Skylanders Spyro Worlds Makes Using Math and Statistics Just Part of the Game

Video game figures can often just be about jumping, whamming and collecting, but kids who play skylanders spyros adventure learn math and statistics almost like magic with their adventurous games. To be sure, they’re not thinking school and studies. So it’s like an amazing osmosis because tossing around and keeping track of numbers, numbered lists, measuring, adding up, subtracting, it’s all part of the fun of the skylanders game.

Spyro Worlds Can Travel with Stats

In fact the whole Spyro world raises that magical feeling from seeing a character or game figure come to life, to the special abilities of these spyro figures that even remember from game to game what they’ve done. As 10-year old Ethan pointed out, “they can remember just whatever you’ve done with them like  when I take my Spyros adventure Ignitor Figure over to use at Larry’s house.” Larry just got an adventure pack and I’m getting one next week so I have to see which ones have the best stats and what they can and can’t do.”

Stats, as Ethan mentioned, stands for statistics which are all those great numbers the kids all are tossing around. They have to know and compare the numbers that measure the attack force or the strength of the characters weapons, the agility they have like how high they jump and how fast they move, their defense which is how much damage they can take from attacks, how fast they can recover and get healthy from attacks. What makes these stats such a mind working exercise is that they are always adding on or subtracting off of their Spyro figures stats as they play the adventure.

Legend of the Spyro Makes Kids Like Matt Math Wise

Here’s what Len says about why he adds on to certain spyro new choices. “I started off with the Legendary adventure Pack with Legendary Bash, chop chop and spyro, that’s one Earth, one Undead, and one Magic in case you didn’t know the worlds, but then I wanted to get all the magic characters because it makes my stats stronger. So now I’m collecting Spyro, Dark spyro legendary Spyro voodood, double trouble and wrecking ball.”

Now Matthew’s smart mom checked in to see if Matthew aged 10 really was math wise about these spyro figures to make sure he was getting their value! And, she found, like the other kids, he was right on, whiz bang, with the stats.  He spouts out a list that mom just has to believe must be true. He says he thinks the best stats are with the Skylander adventure packs because these are some exclusive figures and also have the best new adventures to go on.

But mom also has a daughter, Claudia, and does Claudia like the legend of the Spyro as much as she likes the legend of Bloody Mary she heard at camp because certainly spyro adventure and worlds sounds like boys kinds of things. Absolutely, Claudia is in, “there is no gender special treatment here”, praises Claudia, and likewise mom. Both boys and girls rave about the female characters in the Skyland adventure just like they are all in it together.

Getting into the Air and Being a Master with Spyro figures

Claudia has saved all her chore allowance and has all the Air figures. She says they are really strong as a group. Claudia explains I didn’t like whirlwind so much at first, but then I realized she can shoot up and over gates and my Sonic has saved me with her sonic cream, and guess what, her eggs are great spider bait! I know some people say Stealth Elf in the Life element is the best, and you can get through a level with no damage, with quick blades. I heard she can do 6 knives at a time, each one doing 9 damage, and she can use all six knives in an attack even every second.” Whew! That’s a lot of numbers to know right there!

The thing that’s really cool is that for kids it’s easy for them to take the time and trouble to compare, rate, and understand the numbers because they’re proud of these values. As Peter explains, “I am the Portal Master and this week I got great experience points, and got increased in my Lord of Lightning abilities and upgraded to a Level7. But his defense clouds make him pretty powerful too.” Peter’s mom of course is all for encouraging Peter to recognize his own strengths and to build on them just like his game figures!

Besides for the particular figures, Skylander Spyros is a fabulous adventure story itself since it was written by 2 great writers–Sokolove and Cohen–who worked on Pixar’s Toy Story film. What could be more winning in quality kids entertainment that that!

Everyone loves The Muppets!

Everyone loves The Muppets, right? It’s hard to imagine a world without Jim Henson’s cuddly and hilarious felt creations. Why are The Muppets so endearing and why are they great characters and toys for your child? Let’s find out why Muppets merchandise can be so much fun for kids and adults alike!

The Sesame Street Connection – Kermit, Grover and the Cookie Monster

Of course, The Muppets greatly resemble their PBS counterparts on Sesame Street; the same man designed them! This makes it easy for kids to play with both Muppets toys and Sesame Street toys. There’s no reason a Miss Piggy toy can’t waltz onto Sesame Street and play with Elmo, Big Bird or even Mr. Snuffleupagus! Kermit was regularly featured on Sesame Street with Grover and the Cookie Monster. He even reported on the news just as he did on The Muppet Show! Muppets merchandise, especially Muppets plush toys are great for toddlers watching Sesame Street at home.

Animal! Animal! – The Muppets and Music

Of course, The Muppets are great for introducing children to music and sparking their interest in playing an instrument. Before there was DJ Lance Rock on Yo Gabba Babba there was Electric Mayhem! What kid can resist Animal rocking out on drums? Grab an Animal Muppets tote and throw some drum sticks in and your ready to start rocking! Of course, there is the classic Kermit song “Rainbow Connection” which so poignantly describes magic, friendship and child-like wonder. No child should be with “Rainbow Connection” or Kermit’s other hit song…

“It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green” – Kermit, Diversity and Friendship

“It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green” was written all the way back in 1970 and first performed by Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street. What is there to say about “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green?” The song has become an absolute classic and shinning example for children to except and befriend people of all sizes, shapes, colors and dispositions. Every kid feels awkward or put down at some time and Kermit and his song are great companions and inspirations!

Not Just for Children!

Of course, The Muppets aren’t just for kids! Long before the adult humor, with a wink and a nod, of Shrek there was The Muppet Show, which contained jokes and entertainment for people of all ages! To put it another way, you won’t get a headache watching The Muppets with you child, your laugh right along with them!

Kermit The Frog – Reporter, Manager, the most Responsible of Frogs

Kermit the Frog is a great role model for children. Not only is he funny, he is also smart, creative and responsible. Don’t forget that Kermit was the theatre manager of The Muppet Show and was also a hotshot reporter! I double dare you to find another reporting puppet for your children to idolize!

Gonzo, Fozzie and Miss Piggy – Accepting Our Differences

The Muppets teach children the value of finding friendship with many different people, no matter what. Each Muppet has something that could be a flaw but is instead embraced by his Muppet friends. No one knows where Gonzo comes from; Fozzie is a comedian that isn’t funny and Miss Piggy can be downright mean. However The Muppets play nicely and work as a team. What better role model for sharing and teamwork is there?

Disney Muppets Merchandise – The Muppets Glorious Return!

Of course, since Disney has produced a new Muppets film there is no better time for a great selection of Muppets toys and Muppet merchandise! Muppet toys for sale include 10-inch cuddly Muppets plush toys including Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy! Don’t settle for a plain Teddy bear when your child could have Fozzie’s “Wacka! Wacka!” Other Muppets movie merchandise includes a variety of drawstring backpacks including Miss Piggy, Kermit, Animal or the whole gang! Disney Muppets toys are some the first new Muppets official merchandise in a very long time, so they are not to be missed!

The Rainbow Connection – The Unending Magic of The Muppets

Did you have a favorite Muppet a child? How about any The Muppet Show toys? If you are a little younger, maybe you had some Muppet Babies toys? The Muppets and Muppet toys have been around for 57 years! There is a chance that grandparents and even great-grandparents played with Muppet toys in the 1950’s! What other toy has such a long and storied history? The magic of The Muppets will simply never fade and kids are sure to love them for decades to come!

Have any great Muppets memories from your childhood? Share them in the comments section! You know you had some The Muppets toys! Did anyone have old-school The Muppet Show merchandise?

Moms Know How to Plan a Monster High Birthday Party

A Monster High party supplies gals of all ages with favors from mom’s crafty crypt of ideas and know-hows.  Moms really do come to the rescue of potential party boredom for the fear squads, the Ghoulia Yelps, the Draculauras, the Clawdeen Wolfs–all the Monster High party people. Moms have been there and know all those forerunners of Dracula and zombies, and werewolves, and watched all those early scream movies. A mom also knows a century worth about parties and  she has a whole monster high party store right in her head.  So for the young ghouls’ special birthday, or even a party reward for great test scores, she can have the ultimate monster high party with favors to scream and howl over. And mom, you will no doubt be crowned the next Queen of the dance, or dead.

Monster Supplies to Scream Over

Of course, you know the little spirit or mummy or vampire will first want to set up a welcoming display with her favorite set of Monster high characters–she has Clawd Wolf, Draculaura, and Drop dead gorgeous Ghoulia in her Phys dead coolest gum outfit. So you go, mom and start the best session of party planning for your magnificently mighty monster high supplies with your daughter since ancient history.

From the youngest to the oldest, the big party of the year is always the talk for the year. Everyone and this or her cousin, wants an invitation, nobody wants to be left out–not even the guys. Well the girls at least have an excuse–they have to plan well in advance the frighteningly fashionable frocks to wear for the occasion. Will they be matching the decor, and the big question to let them all know is will it be pink black and purple? Well of course, all the monster high birthday supplies or whatever the party will need has to match totally in the color scheme–duh! So you as a smart and createrrific mom shops online and gathers up the all those coordinating monster high birthday supplies.

The Monster Faces on the Plates and Places

You need of course the monster high plates that show off a few of those character’s colorful and colorless faces. You’ll need the two sizes, the monster high luncheon plates and well as the dessert plates because those hungry ghouls will not want the second chance to get served up something squishy and scarily colored to the eyeballs, but scrumptiously delicious to their mouths dripping with sugar anticipation.

Speaking of dripping mouths, you have to get enough of a supply of monster high luncheon napkins to mop up any traces of devouring evidence.

And then even some additional napkins to go with the party punch bowl–those frothy punches can give a punch  so be sure to add in the monster high beverage napkins.

Your daughter will say, but mom, look at your decor–it’s booooring!. Hurry it up and show her how wise you are with using a few monster high table covers, not just on the table, but as a creative backdrop right where they will do some horror story telling and remaking the Curse of Bloody Mary on their video cameras.

Monster Favorite Favors for Frightening Fun

Your monster high birthday girl no doubt will want to take charge of the decorations. even using her collectable dolls. Help her along with that scene with the monster high party favors she’ll be bestowing on her ghoulish invitees. With help from you, make some dark and dank crypts for the most monstrous monster high party favors. These of course will be too many available and hard to choose from–much like multiplying zombies that keep on coming. Your daughter will no  doubt have many suggestions to put on your monster high party supplies list ahead of time. Don’t run out of time–you’re not forever like Draculaura only 1,600 years old vegan vampire!

Pack in the crypts you make a party store house for favors like the absolute necessary monster high stickers and tattoos, and add a few special prizes. Winners are a monster high mini sketch book, or any of the murderously marvelous monster high puzzles. Catch the lights of an evening party with the glow in the dark monster high puzzle, or the sinkingly soft monster high velvet puzzle, or the all important ghouls rule puzzle.

Games and Goo for Monster High Ghouls

Girls and ghouls are as hungry as boys, and of course boys are on the monster high invitation lists as well. Couldn’t do with the likes of Deuce Gorgon, Clawd Wolf to round out the high school classroom or the dance floor under the full moon, or wherever the Monster High group decides to meet.

If its a bit younger set of spirits, lots of cool games are in order–or done in any order, of course. And older kids never tire of games either, and put their own spin on them. So you can use a blow up poster of Frankie Stein, and do pin the handbag on Frankie. If you have the music of the theme song for Monster high, the Monster High Fright Song, do the Dawn of the Dance Off freeze dance contest. The partygoers will enjoy doing monster moves rather than the normal hip hops.

Slime never tires of being the gross lovable mess it is. Have them whip of slime in the Mad Science Class, color it and make up their own recipe with slime. A prize goes to the most original, most scary, funniest, or most delicious recipe.

Before texting, passing the notes in school was the thing. But still today a fun game, especially if you don’t get caught. Fold a paper with a special note for the winner, and play like Hot Potato.

Freaky Food for Monster Highers

Food is of the essence for never satisfied vampires and starved mummies and such. And take hints from Halloween items. Duplication from past Halloweens would never be  a problem when it comes to fun looking and tasty party foods. Cakes cakes and lots of cakes are always the order of a party. Girls these days are master chefs and enjoy the creating process, so part of the party can be making their own monster cupcakes. You might buy some plain aprons that they can first decorate with permanent markers and such–a perfect take home party favor. Then do red velvet cupcakes. You might even have the cupcakes made in advance and the party monsters decorate with white frosting and drizzled red cherry juice on top. Add other monster doodads.

Or, instead of cupcakes, you can make the red cake batter into cookies. Get a lips shaped cookie cutter and add fangs with white icing tubes.

Mouth watering food of course includes bat wings, vampire dip with veggies.

Planning a monster high birthday party as you see will turn out to be, no doubt, the rave of the invitee’s talk as they watch videos of the event at home or on the you tube.

Kids Backpacks Makes Them Proud to Get Going to School or Anywhere

Cool kids backpacks, cute kids backpacks, kids character emblazoned on them backpacks, this amazing variety just outlines why the backpack choice for kids is so personal to them, and so important. That’s what moms like Jody and Chrissie learned the hard way when they picked out what they thought were the best kids backpacks.

The Plight of  Who Picks a Kids Backpack

Jody’s son kept “losing” his small kids backpack. The backpack, true, was small sized for a backpack, but still, not something so tiny it could really get lost, mom thought to herself. Chrissie’s daughter Liza came home with hands in the air, sans backpack. Mom, I guess it must have gotten stolen, she rationalized. What, that adorable, cute kids backpack that I wished I had myself? whined mom. The deal is, no matter how little or big your kids are, or how much or little they seem to care about fashion or color or style, every child wants to and needs to pick out the best kids backpack for them.

What is the School Backpack Fad Today?

The fads, the pop stars, the game stars, the TV shows change in the flick of a wii wand these days. And sometimes even moms can’t guess as the representation her children really want right smack on the backs. And to be sure, even cute, or sweet, or cool, or hot is not a one size fits all when it comes to which particular one is the best backpack for Johnny or Jonnie.

Just like your own particular sense of style for clothes or accessories, kids have their own particular ideas about their backpacks–and this is one easy way to give them some freedom and pride in choice making.

So mom Cindy tells about her son Jose, who at first got mom’s own backpack selection, and for a whole week Jose would  get up in his usual grouchy mood, dawdle through the morning chores, and seemed to be in suspended animation in picking up that backpack to get moving. Finally, Cindy got the light bulb and took  Jose to get the backpack of his choice. Who knew that it took the Green of Green Lantern to motivate Jose so well. Now he gets up with no complaints, gets right through chores, and is dressed with backpack so proud and ready and even first out the door waiting to get moving to school or wherever.

The Boys Backpacks and Bookbags for Best Behaviors

Boys like the heroes, the role models like The Avengers, any of them, all of them– Spiderman backpacks and book bags, Iron Man 2 backpacks, the First Avenger Captain America that comes in a handy multicompartmet style backpack as well as the Spider Sense multicompartment backpack. The boys get their Avengers team together!

Other boys are sooo into the Transformers, and in children’s book bags for those movers and shaker type boys they choose Hot Wheels. Fun loving, comic loving kids love Angry birds, Phineas and Ferb in their Trash Can, Moshi Monsters, and everyone loves the Muppets whether it’s a Kermit backpack, Animal or Miss Piggy. Really hot right now and Sam’s choice is the Skylanders school backpack. To be sure, his friends will want the same one when they see it!

A Girl’s World all in a Backpack

Kids backpacks at their best are part of social and fashion, and that’s the world where girls today live. Showing off the right look, the style that’s comfortable for the every day is the conversation started to make new friends, and part of conversations with old BFF’s. So many colors, styles to choose from.

So many girls begin as fairies, loving timeless Tinkerbell. The girls bestow their fairy dust from inside their cute Tinkerbell backpacks.

What’s the best backpack for girls? Lisa says for her it’s one that matches. Matches what you might ask? Of course, silly, a kid backpack and lunch box that go together and match, “duh” she quips.

The Best Price for Backpacks

Don’t worry about price, really, all these awesome character backpacks really are good affordable value when you think of it’s daily grind, how many miles it travels in a week, you can even smile “cheap kids backpack” compared to all the school supplies and cookies consumed in a week.

Gals love the Tangled romance portrayed on their backpacks. She was such a strong gal. Music lovers carry on with Glee or even the Beetles.

Kids Get Rolling with Backpacks on Wheels

For both girls and boys who love to roll and rock, there are rolling cases galore–not suitcases, but kids backpacks with wheels. And lots of kids really love wheels–skates, skateboards, anything that rolls. And so it’s natural for them to want a backpack with wheels too. Why not move along your stuff rather than carry the weight.

The smaller siblings love to use the rolling bags all the better to catch up with the big brother or sister more easily.  Those smart backpacks on wheels can also be a back saver. And, they use them all the time. They’re the best backpack for all those heavy duty supplies for school. And doubles as a great roll for sleepovers at grandmas.

Small and Toddler Sized Backpacks and Growing

Little brothers and sisters are not so little anymore as they begin day care or mommy and me classes as toddlers. And these tots are proud to “me do it” and carry their own stuff, in a specially sized small kids backpack,  their own special teddy, blanket and toy. And if you are taking them along in your afternoon, the bags are perfect also to put in your diaper, wipes, change of shirt, and even a little lunch.

Little girls always choose either the pretty pink faced Strawberry Shortcake toddler backpack, or the Hello Kitty special toddler sized bag. Boys, of course will choose either Thomas or Scooby Doo, and especially the Mariokart wii toddler backpack to match his big brother’s full sized one.

Backpacks so early are great learning tool to get them organized and oriented to organization right off the bat. What they put in comes out, and what comes out must go back in the right places.

Then as the tots graduate and enter preschool, already they want a bigger bag, and the full sized backpacks are never too big for these bog school goers to fit in their great art projects and folders. They are so proud to be so grown up!

So whether you’re buying before the school rush, or the camp rush, or sharing an afternoon with your child to get him or her something personal, go backpack shopping, and don’t forget to take along some great books to put in it too!

Be Yourself! Be Unique! Be a Monster! – Monster High and Creativity

Every Monster High figure comes complete with a journal, inspiring tweens and teens to keep journals and start writing themselves.  Of course, what girl doesn’t keep a journal at one point or another?  Why not be inspired by freaky fun characters such as Frankie Stein or Venus McFlytrap?

Monster High author Lisi Harrison herself kept large journals as a teen to talk out her problems.  This lead directly to her novel writing career and she suggests that young aspiring writers keep journal and take notes concerning their lives.  Only after a girl has found her own unique voice can she become a great writer.  Monster High’s motto is “Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster!”  What better inspiration to be creative and start expressing one’s self!

In addition, Monster High characters all have a basis in legend, fable and story.  They are great in getting girls excited about reading, along with the craze of Young Adult novels such as Twilight and The Hunger Games.  Girls are reading now more than ever but there’s always room for more!  Of course, Lisi Harrison’s Monster High series is great but can also be supplement with any fantastic tales.  Classic monster characters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Phantom of The Opera and The Werewolf all have many books written about them.  Chances are that tweens playing with Monster High dolls are much more likely to devour these classic works of fiction when they are actually in High School.

Not only are Monster High dolls glamorous, they also have interesting back-stories, hobbies and even favorite foods!  Will Barbie ever have her 1,600^th birthday?  Draculaura’s sweet 1,600^th is coming up fast!  How about a pet bat named Count Fabulous?  Draculaura has one.  Is there a steampunk Barbie, made completely from rusty metal?  Of course there isn’t, but Monster High has Robecca Steam, a mad scientist’s creation with a pet mechanical penguin!  In the wood shop at Monster High Venus McFlytrap dreads building with her fellow plants.  How can Barbie keep up with such imagination?

At Monster High Frankie Stein sparks when she’s nervous and Clawdeen Wolf eats raw steak!  How is that for creepy detail?  At Monster High Venus McFlytrap works to save the environment while the vampiric Draculaura is passionate about eating vegan.  What other dolls have such fun and interesting stories?  In the cafeteria at Monster High Cupid makes all the monsters fall in love.  But Monster High isn’t only about the normal doll routine; it’s also about adventure and spooky imagination.  With Monster High girls can have glamorous dolls that can still go on adventures to rival any action figure. 

Convinced that Monster High toys are great for young girls?  Don’t forget that our Monster High store has so much more than just dolls.  In addition to inspiring reading and writing Monster High merchandise can be just downright spooky fun!  Monster High games are great with friends.  Have a budding fashionista in your home?  How about one of Monster High’s fashion sketch portfolios or even the Monster High Monster Maker Machine?  Complete the look with fashionable earbuds, lunch boxes or even an umbrella to keep the sun’s harmful rays from one’s spooky skin!