What is Bothering Carl?

Have you guys heard about Story Fort? If you haven’t, you’ve got to go check them out! Story Fort is a website with interactive books for kids.  I have the book, “What is Bothering Carl?” and love it!

What is Bothering Carl? is the tale of a young cyclops named Carl whose laid back attitude is disrupted by a single nuisance. Readers will discover Carl’s dilemma and follow along as he tries to solve his problem in this colorful interactive adventure. I think the characters are so cute! You can easily adore this digital book and can’t imagine any child not enjoying this story. 

  If you click on the objects in the book they come to life with sounds, animations, and more.  The book comes with a fun memory game too.  My favorite part are the songs.  I actually enjoy the music. Click below for an example of a song. 

So to summarize…

The book includes:

• 19 illustrated scenes that come to life with the simple click of a mouse

• Full (optional)
  audio narration by the author

• Highlighted phrases to help your child read along

• Illustrated keywords to build vocabulary

• Two original songs with animated music videos

• Bonus memory game with 3 difficulty levels

Right now, because of the situation of the economy, they have the books on sale for $9.99. 

The owner of this company used to be a leading designer for Melissa and Doug and we all know how great that company is!

So go on over to StoryFort today by clicking here. You can download the book and have it immediately. 

A Few More Easter Fun Things to Do (Very Easy)/Also Free Trial to a Online Learning Game Just for Toddlers; Free Kid Music CD's

 Peek-A-Boo Egg:   Zhana and I made this little guy and I think he turned out pretty cute.  This idea came from No time For Flashcards. 

You’ll need:

• Cardboard
• paint,
• glue
• yellow paper,
• a paper fastener
• marker
• scissors
• a feather
• googly eyes

Start by drawing an egg on the cardboard with a zig zag break in it. Have your tot paint the egg. Draw a chick onto the yellow paper (I just cut out a circle). Add eyes a beak and a feather. When dry, cut out the egg. The original idea used a paper fastener. I didn’t have one, so just glued the top piece to the bottom. Add your little chick!

A Eggstravagant hanging: This idea came from Ramblings of a Crazy Woman. I can’t believe how easy this is and what a huge impact it has.  It looks a lot cuter in person than in the picture-I just love it!

You’ll Need:

Yarn or ribbon

Tacks

Plastic Eggs

Simply cut out several strings of yarn. Clasp the plastic eggs onto the yarn. Hang from the ceiling.  Your tot will LOVE trying the clasp the eggs onto the yarn.  It may be a little hard for them but they’ll have fun trying.  Your kids will love the wall of eggs, almost guaranteed. 

Trash bag Bunny: This is a neat way to recycle your plastic bags.  This was inspired by KidsCraftsWeekly. 

 You will need
• a plastic bag with handles
• stuffing (you could use rags, polyfill, shredded paper)
• two rubber bands
• a permanent marker

Start by stuffing the bag, Tie a knot at the top and put a rubber band over the bag to make a bunny head. Then add another rubber band to make a tail. Draw on features or use googly eyes and a pomp pom for nose. 

Also, this isn’t a craft but I just have to tell you all about a very fun computer game Zhana has been playing.  They have a trial going on right now, so your little tots can play it too.  Here’s how the company describes the game:

“Waterford Research Institute is developing a new online product for the youngest learners and we’re inviting you to help us make it even better.”

Together, you and your 2-year-old can explore

• Letters
• Numbers
• Colors
• Shapes
• Nursery rhymes
• And more!

To qualify for this free opportunity, you must be willing to use the program regularly and share your opinions about your experience. You are NOT obligated to purchase anything at the end of your six-week trial. In fact, we’ll give you six months free access to the program after the test period ends just to thank you for your time. The sign up deadline is APRIL 30.  Below you can watch a couple clips from the game. Click here to sign your little one up.  I give this game a 10/10 rating. The game is absolutely adorable with the little squirrel and the graphics are just gorgeous.  She’s already learned a lot from the game. I love that it isn’t just scholastic learning but manners and etc. as well.  If you have a little one you have just got the check this out! Zhana loves her “Squirrel Game” and asks for it everyday and I don’t feel guilty about her playing it because she is definitely learning. 

I had already published this post but right after, came across such a great deal I had to come in and edit so you would all be sure to see this as well. The site I'm getting ready to tell you about lets you download 6 full albums of children songs! No strings attached. Just go to http://www.megabrands.com/en/familyfun/music.php.

Kid thing Computer Learning Tool

I just found out about another computer learning tool . From what I understand, the player is free, but you have to pay for the stories and games. We haven't tried it yet but just downloaded it. I'll post what I think about it. http://www.kidthing.com/. However, from what I can tell it looks like it will be a little too much for a 2 year old and may be for older kids.

most wonderful program in the world

The site we spend more time at than any other is brillbaby and the brillkids forum. They have a program where there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of different flashcards to use. It is simply a wonderful, wonderful program. Also, there is a great forum. It is by far our most important tool. The address is http://forum.brillkids.com/ for the forum and http://www.brillbaby.com/ to download little reader.

Social Skills Software

There is a software program out there that helps to teach social skills to children, beginning at age 3. The website explains that it teaches "basic manners and behaviors such as greetings, interrupting, listening, waiting and apologizing through real-life social situations like a day at the park, in preschool or going to a play date. Just by regular use of this fun software tool, children aged 3-7 can rapidly improve a full spectrum of friendship skills and play skills, including taking turns, sharing, requesting, cooperating and following directions.Unlike passive videos, this software allows your preschooler to visually see the social interactions re-enacted by children and then choose what should be said or done next. In this fun, familiar, but safe environment, preschoolers can become increasingly aware of social expectations and more successfully interact with their peers". Sounds like a great program until you consider the price-$70.00! However, if a child is struggling in this area I suppose it sounds like a good idea. To check it out a little more see http://www.socialskillbuilder.com/preschoolplaytime1.html.

Starfall.com

I think most moms probably know about starfall.com but just in case someone doesn't, I thought I would post about the site. It is really great for the little ones learning how to read. They also have some great printouts.