Tuesday, November 5, 2013

123 Tracing App Review




Learning to write is a very important thing for a child to learn. I remember when Noah tried to scribble and say he was writing. That is a normal thing to do of course. Noah started writing at age 3.  He still has handwriting issues.  He is very smart but for some reason making letters and numbers properly is somewhat of a challenge for him. It takes a lot of practice for kids to learn how to properly write their numbers to be able to read what their answer is. Noah’s handwriting is not where I would like it but he is definitely improved.  His math work is correct but sometimes I have to have him rewrite the numbers again. I have started him on a new educational app called 123 Tracing to help him practice writing his numbers. 123 Tracing is made by Kid's Academy. They have so many fun apps. When I taught at a Montessori preschool, one of the things we did with the kids was have them trace letters and numbers by practicing writing them in sand.  123 Tracing reminded me of doing that. I think it is important to trace with your finger because it helps you not only practice making the number but to also feel it.  There is a difference between using a pencil to write it and feeling it and watching your finger make the number.  I think there is definitely more of a connection.  I didn’t tell him that it is an app to practice writing his numbers but just a new game he should try out.  He loves it.  He loves to collect the fireflies too! 



Here is more about the app from the developer:
123 Tracing is an action-packed app that teaches kids numbers with engaging game that keeps them glued to the screen. Your little learners will have tons of fun learning their numbers in the interactive app loved by kids and parents alike.

This math game teaches fundamental math concepts critical for preschoolers: identifying numbers; one-to-one number correspondence; reading number symbols; associating symbols with quantity etc. Appropriate hints are provided to support your child as they practice and build their math skills. Not only can they discover numbers through initial independent play, you can also play collaboratively with your child. 


FEATURES

* Game that make learning numbers a blast!
* Kid-friendly navigation
* Frequent repetition designed to help children learn numbers and their sequence
* Fun surprises and verbal encouragement that keep kids coming back for more
* Curriculum developed and reviewed by preschool education expert
* A rich, exploratory environment filled with surprises
* Audio instructions
* Kid-tested appropriate game

Why you'll love it:

* Active learning: children learn by "doing," completing a fun activity for every number.
* Strong educational content: playtime turns into productive learning, keeping children occupied while teaching them the numbers they need for math.

123 Tracing with its unique graphical styling, beautiful music, and interactivity is designed to engage, entertain, and educate your kids.

123 Tracing is available in iTunes for iPad.

It is also available in the Google PlayStore for Android users.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Crafting with kids: Christmas cards and gifts



Your family and friends are sure to love the personal touch of receiving Christmas cards and gifts crafted by the kids, so why not start some projects now and get prepared for the festive season? It’s a great way to save money, and to get the whole family into the festive spirit.

Here are our top ideas for Christmas cards, gifts and wrap, so you can create the whole package.

1. Printed Christmas Cards
Christmas cards can be extremely expensive, but you and the kids can create fantastic cards the family will love using just your computer and printer.

Simply use a programme such as Microsoft Paint or Publisher and let the kids go wild with drawings, clip art and messages. You could even use your Christmas photos as part of your design. Let the kids use their imagination, and simply press print for a truly unique greetings card.

For professional results, purchase high-quality ink - CartridgeDiscount has low prices and free UK delivery to save you money, as well as card blanks and envelopes from your local craft store. Plain white designs are easiest to print on.

2. Christmas Wrap
You and your family can make personalised Christmas wrap by purchasing a roll of parcel paper and adding decorations. A quick, easy and effective option is stamping: create potato stamps, get the kids to finger-paint designs or purchase a pre-made stamp – NotOn The High Street has a great selection. Make sure to decorate a tag in the same way.

3. Homemade gifts                                                        
Home-baked treats are a fantastic option when it comes to creating gifts with the kids – fun to make and to eat, it’s something everyone will enjoy. The options are almost endless: you can ice cupcakes with festive designs, create gingerbread men, decorate cakes and more. Find inspiration and recipes at BBC GoodFood.                                      

Other inexpensive and easy options that are sure to bring a smile to loved ones’ faces are decorated photo frames featuring a photo of the family, diaries with kids’ drawings interspersed throughout, or painted mugs. Check out the kids’ Christmas craft kits available at Hobbycraft for more ideas.                                         
                                                                                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
                                                               
                                                                                                               

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Classico Pizza Sauce Review


I love to eat pizza. Honestly it is hard to find really good pizza. I have a favorite pizza place that is now over 1,000 miles away. I have searched and searched and nothing I found has compared to it. It is also a lot of fun to make your own. I remember growing up when my family would make pizzas together. It is great when you have a picky eater because everyone can make their own.  Noah's ideal pizza would just have cheese on it. He also talks about wanting cherry pizza or apple pizza. I think that comes from me making fruit pizza my whole life. He loves the dessert fruit pizza. I love all kinds of pizza.

Did you know that October is National Pizza Month?  So in honor of  National Pizza Month, I had the opportunity to receive Classico Pizza Sauce to try out. Most people know Classico from their delicious pasta sauces. I also want to say good pizza sauce is also good to find. We tried the Fire Roasted Pizza Sauce. I love the flavors of a fire roasted tomato. I think fire roasting tomatoes changes the flavor. It gives it a more smoky and savory taste.  We also tried the Traditional Pizza Sauce. I really like this one too. I think although it has great flavors I would classify it as more of a family sauce. The Traditional Sauce is what you think of when you eat a pizza. It would be great on English Muffins with cheese for a delicious lunch.

We also received the White Pizza Sauce. I don't think I have ever had pizza with a white sauce before. It looks really interesting and delicious. I haven't tried the White Pizza Sauce yet because I have had a lot of pizza lately. I will be sure to update my post when I do. The White Sauce won't be out for a while. I received a special sneak peak.

So now you have great sauce so what kinds of toppings do you put on it? My favorite is sausage and onion. I like pizza with all kinds of toppings on it. It all depends on who I am sharing pizza with.  Cheese is really important too. Of course you are going to use Mozzarella or some kind of Italian cheese blend. Regardless of which I use, I always throw on some Parmesan. I use either shredded or shaved Parmesan. You can even use Provolone if you want. Be creative and have fun.  Enjoy the special time you have with your family and friends.

What is your favorite way to make a pizza?

I received a Pizza Kit from Classico to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.