TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

The Rosemary Wells Collection by NEW VIDEO GROUP INC. / A&E HOME VIDEO

Featuring character favorites Max and Ruby, the beloved Rosemary Wells classics come to life in this two-disc collection. Kids can collect the entire library of Scholastic Storybook Treasures and read along on screen with their favorite classic children's stories through this DVD. 9/7/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Notable Novelists™ by CALICO

Kids can discover some of the most celebrated, controversial and thought-provoking novelists of the 20th century while playing this simple, strategy-based card game. 9/7/2010 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sparkabilities by SPARKABILITIES

Sparkabilities is a developmental media series that is modeled on a comprehensive brain-based method of education. The Sparkabilities brand is designed for children ages birth to preschool and includes four DVDs and supporting iPhone and iPadd apps. "The scientific method behind the Sparkabilities series, PlayWisely, introduces a core base of knowledge, incrementally stimulating age appropriate cognitive skills from infancy through preschool," Sparkabilities Creator/Producer Jana Leveritt told TDmonthly. 9/7/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learn and Crawl Ball by VTECH

This motorized ball stimulates gross motor movement and aims to catch babies' attention with colors and lights. The colorful buttons teach numbers, shapes, animal names and sounds. Three AA batteries are included.
 —  As of 1.10.2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars on Target.com from 65 reviews and was listed as a top 30 bestselling toy. Pros: Interactive; Rolls independently. Cons: Music is annoying to some parents. 9/3/2010 (Price: $14.00)

Turn & Learn: Addition and Subtraction, Gr. K by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

This 24-page book includes a collection of self-checking, standards-based skill cards. These cards are designed for hands-on review or independent work at a learning center. The varying skill levels represented in the series provide valuable differentiation for students. "The Turn & Learn series is designed to provide a fun, interactive way for students to practice early literacy and math skills," Creative Teaching Press Marketing Specialist Lauren Tuculescu told TDmonthly. 9/1/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Club Combo Set 1 by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

This eight-book collection reveals how exciting it is to be able to read. These books are designed for pre-K beginning readers, or struggling early readers. In these adventures children will discover the joy of sharing, the uniqueness of each person, how to make a mud pie and more. By purchasing the Kids Club Combo buyers will receive a 10-percent savings over purchasing the two sets included individually, plus a colorful tracking chart and corresponding stickers. The compact storage box encourages children to store and access their own Learn to Read Kids Club materials.
Awards: Creative Child Magazine Media of the Year Award (Educational Books) 9/1/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dr. Jean's Make & Take Books by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

The reproducible pages in this resource can be used to create a class set of all 12 books in the Sing Along & Read Along with Dr. Jean series. Students can personalize their very own readers and then use them for repeated reading practice as they sing along or read along in class or at home. The set includes engaging activity ideas for each title to promote an interactive learning experience and reinforce many early childhood concepts. 9/1/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dots on Black Computer Paper by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

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. 9/1/2010 (Price: $4.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Take Care of the Earth Bookmarks by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

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. 9/1/2010 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

READ: Step In, Gr. K–1 by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

The innovative READ workbook series is expertly designed for beginning readers. Each READ grade level offers a Step In workbook with shorter stories and simpler sentences and a Step Up workbook with stories and sentences that are a bit longer. Both options are specifically written to support beginning readers as they read, explore, and discover early reading success. "The Step Up, Gr. K–1 workbook features an exciting combination of learn-to-read stories, engaging questions to build vocabulary and spark discussion, and dynamic story-based activities," Creative Teaching Press Marketing Specialist Lauren Tuculescu told TDmonthly. 9/1/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Birthday Crowns by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

Kids can celebrate special occasions and great accomplishments with these whimsical crowns. The adjust-to-fit crowns measure 6.25" x 24," and the set includes 30 crowns per package. "Rather than a birthday sticker or button, these colorful crowns truly make the birthday boy or girl feel like royalty!" Creative Teaching Marketing Specialist Lauren Tuculescu told TDmonthly. 9/1/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Used to be Afraid of...Variety Pack by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

This 12-book set of readers is designed to help alleviate children's fears by providing a fascinating, up-close look at how "scary" creatures live and why people do not need to be afraid of them. Featuring the magnificent images by Dwight Kuhn, one of America's leading nature photographers, these readers aim to help children appreciate the positive contribution animals make to our world. The text includes sensible precautions people should take when interacting with the animals to avoid being harmed. The included two-CD set features audio read-alongs to complement the readers with 12 bonus tracks featuring comprehension questions based on information found in each book, and wait time is provided to pause the CD to allow students time to recall what they have just heard or read and to then verbally respond. Following the pause, the answers are given so that students can check their responses. 9/1/2010 (Price: $51.87) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classbook Bulletin Board Set by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

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. 9/1/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Writing Boosters - A Creative Writing Program by WORLD CLASS LEARNING MATERIALS INC.

Writing Boosters is a comprehensive, supplemental writing program carefully aligned to the Core Curriculum. The program contains a CD, wall posters, story cutouts and 30 pages of activities and strategies. The CD is a dramatic reading of the story with sound effects to engage students. "This is a 'Pick Up and Teach Product', ready for teacher use right out of the box," Bruce Brown, President  of World Class Learning Materials told TDmonthly. 9/1/2010 (Price: $119.76) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

This third and final volume of the "Earth Heroes" books features the youth and careers of eight of the world’s greatest environmentalists who championed the protection of wildlife. It includes the historic and contemporary figures of William Hornaday (saved the bison from extinction), Ding Darling ("A Duck’s Best Friend"), Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring), Roger Tory Peterson ("Inventor of the Modern Field Guide"), R.D. Lawrence ("Storyteller for Wolves"), E.O. Wilson ("Lord of the Ants"), Jane Goodall ("Champion for Chimps"), and Iain and Saba Douglas-Hamilton ("Saving the Elephants"). This highly readable volume with illustrations and photographs calls attention to the waves of influence that spread from the ideas and actions of these heroes for the Earth.
Awards: 2010 Mom's Choice Award - Gold Medal 9/1/2010 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The BLUES Go Birding At Wild America's Shores by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

In this second of the BLUES Go Birding series, five adorable cartoon bluebirds go on another bird watching adventure. This time they follow in the footsteps of the famed Roger Tory Peterson, and see birds on every coastline of America. Filled with both information and entertainment, the BLUES are a delightful introduction to birdwatching and the major shorebird species for children. 9/1/2010 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shakin' The Chute by KIMBO EDUCATIONAL

Parachute fitness routines set to diverse music and original songs address mobility, fitness, directionality, body identification, imaginative play and important concepts. Parachute play can be used for circle time, arrival and departure activities, recess and indoor/outdoor play. 8/26/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Steady, Ready, Jump by KIMBO EDUCATIONAL

This DVD is designed to get kids moving to fun routines set to music with beat and "pop" sounds. Flexibility, strength and aerobics, moving from warm up to cool down, with a lot of easy pre-aerobic routines, aim to help promote good health and healthy play. "Important activity benefits include self regulatory behavior, valuable educational concepts, nutrition, the environment, sensory integration, improved motor skills, movement and more," Kimbo Educational Director of Sales and Marketing Elaine Murphy told TDmonthly. 8/26/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Indoor Outdoor Science Lab by SMARTLAB TOYS

What mystery material is on a toothbrush? Where is the coldest place on Earth? Why are frogs famous for being slimy? This kit’s 12 activity cards reveal all. "This deluxe kit combines our You-Track-It Weather Lab, Indoor Outdoor Microscope and Extreme Secret Formula Lab all into one," SmartLab Toys Director of Sales and Marketing Darcy Morris told TDmonthly. 8/26/2010 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

You-Track-It Weather Lab by SMARTLAB TOYS

With this kit, kids can explore the science behind weather using this interactive station to track wind, rain and temperature. Five experiments take children from challenging the local weatherman to predicting the weather using crickets. "A full-on forecasting station," SmartLab Toys Director of Sales and Marketing Darcy Morris told TDmonthly. 8/26/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teifoc Beginner Brick Construction Set-149 pc by EITECH AMERICA

With over 194 pieces, Teifoc’s Beginner Brick Construction Set incorporates real, reusable miniature bricks for building, encouraging imaginative play for children interested in constructing up to three of their own designs. Safe and soluble sand and corn extract-based mortar holds the bricks together. To build a new model, simply soak in water, dry the bricks and start again. 8/26/2010 (Price: $47.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

House and Water Mill Brick Construction Set by EITECH AMERICA

Incorporating real, reusable miniature bricks for building, this set encourages imaginative play for children interested in constructing up to three of their own designs. A safe and soluble sand and corn extract-based mortar creates a house and water mill. To build a new model, simply soak in water, dry the bricks and start again. 8/26/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Eiffel Tower With Lights by EITECH AMERICA

Standing 4' tall, the Eitech Eiffel Tower metal building kit lets builders re-create an impressive replica of this famous Parisian structure. The kit can be brightened with the attachable lights combo. Over hundreds of parts and tools are included in each construction set. 8/26/2010 (Price: $279.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

C31 Train by EITECH AMERICA

The C31 Mega Model Train is a sleek locomotive that features more than 2,560 parts. Step by step illustrated instructions are included for easy-to-follow directions. 8/26/2010 (Price: $249.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar Powered Construction Set by EITECH AMERICA

Kids can channel their inner creativity with Eitech’s Solar Powered Construction Kit and build an environmental friendly model powered by sunlight. Simply place the solar panel directly under sunlight and watch as it takes off. Each kit builds up to three solar powered models. Illustrations and tools are included for easy assembly. "Solar Panels allow for eco-friendly fun!" Eitech Media and Marketing Coordinator Caitlin King told TDmonthly. 8/26/2010 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]