If you’ve been stuck trying to figure out what your kindergartener would love to play with but are stuck in a sea of educational toys, I suggest you take a few minutes to check out the Parent Bloggers’ reviews of two of their products:
Kindergarten Magnetic Tin (5 years +)
Start to Read Kit Level 1 - Jog Frog Jog (Ages 4-6)
No lead paint and no weird plastic, Just pure educational fun.
As far as the Magnetic Tin went, almost all the bloggers felt that the uses were endless, meeting the needs of younger kindergarteners up through older kiddos. “I fully realize the potential for this item to grow with my daughter and is something that we can work on together, conquering the harder and more challenging exercises, as she continues on through the rest of Kindergarten and on into first grade.”
Bloggers noted that since there are a lot of pieces to make sure parents help to keep track, but for what you get, it’s definitely worth it. “I would give it high marks for being something that will give your child many hours of unlimited options and in turn, you’ll get your money’s worth on a toy that will last a long time.” Plus, as one mom noted, “I was so happy to see that the entire case is fully magnetized, inside and out. Wow. A toy designed with common sense. ” And the puffy magnets, as one mom mentioned, are great for sensory stimulation. “The colorful puffy magnets were not only great for learning but provided a sensory experience to assist with doing activities.”
Since the kit is so portable, it makes for great restaurant distraction. “We used that a lot in restaurants this summer because not only can you use the cards, but you can also use the grid on the back of the tin to just do silly stuff like making patterns or even spelling out words or using numbers.”
While the bloggers’ kids loved the magnetic kit, many of them really loved the Start to Read Kit — particularly the audio CD and book combination. “My favorite aspect of this product was the audio CDs and the books to go with. Once I showed her the first time how she could listen to the story and follow along in the storybooks, she was hooked.”
The journal was a big hit as well. “Monkey Man could not tear himself away from the journal - he carried it around with him for days and would add things to it now and then. ” “The workbook and activity book were also very easy for him to work with and will be even more utilized as he’s reading more.”
Almost all the bloggers noted the packaging of both the magnetic and start to read kits. “What I loved best was the folder that it came in. Talk about organized! Everything had it’s own place. Another great item to take along with you when you’re traveling.”
Overall, the bloggers had great things to say about School Zone. “The nice thing about School Zone is that they also provide you with additional ways to use the product instead of the obvious ones.” Another mom agreed. ” If you’re short on ways to wow your child, the kits provide lots of additional activities. ”
Also, another blogger noted the quality of the products.
What impressed me upon opening our package was the quality of the materials - everything is durable and well-constructed and will hold up to a lot of use. Not to mention that everything was portable - we have been hauling these all over the planet in a backpack and haven’t lost a thing nor has anything gotten dinged-up, bent, or damaged in any way.
Not convinced to do your holiday shopping at School Zone? Then check out more reviews coming your way.
9/13 Lipstick to Crayons , Mom to the Screaming Masses, & Bananas & Toddlers
9/14 In the Trenches of Mommyhood
9/17 Three Kid Circus Auditions
9/18 Final Round Up
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[...] days, kindergarteners still need great toys. And thanks to School Zone, our bloggers (both with the first round of bloggers and this set) seem to have found some home run educational toys. We’re always on the lookout [...]