Cadoo™
What it is: A creative game for ages 7 and up.
Why we like it: Hilarious fun; wide variety of challenges exercise the multiple intelligences.
Cranium; www.playcranium.com; Gr. 1-12; $19.95.
 
 
Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit
What it is: A model car that runs on water.
What teachers said: “Very valuable in teaching chemistry, physics, energy, and technology.”
Thames & Kosmos; www.thamesandkosmos.com; Gr. 7-12; $150/kit plus 96-page experiment guide.
 
 
My Teaching Piano™
What it is: A playable piano that teaches kids different songs by having them follow a pattern of lighted keys.
Why we like it: Hands-on fun! Kids will enjoy learning how to play simple tunes as they master the patterns.
Mega Bloks; www.megabloks.com; Gr. PreK-1; $25-$35.
 
 
Math-Match It
What it is: A matching math game in a puzzle format.
What teachers said: “Colorful, kid-friendly game reinforces key concepts. Great visual math for independent discoveries!”
The Learning Journey; 1-877-839-3969 (toll free); Gr. PreK-2; $9.99.
 
 
Magnetic Butterfly Puzzle™
What it is: A 17-piece puzzle and playing surface displaying a wide variety of butterflies.
What teachers said: “Educational, beautiful, and fun for use in a center! Easy to manipulate.”
The Orb Factory; www.orbfactory.com; Gr. 1-4; $18/puzzle plus 19" x 27" information poster.
 
 
Learning to Sequence
What it is: A 48-piece picture card game (available in 3-, 4-, or 6-scene formats).
What teachers said: “Love it! Sequencing is an important skill, and this is a great game that kids will enjoy. It will hold up to lots of use.”
Carson Dellosa; www.carsondellosa.com; PreK-3; $12.99/set.
 

Expedition Lewis & Clark
What it is: A board game for team play.
What teachers said: “Challenging, informative, accurate, and interesting format for this segment of history.”
Channel Craft/American Historical Games; www.lewisandclarkfamilygame.com; Gr. 5-6; $39.95.
 
 
Eco-Expedition African Safari
What it is: A moveable action play set with 8 animals.
What teachers said: “Realistic and well-made. A fun way to spark students' interest in animals and in learning more about them. Easy to incorporate into lessons.”
Wild Republic; www.wildrepublic.com; Gr. PreK-1; $13.
 
 
Scramble Squares®
What it is: A series of challenging puzzles.
What teachers said: “Very practical and addictive for kids! An excellent independent activity that builds problem-solving skills.”
B'Dazzle; www.b-dazzle.com; Gr. 2-12; $7.95/each.


These reviews were originally published in the October 2003 issue of Instructor.
 
Back to Teacher Raves 2003 main page.