I'm so excited for summer, aren't you? But at the same time, I know many parents worry about the dreaded 'summer slide,' and losing the educational stimulation that their kids received all year. I found some fun ways to keep kids entertained, stimulated and educated this season; so check out some of my favorite ways to beat the summer slide!
Disclosure: I received some of these items as samples in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my opinion. This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Don't forget to Pin this post for future use! These items also make great gifts for birthday parties, little graduates, and so much more!
Pixel Art Challenge
Pixel Art Challenge from Learning Resources is great for young STEM explorers, especially gamers. It contains a variety of math challenges and coding problems to keep kids engaged without sitting in front of a screen! There are over 40 challenges for kids, and they can create their own video game-inspired 2-D pixel images while building coding skills and critical thinking. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Find Pixel Art Challenge on Amazon here.
What I Love About It: I love that it can pique the interest of young gamers without having them sit in front of a computer screen.
GeoSafari Kidnoculars
Summer is the perfect time to take a nature walk! Head outside and grab your GeoSafari Kidnoculars from Educational Insights. No batteries required, no charging, no plugs. Kids can explore the world safely with these fun 'binoculars,' containing 2x magnification and a breakaway strap. Focus-free with large, comfortable eye pieces, they're built tough for little hands. Recommended for ages 3 and up, you can find Kidnoculars on Amazon here.
What I Love About Them: They're so easy to use and easy for kids to focus. You can drop them, get them wet, toss them around- they're super durable!
Hot Dots - Let's Learn Math
Hot Dots have always been a favorite of mine, especially in the classroom. Hot Dots Let's Learn Math from Educational Insights helps kids practice their math facts in a fun and stimulating way. The set includes an interactive pen and a 50 page spiral-bound book of leveled activities. Topics include addition, subtraction, geometry and more. The pen makes cool sound effects and even lights up. The book also includes reward stickers to encourage progress. Recommended for Kindergarteners (but they do make sets for various ages). You can find Hot Dots Let's Learn Math on Amazon here.
What I Love About It: the pen is fun and entertaining but can also be muted for quiet practice. I also love that kids can use this independently and you can pack it in a bag for on-the-go fun.
Playfinity Gaming Baseball: Backyard League
Have you ever heard of a 'gaming' baseball? This revolutionary ball from Playfinity combines physical play and digital technology. It encourages kids to get up and outside, yet also incorporates technology- it's really unique! The ball works in tandem with a free app that you can download. There are fun games and challenges within the app, actually encouraging kids to get up and physically play. It even has an immersive audio experience with sound effects, real-time audio coaching, and music. Recommended for ages 6-14. You can find Backyard League Baseball on Amazon here or on the Playfinity website.
What I Love About It: I've never seen anything quite like this baseball. It helps current ball players to brush up their skills in a fun and unique way, but it also encourages (and inspires) kids who don't usually play baseball to try it out. It's fun for anyone, not just ball players. It gets kids up and outside, yet also incorporates some technology, which kids will really appreciate.
Here's a video about how the ball works:
Minecraft: Gather, Cook, Eat!
Gamers, unite! There's finally a cookbook just for you. Minecraft fans will love experimenting in the kitchen with this fun book by Insight Editions. Minecraft: Gather, Cook, Eat! contains recipes like 'Suspicious Stew,' 'Slimeball Tea,' and 'Torch Shooters' even look like real Minecraft food items. Great for Minecraft themed parties, too! This hardcover book has 128 pages and is recommended for ages (cooking with adult assistance, of course). You can find it on Amazon here.
What I Love About It: cooking is an educational activity for kids, and these recipes are creative and fun, for all genders and skill levels (with adult help). This makes a great gift for Minecraft lovers, too.
Richard Scarry's Busy Day Game
University Games brings Richard Scarry's beloved characters into a fun board game called Richard Scarry's Busy Day Game. This fun game is for 2 to 4 players ages 3 and up, and features Scarry's adorable characters and their friendly Busytown neighborhood. Kids can use higher level thinking skills to search and find items on the game board. You can purchase the Busy Day Game here.
What I Love About It: the game board and tasks are so cute- the artwork is so nostalgic, it makes me want to hang it on my wall! The 3D pop-up entrance is also an added bonus.
No comments