September 2012 Notable Toys — Educational

This kit includes everything kids need to do fun experiments on road trips, plane flights, train rides, and vacations. Assemble a simple pair of binoculars and learn how they work. Set up a mini cable car to run between car windows or airplane tray tables. Explore rotational speed with a spinning disk experiment. Build a balance scale to measure weights. Calculate how far a distance is on a map, and how fast you are traveling. Learn fun facts about migrating animals and how fast Earth is traveling through space. Experiment with a mini boomerang. Observe optical illusions with a spinning top. Make a "lenticular" postcard that looks different depending on the viewing angle.

Together, these three DVDs will introduce kids to 180 Chinese (Mandarin) words and phrases. Using Little Pim’s unique Entertainment Immersion Method, Little Pim will captivate children by turning everyday activities into fun adventures. The DVDs combine animation and real kids, teaching simple words and phrases for everyday activities. Includes 3 Chinese DVDs (eating and drinking, wake up smiling, playtime); 8" velvety soft plush Little Pim panda, and a fun, see-through Little Pim tote bag.

Eating is one of life's greatest pleasures, but poor food choices and eating habits can lead to a lifetime of obesity and other health problems, low energy, general malaise, and even poor self-esteem. MyPlate Food BINGO is a fun, easy way to teach 9 year olds and up how important it is to eat healthy and grow up feeling energized and feeling great. Based on the USDA's revamped MyPlate food categories - vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein and dairy - this gustatorial game's 95 different foods will get everyone involved considering different options, portion sizes and combinations.
Awards: 2012 Tillywig Brain Child Award; 2012 Parent's Choice Approved Award; 2012 Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Product; 2012 Dr. Toy's Alumni Award of Excellence; 2012 Family Review Center Gold Award; 2012 Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award.
—  "So much packed into this little package. Great for teachers to incorporate into a classroom activity and great for at home too...An overall great learning tool, that promotes healthy standards in an easy to understand and easy to implement manner." - a review on Family Review Center.

This chalkboard is approximately 18" across, and can be hung on the wall with the attached red cord. Includes chalk. Also comes in an owl design.

This is one individual littleBits bit: The temperature sensor senses the temperature surrounding it. Whether it's sitting in a cold glass of water, or just hanging out at your table, or anything in between, the temperature sensor gets stronger when it's warmer. The littleBits Starter kit or Teaser kit, or the USB Power bit is required for use.

We partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's Stock Photo Library to find a great image that would remind us all to "wash our paws!" Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to add an important message along with a bit of humor to your home, classroom, office, workplace...anyplace where healthy habits and clean hands are encouraged. Launch date: 2012.

Sometimes, an image almost speaks out loud and all we have to do is write down what it says. Anyone who has raised or worked with children, teenagers, or young adults will relate to this message. Once again, we partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to find this great photo. Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to encourage us all to think for ourselves. Launch date: 2012.

What better way to great each day than with the attitude that "Everyday is a good day!" When the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library found this engaging image for us, we didn't have to think twice about what words we were going to put with it. We hope this colorful 17" x 22" chart will help kids focus on the positive and better enjoy each and every day. Launch date: 2012.

When we asked the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to help us find an image that would encourage us all to exercise, this is what they sent. How can kids make excuses not to exercise with this little guy's big, green eyes looking at them. And, he's guaranteed to make kids smile. Kids'll want to be fit and healthy when they go visit their new "personal trainer" and his furry brothers and sisters in Madagascar. Launch date: 2012.

This poster is great for any classroom or learning environment. Featuring a quote by the wise Theodore Roosevelt, it reads "Far better it is to dare mighty things, than to take rank with those poor timid spirits who know neither victory nor defeat". Launch date: 2011.

Learning Magnets Magnetic Numbers & Math Signs set includes 30 high-quality magnets - two sets of the numbers 0 to 9 (which can be combined to make larger numbers) and ten commonly used math signs. The numbers are color coded - odd numbers are blue and even numbers are red. This versatile set is great for mastering number identification, strengthening counting skills, learning number facts, and practicing simple math skills. Launch date: 2012.

These Pop-Out Letters are 2 inches, making them the perfect size for smaller projects. Use them on bulletin boards, desk tags, folders, cubbies, the possibilities are endless- these guys fit everywhere. These feature an Italy design, adorned with bright, bold colors and fun flowers. Launch date: 2011.

Ever since we released our first set of Letter Pop-Outs, customers have been asking for coordinating sets with smaller letters. Here they are. These Mini Letter Pop-Outs will fit in places where their larger cousins can’t quite squeeze in. Each set includes a whopping 676 uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks. Launch date: 2011.

Our top selling Draw-Right-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Right-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In Savannahs, learn about the animals that call the savannahs of the world their home. . .Can a gazelle run faster than a cheetah? The Grassland Animals sections allow kids to gallop across the steppes with a wild horse and raid an ant hill with an anteater while exploring eastern Europe and central Asia’s grassy plains. In Mountains and Deserts learn about the fascinating animals that inhabit the planet’s highest and driest places. Learn about them and, in the process, discover why Europe and Asia—although connected—are two continents. Launch date: 2001.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In Tropical Forests draw Bengal tigers, monkeys and more while exploring the world’s tropical forests. How do Asian elephants differ from African elephants? Northern Forests provides an exploration of the planet’s northern forests and their animal inhabitants. In Forests Down Under learn about the fascinating animals that inhabit Australia, “the land down under.” Launch date: 2000.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. Animals & Habitats On the Land provides an opportunity to learn about the speedy jackrabbit and his shrub land neighbors and climb high peaks with mountain goats. Where do butterflies go when it rains? In Ponds & Rivers splash with frogs in wetlands and swim with turtles in lakes. Do beavers live in flowing water, pooled water or frozen water? The Oceans section provides an exploration of shallow tidelands with hermit crabs and herons, swim sunlit waters with dolphins and then plunge into the oceans’ dark depths–home of weird and wonderful sea creatures. Launch date: 1999.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In The United States learn about the United States and the fundamental principles for which it stands. In From Sea to Sea discover how the United States grew from 13 colonies to a nation that spans a continent and encompasses 50 states. In Moving Forward kids can float down the Ohio River on a flatboat in the 1700s and then learn about the Internet while traveling through time with famous Americans, their inventions and innovations. Launch date: 1998.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. The Polar Regions section allows kids to discover the wonders of our planet’s polar regions. Why is it so cold near the poles? The Arctic provides an exploration of “The Land of the Midnight Sun” while learning about polar bears, igloos and more. In The Antarctic kids will experience one of Earth’s most amazing places. How do penguins keep their chicks warm? Why is the southern ocean teeming with life? Launch date: 1997.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In the Native Americans section learn about North America’s diverse Native cultures–past and present. North America allows kids to explore the vast North American continent with lessons on the mountainous West, the frozen North and more. The Pilgrims section allows discovery of who they were and why they came to America.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills! Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. Christopher Columbus allows kids to Explore the world while learning about Columbus voyage of 1492. In Autumn Harvest celebrate the wonders of autumn with lessons on pine cones, owls, squirrels and more. The Weather unravels the mysteries of the weather. What makes a cloud? Why does it snow? What is fog? Launch date: 1995.

The #1 learning tablet just got better! LeapPad2 Explorer™ inspires kids to imagine and explore with front-and-back cameras, 4 GB of memory and a library of 325+ apps for limitless learning and fun. Comes bundled with Explorer Learning Game Cartridges: Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Disney•Pixar Pixar Pals and a green LeapPad case. Also comes in pink.

Hilarity ensues in this fast-paced race to become the Laughing Stock™ of the group. Invent the funniest punch lines to over 3.4 million joke combinations and deliver friends’ gags with flair. Perfect for parties and family nights, this gut-busting game will have everyone laughing and learning at the same time. "Unlike traditional card games, this one has over 3.4 million possible joke combinations. The game will never get old," David Williams, president of Milliwik told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Awards: 2012 Game of the Year award

A fun and easy activity parents and children can do together. Kids will be delighted with colorful cards that promote gross motor development and alphabet recognition. Each card has a lower case letter on one side and adorable animal and action on the other. Players can have fun as they "Crawl like an inchworm" or "Roar like a lion." Children will practice letter recognition while improving flexibility and strengthening muscles. Trace the letter on the back of the card for reinforcement and handwriting practice. Launch date: 2011.

A fun and easy activity parents and children can do together. Kids will love these colorful cards that promote gross motor development and alphabet recognition. Each card has an upper case letter on one side and adorable animal and action on the other. Parents and their kids can have fun as they "Run like a Fox" or "Roll like an Armadillo." They learn to recognize the alphabet, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Trace the letter on the back of the card for reinforcement and handwriting practice. A sturdy ring means they’ll never lose a single card. Launch date: 2011.
Award: 2011 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval award