Bananagrams - The Best New Word Game!

OK, this is the best new game ever! I just fell in love with it. It was the only order that I actually made while I was at the toy fair. That is how impressed I was with it. Bananagrams is a super fun anagram game that will drive you bananas!! It has some similarities to *the other* word game, however it is very different.

What do I love about Bananagrams? It is cute for one. It comes in this little cloth banana zipper bag, that is so compact you can take it anywhere. It makes a great travel companion for wiggly children. It is a fabulous game to play while you are at a restaurant waiting for your meal. You can play it alone, Banana Solitaire. It teaches spelling and vocabulary skills. It’s challenging and requires quick thinking. Everyone plays at the same time, so no one has to wait for a turn. It comes packaged with instructions on playing six different ways, and it requires no board or other accessories! Have I said enough? This is my favorite product of the year! I’m fairly certain you will love it too! Click here to see Bananagrams

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Cleaning Sale!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is having a "Spring Cleaning" subscription sale. They are offering one-year subscriptions for only $19.95 AND giving away the 19 free homeschooling gifts! A freeWinter 2007 issueis also included in this special sale.

They only have about 650 packages left from their Winter Bouquet and need to sell this out before March 15th! This is one of the lowest prices of the year!

I am buying one myself. A fabulous deal! Don't miss it!

I am going to divert form my regular featured item this week to tell you about a wonderful unit study, Portraits of American Girlhood by Cindy Sotelo.

Portraits of American Girlhood uses seven of the eight American Girl series. Each series consists of six books, which follow the story of a different heroine as she faces the challenges and adventures of growing up during her distinct historical period. The study is geared for girls is grades 2 through 5, however, the author offers ideas for adapting the activities and lessons for boys.

There are vast resources listed in the front of the book. The author talks about scheduling your year, building interest with student portfolios, adapting the unit for rookie readers and reluctant writers, and supplies to have on hand. As if this isn't enough, she has included a free CD ROM full of printables and templates for you to use with the study.

Cindy Sotelo suggests that you may want to supplement the unit with spelling and possibly math and phonics, for new readers. At the beginning of each unit is a resource guide with recommended resources, internet links, must haves and suggestions.

What most impressed me about Portraits of American Girlhood is the sheer volume of activities. It is just full of ideas. Not only will your child learn, but they will have fun doing it. And you will have very little preparation time because Cindy has done most of the work for you. This unit study is a wonderful value and you won't be disappointed!

No Rest for the Weary

Do you ever feel like you could just drop on the spot and sleep? Well that describes me today. What a week it has been. If I had a handful of helpers by my side, I still doubt I would catch up. Single parent life is no joke. It is tiring to say the least. Not just because I have to take out the garbage and shovel the walks, but because the mental responsibility is at times overwhelming. I am thankful God is a God of supernatural strength and He loves us in spite of our failures and faults. Well enough of my drivel.

Our featured book for this week is Prayer For A Child by Rachel Field

Bless this milk and bless this bread. Bless this soft and waiting bed...For sixty years children and parents have shared in the joy and inspiration of Rachel Field and Elizabeth Orton Jones's Prayer for a Child. Rachel Field wrote this prayer for her own daughter, but she now shares it with children all over the world. Her beloved children's books include Newbery Medal-winner Hitty, Her First Hundred Years, Calico Bush, and Hepatica Hawks.

This beautifully illustrated board book is the perfect book to read with your little one before bed time. You will find it here.

I'm Not as Young as I Once Was

I just had to borrow the song lyrics, while sitting here rubbing my aching feet.

My trip to the International Toy Fair in NYC was a super fun trip, but boy let me tell you, I'm hurting. I'm still slumped over after carrying two bags stuffed full with catalogs, while running the length of three football fields, trying desperately to see all the vendors on my list by the six o'clock deadline. Definitely not a trip to make in one day. Two at the very least. And next time I may even be bright enough not to wear new shoes!

I wish I had some pictures to share, however, my hands were too full to take out the camera, so I only managed to take a picture of some really awesome graffiti and several sets of footwear hanging from some train tracks! I certainly won't be winning any photography awards.

On a another note, I have found some really great new products that you will be seeing shortly. I am really excited about some of them!

I will be posting our featured book tomorrow. It is too late and I am too tired, so it will have to wait. Sweet dreams.

Blue Thistle Books Featured Book

Our featured book this week is Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling.

Originally published in 1941. An Indian boy carves a wooden canoe, naming it Paddle-to-the-Sea and sends it into lake Michigan, wishing he was taking the journey.

Paddle-to-the-Sea encounters many adventures on its way to the Atlantic, and manages to stay in the water by help from people who read the message carved in the canoe.

Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region. An excellent addition to your Geography program! Softcover. Click here to purchase.

Fun for Me!!

Well, I will have to say I am becoming very excited about my trip next week to the American International Toy Fair in Manhattan. And at the same time dreading the thought of walking the length of several football fields. Don't think it. I'm actually quite fit, however, a day like that is tough on the tootsies, especially when you are limited for time. I will be putting some serious thought into my footwear.

My daughter is chomping at the bit. She wants to go so badly, but unfortunately no one under eighteen is allowed on the showroom floor. I will miss the kids terribly. What can I say, I love being with my kids!

So, my question to anyone who happens to be reading this is, do you have any children's products, toys, or games that you really love? If so I would love to hear about them before I make my journey next week. This Aquadoodle is one of my personal favorites! No mess, is right up my alley.
Also, in celebration of my, I'm having fun, but it is disguised as work day, I am giving you this little bonus coupon for $5.00 off your purchase of $10.00 or more. So, if there is any curriculum product or book that you have your eye on, now is the time to grab it. The coupon will expire Sunday, February 11th, so hurry! Just enter code 21107 at checkout.