50 Toys in 50 Days
Week 3 - Thanksgiving Toys

Mara provides us with some great holiday-themed toy ideas this week. You can always read her posts over at her blog by visiting http://www.letkidsplayblog.com

Monday, November 15, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Thanksgiving Box of Questions

It is the week before Thanksgiving and if you want to have a few holiday toys for the children coming to your house for day or weekend, it is time to purchase something now.  So this week, I'll show you Thanksgiving toys.  These are not the best toys that I will show you throughout the series, but they are fun and can be useful in keeping kids busy during the long holiday weekend.

We are going to start with a great hostess gift and a fun way to make the holiday more fun.

I have used different Box of Questions products for slumber parties and sleep-away camp gifts.  The product is well made and the questions are always fun.  The level of the questions make it so that the littlest to oldest person in the group can participate. These holiday themed question-games instantly unite any group while re-establishing the art of storytelling. Now they have adedd a Thanksgiving Box of Questions to their line.
 
Here is the company's description of what you are getting:

This will get the conversation flowing at any Thanksgiving gathering. Inside the gift box are 35 glossy pumpkin pie cards with fun questions.  Bond with family and friends and involve everyone in your new tradition. Decorative gift box is 5" diameter x 3.25" tall and filled with 82 glossy cards printed with Thanksgiving themed Box Girl question cards.

The Box Girls started in 2002 when BFF moms Cece Feiler and Heidi Hadda were at a restaurant with their hungry husbands and six kids and the service was slow. To avoid a mealtime meltdown, the two moms started asking questions to engage their kids and what was potentially a disastrous night turned into a magical night of bonding and sharing. That night the first game in the successful Box of Questions original series was launched. Hundreds of thousands of boxes in this successful series have been enjoyed by families and friends across the globe. Since the first game was sold, The Box Girls has donated a percentage of their profits to charitable organizations

A Box of Questions also makes a special holiday hostess gift that doubles as a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.


November 16, 2010
    
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: a Lego Turkey
    
I love Legos.  I have a Lego orange block as a key chain.  Usually, I am not a fan of Lego sets which only turns out one design.  However, I will make an exception, since it is Thanksgiving.  The Lego Thanksgiving Turkey  is limited edition box for the holiday and it is only $9.00. So why not? There are around 52 pieces in the box and if you child is a real Lego fan he/she can make the turkey and you can use it as a center piece for Thanksgiving Dinner.  Then after the holiday, disassemble it and add the pieces to the rest of your Lego collection.


November 17, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Little Cook Set
 
Cooking and eating is such a huge part of what Thanksgiving is about, why don't you invite your child into the kitchen to join you.  If they are ready for real helping give them something easy to mix or stir.  If they are still in pretend play mode, give them some pots and mixing bowls and have them sit on the floor or the table and "cook" along side you.  Pretending is how children practice being adults.

In many households the kitchen is where the action is; where the family really comes together to catch up while cooking.  It is important to include our children as part of this for at least at little bit of time.  Then once they start to drive you crazy and the meal really needs to get on the table, you send them out to play with the other toys we talked about this week.

In order to make your little chef feel really special as they help cook the Thanksgiving meal, buy them this wonderful Little Cook Set.  It includes  a cotton/poly chef's hat with an adjustable closure to fit kid's heads of all sizes. The mitts are quilted and extra-long. The apron is a sunny yellow to appeal to both boys and girls. A spoon is also included. All of this comes packaged in an attractive see-through vinyl bag. Fits sizes 4-8.


November 18, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Puzzles

Puzzles are a great educational toy.  When playing with puzzles children are working on:

•    Developing new vocabulary
•    Fine motor skills
•    Eye hand coordination
•    Improving memory skills
•    Problem solving skills
•    Spatial perception
•    Literacy skills
Here are some fun Fall and Thanksgiving puzzles:

The Melissa & Doug Thanksgiving Dinner Jigsaw Puzzle  is an18 piece wooden jigsaw that features bright, graphic designs. Its solid-wood pieces easily interlock and fit into a convenient wood tray.

The Gund Gobbles Wooden Puzzle  is an 8 piece puzzle with small knobs.  The children discover the story of Thanksgiving under the  puzzle pieces. For instance under the largest piece it reads "What do you give thanks for"

The Melissa & Doug Seasons Peg Puzzle  is actually a four puzzle set,  one puzzle for each season.  The puzzle pieces are wooden with very small pegs.  There are 9 pieces in each puzzle.

For the adults or children who like a challenge when it comes to puzzles:

The Thanksgiving Day Parade Puzzle  is 1,000 pieces and depicts a New Yorker Magazine cover of the Macy's day parade.

The Keith Brown Hometown Thanksgiving  is also a 1,000 piece puzzle.

November 19, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: UNO: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Edition
 
Are you a game playing family, especially during the holidays or when you have large groups of people over. For fun, purchase the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade edition of Uno .  Each of the 112 custom cards showcases a world famous Macy's giant helium balloon, including Macy's Elf, Happy the Hippo, Harold the Fireman, Kermit the Frog, Super Grover, Bart Simpson, Snoopy and more.  Uno is an easy game to adapt to many different age and abilities levels, they can match, count, look at the colors.  With this game it is fun to look at each of the cards and name who it is.  For $15, it can be a really fun edition to your game closet.


November 20, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Moon Jar
 
Every year at Thanksgiving time, I talk about this toy because I feel that it is so important to teach our children to share with others.  So often our children are the beneficiary of charity in one way or another.  The Moon Jar teaches them that they have the ability to help others.

The Moon Jar started with anecdotal remembrance of the Rockfeller family.  In his family kitchen, John D. Rockerfeller kept three jars for his children's allowances for saving, spending, and charitable giving.  This is what this product helps you to do.

Every time since my 13 year old daughter was very young, whenever she was given money either as a gift or her allowance, she had to divide it into three.  One third she could spend whenever she wanted, usually that meant immediately.  One third she had to save.  She would save up this portion until she had enough to make a larger purchase.  It use to be Barbie dolls.  After her Bat Mitzvah, it was a computer.  The last third, was always the most important in my book.  This third she had to give away to someone else who needed it more.

When she was little, we would take the money she had saved up to share to the grocery store.  She could pick out whatever food she thought "kids who were hungry" would want to eat.  Then we donated the food to the local food pantry.  It wasn't the most healthy food the food pantry ever received.  But it was a lesson she always remembers.  So for her Bat Mitzvah, she took a third of the money she got as gifts and bought pillows and blankets for people who didn't have beds.

So for this Thanksgiving, start a new tradition, and start sharing and saving, in addition to spending.  Below is a video of the designer of the Moon Jar talking about what children learn.

November 21, 2010
Thanksgiving Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Little People

Everyone has played with Fisher-Price Little People sometime in their lives.  I would guess that many of you have very pleasant memories of playing with the garage or house or airplane.  I would also guess many of you already have some Little People in your toy collection.

There are three different options for Thanksgiving celebration with Little People.  All of these sets are good for working on pretend play and pre-literacy skills.  Your children can re-enact the story they learned in school using these toys or they can make-up their own story about the characters.

The first is the Fisher Price Harvest Hayride Fall Playset  which includes tractor, wagon, 2 figures, and a bountiful fall harvest of pumpkins, hay and apples.The second is the Little People Thanksgiving Celebration--Pilgrims and Indian Friends. This thirteen-piece set includes four Little People figures, table and two benches, turkey platter, horse and detachable cart, pumpkin, and two connectable harvest fence pieces.

The final set, which may no longer be in production, although you can still find and it is expensive, is the Little People Mayflower Playset .  I couldn't find exactly what this set includes, but here is the description that comes with the toy:

"Set sail on a voyage of fun and discovery aboard the Mayflower! Roll the ship along for lilting, ocean-crossing motion; press the deck button for fun ship sounds and songs! The captain and two Pilgrim passengers take turns manning the crow’s nest high above the deck and share eating and sleeping quarters down below. Don’t forget to drop anchor when you reach the new shore! Opens wide for play and folds closed at the end of the day with everything stored inside. Requires 3 AA batteries."


Enjoy your playtime this holiday!  Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

50 Toys in 50 Days
Week 2 - Gross Motor Toys

Mara provides us with some great gross motor toy ideas this week. You can always read her posts over at her blog by visiting http://www.letkidsplayblog.com

Sunday, November 14, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Gripper Balls
In this age of an epidemic of obesity, it is important that all children are getting outside to play and exercise.  Often this is difficult for children with disabilities, because they may not have the ability to run or grasp a ball. Fun Gripper balls are one solution.  Through their unique design, Fun Gripper Balls has made it easier to throw and catch - encouraging children to not be afraid or scared to try to catch.  The soft exterior won't hurt a child’s hands.  The balls are multi-colored and kids think they are fun and cool.  People of all ages love these balls, thus encouraging inclusive play. 

As you can see below, Fat Brain Toys sells the football, multi-purpose ball, basketball, giant soccer ball, and bowling set.  There are more varieties on Amazon.

• Basketball
• Bowling Set
• Football
• Multi-training ball
• Giant Soccer Ball

Saturday, November 13, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Pocket Disc

Phd Classic Series Pocket Disc (Hurricane Yelda)To make up for the sticker shock from yesterday, here is a fun $10 toy.  The pocket disc is like a Frisbee, except because it is crocheted it easier to catch.  I played with this at Toy Fair and even I could catch it, which says a lot. Because it is light weight and soft, children will be less likely to be afraid to catch it.  What makes the toy more meaningful is that they are made in Guatemala by Fair Trade artisans.

You can play with the Pocket Disc inside and it won't break anything.  You can also play with it outside, but don't leave it outside as they do not guarantee that the colors will stay vibrant. 

There are many different beautiful patterns to choose from so look through the entire section on Amazon to pick the one you like the most.  They may not come exactly as you saw them as each one is individually crocheted.

Friday, November 12, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Weplay
I love the products that come from Weplay, a toy company from Taiwan.  Their designers are wonderful early childhood educators who really get what children need.  Their products have won design awards around the world because of how they are designed, the color, the shapes, and textures.  I've rarely seen a product line that works so well for children with disabilities.  But (and it is a big but)...you will have sticker shock when you see how much the toys cost.  However, they are such great toys and Fat Brain Toys (FBT) just started carrying some of their line (I could never find them in the US before), that I just felt the need to share them with you.

Here are four different products for you to get an idea of what Weplay makes:

With two balancing pedals and one pair of detachable handrails, the Weplay Pedal Walker works like any quadricycle. For a more experienced user, the handrails can be removed to encourage a faster developement of coordination.

The Platform Swing is a unique seated swinging device that is manually controllable by the user. It is designed to stimulate the user's cerebral cortex through ample stimulation provided by the swinging motion. The rope is approximately 6 feet and the seat is 26" in diameter, with a maximum weight of 110 lbs.  Platform Swing has been nominated as a candidate for the 2010 Fat Brain Toy Awards.

Here is the description of the Wavy Tactile Path from FBT: Kids will love walking on this Wavy Tactile Path. Walking windingly, in circles and repeatedly helps children understan body's center of gravity.

The patterns and the width of the board are designed to offer the most suitable tactile sensory intensity for the human body as well as the most realistic "nature" experience for children. It can be arranged into curvy or linear patterns to provide users with multiple ways of playing. There is no directional uncertainty; the change in angle is natural to humans. The slight slopes on the 4 sides of the board not only offer balance control for the front and back, but also stimulate the left and righ balance.

The pieces are stackable making storage and travel easy. Pieces come in a zip up bag with handles. Slope is designed based on the ergonomics of the foot arch.

Functions:
# Enhances muscle development and tactile stimulation.
# Improves vestibular balance, movement coordination and sense of balance.
# Tranquilizes emotions and enhances concentration.
# Improves self-confidence, learning ability and sense of reaction.
# Develops action planning ability.
# Helps children adapt new environment through games.
# Helps children cultivate spatial concepts through arranging and constructing.

Here is the product description from FBT: Kids will have a great time walking from Rainbow River Stone to Rainbow River Stone. This product emphasizes on nature, flow and randomness to mimic real river stones. There are 3 different sizes of river stone that will suit the needs of growing children as well as allow as many free style route designs as possible.

The users must take off shoes and socks to ensure the exposure of the foot sole to the textured stone surface to stimulate sensory development.

Functions:
# Helps children learn to adapt the environment from game experiences.
# Improves self-confidence and reaction capacity through challenges of the game.
# Stimulation of the foot sole will lead to tactile development to the body.
# Improves emotional stability and concentration ability.
# Encourages learning interest.
# Enhances stimulation of the vestibular balance and promotes movement coordination.
# Active games for the whole body.
# Improves action plan ability.
# Activates muscle development.

Thursday, November 11, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Rody Horse

When a child sees a Rody, they head straight for it.  Children love to bounce around on this well made toy.  Children love the ears and it is the ears that helps children who are working on balance stay on the horse.  They grab the ears and start to move around, making it a great toy for  balance, coordination and vestibular motion. . Do not be surprised when those ears end up in a child's mouth.  Every young child I have ever seen ride a Rody has put the ears in their mouths.  But don't worry, Rody is easy to clean to with soap and water and is constructed of super strong, latex-free vinyl.

You can inflate Rody to the size and weight of your child.  I would recommend that you purchase the inflater along with the horse.  There is also a base you can purchase, if you want it to rock more than bounce.  The base can also help children maintain their balance as it doesn't start moving around the house.

The one problem with Rody had been that children with special needs who loved the toy and needed the sensation the toy gives them, grew out of it around 6-7 years old.  The exciting news is that they have developed Rody Max that is larger and can hold up to 300 lbs.  You can find Rody Max at ebeanstalk.com.

Rody comes in great colors.  Rody is sold by many different toy stores including Gummy Lump, ebeanstalk, and Fat Brain Toys.  Each one carries different colors, so if your child is stuck on a particular color at the moment you might want to shop around.

You can also win one today at www.supportforspecialneeds.com.  This great new website understands what I have learned over that last 17 years raising a son with a disability--we can all learn from one another.This is how they explain it: "It’s an all encompassing label, yet we let a diagnosis divide us among this powerful group of advocates and caregivers into categories of rare and not-so-rare diseases, genetic conditions, developmental delays and the unexplained afflictions. We have more in common than separates us and Support for Special Needs is the community that offers a chance to exchange wisdom and ideas among one of the most powerful group of people we know. Join us as we learn from each other about how to help our kids and ourselves."  So go over to www.supportforspecialneeds, win a Rody and join a great community of parents.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Whoops Game
Whoops is a fun game for many ages and abilities.  It can be played either inside or outside.  The best explanation for how the game can be used by children with and without disabilities is from Pocket Full of Therapy, which is also where you can purchase it.

"Amazingly versatile game of balance and agility. Comes with 12 stepping stones numbered 1 - 12 and directions for playing a number of games as individuals or in teams. Basic concept is to step from stone to stone in a specificed number order without touching the floor with any body part. In many games you must also pick up stones in number order while balancing on other stones. Easily adjusts for play by any age or skill level. Move stones closer or further apart, change rules as you need, or make up your own game. Stepping Stones are light and stack together for easy storage and transport. Parents, teachers, OT's and PT's all need this game."


Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: YBike

This post is a repeat (sorry, if you already read it), but I think balance bikes are such a great invention, I wanted to make sure everyone read about it while we are talking about outdoor play.  So I hope you forgive me.

A balance bicycle, or run bike is a training bicycle that helps children learn balance and steering. It has no pedals, no crankset and chain, and no training wheels. a balance bicycle is small enough that the rider can walk the bicycle while sitting comfortably in the saddle, putting both feet flat on the ground. The rider first walks the bicycle while standing over the saddle, then while sitting in the saddle. Eventually, the rider feels comfortable enough to run and "scoot" while riding the bicycle, then to lift both feet off the ground and cruise while balancing on the two wheels. Children as young as 18 months can learn to cruise a balance bicycle within a few hours' practice.

With a balance bicycle, the rider learns balance first, pedal last. In contrast, with a normal bicycle fitted with training wheels, the rider learns pedal first, balance last. Although opinions differ regarding which learning sequence is easier for most riders, it is generally agreed that a bicycle with pedals is too difficult for most very young children and that training wheels may encourage the rider to learn some behaviors which later must be unlearned. You can read more about balance bikes and watch a video in a previous post.

A new balance bike is now on the market, exclusively at Fat Brain Toys (FBT). FBT are big fans of great industrial design. So on a recent buying trip overseas, it was with absolute delight that they discovered the YBike. The YBIKE has been engineered with safety in mind and designed to help improve your childs balance and coordination skills.

This pushbike is tough. The YBIKE sports injection moulded construction, which eliminates weak points and offers more design freedom, provides sleek curves and a smooth, superior finish.

When it comes to kids, safety is the main concern. For this reason the front wheel is considerably further forward, affording a bigger turning radius, which reduces the risk of falling over the front when turning. The back wheel is also covered to stop children from riding over their feet. The YBIKE body is designed for better clearance of obstacles and the larger wheels produce a safer ride on uneven surfaces. The seat is 10.5 inches from the ground.

Enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and the joys of cycling from as early as two years old. The YBIKE will help your child develop an early sense of balance and control, along with independence, self-confidence and happiness!

A recent study from the Stellenbosch University Department of Sports Science in South Africa found that children who had opportunity to play on YBIKES for 20-30 minutes twice a week had:

    * Substantial improvements in both static and dynamic balance
    * Substantial improvements in bilateral coordination
    * Observable improvements in physical self-confidence

Play on YBIKES has been noted for widely increased abilities in mastery of balance beams and climbing a jungle gym. They provide a great sensory integration experiences by refining neurological processes and body awareness (sense of touch, sense of balance -vestibular, and sense of where the body and its parts are in space –proprioceptive) through meaningful play.

YBike has a big brother called YBike Extreme:

BIKE Extreme is a more versatile and a slightly larger version than the original YBIKE. It features shiny aluminum frame, a narrower back wheel base and larger rubber wheels that make it a more versatile ride for children 3 to 5 years old.

Monday, November 8, 2010
Gross Motor Toys for Children with and without Disabilities: Swinxs
You remember earlier on in the series, I said that I don't really like computers and batteries because they don't promote imaginary play or active play.  Well, I also said that all rules are made to be broken.  Therefore, on the top of your shopping list year should be a Swinxs .Even though it is $150, it is worth it for the amount of play value it has.  Every review I read talked about what a great investment this toy is.

It is very hard to explain what a Swinxs is, so you might want to stop reading and go directly to the video below.  Swinxs is sort of like a game console.  Each child gets a different colored wrist band that gets registered just by waving it over the top of the console.  Then you choose your game.  There are simple games, like Simon Says or very active games that push you to run fast.  The Swinxs will even read you a story, but the fun part is that you get to change parts of the story with a push of a button.

Swinxs is the first screen-free games console that can play games, talk, listen and keep kids entertained and active for hours. Swinxs is durable, lightweight water-resistant and cordless. Its long-lasting battery approximately four hours of playtime ensures hours of fun whether in the playroom, at the park or at the beach. While a single player mode is available, up to 10 children can play Swinxs at a time, making it a great option for birthday parties.

Swinxs comes loaded with 10 games, however, you can go to their website and download any of their other 25 games for free.  They continue to come up with different games so if your child gets tired of a game, you can always add another one.

This game is great for children who are working on following directions.  Children who need structured social activities will find the easy directions clear cut with no changing of the rules.  A child using a mobility devise can use it easily.  It will bring all the neighbors to your yard to play, thus ensuring that your child is always included in the neighborhood fun.

I know it is very hard to understand, so just take a look.

The package includes a Swinxs Console with 10 games pre-loaded, 4 colored wristbands, an adapter and USB cable.  You can purchase additional wristbands.

Today's Guest Blog entry comes from again from reader Amy. Amy wanted to share her story with you all in the hopes that it will help other moms who may be faced with "energetic" children. Two weeks ago Amy shared her path to choosing to try the Feingold Diet. Last week she shared her progress and this week she talks about the dreaded parent-teacher conference. 

The Horrible, No-Good Very Bad Parent-Teacher Conference

It’s official.  I’m the mother of “that” child.  You know, the one your kids come home and tell you about because the teacher corrects her ALL the time and she causes trouble ALL the time. 

You guessed it – I was at her parent teacher conference.

We are only 3 weeks into the diet, but for kids this age they say it takes three to six weeks to see a noticeable change.  I’m wishing for a fast forward to that point, both for my sake and the teacher’s sake.  I’m seeing improvement at home, but the teacher has not seen any, but I think she’s looking at the big picture and not noticing little things.  I mean seriously, how much subtle difference can she notice in a class of 35 kids!!  She just wants my dd to be like the rest of the class.  But the school has been very cooperative following my instructions regarding food, which I am grateful.

Short of bungie cords, I’m not sure what else will work to keep her in her seat.  She’s distracting to the other kids when she wanders around the room and she has just won’t do as she is told.  The teacher says when she’s on task that she participates, raises her hand to answer questions, and can reiterate the information taught to them.  She is very social and has lots of friends, is very creative and bright, but can’t seem to get on task or stay on task with the group.

The therapist described there are two types of attention deficit disorder and from our description of my dd, she seems to be inattentive attention deficit.  This means that she can focus on things that are pleasant to her and she enjoys, but has trouble moving to things that are less desirable for her mind (aren’t we all like that in our own way??).  She seems to get lost in her task and not able to move off it when directed to something else, or gets sidetracked from a task when something more appealing comes into play.

Since starting our diet, we’ve noticed some improvement at home.  She can go from one room to another to complete a task and not get lost (not always, but better than before – but I can’t go from one room to another without forgetting why I went there!).  We get less argument when trying to direct her onto the next task.  The morning routine takes a little less prodding and reminders.  Dinner has been pleasant.  And she eats like she never did before.

But we are also in the “detox” phase and she seems moody and depressed.  My friend is a week behind us and her daughter as been nasty all week.  But other parents say this will pass as their bodies will rid themselves of the chemicals built up in their systems.  I feel like I’m living with a teenager already!! 

So for now, we keep chugging away.  We are tackling issues one at a time.  This week’s goal for her is to sit at calendar time and I had her write a note to the teacher telling her it was her goal this week and I reinforce it every day.  Soon, we’ll focus on a new issue and hopefully eventually get to where the teacher needs (wants) her to be.

I’ll admit I’ve been lax (lazy) in sticking to the diet 100% - we’ve all had the “ick” this week and throwing peroghies in the pot was much easier than making something.  Apparently not an approved food – the next morning was miserable.  And I think I’ve been off track with our milk – the vitamin D3 they infuse into the milk has preservatives.  You need to verify with the dairy if there is preservative in the vitamin they use.  However, Deans, Giant Eagle, and Wal-Mart don’t cooperate with Feingold and won’t verify if the preservative is in their milk (or any other food they market).  That is a rant for another day.  Target’s Market Pantry milk is approved but I don’t usually shop there for food since we don’t have a Super Target here (let me tell you, I’d move back to Texas for the Super Target that was near our house.  Image shopping at Target and being able to peruse an entire isle dedicate to wine – heavenly!!)  But for the result I need, I’ll go there for our obligatory 4+ gallons of milk each week.  We should really buy our own cow.  We could sell the law mower then.

But during this time of giving thanks, I am thankful for the improvements we have seen and for the resources available to help me get there.  And for the happy child I have seen evolve from the crazy, uncontrollable child that would run in circles in my house.

Happy Feasting to all!!!  May you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

50 Toys in 50 Days
Week 1 - Art Toys

Mara provides us with some great art toy ideas this week. You can always read her posts over at her blog by visiting http://www.letkidsplayblog.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: Color Me House & Rocket
If you are looking for a play house that your children can color themselves, I feel that the best one on the market is Color Me House.  Color Me House makes two models, one is a house and the other a rocket ship.  What I like about them is that they are big enough for a child to climb into once they have finished decorating. The house is 35" long by 27.5" wide by 48" high. The rocket is 65" high by 51 inches wide (fin to fin) by 32" across. The outside is white and doesn't have any "coloring book" aspects.  This enables the child to use their full imagination to decorate.  It also does not open up the feeling of failure, if you don't stay within the lines. (I never could stay in the lines).  There are cute windows, doors, and sky lights to provide light inside the fort.

The Color Me House and Rocket are easy to assemble and fold back up easily for storage.  They are eco-friendly.  They are made of strong, sturdy 100% recycled cardboard.

According to their website, "Color Me House, founded by mompreneur April McCray, was inspired by a passion for creativity and her husband's tales of childhood memories building huge cardboard forts. "I think that everyone has memories of building forts and playing in boxes. Often the boxes are even more fun that the gift itself! Those memories always bring a smile to our hearts. My own children's love of making forts inspired me to move forward and create something that was more than just a box. What better freedom of expression is there for a child than a crayon and a blank canvas to create." Color Me House was created to help children use their imaginations and be creative. The Color Me House family of products are also eco-friendly, recyclable, and made in the USA. Color Me House is a great way to help kids think inside and outside of the box!"

Saturday, November 6, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: EnviroBlox

You will have to excuse me, I don't usually repeat recommendations, but I love EnviroBlox so much that I had to repeat them again this year. They are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They are made of all natural and renewable materials. Believe it or not--corn starch.  See above what a toy store in the UK built.

All you have to do to play with them is to moisten the block and stick it together.  There are no magnets or connectors needed and you can make just about anything.  They are so easy to use that children who are still working on fine motor skills can build something extraordinary.  Once they are built, they are extremely durable.  However, if you don't like your creation, just place in water and disappear like ice. It is hard to believe, but watch:

Friday, November 5, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: Crayons & Markers

There is good news for children who have trouble holding a regular pencil, crayon, or marker. Not only are they continuing to make more products in triangular shape, there are fatter materials and materials in hexagons.  All of these make it easier to hold on, keep things from rolling away, and simpler to press down.

P'kolino makes easy to hold, simple to clean, longer lasting crayons and markers. You can purchase an art set (seen above) that includes unique shapes and jumbo sizes or you can purchase the materials individually.  The set is nicely priced at less than $20.  The art set includes:

# 12 Colorful Markers
# 12 Triangle Crayons
# 16 Hexagon Colored Pencils

All of the materials are made in Europe by Jovi. The markers are made with low odor, non-toxic, food dye inks. Vivid long lasting colors easily glide to paper through durable depression resistant tips.

The ergonomic triangular shape prevents crayons from rolling away. And! With no messy paper wrappers and superior durability you will love the way these premium crayons last. You can also purchase hexagon crayons.

The Hexagon Colored Pencils have, smooth color transfer. Made of 100% color, child artists can use the whole pencil, plus with no wood they are super easy to sharpen yet surprisingly durable. Smooth to the touch the pencil will color paper but not hands.  You can also purchase triangular shaped pencils.

Crayola is now making giant sidewalk chalk, triangle crayons and markers and, no drip paint brushes.  Melissa and Doug have easy to grip jumbo paint brushes while Alex makes finger crayons.With all of these new options, your child will be making masterpieces in no time.

Thursday, November 4, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: Doodle Track

Want a motivation for your child to work on holding a pencil or pen?  Then I've got the answer, it is a Doodle Track Car.  Watch the video as it explains it much better than I do.  You are going to love this toy.

You can go to their website and design your own track and then print it out.  A great way for a child who isn't able to draw on their own, but can use a computer to create a picture. You can purchase them at Pocket Full of Therapy for $14.95.  To find it, click on the Pocket Full of Therapy kangaroo on the right hand side of blog.  When you get to the site either search for Doodle Track or go to the Writing/Classroom Tools section and it is on the 6th page.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: Shape Stampers

We started to talk about yesterday how art helps children with creativity, emotional expression, symbolic representation, fine-motor skills and much more.  I have loved this toy for years. However,  I couldn't find it outside a teacher's catalog so it was hard to recommend to people.  I purchased a similar product for my daughter when she was three and she was still using them when she reached middle school.

Recently, I found out that Center Enterprises makes the stampers and that they are available through Amazon.

Giant stampers enable children whose fine motor skills are not fully developed to be successful at art.  The stamps have large grips, making them easier to hold and place on the paper.  Each foam stamp is 3" in diameter and mounted on a clear see-through top for easy placement. The stamps also have a directional arrow.

They work well for hand-over-hand work. The stamps come in many different combinations: the alphabet, insects, shapes, wild animals, and others.  The stampers are very durable and can be used for children of varying ages and abilities.  12 year olds can be using them to decorate a science fair board, while a 3 year old is making pictures. 

The stamp pads are sold separately, but are also large, enabling a child to be successful in placing the stamp on the pad.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Art toys for children with and without disabilities: Melissa and Doug Easel

This year we are starting with art toys and even more exciting we are starting with a Give-Away of a Melissa and Doug Easel. thanks to Gummy Lump!  Gummy Lump has a great selection of toys for children with special needs.

This double-sided, wooden easel features both chalk- AND dry erase-boards. With 3 adjustable heights it also includes a locking paper roll holder, a child-safe paper cutter, four clips, and a plastic tray on each side for easy-reach art supplies (not included) and easy-clean storage.

I had my handiman husband put it together for me and it only took him 15 minutes.  Only once did he need my extra set of hands for a second to steady something.  Now if you aren't so handy it might take it you a little longer.  It is a high quality wood and I like that it can grow with your child.  I can't tell if a wheelchair will fit underneath it; it probably depends on the size of the wheelchair (doesn't it always).

Painting:

    * Expands imaginations and exercises creativity.
    * Develops small motor control and eye/hand coordination
    * Sharpens powers of observation.
    * Helps to recognize patterns,
    * Teaches about primary colors and how to mix two colors to make a third.
    * Develops symbolic understanding. This familiarity with symbols is key to beginning reading.
    * Expands vocabulary, as your child describes what he/she is doing— also critical for reading.

Easels are great for children with disabilities because they are working on a Vertical Surface  Here are just a few things that Vertical surfaces can assist your child with according to Valerie Pieraccini OTR from Handprints.  I highly encourage you to read her paper Improving your Child’s Hand Skills, Using Vertical Surfaces

    * Using vertical surfaces strengthens shoulder and arm muscles, as your child’s arm must move against the pull of gravity in this position as she lifts her arms to reach for the activity.
    * Vertical surfaces also place your child’s hand in the best position to develop wrist strength and stability.
    * Vertical surfaces can make an average activity into a great activity for developing hand skills.