Gifts that Teach
(A little secret): Have you noticed that nearly every toy or gift that claims to be educational requires batteries or electronics, has flashing lights or needs a computer?
(A little fact): Truly educational gifts
don't need any of these. They are the ones that get the mind, imagination, and body
moving. As you assess how educational a toy or gift is, ask yourself these simple
questions:
Who moves? - the toy or the child?
Does it require thought or imagination?
Does the user get engaged, or simply watch some lively action?
Does it build skills? Does it involve exploration? Does the user learn some things he or she didn't know before?
Not all toys or gifts need to be educational, but when you want to select one that truly is educational, look at it closely, and realize something manufacturers won't tell you: Just because it's computerized, doesn't mean it is educational. In fact, some of the very greatest educational gifts are the simplest. And today, one thing our kids sorely need is entertainment that slows down, because educational success has less to do with speed, than with the ability - and willingness - to think slowly. And in our rich, technological society, where entertainment is plentiful and fast, few of our kids have that.
And the good news is that these gifts don't cost much, don't require any set-up, and don't need batteries. Just a brain.
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When we create educational gifts and products at Newton's Window, we keep these things in mind. We also recommend great gifts as well, when we come upon them.
And we offer gifts for parents and teachers and grandparents too.
Gifts for parents who really want to help, but aren't always sure how.
Gifts for teachers, with great ideas for the classroom, for teaching and reinforcing concepts, games to play, stories to tell.
Gifts for grandparents who want some great ideas for lighting a spark, exploring together, slowing down and discovering.
And Gifts for students that get them thinking, looking at education differently, get them exploring, moving, discovering - and having fun.
(Several new products are nearly complete, and will be on the website soon.)
Beyond
Homework Help: How ANY Parent Can Raise a Mathematically Powerful Child -
even if you can't do the math.
Audiocassette Book by Suzanne Sutton: Three hours of
tapes, packed with ideas you can implement today, and the reasons why you have all you
need already, to do it.. #011 A great gift for anyone who loves a child.
Newton's
Window Personal Learning Plan
A one-on-one consultation with the master of one-on-one education.
You will come away with a strong game plan for your child, answers to all of your
questions, and the knowledge that you can truly fix more than you ever
imagined - regardless of your own ability to "show them how." A great gift
for any parent.
NewtonsWindow
Learning Tools and Tips Newsletter
FREE - just send us their (or your) contact info and
email address. A gift for yourself, and everyone you know!
