Last year I went to a workshop at my son’s school to learn how they were taught Phonics. Reception is a really important year and I have seen my son learning so much, his reading, writing and letters are coming on in leaps and bounds. I’ve mentioned before that we’re currently working with KD UK and they kindly sent us a Peppa Pig Fun Phonics toy to help him learn. This is a lovely bright toy with a handy handle which makes it easy to hold and carry. My 3 and 4 year old have both been enjoying playing with…
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Last weekend we were invited to the RAF Museum London for the UK launch of Propel’s remote control helicopters. This was a winning combination for my husband and son and we all had a great day out. An area of the museum had been set aside to try out the new remote control helicopters and there was also a craft table, photo booth and yummy snacks. My 4 year old loves his radio controlled cars and planes so was eager to try out the new toys. The range of helicopters is designed to suit all abilities and ages; from children…
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It’s not Christmas without watching The Snowman or its sequel, The Snowman and The Snowdog. We watched it over the weekend and I know it will be on Channel 4 again this Christmas. Originally published in 1978, The Snowman, created and illustrated by Raymond Briggs has become one of the world’s most popular children’s books. Available in 15 languages it has sold in excess of 8.5 million copies worldwide with over 3 million of these sales in the UK published under Puffin editions. Adapted for screen by producer John Coates, the Oscar-nominated animation launched on Channel 4 in its inaugural…
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My children love to craft as much as I do and we were recently sent a really fun new toy from the world of AmiGami! Each pack includes one animal and everything you need to create your own AmiGami figure. We tried out the Giraffe and it included the Plastic AmiGami Giraffe, 30 AmiGami paper parts, 55 re-useable stickers, 1 curling tool and 6 Pins and Caps. First of all we punched the perforated paper parts from the sheet. Then we pinned them to the Giraffe and held them in place with the plastic pins and caps. Finally we curled…
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My 4 year old has just started to become interested in games we can play as a family. With excellent timing we were sent the Play-Doh version of the new Shuffle card games. We had lots of fun with it and I’m pleased to say I have a couple to giveaway at the end of this post. The Play-Doh version of Shuffle is aimed at ages 4 and over. Put simply, game players take it in turns to match their cards which display Play-Doh creations to a centre card by word, colour or story association. You can be as creative…
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I hope you noticed the new shiny badge over there on the right? I’ve been recruited by KD UK (formerly InspirationWorks). They make electronic learning toys based on popular children’s characters, think Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, Disney Princess, In the Night Garden, as well as a few of their own brand lines. My nearly 3 year old has a healthy obsession with Disney Princesses so was pretty happy to be sent the Disney Princess My Magical Secret Book to review. It’s very pink and pretty and my daughter has been carrying it everywhere she goes for the last couple of weeks.…
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Over the summer you may remember we went to see the new Thomas and Friends film, Tale of the Brave. My 4 year old has always loved Thomas and when he was younger never went anywhere without his wooden Thomas and Gordon – it was a sad day when he grew out of that particular habit. Both my children enjoyed Tale of the Brave so were happy to be sent the new Fisher-Price Thomas and Friends Take-n-Play Roaring Dino Run Playset, which was inspired by the new Thomas and Friends DVD Tale of the Brave, to review. Take and Play Roaring…
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You’ve probably guessed I have a huge amount of nostalgia for my own childhood and toys. I would have kept all my old toys if I could for my own children to play with and enjoy. I loved my dolls and my daughter does too. When I was 4 I remember receiving a doll for Christmas. My mum made the dolls’ bed and blankets and I kept it for a long time. If the very mention of Tiny Tears brings back fond memories then you’ll love the new refreshed range. As a first introduction to motherhood, generations of mums and…
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My lucky daughter was the recipient of the new Fisher Price Gup Speeders Octopod Launcher toy. She loves watching the Octonauts on cBeebies so I knew she would enjoy this toy. The Octonauts follows a team of animated adventure heroes who dive into action whenever there is trouble under the sea. In a fleet of aquatic vehicles, they rescue amazing sea creatures, explore incredible new underwater worlds, and often save the day before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod. When missions call for turbo-speed and maximum mobility, just ready the Gup Speeders Octopod Launcher. Just place the Gup Speeders into…