Playful learning keeps skills sharp over the summer months
Compiled by Eileen Sloan, former first grade teacher
1.
Thumball $9.95
www.mayer-johnson.com/thumballs
More than a simple ball, Thumball™: Move Your Body helps educators increase body awareness and thinking skills. Act out the different movements used when playing sports, enjoying hobbies and performing exercises in an interactive, motivating way.
2.
Kiddie Helper! EZLeaps Shoe Tying Tool $5.49
Color- pop leopard spots, sports balls, unicorns and more designs decorate this simple tool that offers a fun and rewarding way to learn shoe tying in a very short time. Kids will feel proud of their skills, and parents, teachers and coaches can relax knowing children are safer with tied shoes. Get your child ready for first great and turn learning into a celebration!
· Pops off easily once shoe is tied
· Fashion accessory, hangs from the backpack
· Great for birthday parties, scouts, sports, YMCA, school and more
3.
Brain Quest for the Car by Workman Publishing $11.95
Culture, customs and the O.K Corral. Natural wonders and notable Americans, Benjamin Franklin to Susan B. Anthony to Dr. Seuss. Plus state capitals, historical milestones, geographical oddities, mythic figures. It’s the American-ness of America, from Johnny Appleseed to the Motown sound. And it makes every trip a learning adventure.
4. 
Steppers $10.95
Return of the 1970s classic toy "Romper Stompers." Steppers have long been a great toy for kids to improve balance and coordination.
This durable Stepper set is a modern take on this classic toy. The sharp edges, rust issues and stability problems of home-made “can steppers” are eliminated by molding our own design with a flared base and anti-slip top textures.
High quality braided polypropylene line is used for the handles to ensure durability and a good grip for little hands.
For ages 5 up to Adults
Each set comes with two stepper bases and braided line.
5. 
Spot it!
here is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any 2 cards in this party game. Spot it and you win! A sharp eye and a little bit of speed is all it takes to become a Spot it! master.
Spot It
A game of quick perception
Develops matching skills, speeds perceptual abilities
55 cards
Illustrated rules
Fun for a wide range o