Michael Connelly asked:


Your daughter just came home with a straight A report card and an academic achievement award. She is already taking college credit classes and she is only in the tenth grade. Her brother who is two years older is graduating this year and heading off to college over the summer. He will be attending a major University on a full academic scholarship. And he was the one you used to think would be better off attending a trade school. You and your spouse like to think that you are both pretty smart, and that your two braniac kids are just a couple of chips off the old blocks.

But before you start to think too highly of your own DNA, you need to know about some recent scientific studies that say you and your spouse are not the only ones who should take the credit. Video games played on systems like Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii should get a lot of the credit for making your kids so intelligent.

One thing is for sure, and that is the fact that your kids are growing up in a world that is quite different than the world that you grew up in. Technology and its influences are far more pervasive now than they used to be back in your childhood. The whole learning experience is just mechanically different. For example, you grew up playing with puzzles instead of video games. Puzzles are good for visualization of geometric patterns, along with recognition and recall of geometric designs.

The theory says that if puzzles are good for this, then video games are even better because the shapes and designs are constantly changing and moving, which makes them more challenging. In essence, a more challenging learning experience means that a child is working their brain harder, and this makes them smarter.

There are many other benefits that come with the use of video games. Recent studies have proved that playing computer games helps to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking and sequential reasoning abilities. They are also good for the development of spatial reasoning and memory skills, as most games involve the placement of objects in 3-dimensional spaces as well as the use of floor plans, maps, mazes and puzzles.

Video games are also good for the development of artistic abilities in children. Many games have incredibly creative graphics and storylines that are sure to inspire any creatively inclined youths. They are especially good for any children who dream to become writers some day. It is important to be able to build imaginary worlds as a writer, and many of the fantasy based games show them what is possible when you think creatively.

Playing computer games can also be good for language skills. Many of the games involve foreign languages and translations from Japanese to English, and visa versa.

There is also the cultural aspect of playing a game that was made in a foreign country. Many games depict scenarios that are found in the country where it was made. Children can learn about the differences and similarities between them and the people in other countries around the world. They can gain access to anthropological information every time they play a video game on their Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii consoles.

Not all video games offer an escape into a realm of fantasy. Some have real world geography that teaches children about the planet they live on. These types of games also teach them navigational skills, for they involve the use of maps and directions.

So if you are wondering why you your kids are over-achieving in school, you need look no further than their Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii consoles. You may have been the one who taught them their first words, how to walk and how to ride a bike, but their video games taught them things like problem-solving skills, critical thinking and sequential reasoning abilities.

But I would not worry too much for you have one big advantage over computer games and that is the ability to enjoy the fruits of your labor. When you see your children graduate and blossom into mature, well-educated adults you can rest assured that you did a good job raising them, with the help of video games of course, who by the way will have no idea that they were partially responsible for your children growing up so smart and well adjusted.

Sterling Ashby asked:


Dear Consumer,

As you search for the perfect toy to give to the little ones in your life this holiday season, you may be confused and even scared about some of the recent media attention on toy recalls and overseas manufacturing of toys, in general.

Some parents have even decided to look for other gift alternatives instead of buying toys. But is this really wise? Toys are intended not only to be a form of entertainment for children, but also a beneficial and vital part of their development. They provide a wonderful source of learning and entertainment for kids of all ages. Playing with creative toys enhances motor skills and provides a constructive way to release energy. By selecting quality toys from a company that researches their manufacturers thoroughly and regularly, you are giving a child an amazing way to foster creativity and stimulate intellectual development.

With this extreme attention on toy safety and product recalls in recent months, particularly on toys imported from China, it is crucial that consumers be informed and not misled. While it is true that over 80 percent of the toys sold in this country are imported from Chinese manufacturing plants, countries don’t make toys — companies do. It’s important to not view all toy companies as a singular entity.

It is a fact that big name toy companies like Mattel have had some products recalled due to safety issues, but it is imperative to set the record straight. Most toy recalls are due to design issues - such as small parts that come off and present a choking hazard and not for the use of unsafe materials. These design-types of recall issues have nothing to do with Chinese manufacturers and are, in fact, not a manufacturing issue at all.

Small toy companies are concerned about recall fears being attributed to all companies, instead of the specific companies affected. There are thousands of toy companies in the U.S., yet the weight of attention to recalls among the large toy companies such as Mattel and Hasbro bears heavy on small toy companies. A small toy company in Madison, WI had this to say on their blog regarding the Mattel toy recall:

“The Mattel recall is bad for the entire toy industry… Mattel’s failure to effectively oversee their suppliers darkens the public perception of all Chinese manufacturers. It’s unfortunate this negative perception extends to companies that actually enforce rigorous quality standards, factories whose products consistently pass safety and lead tests…”

American consumers should be aware that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) is also working very hard to ensure the safety of toys and other products imported from China. An International Consumer Product Safety Program known as the 2007 China Program Plan has been implemented. Responding to the problem of product recalls from China, the CPSC states, in part:

The Commission is exploring a variety of means to reduce the number of consumer products imported to the U.S. that pose a substantial product hazard, that violate mandatory product safety standards or that otherwise pose an unreasonable risk to American consumers. These efforts have included the creation of a new Office of International Programs; the development of the China Program; participating in product safety seminars; direct notification to manufacturers and to General Administration for Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) when a Chinese manufactured consumer product recall occurs; and stepped-up port and market surveillance to help keep defective or violative products out of the hands of consumers.

It is important to understand the impact of applicable U.S. standards, including ASTM-F963, which “relates to possible hazards that may not be recognized readily by the public and that may be encountered in the normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. The standard covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age.” These standards are put in place as a voluntary way for the toy industry to police itself and protect the public.

A second way that the CPSC works with toy companies to provide safety information to consumers is with package labeling. Parents and others can help safeguard the children they are buying toys for by reading the labels and following the recommendations and warnings. Many issues in toy safety are directly related to consumer choices to purchase toys not intended for a particular age group. Most toys are given an age rating and a warning if there are specific reasons, such as small parts, if there are inappropriate for young children.

Recall information that is presented to the media and the public fails to properly identify problems related to age-appropriate products for children. There is a combined responsibility of toy companies, manufacturers, government, and parents/consumers to screen age appropriate toys based upon the development of a child. While it is easy to choose a learning game or an intellectually stimulating toy for a particularly mature child, it is important to remember that the behaviors and instincts of small children that can lead to some safety issues with some toys and that the guidelines are put in place with that consideration in mind.

There is a deep concern for children and safety issues in the toy industry, and it is a very real issue that is addressed by most toy companies. The standards that are set by the toy industry have not changed despite the recent media uproar. These standards are high and, when adhered to, are more than sufficient to keep toys safe.

At my toy company, History in Action Toys, I have taken great care in the design of our action figures to ensure that our toys are safe for the children who play with and love them. It is important to me that they provide a real opportunity for social interaction and educational benefits, but safety is my number one priority when designing and producing our toys. We currently market three action figure toys that each depict a leader from American history. We have had our toys independently tested by a third party to determine if they meet the safety standards set forth in CSMC’s ASTM F963.

THIS toy company does not ignore safety issues. I care deeply about children and would never have gone into this business or developed toys for them if this were not true. I worked hard to select a top-notch manufacturer in China, based upon their history, the clients they work with and their capabilities to produce a safe, quality product. I personally visited the manufacturing plant in China that I chose to produce my products, both to ensure quality control and to get to know the people I am working with. I consider this both a responsibility and a privilege and I have spent a great deal of time and money to guarantee that our products are and continue to be safe. Even though the manufacturer I chose was not the least expensive proposal that I received, when it came down to a choice between knowing I was producing a safe, quality toy and saving some money, safety and quality won hands down.

I have employed Bureau Veritas, an independent agency that works with companies worldwide to provide independent testing, inspection, auditing and certification to help ensure they meet and exceed all standards of safety. This independent testing agency determined that my toys met the ASTM-F963 standard. I am pleased with the positive results I have obtained regarding the safety of the toys I produce.

Don’t paint all toy companies with the same brush. While some companies have been hit hard with recalls, many more companies are in the same category as mine, having never had an unsafe toy on the market.

You can buy toys for your children this Christmas, made in the U.S. or in China with confidence and safety. Research the companies you are buying from to determine their safety history and their reputation for addressing and eliminating problems and concerns.

It is important to remember that most manufacturers, in the U.S. and in China, produce safe, quality toys that meet or exceed safety standards and that the number of recalled products is an extremely small percentage of the total amount of toys on the market today.

Check recall lists such as the one that is provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx). You can sign up for e-mail notification of all product recalls. You can also find great information about toy safety at the Toy Industry Association’s Web site, www.toyinfo.org. It provides recall lists, facts on toys, buying tips and more. It also addresses the issue of buying toys manufactured in China in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of their website with the following response:

Q: Should I avoid any toys made in China? Won’t that be safer for me?

A: All toys sold in America regardless of where they are made must conform to tough U.S. safety standards - standards that have served as models for other industries and countries around the world.

Since it is companies, not countries, that make toys, it is companies that are responsible for adhering to rigorous safety standards and conducting inspections throughout the process. Random on-site and off-site testing occurs in all manufacturing plants, in China and elsewhere. Toys are also randomly inspected before export to the US.

In light of the recent recalls, there has been additional testing and vigilance by toy manufacturers, retailers and importers.”

I encourage consumers to review and follow helpful toy shopping tips listed below:

• Carefully read the label and choose toys that bear the ASTM F963 label (Products with this label have gone through a full array of tests and design specifications to reduce or eliminate potential harm caused by the toys’ makeup or use.)

• Look for recommendations of appropriate age ranges and warnings of small parts or other hazards

o Consider whether there are younger children in the home and whether they can be harmed with the toy

o Consider whether the recipient is likely to use the toy in a manner other than the toy’s intended use

• Diligently research any concerns with a particular toy company

o Check the recall lists at the CPSC’s Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx

Buying a toy doesn’t have to be a frightening venture. You can buy toys for your children this holiday season and be confident of their safety and quality. Remember, the safety of our children is a joint venture between toy companies and consumers. We can all do our part to ensure children can reap all the benefits quality toys have to offer without being in harm’s way.

As I am a strong believer in my toy company, I am more than happy to speak to consumers and media to help address and alleviate concerns regarding the safety and quality of History In Action Toys.

Kind regards,

Sterling Ashby

Founder, History In Action Toys

(202) 487-8376

sashby@hiatoys.com

Applicant asked:


I think somewhat, some kids just try hard, but some kids with rich parents don’t even want to go to school.
but the kids with more smarter parents do have a little bit more, since of tutoring and stuff.
We lived in poverty(not anymore though) for a while and my parents can’t speak English well or do math since they forgot.
So basically i had to depend on myself.
genius children
chessteachr asked:


What is or is not genius when it comes to chess.
Sep
22
Filed Under (Parenting) by Corey
learning toys for kids
melinamenny asked:


 

How to channelize the energy of your kid

A kid is really a ball of energy and in order to channelize the energy of your kid, you should enrich your knowledge on various kids’ toys. Some kid toys enrich the knowledge of your kids.

Toys for toddlers must captivate them in many ways. It should be physically engrossing as well as mentally challenging. Push toys (like Corn Popper give toddlers are actually meant for the physical exercise of the kids. It is also beneficial for the development of the motor skills of the kids. The toys teach them cause and effect relationships.

The children are like sponges at this age. They take up concepts at an amazing rate, and they often do that through play. Therefore while selecting the toys, keep in mind what kind of educational benefits it will bring about rather than concentrating solely on the amusement that it will offer to your child.

Those toys which are as basic as blocks are regarded as learning toys Actually when the kids will start playing with them, they will develop a skill and an aptitude of mathematics. While playing the game they will understand the basic principles of mathematics.

As a guardian you should always concentrate on the positive effect of the toys. The positive effects include the learning aspect of the toy, the physical and mental enrichment that it can bring about in your child and also the amusement that it will offer.

Puzzles: There are certain toys which teach a child to solve puzzles. This is extremely nice for your kids. They can learn new tactics to solve various puzzles on various topics.

 

Travel Games: The travel games give an idea of the colored keys that are required to open the boxes. Each specific box opens with a specific colored key.

 

Lacing toys: The lacing toys comprise laces of various colors. The toddler is required to lace the shoes properly. A certain amount of intelligence is also required in this game. Therefore, while your kid practices this game, his IQ will go up.

 

Bath Toys: consists of a number of games like “Make a Bubble” and “Swim and Swish”. Moreover, there are other games such as funny face bath and “Fashion in the Tub”. These games require a certain amount of intelligence. The kids would simply like them. The”Spin and Spray Turtle” is a great favorite among kids. They enjoy the water games while taking a bath.

 

how to make kids smarter
myself asked:


It seems downright stupid for kids to make fun of smarter kids then themselves.

Shouldn’t all kids strive to be the best they can be?

learning toys for kids
Gary Jonathan Clay asked:


A youngster’s play room is a refuge for enjoyment and should be an opportunity for development. A great range of educational toys will guarantee your child’s play time is consistently enjoyable and, consistently, educational. Old fashioned toys are generally kid’s toys that can be used in a variety of diverse ways, allowing the child to lead the play time and driving imagination.

Dolls, Accessories, and Strollers

Girls and girls alike can get pleasure from the friendship of dolls. Set aside space in your play room for dolls and add a range of furniture and similar accessories to stimulate your youngster’s imagination. Dolls beds and crib are great additions to any play room and wardrobes are a fantastic way to store of dolls clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Devote plenty of space for your youngster to push their doll in a pushchair or pram.

Role Play Toys in the Play Area

Role play toys are essential to any imaginative playroom. Old fashioned toys that stimulate children to copy and reproduce real life situations, as well as pretend scenarios, are essential building block of healthy growth and development. Such toys can also be quite attractive additions to your play area, but can use a large amount of space.

1) Child Sized appliances, like cooking or laundry appliances, are usual favorites for youngsters. Kids can copy mum and dad, cook for the family, and create many other scenarios around these toys.

2) Power Tools and work benches not only enhance creativity and allow children to copy the adults in their lives, these traditional playthings also build logic and aid in fine motor development.

3) Playhouses can provide years of enjoyment because there are so many different things to do. These can be used as puppet theatres, corner shops, houses, or whatever your kids may imagine.

Puzzles and Other Manipulatives

Many wooden toys can be active, as well as rather loud, so it is a good idea to compliment your play room with a selection of peaceful toys that promote in brain development. Wooden jigsaw puzzles are peaceful, robust, and great. These traditional toys stimulate problem solving, hand and eye coordination, and a range of other cognitive skills. Place these toys in an area of the play room as far away as possible from busy areas that may be noisy. A playtable or desk is a great addition and shelving for storage are handy as well. Alternative toys you can placeinclude in the peacefull of the playroom are building blocks, story books, and writing material.

There are various types of traditional toys that are perfect for educational play time. A special area of the bedroom or a play room can be a superb chance for learning with the right selection of toys. For the most useful play experiences, your kids with a range of traditional toys, as well as learning toys, and lots of space and surfaces for play. And most importantly of all it is essential that you play with your children to lead the play in an educational way but still allow them to think creatively. Happy playing!

Francis Clement asked:


There is nothing a kid loves more than going on a hunting or fishing trip with his mom and dad and dressing them right for the occasion is part of the total package for the excited youngster. The priorities however, for kids hunting clothes are somewhat different then for an adult that is wearing camouflage hunting clothes.

This is because, a kid must be both safe and comfortable. Because children are smaller you will want them to be easily distinguished from a game animal for obvious reasons. This means that they are going to need a bright orange hat for him or her to wear while they are out in the field.

Also, it would be a smart idea to equip them with a whistle as well, in case they get lost. A thick heavy camouflage suit such as a gilly suit is just a bad idea for a kid, because it will quickly become uncomfortable in the field. If the weather permits it, a kid should be dressed in a light camouflage suit, so they won’t get hot when they are hiking.

Gloves and a knit ski cap would also be a good idea to bring along for a kid in the field in case the weather gets nippy. Mosquitoes and biting flies love kids and they can be prevalent in brushy and marshy areas so a head net should be handy for a kid that is coming along on a hunting trip.

The fact is that a kid has to be kept entertained in the field while everyone is waiting for the game to show up, so remember to bring a few disposable cameras for your youngster to busy him or herself with when thy get bored. Also, a child will be the first one to get thirsty, so you might think to include a canteen of water with their hunting suit.

learning toys for kids
RuBeeZy! asked:


i have two kids… i stay home with them.. i want to make their playroom more like a learning room…and start teaching them things.. daycare scool will cost me $800 a month…i cant afford that! so forget that! but i need ideas as far as what to put on the walls and set up type of things.. im going to paint alphabets numbers on the wall.. i want to make it look like a classroom.. if u have any ideas please help… thanks
you can email me or IM me too if you’d like
learning toys for kids
Shannon B asked:


We’re adopting a 6 year old with developmental delays and I would like to invest in a few good toys that will help her catch up and make learning fun. I have a limited budget and must make sound choices up front.