Overview The Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10) is upon us, and with it comes one of the biggest education movements in history, Hour of Code. 475 million students have participated in an Hour of Code since it’s beginning and in just 60 minutes sparked a global movement to promote computer science and programming in our schools. Here’s some tools and tips to help you as you prepare. Name: Hour of Code Pricing: Free Compatibility: Everywhere Access: Everyone Privacy: n/a A Quick Look Hour of […]
Category: Toys and Play
We’re On Tilt Over The Kiwi Crate
If there is one thing that seems clear to me, children learn different subjects through different means. Some learn best by reading. Others absorb information better through video. Not every child wants to explore science through the front door. There’s a group that learn best through hands-on doing. The Kiwi Crate could be pigeon-holed as a craft box. It is a great fit for creative art-loving children, but I think it appeals to a wider audience. This gift box is […]
15 Awesome Minecraft Plush Toys for Fans of the Blockbuster Game
With over 100 million registered users, the super-fun block-building video game Minecraft has become a global sensation. Loved by educators and children alike, this superb sandbox world-crafting game is great for developing creativity and STEM skills. If your kids are crazy about crafting, they’re sure to go bananas for these adorable Minecraft Plush Toys. Check out our Top 15 choices! 15 Best Minecraft Plush Toys 1. Minecraft Plush Baby Pig Get your real-life Minecraft farm started with the Minecraft […]
This Year EVERYONE Is Invited to MineCon
We tend to have a bit of a Minecraft crush around Fractus Learning HQ. Part of this crush is because we love playing the game with our kids; part of it is because readers seem to love stories that have anything to do with it. Minecraft toys, Minecraft books, Minecraft mods – people come back to these articles day after day. One thing we haven’t talked about yet is the annual gathering of the Minecraft faithful. MineCon has been around […]
Family Time With the Doodle Crate
As my children get older, they don’t spend as much time playing with one another. This is especially true of my high school junior and her fourth-grade brother. One is interested in driving and hanging out with her friends while the other wants nothing more than to play videos games. When I saw the Doodle Crate hit my desk, I saw a way to bring my kids together in a fun way. Here was something they could do together while […]
The Best STEM Subscription Box For Kids in 2020
Every parent’s dream is that their kids will love to learn. We want them to be inquisitive, not just in school but also in their day to day lives. But do we provide them with opportunities outside of school to learn? Taking it farther, how many of the gifts your kids received last holiday season are still being played with today? How many had an impact on loved one’s future? We give gifts for a variety of reasons, but underlying […]
Tinkering Around With Tinker Crate
One of the best gifts you can get for a child is something that keeps them engaged yet teaches them at the same time. When children are toddlers this is easy – the child is still learning so much about the world around them that most anything fun will be educational in some way. As a child hits the “10 and over” club, this task becomes harder. Many presents that are fun for the average high schooler aren’t all that […]
Our Koala Crate Experience Was Music To Our Ears
Most of the STEM subscription boxes are targeted at older children. The Koala Crate from Kiwi Crate is not like most subscription boxes. And if you are looking to get a great gift for a young child, that’s great news for you. We’ve done a hands-on review of the Koala Crate in order to give you a look at who it’s geared towards, what you get with a subscription, and what kind of a value it is. While all the […]
11 Perplexing Puzzle Box Toys for Brainteasing Fun
Think your little one would love a baffling brainteaser? How about a super-secure safe for their favorite things? Or maybe you’d just like a surefire way to make your next gift more memorable? Well, you can have all of these things with a puzzle box. A puzzle box is a small chest that can’t easily be opened. You have to crack the code by pushing, prodding, and sliding sections around until you figure out the opening sequence – if you […]
Build A Love Of Programming With BitsBox
Here are two universal truths: 1)Kids are going to be asking for video games, apps, or other programs for Christmas this year. 2)Most parents would like their kids to grow up to be ‘creators’ rather than ‘consumers’ of this electronic entertainment. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to let your children have fun with computers while learning how to program at the same time? You’d be able to give them a gift this holiday season that entertains […]
Exploring The World Around Us With Green Kid Crafts
“Where do clouds come from, Daddy?” “Daddy, why does ice float?” Oh, I remember the days when my children would ask me more ‘Who/What/Where/Why?’ questions than the average cub reporter. While sometimes it got to be a bit too much, I loved that they cared about how the world worked. There are many different paths for a person to arrive at a lifelong love of learning. Green Kids Crafts is for the child who likes to explore the world around them. […]
STEM Lab Deluxe and My Child: A Match Made In Heaven
Raise your hand if you’ve seen the Mentos In Cola trick? I’m guessing your hand is up (if so, you can put it down now). Did you know who the first person to show it on YouTube was? Steve Spangler. Here’s the recording from 2005 when he went on a local TV show and introduced the world to the awesome reaction that comes from one type of candy with cola. Steve has a passion for making science fun to learn. […]
How Minecraft Can Foster a Love of Reading
More and more educators are finding success using gaming for education. Minecraft, in particular, has shown its ability to be a game that’s both engaging and potentially educational. For starters, the game allows players to think for themselves in order to survive, and it gives them multiple ways to accomplish pretty much whatever they want to accomplish as they build and create their own world. It is also ideal for bringing math to life, as kids can build and see […]
Your Technology-Focused Lesson Plan Could Be Worth $1000
Are you a K-12 teacher based in the United States that has a technology-focused lesson plan in any subject others would benefit from seeing? If so, you could receive a $1000 grant from Verizon’s The Beacon. I received an email from a reader that alerted me to the contest (thanks, Jessica). Therefore, I had to dig around a bit for background information on what exactly is The Beacon. Who Is The Sponsor? The Beacon is the technology blog of Verizon’s […]
11 Puzzle Mat Picks for Play, Learning, and Comfort
You are looking for the best puzzle mat so your child can enjoy the hours of fun it provides. You may not have known how much sensory learning a mat can add to the average infant or toddler’s day. A puzzle mat is a versatile option when it comes to creating a play space and encouraging tactile, basic skills learning. Some mats are designed to teach the alphabet or colors, while others emphasize geometry or gross motor skills. Most are […]
9 Snow Cone Machines For Kids To Make the Perfect Summer Treat
A snow cone machine for kids is the ultimate way to get creative and cool down on a hot summer day. These shaved ice treats are fun and easy to make – it’s great for younger kids to make the best snow cone all by themselves! All you need to get making snow cones is a machine (or freshly fallen snow), a paper cone, and some flavored syrup. (Tip: You can even use common household ingredients, like juice mix, condensed […]
15 of the Best Beach Ball Options for Seaside Summertime Fun
Summer has come, which can only mean one thing… It’s time to find a nice cool spot by the water to soak up the sun. Whether you’re heading to the nearest beach or relaxing out back in your own pool, there’s no better way to keep your kids active and entertained than with a beach ball. Beach balls encourage healthy exercise and help develop key motor and social skills like teamwork and sharing. There are tons of different sizes and […]
9 Best Toddler Swings Options for Kids with Momentum
Toddlers love to explore and play outdoors, and one of their favorite places to play is on swing sets in the park. However, you don’t need to organize an entire day and lug a diaper bag with you to take your child to the park when they want to play on the swings. When you purchase a toddler swing for the backyard, they can play outside whenever they want. There are many safe, fun choices for swings you can attach […]
9 Power Ranger Toys and Games for Mighty Morphin Fun
Power Rangers and Power Ranger Toys are truly a blast from the past. The phenomenon started in 1993 with the release of the television show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which told the story of five teenagers chosen to battle an evil alien villain, Rita Repulsa, with their transformational powers and Zords (fighting machines)…Got all that? The show was an instant hit, spawning a franchise made up of action figures, video games, costumes and more. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV Show IntroWatch […]
15 Popular Pencil Case Options for Quirky Cool Kids
Whether it’s for school, art, or work, everyone loves a new pencil case. A schoolbag essential, a pencil pouch doesn’t just store pencils, pens, erasers, and rulers. It also expresses personality and encourages organization, tidiness, and responsibility. Every child needs a place to store their tools for school, so why not get the best? Here are some of the coolest, cutest, and quirkiest options out there – for kids of all ages. Best Pencil Case Options 1. ZIPIT Talking Monstar Pencil […]