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Friday, July 31, 2009

Encourage Your Children with Educational Toys, Games, and Puzzles

The market for educational toys, games and, puzzles continues to grow. This growth can be attributed to lower costs of electronics part, increased shelf space in the big market, and a growing demand for educational value in toys by parents. The worldwide market reached $1.7 Billion in 2005 and is estimated to be over $5 billion by 2010. Twenty years ago I had an educational toy called Alphie. It was in the shape of a robot. You put a card in the front panel and played a matching game. The card, however, was just a piece of plastic and no matter what card was in Alphie the answers were the same so ti wasn't long before I didn't even need the cards to get a perfect score. Educational toys have come a long way since then.

Children have this natural desire to learn and the earlier your child starts, the smarter they become. Any toy can be described as educational if it is being used to promote play in a meaningful way. Playing with educational toys , games, or puzzles is one of the means that help children to establish contact with the world he is living in, especially during the infancy stage. One good example would be a toy train set. Interacting with the trains will promote hand eye coordination and the mastering of small movements. It also will encourage an awareness of cause and effect. Toys don't just teach cognitive ability, they motivate the child practice them and encourage the child natural inventiveness and imagination.

However, it is not enough to just hand you child the toy and leave them alone. This is no better than just setting them in front of the television. Parents must embark on the "magical learning experience" together if the toy is to have any real value. No matter what developmental toys your youngsters like to play with, playing with you is more important to their development. It is in your participation in the playing that determines the benefit a specific toy has for the child who is playing with it.

It is important to focus on your child's needs for physical and emotional development. You should look for toys that can help them grow in those areas. For example, a baby needs toys that can help him learn to reach and grasp, to encourage learning hand eye coordination. Toddlers, however, need toys they can pack around with them as they explore the world around them. Toy laptops and mobile phones are of value to young children as an aid to imaginative play. Look for toys that will not stifle a child's imagination. Too often, electronic toys merely encourage button pushing rather than stimulate the child to learn and explore(like the Alphie toy I talked about). With electronic toys, interaction is the key. Also, avoid toys that can be easily lost or broken. Children play rough sometimes and if it breaks the first time they drop it then it was a poor investment.

More than anything, children want to have fun. So look for educational toys that are fun for your child, fun for you, and stimulating to their minds.

By : Jay Corbin

From Classic Claymation to the Animated Kids Bible

The Animated Kids Bible is not a new concept. There have been many previous successful attempts at bringing the Bible to life through the use of Animation.

Nowadays, we are so used to state of the art 3D-CGI animation which is so slick and realistic looking that we tend to forget that it was preceded by an incredible stop and start form of 3D animation called Claymation.

Many people who grew up in the 1950s and 1960 were raised on animated Bible stories which were produced in Claymation. In this form of animation, the figures were made out of clay or some other type of pliable or moldable material and were made to appear as if they were moving by starting and stopping the camera every seven frames and repositioning their limbs and facial expressions.

This form of stop and start animation involved a lot of work but it provided us with many Classic Bible television shows including "Davey and Goliath" which featured a talking dog famous for his droll way of saying his owner's name. This series was created by Art Clokey and was the longest running national television show produced by a church for children.

Other notable Claymation Classics include specials such as the "Gumby and Pokey" series, also produced by Art Clokey and "Martin the Cobbler" which was based on "Where Love Is", a short story by Leo Tolstoy.

Although there were a number of these Claymation specials on television in the latter part of the twentieth century, they were morality tales that explained Christian values not stories taken directly from the Bible. One of the few Claymation series that told a Bible story was "The First Christmas", the story of the birth of Jesus, beginning with Mary and Joseph's trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was narrated by Christopher Plummer.

The technology used to make the Animated Kids Bible is vastly different from this early form of 3D classic Claymation. In Claymation, because the figures were not computerized they appeared slightly jerky, whereas the characters in the Animated Kids Bible move seamlessly thanks to the use of 3D-CGI animation. Tricks of perspective make them appear so smooth and molded that they feel as though they are part of our own reality as they move through a variety of different and exciting environments from deserts to sparkling seas and ancient temples. The colors are also more vibrant as they are chosen from electronically generated palettes. Old forms of 3D Claymation were subject to studio lighting and unfortunately many of them have dimmed with age.

In spite of all this, Claymation is still used successfully today. Naturally, it has evolved and is far superior to the original form of Claymation.

There was and still is of course another type of animation, namely 2D animation which was used by Walt Disney for his Classic children's films, the most famous of which is the 1937 Disney Classic "Snow White". This type of animation was hand drawn and a very lengthy and expensive process.

Today's Animated Kids Bible is a shining example of what happens when today's technology is linked with inspiration and a successful age-old method of telling a story. It can recreate and bring to life stories that once upon a time could only have been seen through a vivid imagination. Also, because the animation is a digital form of entertainment, the sound is far superior to anything we heard as kids when we were watching Classic Claymation Bible shows on television.

By : Tom Broadbridge

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Animated Kids Bible is not a new concept. There have been many previous successful attempts at bringing the Bible to life through the use of Animation.

Nowadays, we are so used to state of the art 3D-CGI animation which is so slick and realistic looking that we tend to forget that it was preceded by an incredible stop and start form of 3D animation called Claymation.

Many people who grew up in the 1950s and 1960 were raised on animated Bible stories which were produced in Claymation. In this form of animation, the figures were made out of clay or some other type of pliable or moldable material and were made to appear as if they were moving by starting and stopping the camera every seven frames and repositioning their limbs and facial expressions.

This form of stop and start animation involved a lot of work but it provided us with many Classic Bible television shows including "Davey and Goliath" which featured a talking dog famous for his droll way of saying his owner's name. This series was created by Art Clokey and was the longest running national television show produced by a church for children.

Other notable Claymation Classics include specials such as the "Gumby and Pokey" series, also produced by Art Clokey and "Martin the Cobbler" which was based on "Where Love Is", a short story by Leo Tolstoy.

Although there were a number of these Claymation specials on television in the latter part of the twentieth century, they were morality tales that explained Christian values not stories taken directly from the Bible. One of the few Claymation series that told a Bible story was "The First Christmas", the story of the birth of Jesus, beginning with Mary and Joseph's trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was narrated by Christopher Plummer.

The technology used to make the Animated Kids Bible is vastly different from this early form of 3D classic Claymation. In Claymation, because the figures were not computerized they appeared slightly jerky, whereas the characters in the Animated Kids Bible move seamlessly thanks to the use of 3D-CGI animation. Tricks of perspective make them appear so smooth and molded that they feel as though they are part of our own reality as they move through a variety of different and exciting environments from deserts to sparkling seas and ancient temples. The colors are also more vibrant as they are chosen from electronically generated palettes. Old forms of 3D Claymation were subject to studio lighting and unfortunately many of them have dimmed with age.

In spite of all this, Claymation is still used successfully today. Naturally, it has evolved and is far superior to the original form of Claymation.

There was and still is of course another type of animation, namely 2D animation which was used by Walt Disney for his Classic children's films, the most famous of which is the 1937 Disney Classic "Snow White". This type of animation was hand drawn and a very lengthy and expensive process.

Today's Animated Kids Bible is a shining example of what happens when today's technology is linked with inspiration and a successful age-old method of telling a story. It can recreate and bring to life stories that once upon a time could only have been seen through a vivid imagination. Also, because the animation is a digital form of entertainment, the sound is far superior to anything we heard as kids when we were watching Classic Claymation Bible shows on television.

By : Tom Broadbridge

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Making Exercise A Fun Game For Kids

Most of today's kids are suffering from obesity and the rate is growing day by day. The problem arrives from the fact of not having physical exercise in children. Today most of the kids want to enjoy their spare time by playing video games, watching television, or by reading. Earlier kids had enough exercises which they achieved while playing games like football, baseball, or by even climbing trees.

Active kids are found to be better and fit. An exercise program includes work out for achieving strength and flexibility. The program followed by kids is completely different from the ones followed by grown ups. The main reason for kids hating exercise is that they found it repetitive and boring. For gaining their interest, one has to make the exercise a bit interesting. That can be done by adding fun in the form of games. In other wards some games can be modified by adding more physical activity in it. Initially parents or teachers should organize such games. They have to participate with them in such games. Once they acquire interest, they will invite their friends so that it will be a group activity.

Exercise is a very important activity needed by today's kids as most of them are in active and not enthusiastic. Without having a physical activity will create some many problems later in their life once they cross the age of forty. Changes have to be made in their lifestyle so that they will become more happy and energetic. There is unique factor found in almost all kids and that is there fun loving nature. Child psychologists suggest including the fun factor in all the activities which there are hesitant to do.

Parents have a major role in influencing the kid's nature of interest. If you want your kids to follow a healthy lifestyle you should also practice it. You can change the lifestyle in such a way that kids will start imitating you. For example if you were using elevator instead of stairs your kids will also follow you. But instead if you use the stairs the kids will be happy to follow you and after some they will use the stairs even in your absence.

You should plan the exercise schedule interesting and fun filling so that kids won't stay back in front of the television to watch entertaining serials and shows. You can make it further interesting by doing a group activity with all of your family members so that the kids will be thrilled and amazed. The above strategy can be followed while performing activities like walks, cycling, swimming, biking, etc. Always try not to push your child too much for exercises which will have a negative impact on the kid by loosing interest. Kids should never feel that is a sort of punishment to them.

The children in higher classes at school will get the opportunity to practice soccer, baseball and basket ball. You can also practice the game with your child at home by using the garden space. The kid should feel that you are a participant of the game and not a trainer. These types of games will boost the spirit and energy level of your kid and they will never get lazy to do physical activities.

By : Victor Epand

Family: The first unit of Society

“I don't need help meeting women. I need a shortcut to the right women," says a client. He reasons, "We outsource computer work for clients. Why not outsource the initial part of dating, which is meeting the right people in the first place? The matchmaking industry is filled with a lot of fraud and a lot of litigation. People are ripping each other off. Matchmaking is a very, very difficult business because you're dealing with emotional currency and extreme expectations and that’s the hard part”. Fees are based on time and start from $25,000. The matchmaker goes on a simulated date, usually a lunch that can last several hours, to observe the prospective client at a location he/she selects. In addition to criminal background checks, clients must see a therapist to make sure they are "emotionally available" and an image consultant before any matching occurs. Matchmakers even go on home visits — as many homes as the client has. However, Executive matchmaker company, Selective Search knows when love is in the air, and what to do if the chemistry is there." Wall Street Journal, December 2001

Match Making:
Teens:
Interactions with nature resulted in enhanced self-esteem, independence and initiative. Body image is forever changing. It is sensitive to your mood swings, physical environment, and your experiences. It is formed out of every experience you have ever had and all of the people around you - parents, role models, the media, and peers who give you an idea of what it is like to value your body. For instance, if blue eyes are valued in a family because almost everyone in that family has them, anyone who is born with any other color eye will feel a smaller sense of belonging to that family. They will wish that they had blue eyes. This negatively impacts one's self-esteem and can even go as far as impacting one's self-worth.

Children
Recess, soccer practice, the neighborhood playground -- all are great avenues for getting our kids up and out. But when it comes to their mental as well as, physical well-being, children need something else, something elemental: They need nature, for a child, a deep forest or sprawling parkland can be the best playground ever. The terminology ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ stems from shrinking green space, over scheduling by families -- whatever the reason, the result is limiting the potential of today's young people.

The absence of nature in many children's lives is key when it comes to problems they increasingly face, such as obesity, attention disorders, depression and stress. "Kids who play in natural areas -- those with bushes and trees -- have been shown to engage in more creative and cooperative play."— Participation in sports can build character and teach time management and teamwork. Studies have even found that kids who play sports get into less trouble and are more likely to seek higher education. So what can you do to foster their fascination with superstar athletes like Mia Hamm, LeBron James and Tiger Woods? Create a sports-themed room! Psychologists today – encourage this kind of home decoration – in vogue as it can be fun and create lasting memories. Start by finding out their favorite team. If they're into college sports, . There you'll find an array of live-action wall-sized photos of football stadiums and basketball arenas from schools like the University of Kentucky. They'll feel like they're at the game.

Family History
How much time do you spend on the treadmill indoors? Get the same benefit by taking your kids on a hike and your family for a walk in the neighborhood at night. Relax on a chair outside after dinner and read on the lawn. Just break the habit of coming home and staying inside for the rest of the day. You have to take the first step. You also, run the risk of becoming obese with age. Here’s what the big-butted Television Star Kirstie Alley (weighs in) saying, I don't have some disease. I don't have the fat gene. But I have a character flaw, which is I have a tendency to get out of control, and I have to rein it back. She says that she’s not appreciated back when she was, yes, thin.

By : Gabriel Phillips

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The nannies canada ensure your child’s well being

As there is ever increasing demand for time in all areas of time, life has become very intricate in its course. This hectic life schedule often disrupts the normal familial life and may bring in some gaps and differences between family members. In fact, the life of the family members is also greatly affected with the children being the worst victims of industrialization. They have to keep alone at home while their parents toil day and night and go on business tours. They miss the very company of their mothers and fathers and thereby their childhood days get filled with utter loneliness and sorrow. Their childhood feels wasted without their parents at their side to guide them, to play with them and spend some quality time with them.

This staying away of the parents at times can be very bad for the children. Especially if the kids are growing up and are adolescents, this unavailability of the parents at home can lead to their developing of bad habits and staying with bad company that is not suitable for them. Now as there are some great nannies canada services in town, this problem and fear of the parents of such kids that are left alone for long durations can be aptly combated. It is so because the nannies that these organizations provide with are there to ensure that working parents are ensured of the safety and well being of their kids. As these organizations aim at restoring the familial values in children and to inculcate great positive attitude in the kids, they provide with the best of the nannies canada possible for each such household, where there is a great need to handle the children when their parents and relatives are not around. These nannies take ample care of the proper and effective upbringing of the kids and are well specialized in the areas concerning active nursing, teaching and other various areas that cater to the effectual overall development of the child and need to be well cared for.

With the times it has been seen that increasing numbers of people are opting for the nannies canada as these nannies render them stress free regarding the well being of their children. As the parents can remain tension free concerning the proper development of their children, they contact these nanny services in Canada in large numbers. These nannies that they hire for their kids make sure that impart proper values and help in inculcating the right kind of habits in their children that are like soft moulds and thereby need a lot of companionship and guidance to stay on the right track of life. All the nannies that are provided by these services and organizations are well educated and cultured and thereby take proper care of the kids. They help in their personality development as well as in their studies so that the children never stay behind in any walk of life and acquire a confident persona.

All the information that pertains to hiring of the nannies in Canada to ensure that the children are safe and well taken care of can be availed online very easily.

By : Pumnul Aaron

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Nannies Canada, an alternative for parenthood

The professional life of individuals have made the personal family life intricate and demanding. Because of this we are unable to meet the requirements and needs of a family life which have led to gaps and differences of opinions in between the family members. The industrialization has given rise to nuclear families with kids being the worst victim of all this. With both the parents working because of the earning and professional urge to earn more, kids have been left alone to groom of their own. This has also led to various psychological disorders in the little kids who miss their parents more than any materialistic things in their lives.

But as there are problems, so we do also have solutions for them. In spite of keeping the kids alone at home with nobody to reach or feed them, the parents these days are opting for the services of nannies. These are caretakers who can be just like parents to your kids and look them while you are toiling day and night in your offices or are busy on your business tours. These nannies will give your child a company like a father and a care like a mother. These nannies make sure that your child doesn’t live his or her childhood in utter loneliness and distress. Many parents in Canada have felt great relief after using nannies canada services because of which they don’t feel that their child’s childhood is wasted and ignored. They are satisfied with the nannies canada who guide these kids as parents and play with them as their friends. These nannies spend and share quality time with the kids so that a proper grooming is given to them.

With nannies canada, you can be ensured from any kind of stress related to your kids at home. These nannies take care that the well being of the children is ensured. You as a parent can remain tension free in your office whereas on the other hand, your child will be getting proper development at home. These nannies are skilled professionals in the child care sector who know how to behave and manage with your kids. They are educated enough to offer your kids moral values and habits so that they become a good child of yours and a good citizen of the country.

There is no denying the fact that kids are like soft moulds that need a proper guidance in their childhood days so that the right companionship and direction can draft their future for life. Any single mistake in the child’s grooming can result in the disaster of the child’s future and can leave parents repenting for their absence in their child’s parenting. Therefore, parents should make a decision and take care of the services of the nannies canada who are well qualified and cultured professionals, and experts in the rearing of your kids. So, if you want your child to be grown into a confident persona, then hire nannies canada today while contacting at nannies-canada.com

By : Pumnul Aaron

The future of childrens bedding

To fully understand the future of children’s bedding you have to first delve into the past. Born out of a need to keep dirt off of duvets, bedding has evolved over the years to be an item of decoration for the bedroom. Children's bedding has followed this trend of becoming a style accessory and has tuned into what children love best.

Original children's bedding designs were generic such as spacemen, dinosaurs, fairies and cars. Now the commercial world has opened up a whole new exciting adventure for kids and they can now have duvet covers, curtains, blankets and many more bedroom accessories in the theme of their favourite TV characters. These colourful designs of children’s character bedding could be quite costly though if they were made out of the traditional 100% cotton kids bedding. To balance the kids need for themed bedding and a parents budget manufacturers of kids character bedding mostly make them as a 50% cotton and 50% polyester composite. The current era of children's bedding

At the present time long standing kids favourite characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Scooby Doo, Batman, Disney Princess and Spiderman dominate the market of children's bedding. This is probably due to these world renowned themes being a safe bet of selling, which in this current economic climate is exactly what manufactures and retailers alike want. A year or so ago relatively new characters such as Ben 10 and High School Musical were given a chance to shine. This proved to be a huge success and they were definitely a gamble that paid off. Items for these themes of children's bedding included duvet covers, curtains, valance sheets, blankets, rugs and lots of other items that meant kids could have their full bedroom decorated in those themes. These were manufactured on a grand scale so prices were relatively low so parents were happy, kids were happy and retailers were happy. A dream combination!

The future of children's bedding The influx of many new themes that was seen over a year ago is not likely to be seen for a couple of years with manufacturers of children's bedding cutting back on production of new lines due to fear of them not being a success. The safety first approach is a sensible business decision but many a child is hoping that with so many great new characters about such as Danny Phantom, Bakugan Battle Brawlers, Horrid Henry and Jonas Brothers that just maybe the manufacturers will bow to popular demand and take a leap of faith with new themes.

This is not to say that the world of children's bedding will be a dull place for the immediate future as there are plenty of themes that have been rejuvenated with new designs. The likes of Mr Men bedding have just brought out a really cool colourful new range and the same can be said for the new range of Scooby Doo bedding. So the immediate future is likely to see traditional characters leading the way with new bright vibrant designs that will prove very popular too. As for the long term future of children's bedding the imaginative new characters are sure to force their way to the forefront of manufacturers plans and give a very exciting future to children's bedding indeed.


By : Danny McLean