Are You Looking for Ways To Help Your Child Learn At Home? Are You looking for ideas on What To Buy for Christmas?

 It's important to buy the right gift not just buy for the sake of buying. There are many companies that sell games and toys and books.  How do you know what is right for your child? You can spend hundreds of dollars on a gift that the kids will only play with one time.

Why should you listen to me? Experience- Let me tell you about myself. I graduated with a degree in both art and elementary education. I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and won many awards and honors.  I have taught school for 30 years and have been substitute teaching and tutoring for the last 5 years.  I Know Kids and education.

Now, let's get back to the basic question- what to buy for Christmas. Here are some things to consider:

1. Start by getting things that are age appropriate.  Look at the manufacture's recommendations.  They are on there for a reason. You do not want something that is too old or too young for your child.  They won't play with them.
2. .How many parts or pieces are there?  If pieces get lost will it affect the game or toy?
3. Is it attractive to kids? Does it have bright colors and do the pieces fit in their hands? Are they easy to manipulate?
4. Where is it produced?  This is a real problem after the lead paint scare in China.
5. Is it something your child is interested in? A model rocket with a jillion pieces probably isn't appropriate for a kindergarten child.
6. Does it make sense?  Is the essence of the game or toy something that makes sense to you or to a child?
7. Don't forget to think back to your own childhood. Many of the classic toys,books and games that you enjoyed are still around for a reason. Kids love them and learn from them.
8. Here are some ideas: Books, puzzles,interactive story books , manipulative games, things to build,cd's DVD's and audio books and videos,puppets and dolls,arts and craft projects,video games and softwarecook books for kids,science experiments and projects,musical equipment or toys, and board games. The list goes on and on.

GOOD LUCK SHOPPING AND REMEMBER MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. KIDS GET OVERWHELMED AT CHRISTMAS- WHY DO YOU THINK THEY PLAY WITH THE BOXES INSTEAD OF THE TOYS?  JUST GIVE THEM A FEW , WELL-CHOSEN GIFTS THAT THEY WILL PLAY WITH AND LEARN FROM!

Watch for future newsletters  ( free and monthly -each on a new area of learning .)  You can sign up and watch for my website tutorutoo.com and eBay store.  Happy holidays!