Electrify Learning with Playdough: Five Squishy Circuit Kits to Giveaway!

Would your child want to learn about electrical circuits using this type of teaching material?

photo: AnnMarie P. Thomas

photo: AnnMarie P. Thomas

 ....or would she rather use some playdough instead?








WHAT: Squishy Circuits Kit
DOES:  Perhaps the most non-intimidating and playful hands-on way to teach and learn about electrical circuits- even the little ones can do it!  Grown-ups should still stick around to supervise.
INVEST: $19.99
TOOLS: Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Express Yourself

SEE Giveaway Instructions at the bottom of post

Creativity Week: Part 3: NYSCI Makerspace: Learning by Making

Very smart.  They don't give you a big safety lecture right when you walk in but they DO tell the kids what tools are available to them and explain how to use them safely.  It's a big difference that kids appreciate.

WHAT:  Make It: Woodworking at New York Hall of Science

DOES:  being creative with raw materials that might hurt you if you're not careful? YES! I love it! Sign us up!

INVEST:  Class costs $8 for member and $10 non-members.  Space is limited and running for a limited period of time.  Other Make classes are available throughout the year.
AGES: 5+
LIVE OUTSIDE OF NYC?: Don't worry, I've posted ideas for you below.

TOOLS: Think Like A Scientist/Engineer, My Body Needs to Move, Express Yourself

Squishy Circuits: Learning and Expression Go Hand in Hand

We Made All Kinds of Things from david wells on Vimeo.


WHAT: We Made All Kinds of Things by David Wells
DOES: inspires a child to keep the learning alive through different media: music and video; maybe they will want to make their own song and/or video too; either way, this video inspires this parent to keep thinking outside of the box
INVEST: under tres minutos of your precious time
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Foment Love of Language, Remember to Learn, Family Fix-it (fix Mom's behavior)

Best Toys and Games 2012 Holiday List and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! Just Vote! (Closed)

I never thought I'd write this post.  The whole idea of Toys are Tools is to show that all children are different and so what would be a great educational toy for one child may not be great for another.  That is one reason why we have 7 kid testers ranging from ages 3-13. 

But alas, I admit that having a shortlist can be helpful. Thus, I've created a list of educational toys and skill-building games that left a strong impression this year. Most of these toys will be from 2012 but some may have peeked their heads earlier. It's my first full year writing toy reviews so I think I'll get away with it just this one time.

One thing that is abundantly clear, the readers here are very passionate about toys and so I am hoping that through this "Best Of" list, everyone's voices will be heard.  But I'll provide a delectable incentive for your time.  So please have some fun and vote for your favorite toy or game of the year!  The winner will take up a cozy spot on the right hand column of Toys are Tools for the entire year of 2013.   And the coolest part?  One winner will get a $50 dollar Amazon gift certificate. If you win, you have to promise me that you will spend it on you. No toys for the kids, okay? What are you waiting for?  Read on and VOTE! 

Best Toys and Games of 2012 Holiday List

World Maker Faire 2012 Coverage Part 2

Mechanical Thumb War?  What's next?

WHAT: 2nd part coverage of World Maker Faire New York at the New York Hall of Science
DOES: First sentence of their program reads: World Maker Faire 2012 is a showcase of creativity and cool technology that celebrates the maker mindset.  (And that is exactly what it is!)
TOOLS:  Express Yourself- lots of chances to create, Family Fix-its - so much education in conservation/sustainability, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer- but of course, My Body Needs to Move, Inventor Profiles (Meeting Makers is a huge part of the thrill)
One More Maker Faire feature story coming soon....

Review: My Doodle Chair: Playing Around with Form and Function

Build AND decorate?  What could be more fun?  photo: Jupiter Creations

WHAT: My Doodle Chair by Jupiter Creations
DOES: excellent quality cardboard chair that is easy to build and you can decorate twice (both sides); total surface is blank; birthday party solvinator 3-5 years old; biodegradable; chair holds up to 150 lbs.- 'tis true (parents' butt-tested)
INVEST: $14.99
TOOLS: Express Yourself, My Body Needs to Move, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer

Review & Giveaway: Sleddy Kites: May the Force Be With You

Remember this whole thing can be folded and tucked neatly into a pocket-sized pouch.  That's incredible!  photo: HQ Kites and Designs USA

WHAT: Sleddy by HQ Kites and Designs USA

DOES: An excellent entry for any child to the world of kite-flying.  Well-designed to suit both needs of busy families on-the-go and novice flyers

INVEST:  $15.99 MSRP
TOOLS:  My Body Needs to Move, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Social Scene Helper

Expert Opinion: Vanessa Garza, Administrator in Residence, Green Dot Schools, Los Angeles and former Director of Family Science, Iridescent Learning
GIVEAWAY Details of 6 Kites (= 6 Winners!!) at the Bottom of this Review

Review & Giveaway: Qwirkle: Strategy 101

Simple rules and simple tiles allow for very complex play, especially if your opponent is skilled!  photo: Mindware

WHAT: Qwirkle by Mindware
DOES: simple rules allow for easy and fluid starts;  game scenario is ever-changing thus forcing you to be flexible
INVEST: $24.95
TOOLS: Flexibility is My Superpower, Remember to Learn, Lose and Win Gracefully (because points are on the side, you don't really tally until the end, so you're focused on shifting strategies instead)
EXPERT OPINION included:  Heather Goldman, PhD, Child Psychologist & Psychology Consultant, The Quad Manhattan
Giveaway Details below 

World Maker Faire 2013

KIDS made this.  I KID you not.

WHAT: World MAKER FAIRE 2013

DOES: Inspires the maker in all of us while you eat the best food in the world

INVEST:  door price $35 adult -single day; $20 Youth (2-17)- single day (but if you buy in advance it is soooo much cheaper
AGES: I saw little babies there but I am assuming they didn't make anything.

TOOLS: Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Express Yourself, I Can Take Care of Myself

Review and Giveaway: Red Toolbox Tools and Treasure Chest: Learning to Make or Making to Learn?

photos above: Reeves International 

WHAT: Eight-Piece Toolset and Treasure Chest Kit from Red Toolbox (Reeves International)

DOES:  REAL tools designed for younger makers.  Kids making functional things or art with their own hands is rare these days but it's a powerful method of learning and building confidence

INVEST: MSRP Set $39.99, Kit $14.99

AGES: 8 and up

TOOLS:  My Body Needs to Move, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Holiday/Birthday Build-Uponner 

EXPERT OPINION: David Wells, Manager, Creative Making and Learning, New York Hall of Science

GIVEAWAY: (Total Value $65) Win a Toolbox + Six Piece Toolset and Treasure Chest Kit