PBS Kids Play is a new online learning software tool for children ages 3 to 6. The PBS Kids Play games are designed to help kids prepare for school with skill-based activities that align with national educational standards. The software works on both Windows and Mac.  Children learn with the help of their favorite educational PBS shows like Curious George and Super WHY!
The games have can be adapted to your child’s skill level, then grow more challenging as your child learns, a personalized chart shows your child their learning progress with the games.
The PBS Kids Play Software includes:

Three …read more

Since today is the 40th anniversary of the moon walk, I thought I’d share a few fun space activities you can do with your kids. Don’t tell them they might actually be learning something about history or science from any of these activities, just let them think they’re having fun.
My son enjoys science and space, so getting him to do activities like the ones listed below is easy, and it’s a bonus that he’s learning something at the same time.

Learn more about the moon with a skywatchers guide to the moon.
A printable maze to help the astronaut get to the …read more

I’m a big fan of many of the Wii games, especially Wii Sports and the Wii Carnival Games. We’ve actually had friends over and had a blast with both children and adults playing the Wii games. But my new favorite is the Wii Fit.
We got lucky and got a Wii Fit shortly before Christmas when a friend found one in stock at a local store and gave me a call. Santa gave it to the family for Christmas. We played Wii Fit on New Years Eve until right before the ball dropped.
It’s more than just a game, …read more

If your son or daughter is looking for the Guitar Hero(tm) or Rock Band(tm) experience, but you’re not sure if the songs are appropriate for youngsters, there’s an alternative.
Guitar Praise from Digital Praise is a way to allow even younger children to rock out without the fear they will be listening to inappropriate lyrics.
The Guitar Praise song list includes names you’ll recognize if you follow the Christian Rock scene, with names like Skillet, StellarKart, Newsboys, todyMac, Petra, Casting Crowns, 12 Stones, and Red on the list.

Their guitar is supposed to be similar to the Guitar Hero(tm), …read more

If I were rich, I would definitely get a Young Explorer Computer system from Little Tikes and IBM for my triplets.  Even with the current free standard shipping promotion going on through the Little Tikes website, this cool product is way, way, way out of my price range.  At $2,599.99, I don’t know many families (or independent daycare providers) who could afford it, but it sure looks great. 
I’d love to let my 4-year old triplets get their hands on it and give it a good test run!  Would it stand up to the challenge?  We’ll never know unless …read more

According to Slate.com, the most popular computer game is none other than Solitaire. 
Forget Halo 3 and World of Warcraft, Solitaire is on every Windows PC.  It’s pre-installed, completely accessible and free.  As a result, most people will admit to trying it at least once.  In fact, it can be quite addicting.
Confession time – have you played Solitaire while at work?
Image: Flickr

The computer is the place to be for kids of all ages. This is where they go for entertainment, educational purposes and to stay in contact with friends and family.
PBS has just opened beta testing for a new website called PBS Kids Play!.
The service, PBS Kids Play!, opens today (pbskidsplay.org) for a free beta trial period. It’s designed to let children 3 to 6 play and learn with the help of characters such as Curious George and The Berenstain Bears. Activities will be added every week featuring Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends and characters from Mister …read more

Toy Wishes Magazine has come out with a list of this holiday season’s hottest toys. They are called the “Hot Dozen”. There is definitely a theme to most of the toys. See if you can tell what it is.
1. American Idol Talent Challenge

DVD with 12 songs with and without vocals from the show – Talent Challenge lets you sing alone or with a star
Cool voice mixer attaches easily to your TV (cable included) and DVD player for just the right vocal blend
Use your DVD’s remote to select real judge’s comments from the show and to view outrageous auditions
Adjustable …read more

I mentioned the other day how we have joined the Webkinz craze a little late, but nevertheless, my kids are still having a blast with them. I promised you a picture or two after we got them all dressed up, so here you go. (Oh, and I also promise NOT to post pictures of my kids on here everyday. This one was just too cute though, lol!)

 
As you can see we’ve got a biker Beagle, a basketball playing Cocker Spaniel and a very stylin’ Chihuahua. My kids are in the process of building their Webkinz a house made out of cardboard …read more

I know Webkinz is old news and Kerri and Hsien did several posts about the whole craze and what a craze it was!
We joined the craze late and are just now experiencing what Webkinz is all about. I actually tried getting my kids interested in it when it first came out, but my two older ones thought it was a little babyish. I mean hello, it’s a stuffed animal mom.
My daughter and I were in Justice for girls the other day and she saw a Webkinz Chihuahua and decided to spend her allowance on it. It is a cute …read more