Issue Date: June 29, 2008
Toys to end the summer "brain drain"
The lazy days of summer may be fun for kids, but studies show they come with a price: Children lose much of what they learned in school during the extended break. Stem the "summer brain drain" with these "learning" toys, recommended by Stevanne Auerbach, author of "Smart Play/Smart Toys":
WebWilds' panda puppet
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Color 'n Seek Posters contain hidden pictures and word associations, with 10 marker pens. Ages 4 and up (b-dazzle.com, $6.95).
Codebreaker card game tests memory and creativity. Ages 7 and up (cogno.com, $19.95).
GeoSafari Prospector's Mystery Rock lets kids become archeologists. A clay "rock" contains 10 cool treasures, such as fossils and stones. Kit includes guide, chart and tools. Ages 8-12 (educationalinsights.com, $24.99).
Griddly Headz Baseball board game challenges players to focus on scoring or eliminating the competition. Other sports available. Ages 8 and up (griddlygames.com, $29.95).
WebWilds animal puppets offer hands-on learning with a puppet that can be used in tandem with an interactive website that lets kids explore the animal's natural habitat through puzzles, stories and games. Ages 5-12 (folkmanis.com, $19.99).
Yamodo! Good to Go! Play anytime, anywhere: Write or draw about made-up Yamodo! words for creative collaboration. Ages 8 and up (yamodo.com, $11.95).
Jumbo Insects' seven oversize bugs allow kids to see detail without magnification. Ages 3-6 ( learningresources.com, $26.95).
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