Want to hear a story from Betty White? Or print off Barbie summer camp activities? And help kids in need at the same time? Then we’ve got the program for you!
Save the Children just launched its annual summer reading campaign, 100 Days of Reading. The website is packed with fun activities and ideas to keep kids reading and learning this summer. You’ll find book suggestions, playlists, imaginary activities and more—plus new things are added every week!
Better yet, every link that is clicked or tapped will help impoverished children across rural America. These actions unlock donations of books, educational materials and healthy food for 750,000 kids. Save the Children’s mission is to ensure kids are getting the early support they need to be successful in school and in life. If you want to take it one step further, you can join in a summer fundraising program. Create your own page, choose an activity (like selling lemonade or gardening) and share on social to make even more of an impact!
Ready to get started? Visit the 100 Days of Reading website and start exploring the site and logging your reading minutes. It’s one more way to help your kids have the ultimate summer of fun and learning, while giving back at the same time!
Do you cringe when you hear the word “math”? Or maybe you remember trying to get out of going to school because you had a multiplication test that day? Us too. Math anxiety is actually a common thing and paired with learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, kids (not to mention, parents) need all the support they can get. It probably won’t surprise you, but math during COVID suffered more than other subjects; since math tends to be learned at school, parents are often less equipped to help their kids with math, and it’s more challenging for teachers to engage kids in math using remote platforms. A study published in January 2020found that 67% of teachers reported that students’ math anxiety was a problem.
Now for the good news: We’ve found a solution! Osmo is an innovative, hands-on digital learning tool that’s interactive and engaging. These games pack a learning punch, and to kids, they are just playing video games—very sneaky, Osmo, but we are into it! The big news is that the geniuses behind the brand have created Osmo’s Math Wizard to help kids ages 6-8 enjoy learning math—it’s a creative take on math curriculum-based content for first and second-graders. Read on to learn four ways that Osmo’s Math Wizard Series is the math anxiety cure you’ve been searching for.
Everyone learns differently, and being rushed to keep up with a group is not ideal when it comes to learning a new skill. Osmo’s Math Wizard is perfect for this because it’s a self-paced math game series. By combining digital gameplay with active, hands-on learning methods, kids build math confidence and understanding before moving on to the next challenge. This way, they can actually retain what they learn.
2. They're Not Being Put On the Spot in Front of Peers
A big part of anxiety is the fear of failing. Taking a risk answering a question from the teacher or being put on the spot to give an answer they are not prepared for can be embarrassing—this can lead to “I can’t!” and kids giving up. Osmo works with your kid one-on-one, guiding them along the way, even giving hints when they need them. Instead of breaking them down, Osmo’s learning system builds up their confidence and encourages their curiosity about the subject—that is no easy task for a virtual school or classroom full of peers.
One of our favorite things about Osmo's Math Wizard game system is that with the help of Osmo, your kid takes the wheel when it comes to learning. That means you can kick back and relax for a bit since they don't need your help or guidance to get through these learning games! This is a series of activities they can do all on their own; in fact, it's even better if they do—it's another confidence-boosting opportunity that will keep the math scaries at bay for years to come.
4. It's FUN To Play!
If you haven't guessed it by now, Osmo's Math Wizard makes learning math an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. This series features four action-packed game boxes (two of them brand-spanking-new!). The first box, The Magical Workshop, takes kids on an adding and subtracting adventure! Brew potions with dragon claws and magic sparkles to master place value on a magical quest—add and subtract balloons to help dragons fly! Box two is Secrets of the Dragons, where they'll explore the Dragon Reserve to discover the rarest of dragons, learning how to measure their growth as they feed them to become big and strong.
Big news: Two hot new boxes were just added to the Math Wizard family! The Amazing Airships box features fantastical two mini-games. Build awesome airships to deliver packages all across Spellbarrow Port! Here's the catch: Airships need to balance their lift and the combined weight of the packages and vessel to work. In Clockwork, get ready to guide a team of quirky clockwork robots through the skies. Use your finger and your counting skills to wind up your robots just the right amount and watch them go. As you explore, more and more robots will join your cause, each bringing their unique abilities, whether it's bashing through walls, hovering over gaps, or walking upside down on the ceiling.
The second new box, The Enchanted World Games, includes two games that combine sports with math skills. In Bento Box, kids put together a magical lunch box. Players can choose from five different sports, including sprinting, pole vaulting, archery, swimming and wrestling, and help the athletes by feeding them the best combination of fruits. Add the points from the fruits you place to make the correct total. In Juice Team, teams are counting on the right blend of juice to win their trophies. Add the superfood fruits to create a magical juice, using the right combination of numbers to reach the target. Players will learn to make the same number in different ways and will need to blend wisely for maximum results. Win trophies and unlock more sports like soccer, basketball, baseball and more.
These games build foundations of multiplication, mathematical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, strategy, mental math and more. The more they learn...eh hem...play, the more rewards they earn to unlock new worlds, trophies, gear for their dragons or airships and more, so they will always want to come back for more!
Healthy food is fun! The hit kid’s show Waffles + Mochi uses a colorful universe and quirky characters to illustrate this concept for skeptical young eaters. Now there’s another way to immerse yourself in their world, thanks to a collaboration between Walmart, Partnership for a Healthier America and Higher Ground Productions.
The Hidden World of Waffles + Mochi launched online today and features 20 different activities centered around 10 different ingredients from the series. You’ll find interactive recipes, games and video clips from the show. Better yet, as you complete activities, you’ll unlock donations from Walmart to the Partnership for a Healthier America’s Pass the Love campaign to help feed food-insecure families across the country.
“I’ve long said that supporting parents and helping our kids build healthy habits isn’t just a job for nonprofits or governments – the private sector has a critical role to play as well. That’s why I am proud to see Walmart continuing to lead the way with The Hidden World of Waffles + Mochi, a wonderful food adventure that not only educates families on how to make quick and easy meals at home, but also teaches kids that they can give back to their community at any age,” said Former First Lady and PHA Honorary Chair, Michelle Obama.
Ready to dive in? Visit the new site on any device and choose an ingredient, ranging from tomatoes to eggs. The activities will help your family put a fresh twist on food you regularly eat, or help your picky child try something new.
Once kids master an ingredient, they receive a badge, just like on the show. That badge unlocks a donation and through May 31, Walmart has committed to donating up to $1 million to the campaign to help feed families in need. Pay it forward while you play together!
One of Peloton’s most popular pieces of workout equipment is under voluntary recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) made the announcement after Peloton received information the products have caused one death and multiple injury reports.
Two different models are involved: the Tread+ with model number T01 and the Tread with model number T02. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) advises that owners of either model immediately stop using the treadmills and contact Peloton for a full refund.
In the case of the Tread+, adult users, children, pets or objects can be pulled underneath the rear of the treadmill, potentially causing injury or death. A six-year-old child recently tragically died and Peloton has received 72 reports of incidents involving the unit. There are about 125,000 units under recall and the model number TR01 is printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck.
If you decide to keep your Tread+, move it to a room where children and pets cannot access it. In addition, Peloton is implementing software improvements to the product to automatically lock the Tread+ after each use and prevent unauthorized access by assigning a 4-digit passcode that will be required to unlock the Tread+.
Additionally, some Peloton Tread owners will be affected by another recall. The touchscreen on this treadmill can detach and fall, posing risk of injury to users. There have been reports of minor injuries in Canada and the United Kingdom. There are about 1,050 units under recall in the U.S. and 5,400 in Canada. The model number TR02 is printed on a black sticker located on the end cap in the front of the treadmill deck.
If you decide to keep a Tread under recall, Peloton is offering a free inspection and repair that will secure the touchscreen to the treadmill. The company has stopped sales and distribution of the Tread+ at this time.
—Sarah Shebek
Images courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
You’ve walked by that newspaper stand hundreds of times, but did you know there’s a treasure box tucked under it? Millions of hidden “caches” (containers) worldwide are hiding, waiting for discovery. This worldwide outdoor treasure hunt is called Geocaching, and it’s an exciting—and totally addicting—family adventure. We’ve got a how-to guide that’ll tell you everything you need to know, so keep reading and get ready for fun!
What’s Geocaching? Originally called “The GPS Stash Hunt” in 2000, founder Dave Ulmer was the first person to start a treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. His idea: “take some stuff, leave some stuff.” Two people on the internet found his container, and the geocaching game was born. Now, over 2 million caches are hidden around the world and over 6 million people are on the hunt to find them.
Geocaching is for everyone, everywhere Geocaching is a whole family adventure that can be done anywhere from near your home to around the world you travel. Kids as young as toddlers can help find caches, but it’s absolutely perfect for kids 5+ who’ll also get educational value out of the finds, locations, and creating a log of where they have been.
How to get started:
1. Download the free app from geocaching.com to get the GPS, log, and hints on cache locations. With the app open, you’ll quickly see the nearest caches to you. Follow the arrow until it gets within twenty feet, then put it away and start looking around. Upgrade the app (currently $9.99 for three months or $29.99 for a year) to unlock premium-only caches, advanced mapping, custom searches and more.
2. When you’ve found your cache (yipee!), write your geocacher name—this is a cool handle you’ll use for every find you make — and the date on the log in the container. You can keep anything you like from the stash, as long as you replace it with something of equal or greater value. Log the find on your app (include a picture or any notes you’d like to put in for future finders), and put the box back where you found it.
3. Once you get the feel of standard geocaching, try some of the more advanced treasure hunts. Multi-Caches tend to have higher quality treasures, and you have to go through a number of stops for clues to find them. Puzzle Caches also lead you through multiple stops, but you have to solve a puzzle to figure out where to go next.
Define “treasure”—what’s inside? “Treasure” is a subjective word, isn’t it? Especially to toddlers who collect things like dirty shoe strings and empty snail shells. Caches are categorized by size—you could be looking for anything from a large shoebox to a small fake rock with a secret compartment. Inside you’ll find things like coupons, stickers, crayons, lotto tickets, and shell necklaces—the mystery is part of the fun! But the real “treasure”, according to long-time geocacher Larry Hazeltine of Colorado Springs (who has found over 3,700 treasures with his four kids!), isn’t the prize itself. “It’s all the cool places you’ll see while hunting—parks, historic buildings, amazing views—the geocaches are just what bring you there.”
Tips and tricks before you go: • For your first few times out, search for “regular” size caches, as they’re easier to spot than smaller ones (you can see the size in the cache description).
• Bring a pen or pencil! Some caches don’t have anything to write your name on the log with.
• The best cache trades are unique and personalized to you or the place it’s hidden.
• If you’re stuck on a cache, email the cache owner for guidance or help.
For more information and to get started, visit geocaching.com.
Even though it’s still spring, the Scholastic Summer Reading program is kicking off right now! Your kiddo can participate in the fully digital program today through Friday, Sep. 3, 2021—and it’s completely free.
Simply create an account of Scholastic Home Base and your little literacy lover can start their summer reading list. The 24/7 moderated digital destination gives kids the chance to read free e-books, attend virtual author events and so much more.
photo courtesy of Scholastic
After creating an account, your child will can access select e-books for free. These include family-friendly faves such as Goosebumps and I Survived along with read-aloud videos featuring The Word Collector, Train and The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet.
Scholastic Reading Club account members can also join virtual author events every Thurs. from May 6 through Aug. 26 at 3:00 ET. The events are hosted by summer reading ambassadors and award-winning authors Sayantani DasGupta (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond), Varian Johnson (Twins, The Great Greene Heist), Ann M. Martin (The Baby-Sitters Club series), and Kelly Yang (Front Desk).
Along with free e-books and virtual author-led events, the Scholastic Summer Reading program will also give your child the chance to help unlock a donation of 100,000 books! Each day your child checks into the Summer Zone online, they’ll create a Reading Streak. Your child’s continued reading efforts can earn them virtual items, trophies and in-game tokens. It can also help Scholastic to unlock a donation for 100,000 books to communities throughout the country through Save the Children.
Treat your little reader to a bundle of books for a good cause. Simon & Schuster’s Adams media is partnering with HumbleBumble to bring families a great deal on a collection of eBooks!
Starting Mar. 18, 2021, you can nab a bundle of up to 36 eBooks for as little as $1. That’s right—one dollar. All you need to do is name your bundle price.
For $1 you can choose up to eight eBooks that incclude titles such as 365 Ways to Live Green for Kids, Everything Kids’ Book of Outrageous Facts, Everything Kids’ Nature Book, How to Play Harmonica, Screen-Free Fun and more.
For $10 you can also unlock 11 additional reads, including 3D Origami Fun, Everything Kids’ Astronomy Book, and Project Garden. Increase the price you pay to $18 and unlock all 36 of the books. Along with the other top picks, you can also select from Advanced Roblox Coding Book; Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments, Everything Kids’ Cookbook, Everything Kids’ Dinosaur Book and How to Play Ukulele.
Not only does your book bundle purchase give your child plenty to read, it also helps your fam do some good for others. All purchases raise money for the charity organization Worldreader, which supports underserved and vulnerable communities by providing digital reading solutions.
Visit HumbleBumble’s website here to order your bundle.
Forget about boring bushing! Colgate wants to make dental care fun. If your kiddos won’t brush or don’t know how to brush properly, the new hum kids by Colgate toothbrush combines dental health with augmented reality excitement.
The hum kids toothbrush syncs up to an app, turning it into an imaginative AR device. Every time your kiddo brushes, they can earn rewards, play games, and unlock new gaming levels—but that’s not all.
A colorful AR experience will guide your child through their brushing routine, using animated germs to help them care for their teeth correctly. The hum kids also comes with a parents-only dashboard. This means you can silently check-up on how often, how long, and how well your littles brush.
Bill Van de Graaf, Vice President, Marketing North America for Colgate, said, “We first introduced our hum by Colgate smart connected electric toothbrush for adults last summer that personalizes, coaches and rewards people every day when they brush their teeth.” Van de Graaf added, “hum kids also features smart connected technology that’s proven to build lifelong brushing habits, making better brushing with hum easy, fun and accessible for the whole family.”
The hum kids is a manual, replaceable smart brush that comes in yellow or coral. It features an ergonomic handle, extra-soft bristles, and a tongue cleaner. Pick up a starter kit for $14.99 at Target, Amazon, or from other retailers nationwide. After the kids wear the bristles down, you can replace the brush with a two-count pack ($3.99).
Extra, extra––read all about it! The LEGO Group and Universal Music Group (UMG) have teamed up for their first collaboration and it’s bringing the brickmaker and global industry leader in music together in a special way.
Introducing LEGO VIDIYO, “a playful and innovative music video maker experience designed to celebrate and expand children’s creativity and passion for music.” The new app lets kids dream up, direct, produce, star and share their own music videos using tunes from UMG’s chart topping artists.
Perfect for kids ages seven to 10, LEGO VIDIYO offers a safe space for them to “travel” the world and experiment with music. The app brings new technology with the LEGO System in Play and pairs it with music from all over the world so kiddos can creatively express themselves.
LEGO VIDIYO requires verified parental consentand external moderation of all content shared to the App feed for ultimate parent confidence.
The new app is packed with music, augmented reality, minifigures and other iconic LEGO elements. Kids have tons of editing options which can be unlocked through “Beat Bits,” a special effect.
To get started, download the free app (which will be available for Android and Apple users starting Feb. 16) and then young creators will choose a song. Next, create a band from new minifigs which can be customized and brought to life using AR technology.
Let LEGO VIDIYO scan your location in just three seconds and you’ve got the perfect background. Next, get those “Beat Bits” going–– 2×2 square LEGO elements that unlock digital effects when scanned. Options for special effects include audio effects, confetti showers and even surfing on a shark!
Record up to a 60 second performance then trim down to your liking before uploading to the App feed. Kids videos will undergo moderation with the caveat that any content featuring personally-identifiable information won’t be approved for App feed upload. However, these videos can be stored in-App and shared with fam and friends.
To keep it fresh, LEGO VIDIYO will add new music, challenges, and inspirational content often. Keep an eye out––you can start getting your hands on the new products in most countries starting Mar. 1.
October 11 is International Day of the Girl, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the need for girls’ rights. It’s also the perfect opportunity to teach your kids —boys and girls—about the importance of gender equality and girls’ rights around the world. Not sure how to show your girl power? Plan International USA made it easy for your family to support girls worldwide with its Girl Unlocked Campaign.
Plan International USA is a nonprofit organization that strives to advance children’s rights and equality for girls. They do this by engaging people and communities to make vital changes and tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion and vulnerability. This year’s International Day of the Girl is more important than ever with a global pandemic affecting girls in so many ways.
Plan International USA wants your family show support for girls and young women as they push through doors and unlock their power and potential by decorating your front door in honor of International Day of the Girl. Participating is super easy. Here’s what you do!
1. Decorate your front door with equal signs and bold messages about gender equality. Think images of strong women, hearts, stars—anything that showcases messages and symbols of equity and girl empowerment. You can get as colorful and creative as you want and can find some ideas here!
2. While you decorate, use this opportunity to talk to your kids about equality, girls’ rights and empowerment.
3. Work on this fun activity anytime!
4. Share a photo of your front door on social media along with the hashtag #GirlUnlocked and tag @PlanUSA on Facebook and Twitter, and @Plan_USA on Instagram. In your post, include a brief message in your post about your family’s hopes for the next generation of girls.
This project is an awesome way for families to come together—in a pandemic-friendly way—and express their creativity through messages of girl power and equality to support girls around the world.
Plan International USA also hosted more activities in support of the International Day of the Girl, including their signature Girl Takeovers, where girls assume leadership roles in major corporations, governments, and nonprofits for the day, and female-led online workshops. You can check out the Freedom Online Report, sign a letter to make sure girls’ voices are heard, and visit the Unlock the Vote hub to learn about important girls’ rights issues before Election Day and how Plan has joined forces with theSkimm to help drive voting and bring attention to key issues.
