October 2009 Notable Toys — Educational

What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys? How about a house full of 'em? Kids poke the dots and hear them pop as they learn to count down from 10 in the favorite childhood rhyme "Ten Little Monkeys." "Fun, tactile books help kids learn to count — without losing count! Raised buttons pop in on every page so kids can press them as they count," Rich Hill, director of marketing for innovativeKids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 5, 2009.

There are three different Make Your Own Kits: Make Your Own Chewing Gum, Make Your Own Gummies and Make Your Own Chocolate Kits. Each kit has a short story describing the life and surroundings of a hypothetical child and explains what his or her family and neighbors do regarding the kit's contents. "These kits are all Fair Trade Made. They have an important message; for example, the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit includes an educational booklet describing the benefits of the Rainforest and how Chicle is tapped from trees to make gum," Sylva Dvorak, in marketing for One World Projects, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004.

This book describes the entire MathMosis system. It is filled with short lessons outlining the I Chant, You Chant teaching methodology and gives teachers at-a-glance ideas for counting practice activities, as well as extension activity ideas that can be integrated with other subjects. It includes reproducible worksheets for fact practice as well as instructions for fact-practice games. The MathMosis book is the foundation to the MathMosis system. "MathMosis is a unique instructional approach to teaching skip counting, multiplication and division, through a variety of learning modalities," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

Twelve MathMosis Posters provide a visual for kindergarten through 4th-grade students as they learn to count. The posters are printed on heavy cardstock for durability and are 23" W x 12" to 29" L, depending on the information on the poster. The posters were specifically designed for classroom use with attractive colors and large numbers that students can see in a large-group setting. "MathMosis Posters appeal to visual and analytical learners by presenting skip-counting patterns on bright, colorful, heavy cardstock," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

MathMosis Mania provides children with a visual and kinesthetic approach to learning while having fun, offering practice in counting, multiplication and division. MathMosis Mania is designed to grow with children as they learn through multiple games. "[It] teaches number sense, multiplication and division through a variety of learning modalities, including visual, analytical and kinesthetic," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

MathMosis® Mania provides children with a visual and kinesthetic approach to learning while having fun. The game gives children practice in counting, multiplication and division, and is designed to grow with children as they learn. Children will learn to play four different MathMosis Mania games, "which [help] children learn through many learning modalities including visual, analytical and movement," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly.
Awards: Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009

Meebie is a toy developed for play, with therapeutic benefits. Designed as a globally appealing tool for expression and learning, it may be used in educational settings, play therapy, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, counseling and at home. The soft, furry Meebie measures 21" from head to seat and is fully washable. It may be used to express emotion, using the interchangeable pieces; comfort a child with separation anxiety, or one who has been hurt; engage children who are reluctant to express or participate; or teach specific emotions and emotional understanding. "Meebie’s 37 beautifully embroidered pieces can be arranged and rearranged in any number of ways, conveying all emotions," Lisa Johnson, co-owner of Orkid Toys, told TDmonthly. It was named among Dr. Toy's Best Products from 2007 to 2009. Launch date: September 15, 2005.

This pack comes with 12, 27" square scarves — two of each of the following colors: lavender, medium blue, lime green, yellow, peach and pink, and includes an instruction/informational insert and a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 12, 27" square scarves — two of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, kelly green, yellow, orange and purple, plus an instructional/informational insert and a reusable hanging plastic resealable storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 10, 27" square scarves in 10 colors — one of each of the following: purple, royal blue, gray, black, orange, red, kelly green, brown, pink and yellow. It also comes with an instructional insert, the "My Many Colored Days" book by Dr. Seuss and the IDEAS Music Colors CD. "We also provide durable and reusable plastic bags for storage as well as Velcro to hang the scarves in a special place, where they can be put away easily and beautifully," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Crayola Color Stories are interactive coloring activities that tell the stories of Jerome, Pedro, Sadie and others from the Undersea Adventures world. Kids progress through the story by coloring on their pages along with the characters on the screen, learning as they go. Activities are randomized so that kids can play Crayola Color Stories again and again. "Interactive DVD story and coloring activities keep children engaged and entertained while they learn," Anita Lavine, director of public relations for Screenlife, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Award and a 2009 Creative Child Award. Launch date: June 2009.

This kit includes 20, 27" square scarves in 10 colors — two of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, gray, black, orange, red, kelly green, brown, pink and yellow. It also comes with an instructional insert, the "My Many Colored Days" book by Dr. Seuss, the IDEAS Music Colors CD, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag, and Velcro to hang the scarves nicely. Launch date: 2008.

This kit includes 24, 54" square scarves in 12 colors — two of each of the following shades: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white, plus an IDEAS Music 111 CD, an instructional insert, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag, and Velcro to hang the scarves. "Our scarf kits contain high-quality, 100-percent washable nylon scarves in vibrant colors," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 24, 27" square scarves in 12 colors — two of each of the following: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white, plus an IDEAS Primary Music CD, an instructional insert, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag and Velcro to hang the scarves. "Our scarf kits contain high-quality, 100-percent-washable nylon scarves in vibrant colors. ... they not only contain instruction/informational inserts which lead educators and caregivers on the path to endless uses for the scarves, but they also include music that has been created especially for IDEAS and for children," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Adina's Deck is a group of 8th-grade friends who use technology to solve a different mystery in every episode. In episode 1, the team is on the case to figure out who has been Cyber Bullying Skye, the most popular girl in the 8th grade. In episode 2, Adina's Deck tries to find out if Ally's online boyfriend is really a dream come true. In Episode 3, someone plagiarized his/her paper in Mr. B's class and the club investigates to find the cheater. "Adina's Deck is the first DVD series of it's kind addressing the social challenges that arise with increased technology use amongst teens," Debbie Heimowitz, co-founder of Adina's Deck, told TDmonthly. "The show is action-packed, filled with comedy and fun for students and parents alike." Adina's Deck has received these awards: International Family Film Festival, Best Educational Film, 2009; Eugene, Oregon, Best Film For Youth, 2009; Kid's First Film Festival, 2nd place, 2008; Honolulu Film Festival, Silver Lei Award, 2009; Approved by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media; and Dr. Toy's Best Summer Vacation Products, 2009. Launch date: August 2009.

The MathMosis CD is happy and energetic music that is fun for all ages. Children learn to count by multiples through repetition while enjoying MathMosis Music. MathMosis Music provides children with a strategy which aids in understanding and memorizing multiplication and division problems. The counting songs are in order from easiest to most difficult so each child can develop number sense at his/her own rate.

This frog kit contains 31 parts. It has fine detailed sculpting and hand-painted parts. Organs and body parts detach. Display platform and illustrated guide book are included. Recommended for ages 8+. WARNING: Choking hazard - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.

We Both Read books feature an interactive format designed for a child to take turns reading aloud with a parent or tutor. The left-hand pages feature more sophisticated text for the parent or tutor to read. Then, the child reads the right-hand pages, which feature text written at a specific early reading level. With beautiful illustrations and photos, the books are leveled for children in grades K-3, and the series includes a total of 45 fiction and nonfiction titles. Paperback: $4.99, Hardcover: $9.95. "Designed for shared reading, the We Both Read series brings parents and children together for a wonderful reading experience and faster reading development," Gloria L. Scott, office manager for Treasure Bay, Inc., told TDmonthly. This product has received the following awards: 2005 - The National Parenting Center; 2008 - Learning Magazine's Teachers' Choice Award; 2007 - Institute for Childhood Resources (1 of 10 best Educational Products); and Mom's Choice Award (finalist for Best Children's Series). Launch date: 1997.

One night, a big storm hits the farm. High winds and rain sweep through the tree where a mother and father owl are caring for their babies. During the storm, the mother owl disappears. The father owl doesn’t know what to do. Can Farmer Samuel and his wife save them? Launch date: September 2009.

Farmer Samuel’s nephew Mossy discovers a dirty, smelly, and very sick puppy hidden in a box of rags. There is no time to spare. Will they be able to save him? They have to act fast! This tale is part of a four-book series of real stories from a California pet sanctuary, in which author Samuel Lopez records the rescue and restoration of unwanted animals. Launch date: September 2009.

Farmer Samuel can hear a little kitten calling for help. He searches everywhere but he can’t find him. Just when he’s about given up hope of finding the kitten, here comes his dog Stinky Little Scroungy. Scroungy has something gray and furry in his mouth. Is it the kitten? This story is one in a series of real-life tales from a northern California pet sanctuary. Launch date: September 2009.

A kitten flies out of the window of a speeding car and bounces across the road. The kitten is badly injured. Can Farmer Samuel find her in time? Even if he does, would the little kitten let him help her? "In these four inspiring, real-life stories from a pet sanctuary in northern California, young readers will achieve a deeper understanding of the need to care for and about all animals. Author Samuel Lopez writes about taking in unwanted and abandoned animals, restoring them to health and finding them new homes," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

This planner is designed to help young adults set short- and long-term goals and demystifies the world of banking, investing and credit. It features a 36-page handbook, four sturdy, zippered pouches for saving, spending, donating and investing, convenient storage pockets, and a privacy padlock. It is available in durable ballistic silver nylon. "This personal finance organizer is simple and easy-to-use. ... A perfect product for the current economic environment," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly in summer 2009. This product has received the following awards: 2004 Parents' Choice Silver Award, 2008 NAPPA Gold Award, and 2008 Product of the Year (Creative Toy Awards) from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2004.

This distinctive bank has a patented, four-chambered design created to help kids (ages 4-11) and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It helps teach basic money skills (Fiscal Fitness Training for Money - Smart Kids™) by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. It is available in brown with white stripes and laces. The Money Savvy Football Bank received a 2008 NAPPA Gold Award and a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: December 2006.