Here at GeekDad, the only thing we love more than gaming is gaming with a purpose. And that is exactly how app developer Avokiddo first came to our attention. Beloved by educational researchers and kids’ technology experts alike—and certainly no stranger to editor’s choice and best app lists—the Thinkrolls series of physics-based puzzle games has racked up accolades by using charming characters and clever gameplay to enhance young players’ logic and problem-solving skills. Avokiddo’s latest gaming innovation is Thinkrolls Play & Code, an adorable educational title that pits young minds against more than 800 playable mazes and other logic puzzles specifically tailored to train kids in 8 key cognitive areas: logical thinking, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, memory, attention, processing speed, inventiveness,...
This year feels very different with John in a good way. He is reading with so much more ease than ever before. In a momentary place of insecurity, I googled phonics instruction for older children a month or so ago and found this article which just reaffirmed what I already knew. John needs to practice reading. He needs to see himself as a reader and he needs to build fluency through reading books, not phonics. Period. Every year I try to intuit what is the right balance of subjects and pages and reading levels for each child. And this year, I cut and simplified for everyone. For John, this looks like doing many of the typical form II subjects and practices while...
This quick and easy mini pizza recipe is a great way to get kids interested in cooking. With summer break on the horizon, or already started for some families like mine, we'll be looking for more ways to entertain the kids. If you've got little ones, this quick and easy mini pizza recipe is a great way to get your kids in the kitchen and learning to cook.Related: Best pizza recipes for your kids Cooking lunch (or dinner or snack) together is a great opportunity to teach them life skills, give them a little independence and have fun together. These quick and easy mini pizzas have been a hit in our house since my 6 year old was a toddler.Quick and...
Geri is back again with part three of her tie-dye series for Helen’s Closet! If you haven’t already seen them, make sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this tie-dye takeover. Today Geri is showing us how to create a spiral tie-dye design, as well as how she modified the Reynolds Top and Dress to fit her young daughter. Let’s dig in! Get the Reynolds Top and Dress 3rd Installment – Spirals The picture above is the first sneak peak of my Reynolds Dress that incorporates all the patterns that are covered in this tie-dye series. This installment will focus on how to create spiral patterns like the one you see below. As promised, at the end...
Our Science Kit Today I want to share with you a fun product from Timberdoodle, Show Me Science: Slime, Crystals & More! These experiments are geared to be a bit messy. As someone who does a lot of science at home (including dissections), we didn't find these activities to be super messy (or maybe I'm used to it 😉). Our kit includes 30 child-friendly experiments with practically everything we need to complete them (minus an occasional household item like water or a plastic cup). This kit is specifically geared for students age 5 and older or Kindergarten and beyond. I have been using our kit with E, F and G (9, 7 and 5 years old). Kit contents What's included? ...
