My son and I spend a good part of our day reading…it’s part of how I’m teaching him about shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and animals.  But there is only so much reading that can be done.  After all, he’s two and needs just as much time playing as he does reading.  I spend many of my days at home (I know it doesn’t seem that way) and I have to get creative with our activities.  Along with reading and coloring, we also play with toys.

I actually find shopping for toys to be a little difficult, given the sheer number of them available.  Even when I narrow it down by age and gender, I’m still left with way too many choices. So I’m left looking for other characteristics such as safety, price, and overall lasting value.  JAKKS Pacific designs, develops and produces toys for children.  You are probably familiar with brands such as Discovery Kids and Girl Gourmet.  Stay tuned as I will have another post with some awesome fun and educational toys offered by JAKKS Pacific.

If you’re looking to teach your child about science and animals, Discovery Kids toys make the perfect gift.  The Scanopedia Electronic Talking Encyclopedia is an interactive way to get children excited about animals while teaching them fun facts.  I’ve never seen a toy like this, so I was highly impressed with the way it works.  Who would have thought that any toy with the word “encyclopedia” in it, would be fun?  But my son really enjoys it.  

The electronic scanner can be used on the Smart Animals (which are sold separately) to hear special effects and learn unique facts about that particular animal. You can use the Scanopedia by itself to reveal information about animals and maps through activities and games, and with the included interactive poster (which is HUGE by the way).  The Scanopedia is truly an encyclopedia with over 2,500 sound effects, facts and quizzes and more than 200 animals to learn about.    

The Scanopedia and Smart Animals can be used with children for years as they grow and develop.  Right now my son particularly enjoys talking and playing with his Smart Animals.  He also really likes when we scan the map together and hear interesting animal sounds.  As he gets older, he’ll enjoy the games and quizzes.

The Scanopedia Electronic Talking Animal Encyclopedia retails for $29.99 and Smart Animals retail for $4.99-$12.99.  Both are available at retailers such as Toys R Us and Walmart.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

For some kids, starting school, or returing to school after a summer long vacation can cause anxiety.  We put our little boy in preschool this summer for the very first time and he’s had a very positive experience so far.  We did prepare him in advance before sending him to school.  Reading books about school was just one of the ways we prepared him and how we continue to reinforce that school is a fun, positive experience.

Reading is one of the most educational activities I can do with my son at this age.  His brain is taking in every experience and I do as much as I can to foster that.  If you are looking for some books to help prepare your child for school, Candlewick Press has an excellent assortment of titles for a variety of ages.

My son loves books that engage his senses.  Maisy Goes To School, by Lucy Cousins, follows Maisy the mouse on an adventurous day at school.  Here is a little summary about the book from the site:

School’s in session and it’s time for Maisy — and her readers — to have fun. As they watch Maisy spend an eventful day at school, little ones can pull the tabs and lift the flaps to help Maisy paint some pictures, write a story, add and subtract, and even dance like a ballerina. Toddlers who are crazy for Maisy will love going to school with their favorite mouse!

The hardcover book comes in both a full and mini size, so children can bring it with them in their backpacks if they’d like.  My son loves the pull tabs and flaps (those are his favorite kinds of books).  Maisy really portrays the school day as a fun, positive experience.  Interactive books are always the most entertaining for my son.  I spend a lot of time asking him questions about what’s going on in the story to get him to talk as well. We actually received both the larger version and the mini version (during BlogHer) and I think it’s great for children to carry the mini version with them if for nothing more than just comfort.  The book is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers.

Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School? conveys a similar message geared towards children ages 2 to 5.  It’s a simpler story about preparing for school.  Here is a summary from the site:

It’s time for school. Is Cornelius P. Mud up? Sure he is! The plucky pig has even made his bed, put on his clothes, and eaten his breakfast. But with Cornelius, things are never quite as they seem. Despite his clowning around, Cornelius does make his way through his morning routine and out to the bus stop — where readers are in for a big surprise! Barney Saltzberg is back with a second comical story about a single-mindedly silly pig. Kids who aim to do things their way — and what child doesn’t? — will squeal with pleasure at Cornelius’s merry morning mayhem.

If you’re looking for a book that will help prepare your child while showing them how easy preparing for school can be, this is a great book. We actually have another Cornelius P. Mudd book and I appreciate the gorgeous illustrations and simple way the author conveys each story’s message.  And I love that the author promotes a child’s individuality.  Children at this age (toddlers and preschoolers) are asserting their independence and I think that as long as they’re being appropriate, it’s ok to do things “their own way.”

These are just two of at least 10 titles that will help your child prepare for school.  Most are very reasonably priced.  Check them out on Candlewick Press.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!