Avoid summer brain drain with the VTech InnoTab 2S review and giveaway

innotab 2s review
Disclosure:  The VTech product, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech, however all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

About the VTech InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet

  • The InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet is one of the first children’s learning based tablets with Wi-Fi
  • The InnoTab 2S is a child’s own tablet that opens up a world of age-appropriate content across the widest variety of curriculums, from downloads to software cartridges, the InnoTab 2S combines innovative technology with a developmental learning tool that grows with a child and makes learning fun.
  • The InnoTab wirelessly connects to VTech’s comprehensive app store, the Learning Lodge™, where parents and children can easily browse a variety of content, and children can create a wish list and send to their parents’ e-mail.
  • This sleek and durable toy comes equipped with 180° rotating camera and video recorder, tilt sensor, photo viewer, video player, MP3 music player, e-reader, art studio, microphone and more.

 

InnoTab 2S

 

About the Learning Lodge™

  • The Learning Lodge features more than 350 educational games, e-books, music and videos developed specifically for each child’s unique stage of development, as well as with their age and interests.
  • The broad library of subjects includes reading, math, social studies, science, creativity, problem solving and so much more!
  • Starting with activities suitable for toddlers and expanding to grade schoolers, the Learning Lodge gives every child an opportunity to expand their learning potential while keeping them entertained.
  • Featured throughout the downloads and software cartridges are popular characters such as Mike the Knight™, Angelina Ballerina®, Team Umizoomi™, Dora the Explorer™, Thomas & Friends®, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, Jake & the Neverland Pirates, Sesame Street and more. New titles coming out on the Learning Lodge beginning in June include: Monsters University®, Turbo®, Planes®, and more.
  • Parents can track their child’s progress through the Learning Lodge™ Progress Log, offer encouragement and share in their pride when kids reach new learning milestones.

innotab learning lodge

We recently had the opportunity to use the InnoTab 2S in our home.   Read the full review.

Here’s your chance to win one!  Thanks to our generous sponsor VTech, you could win your own InnoTab 2S (value $99.99), just use the easy Rafflecopter form below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway fine print

  • Must be 18 or older.
  • Must be a resident of the U.S. and shipping to U.S. addresses (no P.O.Boxes please) only.
  • Money Saving Parent is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
  • By entering you give us permission to contact you.
  • You have 48 hours to claim your prize so be sure to watch our Facebook Page and Twitter feed for announcements.

 

Really rewarding Summer Reading Programs 2013

summer reading programs

 

 

It’s not a hard to get my family to read.   There are books on the tablets, the Kindle and even the cell phone  The girls frequently ask for books from the library and even from book sales.   It seems like no matter who you are in our household that there is most likely a book in your hand or within reach.  But during the hot Houston summer months it sometimes gets a little more difficult to encourage reading because there are so many other things that the kids (okay and even yes mom and dad) want to do.   To avoid summer brain drain I try to find really rewarding (in more ways than one!) summer reading programs.

American Girl:  This  summer reading program that starts May 1st and runs through Sept 3rd. Look for free downloads and in store events.   The site says “Reading Challenge coming soon” so it’s important to visit to stay up to date on this one.  I’m hoping for some in store coupons – hope springs eternal!

Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge - May 16-August 26th, this reading program isn’t just for the kids but for the whole family!  Families are invited invited to read each book with them at their FREE weekly story time. Kids will receive a prize after they finish reading all the books on their list! Contact your local store for more details.

Texas readers – be sure to check out the Baylor Alumni Association summer reading program developed especially for reading levels 4 yrs old to adult!  No excuses for not finding a good book to read from this list.  The Baylor Alumni Association has worked in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development to bring these popular programs to the service area since 1997.

Related content:  10 tips to encourage your child to read Continue Reading …

Free Download: Spring Time Activity Book from Melissa and Doug

Download the Melissa and Doug Springtime Fun Mini Mag!

Melissa and Doug Mini Mag

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links however, the opinions expressed are 100% my own)

Are you excited that spring has finally arrived? We are! So we are thrilled that Melissa and Doug gathered some great springtime fun activities with their friends from Highlights to help us  enjoy this “sometimes-rainy, sometimes-sunny” season!

By downloading the Mini Mag, you’ll get:

  1. Six original puzzles, crafts, and activities to celebrate spring.
  2. Innovative ways to explore the great outdoors – while teaching some sensory lessons along the way!
  3. Quick and easy crafts you can make with materials you likely already have around the house!
  4. An activity sheet you can print and bring along with you while on-the-go!
 Download your Springtime Fun Mini Mag today!
The link takes you to a form.  Fill out the form and your free e-book will be sent to your email address.

Get even more fun and savings when you Join The Melissa & Doug Email List and GET 10% Off Your Order At MelissaAndDoug.com! Click Here!


Save On Melissa & Doug

 

Reading Eggs: Try it for free you might like it!

reading eggs 2

Are you looking for a unique, fun, interesting way to help your child learn how to read? Reading Eggs were a hit with my family! The girls loved learning how to read, playing the games, earning “eggs” or points and creating their own world. What was especially fun for my youngest was “writing” her own books using either the suggestions offered or creating it straight from her very active imagination. After we tried it we know several other families that tried it too. It seemed like our who play group was hooked!

My Readers receive a Free Two-Week Trial Offer Register now for a free two-week trial of our program – no credit card required!

Here are a few hightlights about Reading Eggs:

  •  The Reading Eggs program has been developed by a highly experienced team of teachers, educational writers, animators and web developers.
  • Reading Eggs focuses on a core reading curriculum of skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success and is suitable for children aged 3 through 12.
  • They have over 500,000 subscribers and have presented over 15 million lesson in North America.
  •  You can read my entire review  to find out even more!

I know that there are a few reading programs out there that you may have wanted to try, but hesitate because you don’t want to provide your creidt card.  You also don’t want to set up an auto payment plan or anything else.  Reading Eggs has taken all that out of the equation.   My Readers receive a Free Two-Week Trial Offer Register now for a free two-week trial of our program - no credit card required!

 

reading eggs

 

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to review this product from Reading Eggs. However, any thoughts, opinions and/or testimonials expressed in this post are solely my own. 

 

 

Free eBook – 14 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids

Allfreekidscrafts.com

I’m usually pretty good at coming up with unique and interesting craft ideas (and crafts that double as gifts) for the kids to do for each of the holidays. But Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I’ve been a little scrambled. After all I’ve got a Kindergarten graduation, a High School graduation and a College graduation all going on. Not to mention the incredibly busy household and work schedule that just about all of us have. So, it’s not surprise I turned to a free book to get some great ideas for Mother’s Day crafts.

Free eBook – 14 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids: Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas has homemade cards and gifts to honor your mother in the most heartfelt way there is! Click Here

 

Blogging with integrity . . . This post contains affiliate links, but regardless the opinons expressed here are 100% my own (but probably opinions you have had too).

Free Titantic education guide: Learn at home and away at the Titantic Musuem

free titanic education guide

We had an amazing time at the Titanic Museum in Branson.   We spent several hours there enjoying the interactive exhibits, beautiful recreations and learning more about the stories behind the people on board.   It is an amazing place for both children and kids, and honestly one of our favorite attractions while in Branson, MO with the grandparents during spring break.

Read our full reviews here — one from mom and one from dad.

But what we didn’t know until we got home was that the Titanic Museum also offers a free education guide online!   Using the Titanic Guide you can study the topics of language arts and social studies, science, geography, math, and religion.  There is even a special section for homeschooling as well as resources for teachers and parents.  Each one of them offers facts and figures as well as prompts to help you make learning these topics using the Titantic as a base.   For specific learning activities Continue Reading …

Woman’s History Month: Fast facts about Pocahontas

pocahantas

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Public Domain images

Indian princess and legend Pocahontas led an interesting life. From a young tomboy who loved to run and shoot arrows to a kidnapped teen who learned a new language and culture to a traveling ambassador who met the English royal family, the biography of Pocahontas is fascinating. Here are 15 interesting facts about the life of Powhatan princess, Pocahontas.

Let these fast facts become the basis for a writing prompt, research project, or poster board assignment or even a diaroma. 

1. Pocahontas was Continue Reading …

Sneak peek as DisneyNature brings ‘Wings of Life’ to DVD and Blu-ray in time for Earth Day

DisneyNature brought us “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee” and just in time for Earth Day they bring to us the opportunity to see “Wings of Life.”   This movie is a a spectacular, closer-than-close, high-definition look at the intricate world of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and bats, and their life-sustaining collaboration with flowers. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg (“America’s Heart & Soul”) and narrated by Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep, “Wings of Life” will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital and On Demand on April 16, 2013.

Enjoy this first look at the trailer and preorder your copy today! Continue Reading …

Textbook and book rentals save money on your child’s education

Creative Commons license flikr ancient history http://www.flickr.com/photos/ancienthistory/3198644328/

Creative Commons license flikr ancient history

We’ve got one in college now and one headed to college in the fall.  We have two elementary school aged children and it seems that the number of things we have to purchase for them every year, no matter what their age grows.  Sure, it starts off easy with fundraisers and school pictures.  Then we slide into popcorn sales and teacher treat days and holidays.  There are school supplies and classroom supplies (I was just yesterday told that my daughter needs another math notebook).   Last, but not least and quite often the most expensive for the older children are textbooks and books.   For example one was asked to read a certain piece of fiction, which of course we had to go buy.  Will they ever read it again?  Probably not.  They will do the report and the book will gather dust on their desk or bookshelf.   But I’ve learned about a way to rent textbooks and it can not only save our family money but also be good for the environment.

Campus Book Rentals.com is one place I’ve learned about in our quest to save money on textbooks.   They offer a wide selection of books in a variety of topics and for a wide range of ages.   Most of the books are geared towards the college crowd, but many a high school parent will be happy they didn’t have to buy Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” when they could just rent it for a few weeks.   Here’s a few of the benefits of using Campus Book Rentals:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices Continue Reading …

The ease of an easel and get free Melissa and Doug easel paper

melissa and doug free easel paper

My girls love to be artists.   Our easel gets a great deal of attention as they use colored chalks on one side, playing teacher and drawing, the white board to practice math homework and then, to them, the most important part of the easel is the easel paper.  With easel paper they get to color, draw and explore all their creativity using paints, markers, glitter, glue, crayons, stickers and more.

Related content: Free Preschool Lesson Plans: Learn Fine Arts Through Paint

While we enjoy our IKEA Easel, I do wish Continue Reading …