Articles by Kanooga on ArticleSnatch.com

5 Educational Benefits of Kids Stuffed Animals Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:36:02 -0500

Often, a child's first toy might be a teddy bear or another stuffed animal. Stores are full of stuffed toys, and there are even entire businesses dedicated to customizing stuffed animals. While adults may think that such toys are cute and soft, there is more potential lying inside. Kids at all ages enjoy these toys, sometimes even getting attached to the same toy for many years. Stuffed animals offer educational benefits to kids of all age groups, as listed below: 1. Babies: Babies love to touch the surfaces of stuffed toys, feeling their bristly whiskers, soft fur, and hard eyes. They will chew or suck these toys as well, so make sure early choices are designed to be well-loved and washed. Avoid small beads or removable parts. Some babies like squeaky toys. Fur or hair should be short and not easily plucked out. 2. Toddlers: Up until about two or three years, toys should be carefully chosen for durability and safety. Toddlers are learning empathy along with language and names. Different stuffed animals help young children recognize familiar words like cat, dog, bear, and pig - along with the appropriate sound made by each animal. **End Summary** Topics: stuffed toys]]> stuffed toy]]> kids stuffed toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about stuffed animals . Click here to download our free stuffed toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Ideas for Using Carrera Slot Cars as Kids Learning Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:34:51 -0500

One of the best ways to motivate kids is to present required tasks as fun games with their mission being to win the game. Tedious tasks become exciting and fun when put into the right context. This is where kids learning toys can be a big help. This strategy not only works with daily mundane tasks, but also with educational objectives. Learning things does not sound like any fun to most kids. By posturing a learning opportunity as a fun game, kids are enthusiastic and ready to begin. How excited would your kids get if you present them with an opportunity to learn about physical science? What about basic math concepts for young kids or electronic circuitry for older kids? Most kids would be looking for the door. Now ask them the same question again but this time in a completely different context. Who wants to have a car race with really cool Carerra slot cars? Okay, now we are talking! Carrera slot cars are miniature cars guided by a groove (or "slot") in the track. Though most consider them to be toys useful only for entertainment person, Carrera slot cars can also be used as kids learning toys. **End Summary** Topics: Carrera slot cars]]> slot cars]]> Carrera model cars]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Carrera slot cars and other learning toys. Click here to download our free kids learning toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Tips for Getting the Most From Rokenbok Construction Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:33:54 -0500

Every year there are more new high-tech electronic toys. They come, they get a lot of attention but then they are gone the next year. Meanwhile, there are some tried and true toys that have been around for a very long while and continue to enjoy great success. In the long run, kids get more play from these more basic toys than from the latest greatest high tech gizmos. Construction toys are a great example of tried and true, basic toys. These are toys that encourage kids to use their imagination and physical skills to build something. These toys allow kids to creatively build structures, ranging from plastic bricks to blocks. In fact, virtually any item can function as a construction toy, as long as it requires constructing something. Some popular brands of construction toys include Rokenbok, Lego and Melissa & Doug Blocks. This article provides some tips for getting the most from construction toys. The most basic benefits of construction toys are physical. They build muscles in the hands and arms, improve dexterity, improve hand-eye coordination, and improve balance, among other things! Balancing these toys can help improve fine motor skills. **End Summary** Topics: construction toys]]> Rokenbok]]> construction toy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Rokenbok toys plus many other learning toys and educational materials. Click here to download our free construction toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Pretend Play Toys Have Real World Consequences

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:33:00 -0500

Parents tend to minimize the value of pretend play time. However, play time has a significant impact on child development. Pretend play offers kids a safe way to learn real world behaviors without the real world consequences... or maybe not. The toys kids play with during make-believe time can have a significant real-world impact on what kids learn or don't learn, and how they develop their creativity, imagination and unique talents. Pretend play toys can have real-world consequences for kids. If kids have the right play toys, pretend play can help them learn and develop the following benefits: 1. Kids can use their imagination to begin to practice and experiment with the results of their actions. 2. Kids learn to express real-world emotions, both positive and negative. 3. Imaginative play even helps kids define their own identities as they take on the roles of their parents. 4. Taking on imaginary roles helps kids feel greater significance, which builds their self-esteem. 5. Imaginative play allows kids to experience a greater sense of control over their own lives. 6. Imaginative play allows kids to exercise creative thinking. All toys are not created equally. **End Summary** Topics: play toys]]> playmobil toys]]> playmobil]]> play toy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Playmobil toys and many other learning toys. Click here to download our free pretend play toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Learning Toys Stimulate Different Types of Child Development

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:31:50 -0500

Parents might not spend a lot of time thinking about the make-believe learning toys they provide to their kids, but maybe they should start. A closer look at play time shows that different types of toys stimulate different types of child development. For kids, play time is more than just fun and games. Play time provides kids with a safe way to experiment and learn about the real world without all the risks associated with the real world. Play time is actually productive time proven to develop talents, character, social skills, language skills, creativity, emotional strength, intellectual capacity and self-discipline. To help parents consider the impact of different types of make-believe learning toys and the impact those toys have on child development, here is a list of different learning toys that are known to stimulate make-believe play. 1. Dolls and dollhouses available today can be amazingly life-like, which helps kids to imitate real life and role-play with members of their pretend doll family. The emotions and bonds developed during this play time are real. Little girls can get very much attached to their dolls as they practice loving and caring for another person. 2. **End Summary** Topics: learning toys]]> child development]]> toys]]> kids learning toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about learning toys and educational materials. Click here to download our free child development guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Beginners Guide to the Estes Model Rockets Hobby

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:30:47 -0500

Model rockets make a great hobby for people of any age. Sport rocketry was pioneered in 1957 as an educational tool to introduce young adults to the doctrine of rocket flight. Today, hobbyists have access to a great selection, choosing primarily between an Estes Rocket or an alternative from Apogee Components. This article provides a beginners guide to getting started with this hobby. Your interest in this hobby is a great idea. Launching an Estes rocket together with your child is a great way to find out if your child has any interest in rocketry or not. It is not for everyone, but some kids will love it. Here are few practical tips to help you get started with the hobby. One of the most important considerations is choosing the right kit based on your child's skill level and abilities. This will greatly enhance their enjoyment of the rocket. Most of the Estes rocket kits available are recommended for ages ten and over. Estes sets include easy-to-assemble kits, starter sets, and ready-to-fly rockets. **End Summary** Topics: estes model rocket]]> estes rocket]]> model rockets]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Estes rocket kits and many other learning toys and hobby items. Click here to download our free model rockets guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

America's Most Dangerous Play Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:29:50 -0500

The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports there were an average of 162,500 toy-related injuries among children under age 15 during the three year period from 2005 to 2007. During this same three year period, 71 children under age 15 died as a result of their injuries. These figures include 26 kids in 2005, 27 kids in 2006 and another 18 in 2007. Ride-on toys account for over 25% of all injuries, making them the leading category of toy related injuries. Non-motorized scooters accounted for almost all (84%) of the accidents involving ride-on toys. The majority of the injuries were lacerations, contusions and abrasions to the head and face area. After ride-on toys, the second leading toy category involved with toy-related injuries was flying toys, which accounted for 11% of all injuries. The majority of toy-related deaths involved the following types of toys: 1. Choking on small toy balls was the cause of 9 deaths in 2005, 4 in 2006 and another 4 in 2007. This underscores the importance of keeping small toy balls away from young children, especially kids under age 3. **End Summary** Topics: play toys]]> model trains]]> play toy]]> kids play toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about a wide variety of different learning toys and hobby items including model trains and many other play toys. Click here to download our free play toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Melissa and Doug Alphabet Blocks Help Kids Develop Skills

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:50 -0500

Alphabet blocks offer many potential benefits to young kids. While they are among the simplest of all toys, they are also among the most beneficial in many ways. One of the great things about alphabet blocks is they come with no rules and no instructions. Kids get to make up their own rules and play away. The sky is the limit for what they can do with them and how much they can learn. The blocks encourage open-ended explorations. Alphabet blocks are available from several manufacturers including Citiblocks, Schylling and Melissa and Doug. All of these brands provide blocks that are safe and educational. To prevent any risk of lead poisoning, blocks are painted or stained only with non-toxic paint or stain, as children will undoubtedly put the blocks in their mouth! Brands like Melissa and Doug have designed their entire product line just for the younger kids, kids that would use alphabet blocks. Melissa and Doug is proud of their safety record of zero incidents of any problems and no needs for any recalls in over 20 years of business. Alphabet blocks allow for social and emotional development among young children in two ways. **End Summary** Topics: alphabet blocks]]> Melissa and Doug]]> Melissa Doug]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Melissa and Doug and other educational toys. Click here to download our free alphabet blocks guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Tips for Winning a Science Fair Project with a Rock Set

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:02 -0500

Collecting rocks is a popular hobby that kids and adults can enjoy together. More than just a fun activity, rock collecting is a great way to study rocks and geology. It can also make a great science fair project. This article provides tips on how to win a science fair project with an amazing rock set. Rock collecting can be done for fun or for learning or both at the same time. Many children return from the beach or park with a pocketful of assorted rocks, drawn to shapes, colors, and textures. Taking a more systematic approach to rock collecting can help kids take their fun to another level while they also discover the underlying geology. For a science fair project, it's more impressive if the student has collected many samples in person. It makes for interesting stories to include in the presentation. Photos of the adventure mounted to a foam board or set in a photo album can help tell the story. To collect your own rock set, you will need to choose a good location for the hunt. Check local geological maps and look for hills, cliffs, beaches, and quarries. Pick up interesting rocks on trips. **End Summary** Topics: rock set]]> science fair project]]> rock sets]]> science fair]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about rock set collecting plus many other educational topics. Click here to download our free science fair project guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

5 Educational Benefits of Rokenbok Construction Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:27:05 -0500

Construction toys are a perennial favorite for parents and children. From preschoolers to older children, these toys promote creativity, physical activity and problem-solving. Kids love to imagine and build, with the results varying across individual interests and ages. Open-ended construction toys offer long-term play potential since the creations just get more elaborate or realistic over time. This article identifies some of the educational benefits that come by playing with these toys. To get started, let's introduce some of the players in this arena. Examples of construction toys include Lego, Mega Bloks and Rokenbok. Lego is perhaps the best known brand name in this category, with a proven reputation for durable pieces that actually fit together easily. Mega Bloks offer a wide range of building possibilities. With Rokenbok, kids can not only construct bridges, roads, and other structures, but they also have radio-controlled vehicles that can be connected among players. Easy-assembly pieces are designed for younger kids, while older kids can use more complex pieces to make roads, suspension bridges, and more. There are dump trucks to transport the colored cargo, along with monorail trains and many other possibilities. Playing with construction toys is fun and absorbing. **End Summary** Topics: construction toys]]> Rokenbok]]> construction toy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Rokenbok toys plus many other learning toys. Click here to download our free construction toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

How to Use a Rotary Rock Tumbler Kit

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:26:13 -0500

A rock tumbler is a tool commonly used by rock collectors and geologists to polish rocks. It is amazing to see a rough rock transformed into a beautiful gem, just be spending time in the tumbler. This article explains how to use a rock tumbler to make it perform its' magic. For an aspiring geologist, gemologist, or mineralogist, a rock tumbler can be both a toy and an educational tool. However, there are many types suited to different purposes, and not all of them will work for an amateur. A standard rock tumbler kit can be found at most toy stores. This rock kit usually contains the tumbler along with some rocks, grit, and a few jewelry findings. With proper care, a good rock kit can be used over and over and can last indefinitely. However, the small size and small power of the motor will limit the size of rocks that can be used. Should the tumblers break, it may be difficult to find replacement parts. More than likely you would be looking at buying a new rock kit. The type of rock kit available from toy stores includes rotating or rotational rock tumblers. **End Summary** Topics: rock tumbler]]> rock tumbler kit]]> rock tumblers]]> rock kit]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about rock tumbler sets plus many other science kits and educational materials. Click here to download our free rock kit guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Learning Toys Offer Five Key Benefits in Child Development

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:25:19 -0500

Learning toys offer a lot more than just fun for kids. Play time for kids is like work time for adults. While most adults, don't think of kids play time as being productive, it actually offers kids many opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally and socially. So if play time is actually like work time, then learning toys are like work tools. The right toys help kids get the most out of their play time. That certainly changes the way we normally think of toys, and places greater importance on the role of parents in selecting the right toys for their kids. There are several key considerations for selecting the right toy for your child: 1. Your child should like the toy and be interested in it. This one should be easy to find out. 2. The toy should be well suited to your child's physical ability. 3. The toy should be well suited to your child's mental and social abilities. 4. The toy should be well constructed, durable and safe. Other factors to consider when selecting a toy is knowing the types of benefits that different toys provide. **End Summary** Topics: learning toys]]> child development]]> toys]]> kids learning toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about learning toys and educational materials. Click here to download our free child development guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

5 Educational Benefits of Little Tikes Outdoor Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:24:08 -0500

Kids need to be active. Playing outside is the best way for them to develop muscles and large motor skills like balance. There are additional health benefits like increased cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity. Without access to the outside, most kids find some creative way to burn energy, whether it's bouncing on the bed, somersaults on the sofa, or literally climbing the walls. Most parents prefer to have their kids spend some time out of the house. The outside world offers endless possibilities from climbing trees to kicking rocks. Parents can encourage outdoor play by providing kids with the right toys. A large variety of outdoor play toys are available from brands like Toobeez, Step2 and Little Tikes. Little Tikes offers a wide range of products designed to cover a wide range of activities, including gross motor play, pretend play, and social play. Kids love to swing, climb, and slide. There are castles and houses, sand tables, and picnic tables. Other outdoor toys include balls, mats, and kites. Apart from promoting healthy physical activity, outdoor toys have educational benefits as well: 1. Babies and young children explore the world through their senses. **End Summary** Topics: little tikes]]> outdoor toys]]> outdoor toy]]> little tikes toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Little Tikes and other toys and hobby items. Click here to download our free outdoor toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Estes Model Rockets Help Kids Learn Rocket AeroDynamics

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:23:22 -0500

Model rockets go beyond being simple toys - they offer a fun way to learn about physics and aerodynamics. Few things are more satisfying than launching a rocket into the air, and many kids will happily spend hours doing this. Making small adjustments of angle and propulsive force can demonstrate basic principles in an interactive way. Clearly, anything that can be propelled hundreds of feet needs to be handled with care. Make sure that all safety precautions have been followed and any homemade constructions are built according to reliable instructions. Several companies specialize in rockets and parts, including the Estes model rocket and Apogee Components. Model rockets can come pre-assembled, with some parts to glue, or with even more assembly required. Equipped with small engines, some Estes model rocket engines have enough force to travel hundreds or thousands of feet. There is plenty of scope for conducting experiments to supplement a physics curriculum or extend to a science fair project. To understand rocket aerodynamics, there are a few important concepts to introduce. Flight involves four different forces, including two opposing sets: weight acts downward while lift acts upward, thrust acts forward and drag acts backward. **End Summary** Topics: estes model rocket]]> estes rocket]]> model rockets]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Estes model rocket kits plus many other learning toys and hobby items. Click here to download our free model rockets guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Selecting Age Appropriate Learning Toys for Kids Aged 6-8

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:22:30 -0500

Research conducted by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission offers insights into child development and the types of learning toys and games that are appropriate for kids at different levels of development. Having moved beyond the preschool years, kids in the 6-8 age range have new abilities which affect the kinds of learning toys that interest them. Understanding this stage of child development can help parents make better toy selections for their children. Physically, large muscles have increased strength and coordination, resulting in significant improvements in gross motor skills. With these new skills, kids are ready to venture into new activities such as jump-rope, hopscotch, climbing, ice skating, roller skating, bicycle riding, water sports and playing with balls. Small muscles abilities have also improved, resulting in improved fine motor skills. These skills allow kids to take on new activities such as drawing with pencils, simple sewing, simple carpentry, weaving, braiding, stringing small beads, cutting out paper dolls and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Mentally, kids in the 6-8 age range have developed skills in reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. **End Summary** Topics: learning toys]]> child development]]> toys]]> kids learning toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about child development and educational materials. Click here to download our free learning toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Thomas Tank Engine Wooden Train Toys Are Coming Soon

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:21:29 -0500

What do you get when you pair the world’s leading brand of preschool toys with one of the world’s most beloved wooden train characters? In just a few more months, we’ll find out. Starting in 2010, Fisher-Price, will be marketing Thomas Tank Engine play toys. The release is timed to coincide with the popular train toys’ 65th birthday. Best known for its track and engine sets, Fisher-Price will be expanding the Thomas brand beyond the current line of wooden train sets to include high-quality die-cast vehicles, electronic learning and developmental toys, role play toys, battery-powered ride-ons, and, in some places, plastic pedal trikes (see below for a complete list). In a new deal with HIT Entertainment, a world leader in children’s programming, entertainment, and properties, Fisher-Price has been granted global rights (excluding Japan) for a collection of Thomas and Friends toys. HIT Entertainment’s portfolio includes several hot properties--Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Fireman Sam™, and Angelina Ballerina™ are among the most popular. What does this mean for Thomas Tank Engine wooden train sets? **End Summary** Topics: wooden train]]> wooden trains]]> wooden train set]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Thomas Tank Engine and other learning toys and hobby items. Click here to download our free wooden train guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Secrets to Bigger Crystals with a Crystal Growing Kit

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:20:04 -0500

If you've ever grown crystals, you have learned that bigger is always better. Everyone wants to make the biggest crystals. This article reveals the secrets to growing bigger crystals with or without the help of a crystal growing science kit. A great place to start crystal growing is to purchase a science kit at any toy store. A good science kit will provide guidance and materials to get started. However, kids can achieve amazing crystal growing results even without a science kit. Basic crystals can be grown with simple table salt and hot water. Boil the water, and stir as much salt into the hot water as possible until no more salt will dissolve. Soak a small piece of cardboard in the solution until the cardboard is totally saturated, then set the cardboard in a warm and sunny place to dry. As it dries, tiny salt crystals will become visible. To grow a larger crystal, you have to begin with a small 'seed' crystal. **End Summary** Topics: grow crystals]]> crystal growing]]> crystal growing kit]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about crystal growing sets and many other science kits and educational materials. Click here to download our free science kit guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Kids Develop Skills by Playing with Wooden Building Blocks

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:19:00 -0500

Wooden building blocks can promote learning and develop physical skills in young children. They are one of the oldest and simplest of all toys; carved from wood, in various shapes and painted different colors. Most of us remember these from our own childhood. Our parents, grandparents and many generations before that would also remember, fondly, the hours spent building with these toys. Though wooden blocks toys are so simple, they are effective developmental tools for kids, even more effective than many of the high-tech electronic toys that seem to come and year after year. There are many ways these simple building blocks can shape and develop our children. Building blocks challenge kids to build bigger, stronger structures and to be more creative. Kids can build great fortresses and bridges. These simple toys help kids to open their imaginations, where they travel to distant lands and we battled evil empires. Kids will build structures then tear them down, only to build them again. These toys help kids take ideas from our imagination and bring them into physical realities. A child learns logic and reasoning. **End Summary** Topics: building blocks]]> blocks toys]]> wooden blocks]]> wood blocks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about wooden blocks and many other learning toys. Click here to download our free building blocks guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

How to Buy the Right Baby Musical Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:16:28 -0500

Musical toys make wonderful gifts but how do you know which ones are right for your kids? These toys offer more than just fun and entertainment; they are also one of the best kids learning toys available. But the challenge is to provide kids with age-appropriate toys that can challenge them and motivate them to engage in active play time. This article provides some facts to help you know how to buy the right musical toys for your kids from the baby years to school age years. Musical toys come in various forms. From newborn babies up to teenagers, there is something to fit every child's needs. For young babies, simple rattles and shakers are appealing. In the early years, the best kids learning toys are the ones that meet multiple needs with the same toy. For example, a toy can provide both soft plush characters with musical features, giving kids a new friend with a smiling face and a soft cuddly body that makes musical sounds when played with. Other toys combine musical elements into teething rings, interesting textures, squeaky parts, and colorful inter-active options. Look for toys with a variety of textures, colors, sounds, moving parts or lights. **End Summary** Topics: musical toys]]> kids learning toys]]> learning toys]]> musical toy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about musical toys and other learning toys. Click here to download our free kids learning toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Tips for Keeping Play Toys Safe for Your Kids

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:15:45 -0500

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports there were a whopping 232,900 toy-related injuries resulting in emergency room treatments in 2007. There were also 18 toy-related deaths among children under age 15. To help prevent these hazards, the CPSC has developed mandatory safety standards for manufacturers in the $30 billion play toys industry. The manufactures have added to these standards with their own voluntary standards. Together these standards have greatly reduced risks of choking, lead poisoning and other potential hazards. The tips shown below can help parents do their part in protecting their own kids: 1. Read the age and safety labels on all toys before purchasing. Hazards can be greatly reduced by making sure toys are appropriate for the age of the child. This is widely considered to be the single most important safety measure for parents. This is especially important for children under age 3 because toys labeled for older kids can have small parts that could cause choking if they get into the hands and mouths of younger children. 2. Do not buy toys that contain magnets because magnets have lead, which is a poisonous substance. **End Summary** Topics: play toys]]> model trains]]> play toy]]> kids play toys]]> model tra]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about a wide variety of different learning toys and hobby items including model trains and many other play toys. Click here to download our free play toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

How to Buy the Right Kids Student Microscopes

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:14:27 -0500

Curious kids love to explore and investigate. From an early age, a hand-held magnifying glass offers a new perspective to young scientists and explorers. Common objects are fascinating when seen in detail, and it helps kids understand the world around them. A student microscope allows kids to take their explorations and their understanding to a new level. Having a basic microscope at home supports home learners, budding scientists, and in-depth science projects. It is possible to buy microscopes that are robust enough for daily use yet have powerful magnification. Many scientific supply companies and educational stores sell a range of prepared slides as well. Certain key features are important when you buy microscopes. This is especially true with a student microscope, when ease of use is important for avoiding frustration. There are two levels of student microscope power, based on the level of magnification. 1. Low power microscopes are useful for looking at larger objects like rocks, flowers, coins, and insects. Typical magnifications range from 10X up to 80X. There are usually two eyepieces to provide a three-dimensional view. The most common useful magnifications are 20-30X. 2. **End Summary** Topics: buy microscopes]]> student microscope]]> kids microscope]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles providing tips on how to buy microscopes and other science items and educational materials. Click here to download our free student microscope guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Guide to Scales of Breyer Model Horse Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:13:00 -0500

This article provides a guide to the scale sizes of Breyer model horse toys. Breyer is the most popular and best selling brand of miniature horse toys. Breyer model horses are available in a range of five different sizes. All five sizes are accurately scaled to the average size of the real horse breeds that each one represents. The largest size is known as the traditional size. This size is 1:9 scale and is approximately twelve inches long by nine inches tall. It is the most popular size of Breyer horse toys by far; in fact, many new releases and special tack accessories are available only in this scale. It makes sense that collectors would gravitate towards this larger size because the closer the models are to actual size the easier it is to see and appreciate the beauty of the horses athletic bodies and flowing manes. Hobbyists want their models to be adored and appreciated and that is much more likely to happen with larger, more visible models. The next largest size is known as the classic size. This size 1:12 scale, also known as the dollhouse scale, and is approximately nine inches by six inches. **End Summary** Topics: breyer horses]]> model horse]]> breyer horse]]> toy horse]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Breyer model horse toys plus many other educational toys and hobby items. Click here to download our free horse toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

Home Planetarium Offers a Fun Guide to Planets for Kids

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:11:36 -0500

It might be hard to believe but there is enough entertainment in the night sky to replace at least some of the time kids spend with Facebook, video games, television and movies. See, I said it would be hard to believe! The stars and planets provide a different type of theater, and they can be explored without the cost of an expensive telescope or an expensive trip to a planetarium. Of course, if you have access to a great telescope and a clear night sky that is the ultimate thrill. But for a smaller budget or a cloudy night, or just for fun in a cozy indoors environment, kids can take a tour of the solar system with a home planetarium. A home planetarium is many things. Its most obvious use is as an educational tool. Children (and adults) can learn about the location of stars, planets, and constellations. It is an excellent way to discover the nine planets for kids. **End Summary** Topics: astronomy for kids]]> home planetarium]]> planets for kids]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about home planetarium kits and many other science kits and educational materials. Click here to download our free planets for kids guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

4 Educational Benefits of Miniature Dollhouse Toys

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:10:26 -0500

Many children spend hours playing with dollhouse toys, carefully arranging and dramatizing scenarios. Not only are kids enthusiastic about it, but there are numerous educational benefits to playing with a miniature dollhouse: 1. Imaginative Play: Dolls promote imaginative play, which is developmentally important for children. Adults often discount pretend play since it appears to have no purpose. However, it is a key component of learning for children of all ages. Research has found connections between imaginative play and cognition, social abilities, and language skills. This type of play allows children to practice their social skills, work through any troubling or upsetting events, develop their conversational vocabularies, learn empathy, and stretch their creativity. Some parents are troubled by pretending when children seem to reject the “real” world. However, a child who insists he is a superhero or she is a princess is not denying reality. For a child, it’s an intricate experiment to discover the limits of imagination and reality, along with exploring how someone else might see, think, and feel. Logical rules still apply, and kids often think of elaborate solutions to problems. **End Summary** Topics: miniature dollhouse]]> dollhouse toys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about miniature dollhouse toys and many other learning toys. Click here to download our free dollhouse toys guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

How to Grow Crystals Bigger than Ever With a Science Kit

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:09:23 -0500

Growing crystals is a fun, hands-on way to study chemistry and look at basic principles of geology and mineralogy. While some simple crystals can be made at home without special assistance, a science kit can provide a valuable starting point for getting larger and purer crystals. Many students grow crystals as part of a science fair project, examining different factors and conditions. Every time you grow crystals, a chemical reaction takes place. Two or more chemicals are combined to create a new product. Typically, these initial chemicals are dissolved in a solvent. Once they combine to form a new substance, the saturated solution is allowed to cool. Crystals form slowly as the temperature drops. As individual particles touch, they join to form a crystal and fall out of solution. The solid product settles to the bottom - a process known as precipitation. This chemical reaction can be performed at home, but it mimics the same conditions that take place whenever crystals form - including during geological formation. A crystal is made up of repeating molecules held in a solid structure known as a lattice. **End Summary** Topics: grow crystals]]> science kit]]> science kits]]> growing crystals]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles providing tips on how to grow crystals plus many other educational topics. Click here to download our free science kit guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.