3D Feel and Find World Icons {Guidecraft Mom Review}

We are loving Guidecrafts 3D Feel and Find Icons!

 

This has been a fun sensory toy that BOTH of my kids are enjoying. 

About 3D Feel and Find Icons

Guidecrafts 3D Feel and Find Icons canvas bag contains 20 different shapes with matching tiles.  The pieces are chunky, making it easy for little hand to pick them up.  Each piece is made out of eco-friendly rubberwood and stained with brightly colored dyes, which are child safe.  The product is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Our Experience

We started out talking about the different shapes and colors.  Then Aiden matched the pieces together.

We then selected a few tiles and put the matching pieces in the bag.  The kids took turns turning over a tile and trying to find the correct shapes.

Aiden found this a little challenging at first.  He kept trying to peak into the bag.

Emily had no problem find the correct pieces ~ without peaking.

My Thoughts

This is a toy that can grow with your kids.  You can start out using it as a simple puzzle, matching the shapes to the correct tiles.  Then talk about color matching, shapes and sizes.  My 4 year old found it challenging, when he had to find the correct shape in the bag.  My daughter, who is 8, had fun helping Aiden and picking tiles out of the bag.  That being said ~ I can see that it would be fun and educational for a wide age range.

Find Out More

The 3D Feel and Find World Icons can be purchased from Guidecraft or Amazon.

Win It!

Xenia @ Thanks Mail Carrier is hosting the giveaway!  Head over for a chance to win!!

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, this product was given to me for review purposes. I do not have to return the product to the vendor and I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

~Cindy

Bead and Water Blocks {Guidecraft Mom Review}

There are a few toys that I consider “must-haves” and building blocks are one of them.  Guidecraft’s Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks add a fun twist to traditional building blocks.

  

Each set of blocks contains eight blocks ~ four rectangle blocks and four half circle blocks.   My kids loved trying to find new ways to balance the half circle blocks.

I personally loved the beauty of these blocks and the fun noise the bead blocks make when you shake them.  Yes, I will admit that I had just as much fun as the kids playing with these blocks!

The final verdict ~ we love these blocks!  They have been a great addition to our building block collection.

 

You can purchase the Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks on the Guidecraft site.  You can also purchase the Crystal Bead Blocks and Shimmering Water Blocks on Amazon.

Want to win a set? Jolanthe @ Homeschool Creations is hosting the giveaway this month!  Head on over and enter to win!!

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, this product was given to me for review purposes. I do not have to return the product to the vendor and I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

~Cindy

Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups {Guidecraft Mom Review}

  

This month we have been playing with two fun, brightly colored math toys that we received from Guidecraft ~ an Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups.   

About the Fraction Action Board and Action Cups

The Fraction Action Board includes 18 pieces and a tray.  The Fraction Cups has 10 pieces and 4 cups.  The pieces all fit easily onto the board and into the cups and the pieces are big enough that they are easy for little hands to grip and pick up.  Both of the sets are made of eco-friendly rubberwood and stained with brightly colored low VOC aniline dyes ~ so they are safe for little ones!  The sets are recommended for ages 2 and up and included an activity guide with fun ideas to add to your math fun.

Our Thoughts

I love toys that naturally lead to educational learning!  We talked about shapes, colors and fractions {a little}.  Aiden had fun taking the pieces out and putting them back.

               

Of course there was lots of building and stacking going on!

My thoughts ~ this has been a fun math toy that I plan on using in our homeschooling for both my son and daughter.

Find Out More

The Fraction Action Board or Fraction Cups can be purchased from Amazon or Guidecraft.

Win It!

Mama Jenn is giving away a Fraction Action Board and Fraction Cups.  The giveaway ends Saturday, June 25th.

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Considering God’s Creation ~ Review

  

For my final review for the TOS Crew we were very happy to receive a product for one of our favorite subjects ~ science.  I received Considering God’s Creation from Eagles Wings Education Materials. 

 

About Considering God’s Creation

Considering God’s Creation is a natural science curriculum with a biblical perspective.  It is designed for 2nd to 7th grade, although it is adaptable for younger or older students.  We received the Student Manual, which has 268 pages, Teachers manual, and audio CD.  

Considering God’s Creation contains 36 lessons which cover the following topics:

• Creation
• The Universe: Stars, Sun and Planets
• The Earth
• Non-Living Things: Rocks and Minerals
• Weather
• The Plant Kingdom
• The Animal Kingdom
• Animal Anatomy & Physiology
• Man: Made in God’s Image

Here is a sample of what the workbook pages look like,

and here is a sample page from the Teacher’s Manual.

What I Thought

There is so much that I love about this curriculum!  The lessons are broken down so you can teach one lesson per week.  I didn’t have to buy a lot of extras ~ just a notebook.  At the beginning of the  lesson it gives you a simple list of what you will need during the lesson (crayons, glue, scissors, etc.).  Each lesson contains:

• Vocabulary
• Introduction to the lesson
• Song/Poem
• Bible Reading
• Activity
• Notebook
• Evolution Stumpers
• Review
• Digging Deeper

What I loved the most ~ I was able to pick up the Teacher’s Manual and get right to it and what I was teaching was from a biblical prospective!  We are going to continue using Considering God’s Creation this summer.

Considering God’s Creation (including Teacher’s Manual, Student Notebook, and CD) is available from Eagle’s Wings for $29.95.  Additional Student workbooks are available for $13.95 each.

To see what other crew members thought click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Wordy Qwerty {Review}

Talking Fingers, the creators of Read, Write and Type (a product I reviewed last year and loved), have delivered another favorite in our household ~ Wordy Qwerty!

About Wordy Qwerty

Wordy Qwerty is intended for children ages 7 to 9.  The program helps with reading and spelling by providing the following foundations for fluency:

1. Some sounds can be represented in several different ways.
2. Most words follow about 20 easy spelling rules.
3. There are many word families, (words that sound the same, or rhyme). By changing the first letter(s), you can make hundreds of words.
4. Some words are "outlaws". They don't follow the rules. They must be recognized quickly and automatically.
5. Writing to dictation develops vocabulary, comprehension and fluency as well as spelling skills.
6. Reading (and filling in missing words) develops vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills.

The program has 20 lessons (6 activities per lesson), which go over the following spelling rules:

Wordy Qwerty teaches these rules through the use of fun games and songs.  You can hear a sample of some of the songs here.

Our Thoughts

This is have been a great addition to our language arts program.  My daughter is not a confident speller yet and she tends to ask after EVERY LETTER if she is spelling something correctly.  The program has been a blessing for me because I do not have to sit with her, therefore, she is not asking me constantly “Mom, is this right?”  I have seen an improvement in her spelling and confidence!  The games are challenging enough to keep her interest and the characters, Qwerty and Midi, are fun and quirky.  My daughter’s favorite game is Pop-a-Word.  You are given a sentence

and the you have to click on the balloons with the correct spelling of each word in the sentence in the correct order.

My only complaint with the program is the time it takes to load the games, which means my daughter has time to get sidetracked and distracted.  Overall, we have enjoyed the program and I can see improvement in my daughter spelling and reading.

Find Out More

Want to give the program a try?  You can download one free lesson (Silent E) and see what you think.  Plus, if you join their mailing list you can get a coupon for 20% off your next order. 

Wordy Qwerty is available online (a 5 year subscription) for the following cost:

You can also purchase the CD Home Version for $35.00, which includes the JingleSpells Songs CD.  NOTE:  This version NOT compatible with Windows 7 or Mac 10.6

You can read reviews by other TOS Crew Members here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Twister and Twister Curves {Guidecraft Mom Review}

Our latest construction toy from Guidecraft ~ Twisters and Twister Curves have been a hit in our household.

About Twister and Twister Curves

Each set includes 66 colored building pieces (blue, yellow, green and blue), 24 connecting rods, and a pair of pliers.

              

The sets are recommended for ages 3 and up.

What We Thought

Emily (and I) have had so much fun creating with these sets.   She made a mask, although I’m not sure what creature she was suppose to be,

a lizard,

and a rocket.

Aiden loved the set however he got frustrated that the pieces came apart fairly easily.   He did make a few structures and was very proud of his caterpillar ~ even though you can’t tell it by the picture.

Find Out More

Twisters and Twister Curves can be purchased directly from the Guidecraft or from Amazon.

Win It!

Carisa from 1+1+1=1 is giving away a set of Twisters and Twister Curves! The giveaway ends Sunday, May 22nd.

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Circle C Beginnings {Review} ~ Andi’s Pony Trouble

When we received the package from Kregel Publications containing the Circle C Beginnings books Andi’s Pony Trouble by Susan Marlow, my daughter saw the horse on the cover of the book, immediately grabbed the book, and headed to her room to start reading it {insert gasp}.  My daughter can read on her own however, it is not often that she will do so without my encouragement. 

About Circle C Beginnings Series

The Circle C Beginnings Series published by Kregel Publications is written for children ages 6-8 and tells about Andi, a 6-year old girl who lives on her family’s ranch in 1874.  These easy reader chapter books contain beautiful pencil drawings.  Each story has free activity packs available on the author’s website.

In this particular story, Andi’s Pony Trouble,  Andi wants a horse of her own more than anything in the world.  Her mother thinks she is too young, so Andi is stuck riding Coco, a hand-me-down pony.  Andi is determined to prove to her family that she's ready for a horse of her own.

Our Thoughts

I knew that I would be purchasing the other books in the Circle C Beginnings series before I even had a chance to finish reading the book.  My daughter loved the story and I loved the attitudes of the children.  The illustrations are beautiful and the story was engaging!  The activity packs were a great way to expand the learning and I could make sure that my daughter understood what she was reading.

Find Out More

Andi’s Pony Trouble is available for $4.99 from Kregel, as well as the other books in the series.  The Circle C Beginnings website has free online puzzles and coloring pages available.  There are also free activity pages for each book to download.

You can read reviews by other TOS Crew Members here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Hideaway Country Kitchen {Guidecraft Mom Review}

One of my favorite toys when I was growing up was a kitchen set.  I remember playing with it everyday ~ daydreaming about growing up and having a family of my own to fix meals for someday.   My kids and I were beyond excited when we received Guidecraft’s Hideaway Country Kitchen!

Pretty isn’t it! 

About the Hideaway Country Kitchen

This beautiful wooden kitchen measures 30"W x 15.25"D x 38"H once it is assembled.  What makes this kitchen so amazing is the ability to fold it it up.Once folded it measures a depth of  just 6”, allowing you to store it easily.

The kitchen, which has white bead board on the back wall and doors, also has an adjustable clock, hooks to hang hot pads or cups,

a wooden shelf, and knobs that make a clicking noise when you turn them.  The kitchen is recommended for ages 3 and up.

My Thoughts

I placed the kitchen on a small wall right beside our kitchen so the kids could “cook” while I am working in the kitchen.  The colors of the kitchen are neutral and go with any decor. 

We have a small house and I rotate our toys so the kids don’t have too much out at one time.  This kitchen is easy to fold up, just lift the locking bars and remove one bolt, then fold it and hide it away in a closet.

Both of my kids (Emily who is almost 8 and Aiden who is 4) have played with the kitchen everyday since I put it together. 

I will say that it took me about 1 1/2 hours to put the kitchen together.  The instructions were easy to read and my only problem was attaching the 7 knobs on the front.

Find Out More

The Hideaway Country Kitchen is available from both Amazon and the Guidecraft website.  If you are looking for a kitchen set with pink, blue and yellow, check out the Hideaway Playtime Kitchen instead. It features a pink, blue and yellow color scheme and is also available from Guidecraft. 

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

 ~Cindy

Interlox {Guidecraft Mom Review and GIVEAWAY}

Guidecraft has created another amazing building toy ~ Interlox 96 piece set.  This set has sparked creativity and imaginative play in my 7 year old daughter and my 4 year old boy.     

About Interlox 96-Piece Building Set

Interlox building set contains 96 brightly colored translucent pieces, in 6 different colors;  yellow, blue, purple, green, orange, and pink.  Each block has a design inset on it (heart, square, circle, diamond, star, octagon, or flower).  The building pieces slide and clip together ~ no tools or small pieces required.  The set is recommended for ages 3 and up.

What We Thought

Finding toys that my daughter and son can both use to create and build with is a struggle.  I often hear that something Aiden likes is babyish, and Aiden gets frustrated with small pieces that are hard to put together.  Not with this set, each of the kids used the building pieces to create things that interested them.  My daughter created things for her Polly Pockets, including a Mall,

sitting area bus stop

and bed.

My son had no problem sliding the pieces together.  He made an airplane

  and lots of tall towers.

Mommy was please because I could throw in some educational activities.  Aiden counted the pieces and Emily skip counted by 2’s,  3’s, 4’s, etc.

We worked on patterns and naming all the shapes.

Here’s How To Win:

MANDATORY first entry:

• Visit the Guidecraft Website, then come back and leave a comment here telling me which is your favorite product.

Optional additional entries:

• Become a fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
• Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway; @cindymomto2 is giving away an Interlox set from @guidecraft ~ http://bit.ly/fCtdiD. Giveaway ends 4/25.
• Become a follower of Along The Way, unless of course you already are. :) Just let me know!
• Blog about this giveaway and share the link here.

Giveaway Information:

• The give-away will be open until midnight Monday, April 25, 2011. The winner will be notified by Wednesday, April 27, 2011.
• Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, winner will be chosen at random!
• Please leave a way for me to contact you in your entry otherwise another winner will be chosen.
• NOTE: This giveaway is offered to US residents only.

Want it NOW? If you can’t wait to win, you can head over to purchase the Interlox 96 piece set from Guidecraft’s website or Amazon!

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy