled. Awards: 1995/Prague Toy Fair. Launch date: January 1992.

"101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math!" uses an accessible question-and-answer approach to explore key concepts in math while making connections to everyday life: sports, hobbies, food, music, travel, etc. It is the second book in its series, following the NSTA recommended "101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science."  "'101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math' is a fun and entertaining way to link mathematics to everyday life. Kids learn that math really does help solve real-world problems," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2010.

"One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!" is authored by the same father-daughter team that introduced the award-winning, NSTA recommended, "One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science!" Co-authored by a high-school girl, this title is a great way to encourage girls to excel in math. Readers will learn much and have fun as they use their logic and their mathematical know-how to solve the various "mysteries" presented in this book. "'One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!' skillfully meshes humor and excitement with challenging real world problems and allows young mathematicians to hone their sleuthing skills," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

There are four different Teach & Play Tiles set for the beginning learner. Set 1 has shapes and colors, set 2 includes animals and vegetables, set 3 makes story telling fun with buildings and vehicles, and set 4 reinforces counting skills with numbers and fractions. Each set comes with 12 tiles, printed on both sides with non-toxic inks. The tiles measure 2.25" wide, 3.5" tall and a slight 1/8" thick. Sets come with a cloth storage pouch and suggestions for play. Each set can be used for rudimentary learning at first and then grow with the child in expanding activities. The tiles may be used for matching and sorting skills, comparing and contrasting, categorization, story telling and math practice. Launch date: Summer 2010.

Creative fun and science mingle in this new kit from the WILD! Science series for girls. Kids can explore the science of beauty with a creative and adventurous edge while learning how cosmetics are created. All the tools required to make your own beauty products are included. Launch date: 2010.

Complete with a field guide, this book features nine press-out dinosaurs and four pop-up play scenes for much more than a regular reading experience. The 42-page book shows off the T. Rex, Triceratops and other dinos. Launch date: October 2009.

Mom and Dakota love the mall. But when Dakota sees something neat, she goes off without telling anyone. Suddenly she’s all alone! What should she do? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Chloe and Marbles are best friends. But one day, Marbles gets sick, and no one can save him. Was it her fault? Will she ever feel better? Discover the circle of life with Chloe and Marbles. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Danny is the best at keeping secrets. But when his friend, Rick, tells him a scary secret, Danny feels uneasy about keeping quiet. Is it ever okay to break a promise to a friend? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

It was hard enough for Cosmos when his parents divorced, but now Dad is remarrying! Discover with Cosmos that change can be rewarding. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

When Dakota's mom goes to the hospital, the whole world seems to change. Why did Mom have to get sick? And when will she come home? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

This two-in-one kit for "Following Directions" and "ABCs and Simple Shapes" was developed by an occupational therapist and contains 20 hands-on games in a no-spill carrying case. It's designed to get children prepared for school through activities such as ABC fishing, letter building, turn taking, coloring on bumpy line pages to enhance concentration, and more. It comes with an illustrated guide for parents.

Part zoo adventure, part songbook and part early confidence builder, through this musical journey, children can appreciate their individuality and have loads of fun along the way. Dance routine, CD and sheet music included.

Musically motivate toddlers to get out of their diapers and onto the toilet seat with a bouncing island beat that will have children motivated to transition from diapers to the toilet. A full musical CD and sheet music are included.

Cosmos' parents are getting a divorce. Cosmos has a lot of questions! Is it his fault? Where will he live? What will happen? Tips & interactive play therapies at end of book.

Chloe's new baby brother is coming home from the hospital! Chloe doesn't know what to expect, but she’ll be a big sister, and that is a very important job! Tips & interactive play therapies at end of book.

Will Danny like his new house, his new school and his new friends? Discover with Danny that although moving can be scary it can also be fun and exciting. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

The concept of this series is to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes for readers of many ages in a time when economic realities demand a new kind of savvy skill set. It's designed for both kids and adults. "The simplicity of the work book takes the fear factor out of starting a business," Dianne Linderman, CEO, The First Moms Club Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010.

This day-at-a-glance calendar with plenty of space for the reusable static cling chores, money and happy/sad pieces is designed to make allowance fun for kids and easy for parents. It includes a dry-erase pen and more than 60 chores to choose from. Launch date: April 2010.