The best education apps to help your child develop

With technology advancing at a rapid rate you can now find a host of educational apps that will help your child learn and develop. From puzzles and games to clever teacher/parent communication tools there are plenty to choose from, but which applications are the best?

Here are five apps that you simply must download:

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 

Education should be fun, so why not download the Green Eggs and Ham app by Dr. Seuss and teach your child how to read in a lively, colourful and interesting way? A quirky, interactive e-book with plenty of animation, this app highlights words as the narrator reads, giving kids the chance to understand and learn new vocabulary. Youngsters can also record their own narration and click on objects to discover a word or sound.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Explained

It is now believed that introducing children to education and learning from the age of two can give them a fantastic head-start in their school career. To that end, the Department of Education recently published a set of guidelines which schools must follow in order to give every child in England and Wales the same opportunities for pre-school development. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a set of legally binding guidelines relating to the welfare and learning of children between the age of two and five. 

What is the EYFS? 

The EYFS is a national curriculum for pre-school education. Registered Early Years providers and schools must follow this curriculum in its entirety, and compliance is checked annually by OFSTED visits. Children are assessed on a number of competencies between the ages of two and three, and again just before they start full-time school. Assessments take the form of observations only, and the

You Know It's The End Of The School Year When...

... The kids bombard you with artwork! All of the wall displays are taken down from the classes and the pictures are sent home. Most arrive ripped, covered in twisted staples or slightly crumpled after being rammed into their bags, but it's always lovely to see how creative they have been.

Minxy has so far this week returned home with quite a collection!

A cat carrying flowers...

Treat Your Teacher With Guylian

The end of the school year is fast approaching so now is the ideal time to show a little appreciation to the special people that educate your children each day; teachers. Guylian have kindly provided boxes of their finest Belgian Sea Horses to giveaway so so you can treat your child's teacher to some chocolate to indulge with over the summer break.

Guylian Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells

This well loved classic is guaranteed to put a smile on any teacher’s face. Made from the finest West

Family Funny - The Silly Selfie

We all know that searching for our symptoms on Google is never a good idea but after flying home from an amazing week in Kefalonia I knew that the pain and swelling in my legs could be a sign of DVT so I decided to visit my GP. Just to be on the safe side.

The only appointment available was 3.35pm so after a very quick dash to get the Mini Mes home from school we all headed to the doctor's surgery. The nurse was running on time, possibly for the first time ever, so the kids and I got called in almost straight away upon checking in. 

While the nurse checked my blood pressure, prodded my ankles and measured my calves I handed

Morning

7.40am and the house begins to buzz.

Crisp uniforms on, breakfast eaten, teeth brushed, faces washed.

Wax applied to hair and headbands in place to impress.

Bags packed with books, tuck money provided, shoes and coats on.

Perhaps a few minutes spare for a cartoon or two.

World Book Day Costumes

As soon as I visited Jokers' Masquerade I knew exactly which costumes to choose for the Mini Mes ready for World Book Day (6th March).

When the book fair visits school, 'Where's Wally?' is always the first book they seek out, sit down together with and enjoy. It was always the first I looked for too with friends as a child. Trying to find the man dressed in stripes among all the other characters was always great fun and would even get a little competitive! Plus, the outfits both Wally and Wenda wear are very distinctive so they really appealed.

Smiggle - Where a Smile Meets a Giggle

I'm slightly obsessed with pretty stationery and I have quite a collection of notebooks, pens and pencils hidden away at home. Anything that makes writing letters and work related tasks that little bit more exciting is certainly a bonus in my eyes! Plus who doesn't want brightly coloured goodies in their pencil case or school bag?!

Smiggle, an Australian based company, sent the Mini Mes a lovely variety of fun and funky stationery supplies to unleash their creative potential. Although the products are primarily aimed at children I was thrilled to un-box such a wonderful collection of items (and possibly a little green with envy) knowing that the kids were keen for me to get artistic with them! I obviously jumped at the chance and they helped to unpack the beautiful supplies in lightening speed.

What we received

Bubble Hardtop Spot Pencil Case

12 Scented Twin Tip Markers

12 Double Sided Pencils

2 Whammy Sharpeners

Giant Twisted Eraser

2 Maze Pens

Animal Pencil

Treats Rainbow Pen

Book Lite

Scratch Book

Sketch Book

Stencil Book 

Minxy was keen to take everything to school that day to show her friends as she was that impressed by the unique and quirky pieces. I have to admit I was really pleased with the quality and I loved the fact that the attractiveness of the stationery was encouraging the children to draw and colour! 

After school we placed all of the items onto the table, grabbed some coloured paper and got stuck in...

We all had a great time being creative and talking about some of our favourite movies and games (can you guess what the kids drew?).

The pens with their own case was ideal for storage but being double sided, similar to the pencils, meant they didn't take up much space in the pencil case anyway, especially with its different internal sections.

I'm hoping the Mr treats me to some stationery of my own from Smiggle as they have some great value things that I love... especially the strawberry gift set below! Well, it is nearly my birthday after all.

 OPENING IN THE UK

The first of the Smiggle stores to open in the UK is at Westfield, Stratford on 20th February 2014 followed by launches in Reading, Brighton and Kingston.

You can find out more about their stores and products here:
www.smiggle.co.uk



*We received a collection of products from Smiggle for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Family Festival Fun and a Bear Inspired Bento

I do love to create a little surprise for the Mini Mes to discover each day at school. 

Something to look forward to and a nice reminder that I am thinking about them and their day even though I'm not there in person.

Such a small thing like making food fun can make such a big difference to a child - I do hope that my attempts put a smile on their faces every lunch time!

I certainly enjoy creating their meals and trying to come up with imaginative new ideas for them to explore.

Today's lunch is bear themed...

For the sandwich (ham) I used 3 different sized circular cutters to create a head, snout and ears.

The snout is made from cheese and I've added eyes and a nose of raisins.

The crisps are prawn flavour Pom-Bears

The dessert is a chocolate Barny bear sponge 

I've added a cheese bear (made with a shaped cutter) and some raisins into a pot which Jamster will no doubt pretend are bear droppings and find hilarious!

I've added apple slices on bear food picks

I've also added a yogurt and orange juice in their lunch bags.

We met Barny bear at Lollibop over the summer and this themed lunch box was inspired by the great day out that we had as a family at the festival.

What inspires you when creating meals?

*This post is an entry for BritMums ‘Little Adventures Challenge’ in partnership with Barny, the bear-shaped snack providing a little discovery in every bite. Find out more about Barny here: www.barnyworld.co.uk*

Homework... with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Jamster has become slightly obsessed with those 4 heroes in a half shell and from the moment he rises to the second he conks out in bed he is talking turtles.

He came home from school on Friday with his usual reading, times tables and spellings to work through but also with his first homework sheet for the new school year.

We sat at the table, popped open his pencil case and starting working on the synonyms and noun replacement questions....


'The Cat watched the bird from behind the tree'
 became...
The dog watched the hamster from behind the cage


'The librarian put three books on the shelf'
became...
The man put three scooters on the path


and finally...

'The gardener picked up the plants from the garden'
became...
The turtles picked up the sword from the sewers.


I didn't expect him to involve his green friends with his school work but he managed it!

I'm linking this with...

Magical Moments - Affection

The Mini Mes are at the age where they are happy to go into school by themselves, giving me a quick wave as they run indoors with their coats and bags, while chatting to friends. 

They don't need me as much any more. 

They are growing up and becoming independent. 

At the same time as being proud that they have grown and developed from babies and toddlers, I miss them needing me and reaching out for my help and support.

They are at the point where they don't want to kiss me goodbye anymore as it's not cool in front of their peers. 

They want to spread their wings and do things for themselves.

However, behind closed doors they still cuddle up to me and even fall asleep in my arms after a long day. 

They plant their lips on my cheeks.
Want me to tuck them in at bed time.
Help them with homework.

They write me notes saying how much I mean to them as a mum.

I think this makes the hugs that I do receive that little bit more special.

“. . . I would have let him go one finger at a time, until, without his realising, he'd be floating without me. And then I thought, perhaps that is what it means to be a [parent] - to teach your child to live without you.” 

― Nicole Krauss

I'm linking this with...

  

Hedrin Protect & Go *Review and Giveaway*

When the kids return to school there may be a time when they return home with something you don't want... unwanted nasties in their hair. Although there are treatments to get rid of head lice, prevention is better than cure and that is what Hedrin offers with Protect & Go.

The easy to apply spray helps to protect children's hair when applied twice or more a week and has a lovey scent of orange and mango - it doesn't smell of chemicals. It's ideal for this time of year when children will be in close contact with other little ones but also great for sleepovers and parties too when heads may touch and infestations establish.

We tested the spray on Minxy's hair (Jamster doesn't really have very much) and I was instantly impressed that the spray has a safety lock to prevent children using it when unaided in the bathroom. Once sprayed onto her damp hair I combed it through for even coverage and allowed it to dry naturally. It left her hair looking healthy without being greasy. As the product contains an organic compound that is kind to hair it will probably become part of the Mini Mes hair washing regime and I would also recommend it to other parents too. 

It's very good value at just £4.29 for 120ml which should last quite some time and is available from pharmacies, Boots and other retailers nationwide.

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win 1 of 10 bottles you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 23rd September 2013.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We received Hedrin Protect & Go for the purpose of this review and giveaway. The opinions given are honest and our own*

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do... Woodlice and Harry Potter

Going through the Mini Mes school bags at the end of term I found pencil cases with half of the pens now missing, notebooks with doodles all over them and quite a few pieces of work that they had done during the year scrunched up into balls to bring home on the last day!

Having unfolded them for a peek into their lives behind the gates with their teachers, I found myself having a little giggle at some of the things they had written (and drawn!)...

Under this woodlouse picture Jamster had written;


Appearance: They look a bit like big ants, they have hard shells and big eyes.

Diet: Woodlice like to eat wood. That's where they got their name from. If they lived near the seaside their favourite food would be seaweed.

Habitat: They live in logs, stones and damp leaves.


I don't think David Attenborough needs to worry just yet!



I also found Jamster's thoughts on Harry Potter, but I think he may have recalled the movies slightly different

to how I remember...



When I entered the castle I had to make my breakfast myself and I had a hot chocolate.

When I was cooking in the kitchen I called Ron and I said "I'm making hot chocolates for all of you". When I touched the door it will open!

The next few weeks fly by.

Ron wanted to know where my pigeon was. I was already in my quidditch clothes ready to play quidditch but my quidditch broom was being wicked!

I'm back at Hogwarts where I nearly got killed in the quidditch game "Ron, do you think I can go back to the quidditch game?" Only time will tell!


Sounds like a movie box office hit, don't you think?!

What funny things has your little one created at school?

I'm linking this with...

 

The next Simon Cowell?

Generally the Mini Mes are quite discreet when it comes to pointing out the woman with the beard in Tesco or the elderly man dressed as a lady walking through town, so I thankfully don't have many earth-open-up-and-swallow-me type moments these days.

That was until Minxy had her school show at the end of last week. Jamster came out with several embarrassing comments in the space of just one evening, while surrounded by staff and other parents that I see every day.
The joy!


Sat in the theatre waiting for the show to begin, the curtains closed, the lights dimmed and smoke arises to set the scene...

Jamster: *Giggling*
Me: Shhhh, you need to be quiet now it's going to begin
Jamster: *LOUD laughter*
Me: Shhhh, you're being to noisy. What are you laughing at?
Jamster: I think the teachers keep farting behind the curtain, all that gas is coming out!

Thankfully others found it amusing and starting sniggering too!



Later on when some of the children come on stage with guitars...

Jamster: Mum
Me: Yes
Jamster: If this was Britain's Got Talent I would definitely press my buzzer. They are rubbish!

Maybe not the best time to be so honest.



After the show...

Me: What was your favourite bit then?
Jamster: The interval. The rest was boring. I nearly fell asleep.

I don't think he will becoming along to the next one! *Cringe*
Saying that, it wasn't very exciting and it dragged on for 3 hours!

What funny things have your little ones said this week?

I'm linking this with...

Reasons To Smile

 

 

4lb down this week!! That is definitely worth smiling about as it's a big boost to my self confidence and also a great excuse to start buying new, smaller clothes very soon. Retail therapy here I come.

Minxy has her school show today and although it's a late night (it finishes at 9.45pm!) and is a bit of a trek to get to the theatre where it's being held, I am so very pleased and proud that she is involved with it. She is dancing and has been showing me her moves at home over the past few weeks.
This time last year she would NEVER perform infront of an audience so it would appear her confidence is building too.

Jamster has a school trip tomorrow and what's even better is that it is all FREE! His house scored the most amount of credits this year so they have been provided with a zoo trip as a reward. The weather is gorgeous for it too so hopefully lots of animals will be out for him to see. I'm going to give him a disposable camera to take and I'm intrigued by what will be worthy, in his eyes, of a photo.... I look forward to printing the pictures of food, monkey poo and his girlfriends *giggle*.

The weekend ahead is childfree and we are probably heading to somewhere near the beach with the poochie camping for a relaxing break. BBQ, booze and possibly bikinis here we come.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Meal Planning Monday

This week Minxy has her school show and Jamster has a school trip so I've opted for quick pasta based dishes for those days. We are child free Wednesday so I'm going to have a lovely fresh salad and Friday we will probably be eating out as my brother is down for his stag do!

Saturday while the men are away my sister, mother and I will have a day of retail therapy and hopefully be looking for our outfits for the wedding too. This will probably involve a meal out but I'm going to try to stick with healthier options so the weight loss continues.

I lost 4lb this week!

 

This weeks menu

Fajitas
Pasta Bake
Carbonara
Chicken salad
Lasagne


My motivation for the week...

I've been using a Fitbug for the past few weeks which I've found has really encouraged me to walk more.

 I'm quite competitive, even with myself, so I like to try to do more steps than the day previous!

 

 

What's on your menu this week?

I'm linking this over with At Home With Mrs M.

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do

BAM! Your child says something completely random and inappropriate leaving you with sweaty palms, blushed cheeks and feeling more than a little awkward. Don't you just love it when that happens, especially when surrounded by other parents in a near silent environment?!...
Me neither!

Queueing up at the entrance to the year 2 classrooms the other morning, patiently waiting for the door to open....



Jamster: Mum, you know those really horny people?
Me: Ermmm I'm not sure what you mean... *eyes wide in horror*
Jamster: You know! Those people that are reallyyyy horny.
Me: I can't say I do, no. Explain what you mean a bit more for me.
Jamster: Those red people that have horns on their head.
Me: Devils?
Jamster: Yes, that's what I meant! Can I be one for Halloween this year?




Phew!! Huge sigh of relief.
Halloween on his mind in July though, he is planning ahead!

What funny things have your little ones said this week?

The Funny Things Kids Say And Do

It's only recently that the Mini Mes have given a detailed response when I've asked 'what have you done today?' after picking them up from school. For years it was 'nothing' or 'I can't remember' leaving me wondering what they actually spend the 6 hours at school each day doing!

 

Last week when Minxy came out of class I asked her the usual question...

 

 

Minxy: We learnt about bees today in science.

Me: ooo really, what did you learn about them?

Minxy: Well, did you know that there are thousands of different types of bees?

Me: Which types did you learn about?

Minxy: Erm, honey bees.... I think there are bumble bees, normal bees and busy bees.

Me: Oh, okay then.

 

 

I think the ice cream van outside may have been a slight distraction!
 

What funny things have your little ones said this week?

I'm linking this with...

 

PhotoFairytales prints *Review and Giveaway*

If you are thinking of treating your child's teacher to an end of term gift, try something unique like a personalised tree print from PhotoFairytales this year.

 

We received a beautiful print for Jamster's teacher and from start to finish the service was fantastic. I truly felt like an appreciated customer, which would make me return time after time to purchase products from the online store.

 

The print itself features a dark grey tree, green and pink leaves and a small blue bird. You can have it as your class or family tree if you wish, with up to three generations, and add wording of your choice below.


Once you have provided your required names, using the form while ordering, you are sent a proof to check the spellings and positioning of names before it's dispatched. Attention to detail is superb!

The tree is printed on high quality (240gsm) gloss finish photographic paper and arrives with both a backing board and white bevel cut mount (10" x 8"), ready for you to frame as you wish. It also came within a clear bag and boarded envelope to prevent damage during transit via free 1st class delivery - it is very well protected indeed!

I was really pleased with the item and I intend to order a family tree version for myself in the very near future! I'm sure teachers appreciate any gifts they receive but with a little time and effort you can create something that will be a lovely reminder of their year.

At £16.95 I feel it's a great value gift solution.

*** WIN ***

 

For you chance to win a tree print, either for your family or child's teacher, you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 15th July 2014.

Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We received a tree print for the purpose of this review and giveaway. The opinions given are honest and our own. For privacy reasons the imagery used was supplied by PhotoFairytales, we did not use our own photos on this occasion.*

Reasons to Smile

Another 1lb down this week and I'm starting to see that my body is actually changing shape! Not only has the Mr complimented me (although I do wonder if he may be after something) but my dad has commented too which was lovely and very unexpected. I'm finding weight loss and exercise is enjoyable and I feel so much fitter for doing Zumba and walking more. It's becoming a way of life and I'm not struggling to find motivation to do it... or making excuses not to!

It's the summer holiday and we have already spent the first day jumping about on bouncy castles, having a go at the bungee run, getting some new books for the summer reading challenge and doing a nature hunt around the local park. I'm looking forward to what the 6 weeks will bring - hopefully lots more family fun.

I'm really proud of Minxy and how well she did in her school show last week. Her dancing was very impressive, even as her mum, and she shone on stage with confidence which she often lacks in public.
Her and Jamster have done so well at school - she received a certificate and badge at her end of year assembly for being in the top 5% of achievers in her year and he had his SAT results back and they were great.

Fingers crossed they do as well when they go back in September.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?