Educational Games for children

Educational Games

Looking for ways to teach your children, while having fun? Have a look at Activity Village's Educational Games collection, which has some clever new game ideas as well as a review of the best learning games free online for kids. Find them here:
Educational Games for Kids

Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up in the US (May 7th to May 13th). Make sure that your child's teacher knows how much he/she is appreciated! We have lots of original suggestions on our Teacher Appreciation page!

Card Games for Kids

Card Games for Kids

Fun With Cards!

by Dena Wood

Cards are easily accessible, portable and provide instant entertainment as well as allow for practice in social skills and good sportsmanship. Not only that, they're seldom viewed as "school" and can be a great diversion when that good ole' Spring Fever sets in! Why not play a game or two and get in some math skills practice at the same time? With a little creativity, most games can be adapted to meet your needs if they don't already exercise a skill you're working on....

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April Newsletter out now!

Activity Village News - April 2006

Kids Sports - Playing the Sporting Game

Kids Sports

Playing the Sporting Game by Chick Moorman

Springtime means Little League, soccer, and other sports as children head to the out-of-doors to join teams that that help then have fun, get exercise, and learn to work together with team mates. But are the results of joining a team always positive? Can’t the experience be embarrassing, shaming, or unrewarding?

Yes, playing on a team has the potential to be positive or negative, fun or frustrating, worthwhile or harmful. Parents, concerned about the effects of athletic programs on their children, need to be cognizant of several guidelines that will help their child have the best possible summer athletic experience.

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Homework - 5 tips to help you cope!

Homework:

By Carol Boles

Homework! Every child has it, so there's no getting around it. Try these tips when dealing with this after school ritual.....

Read the homework tips here

Do you have a gifted child?

Gifted Child

By Elaine Hook, Education Consultant, National Association for Gifted Children

'I don't want to appear pushy'
'I don't know where to start'
'I hope you can help me'
'I just want my child to be happy'
'I need some advice'
'I am so worried about my child'
'I don't know how to approach the school'
'My child is different, always has been'
'I just want the best for my child'
'I don't know what to do for my child'
'I don't want my child to be a statistic'
'I wish my child enjoyed school'

These are just a few of the opening statements I receive on the NAGC Helpline every time I take a call. Most callers, whether it be parents of professionals, are concerned and worried for the well being of the child in question and genuinely do not know where to begin. Though often amazed and shocked to be blessed with a child termed "gifted" they are also sensitive to the fact that they have particular needs and require help and advice on how to support and cater for their child's particular needs in practical terms."

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Science Experiments for Kids

We have just put together a new page at Activity Village full of fun science experiments for kids - all of which can be done at home with things you have lying around the house or are easily bought on your weekly shopping trip. These are great fun and well worth a look!

Science Experiments for Kids

New Toys for 2006

New Toys for 2006
By Jason Hahn

At the most recent Toy Fair in New York City, toy manufacturers got the chance to display and show off their newest goodies to retailers. Below are some of the toys that were debuted.

- Nerf Showtime Hoops: This Hasbro creation features an electronic basketball hoop system with a ball that bounces off of the backboard, but is just soft enough to prevent breaking a window. This toy was developed with And1, a popular basketball brand. The hoop goes up to 6 feet and 7 inches, and features the interactive voice of And1�s emcee �Duke Tango.� The hoop also comes with built-in speakers, jacks for portable music players, cup holders, drink dispenser, scoreboard, and a spotlight that shows the child where to stand. [$250]

- My Furreal Friends Pony: Hasbro also created an animated pony with sensors that will respond to touch, sound, and light. Children can climb on the pony�s back to go for a ride, while the toy makes galloping sounds. If its mane is brushed, the pony will neigh. If the pony�s name is called out, the toy will turn its head towards the sound of the voice. [$300]

- Play-Doh: In light of Play-Doh�s 50th birthday, Hasbro has introduced a birthday cake-shaped pack of 50 Play-Doh colors, featuring six new colors. [$13]

- Moon Sand: Spin Master introduces a new rival to Play-Doh with its Moon Sand, a sand-like substance that can be molded into shapes just like regular dough. But the key difference here is that Moon Sand will never dry when it is left out and can be molded again after it is left alone for a period of time. [$5-20]

- Digital Spy Camera: Wild Planet has come out with a pair of shades for kids who aspire to become spies. These sunglasses can take up to 20 photos with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with its retractable camera. [$35]

- Air Hogs Hydro Freak: This is a remote-controlled vehicle that can drive on the ground, coast above water, or fly into the air, created by Spin Master. [$100]

http://www.toytidbits.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hahn

The Rebel Housewife - Recommended Blog

"The Rebel Housewife is Time-out for Moms! Our mission is to entertain, inform, commiserate, and provide a much-needed outlet and diversion for Rebel Housewives everywhere with The Rebel Housewife column, reviews, ezine, books and other resources: grown-up interaction, community, support, entertainment, and lots of laughter."

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