Tots and Me... Growing Up Together: sponsor spotlight

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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- Doodle Roll

Here is my last Sponsor Spotlight post!
You may earn 10 bonus entries into the giveaway by following the directions in purple below!!

Welcome to the last Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast Sponsor Spotlight!

Now, onto the review:

From the website:

"Doodle Roll lets kids unroll their imagination and Doodle, Draw, Create — Anytime, Anywhere!Compact and convenient dispenser is perfect for travel, out to eat, doctor's office, party favor, gift giving, stocking stuffer and so much more!"

The Doodle Roll arrived at our house with perfect timing.

The girls were excited for the chance to try it out at the first Preseason Bills Game we went to 2 weeks ago. I was a little leery that security wouldn't let it in, but they had no problem with it.

I had been sent a new 6 inch Doodle Roll and new Writing Board with an additional Doodle Roll.

I love the ingenuity of this new design (granted, I never saw the original first hand).

The Doodle Roll snaps right into the Writing Board (it came attached, but when I am out of paper I will be able to remove it and put a new roll in place). The Writing Board is made out of sturdy cardboard. They have included 4 double sided crayons, so you have all 8 crayon colors that are in a normal pack of crayons (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown and black). The crayons are stored in a plastic case built into the Doodle Roll. So, everything is contained together for ease of use and transporting.

The crayon compartment lid snaps open easily.

After removing the cardboard tabs on both sides of the Doodle Roll the paper comes out easily with a gentle pull. Yes, I did manage to rip a small hole in the first pull, but since then it has come out smoothly.

The girls couldn't wait for their turn to try out the Doodle Roll. I pulled out enough paper to cover the Writing Board, just enough room for a cute picture.

Hannah couldn't wait for her turn and Tabitha let her share.

Then Amelia joined in.

They each had multiple turns. I also started ripping them off pieces of paper so they could all color at the same time. They just used the bench as a "table."

The best testimony is this:

When I was out in the bathroom with Amelia, Tabitha turned to daddy and exclaimed,

"Daddy, this is fun!"

While we were walking out to the van after the game both girls again expressed how much they enjoyed the Doodle Roll.

Tabitha likes that it "roooollllllllls out!"

Amelia likes that "we can make numbers and letters too."

They also love it for playing Tic-Tac-Toe.

Hannah and I had a chance to use it to make a banner for the first day of school.

I absolutely love the Doodle Roll. I did just want to note, you need to make sure you hold the plastic securely while you are tearing the paper off or it will tear. Other than that, this is the neatest little invention I have seen in a while. It is fully portable and everything is contained. The children can not take it apart and lose the paper roll or roll it all out. You do need to make sure they do not pull out a huge bunch at a time, but that is easy to do with proper supervision.

I highly recommend this for art on the go or at home.

You can head here to find out how to order your own Doodle Roll.

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Doodle Roll has agreed to provide the winner of the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway their very own new Doodle Roll with Writing Board and they have also agreed to supply the same product to be included in the 2nd place prize pack

How would you like some extra entries into the Back to Preschool Blast?

Head on over to their site and tell me which Doodle Character is your favorite. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 points.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- My Word Magnets and an Update

I'm sure you've heard of the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway by now, right?

If not, here is a little information.

" This Giveaway has been put together with older toddlers and preschoolers in mind.

Do you have a young child in your family who would like some great art supplies, games and an educational DVD? Would you like some learning activities to work on with your child?

Tots and Me along with my co-host Baby Costcutters and a bunch of great bloggers are bringing this great giveaway to you."

So, that is the old, been there done that info...

However, as of today, there is some exciting NEW information!!

Originally there were going to be 5 winners:

1 Grand Prize worth $418

1 2nd Place Prize Pack

3 Runners Up

There is now going to be one more winner. There will be a 3rd place prize donated by My Word Magnets!

Have you heard of My Word Magnets before? I hadn't until a few months ago.

Here is a little bit of information from their site:

My-Word-Magnets are personalized toys that are as unique and creative as you are!

Just choose your kit, add your own favorite words, and like magic they will be transformed into a unique personalized family game or gift item.

My-Word-Magnets custom word magnets make great gifts for your friends, family and co-workers. Why? Because YOU become the chief toy designer! Share your ideas, hopes and dreams. Put them into words!

Every set of My-Word-Magnets include personalized word magnets that are custom manufactured with a groundbreaking new patent-pending technology.

My-Word-Magnets are made with the highest quality materials and are extremely durable and waterproof.

The Kids Edition words are color-coded by parts of speech for learning and includes an instruction booklet with many fun games!

Sound fun?

I think they sound like a great educational tool. I especially like that the Kid's Edition magnets are color-coded.

In addition, the site is so much fun.

If you would like some help coming up with your personalized words Wendell the Wizard will ask some questions and the answers will become your personalized words. Personally I figured the children's names plus our last name would be good additions to the kit. I also got their nicknames included.

Just click on Wendell and he will offer his help.

In addition to Wendell the Wizard you can play in their virtual sandbox. A random grouping of words (some of them being your words if you have placed your order) is scattered on a board and you get to arrange them into phrases and sentences, just to get the idea of how much fun you can have with them when you receive the "real" ones. You can choose your background and choose to email a snapshot of your creation.

You can go here to see the sandbox.

In fact, click on this link and you will see the order page for the Kid's Super Bundle. On the bottom of the page you will find Wendell and under the word list you will find a link to the sandbox.

My review of My Word Magnets is upcoming, so stay tuned.

But for now you have the opportunity to win your very own kit of personalized magnets.

How would you like some extra entries into the Back to Preschool Blast?

Head on over to their site (click on My Sandbox, then click close on the popup of Wendell, it should take you directly to the Sandbox) and tell me your favorite background for the Sandbox. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 points.
If you would like to win the My Word Magnets it is MANDATORY that you do the above bonus task.

The remainder of these entries are optional.

If you would like to spread the word about this event and place the button on your blog sidebar I will give you an additional 10 points. Again, please come back and comment.
You can earn 5 entries by liking their Facebook page. This option is on the Rafflecopter in the Giveaway Post. There page is pretty new and they could use the loving.
Also, don't be shy, leave a comment and let them know what you think of their product. If you do I will give you an additional 5 entries and you will receive a special code from My Word Magnets. It could be worth a percentage off of an order, free shipping, maybe some free magnets, who knows.
You can earn 5 more entries by following them on Twitter. This option will also be on the Rafflecopter in the Giveaway post.
You can earn 5 extra entries daily for the remainder of this giveaway by Tweeting the extra tweet pertaining to My Word Magnets.

Head to the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway Post to find the Rafflecopter!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- What Children Need to Learn to Read Book and CD

Welcome to another Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast Sponsor Spotlight.

(If you would like more information on this event click here.)

Now, onto the review:

From the Learner's Lane Site:

"Learners Lane began in Michelle Vallene’s and Suzie Connor’s living rooms in October, 2000. Searching for a way to help her children learn to read, she developed an unparalleled reading curriculum that she started teaching out of her home to groups of young children. This program quickly expanded to local community centers and summer programs. A math enrichment program was created, in addition to chess and individual tutoring.

In the summer of 2010, we added a new preschool reading and math class in the Puget Sound area.

Learners Lane is now offering products directly to parents, caregivers and grandparents so they can empower their children with this fun, easy reading program. "

About the book:
" all-in-one resource to help your child learn to read in an easy and fun way. This book is crammed with dozens of activities children love — music, jokes, silly sounds, dancing. This book makes a great gift for a new parent. Guaranteed to be a book with many dog-eared pages. The complete parent’s guide to ensuring literacy, a love of reading, and school readiness. Get started now to ensure reading success and confidence for your child! "

(Review upcoming)

Just head on over to the Learner's Lane site for more details.

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Learner's Lane has agreed to provide the winner of the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway their own What Children Need to Learn to Read book along with the music CD.

How would you like some extra entries into the Back to Preschool Blast?

Head on over to their site and tell me something you learned. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 points.
Also, if you would like to spread the word about this event and place the button on your blog sidebar I will give you an additional 10 points. Again, please come back and comment.

Either way, don't forget to stop back between August 8th and 25th to enter the giveaway.

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- The Creativity Institute's Gulf Alive CD/Coloring Book Set

Welcome to another Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast Sponsor Spotlight in anticipation of the giveaway which starts on August 8th (that is this week!).

(If you would like more information on this event click here.)

Now, onto the review:

From the website:

"Way down South in the beautifully exotic tropics of the Louisiana Gulf Coast region, life is abundantly full. Full of alligators, pelicans, egrets, crabs, turtles and fish of many species. The creatures are delightfully interesting, in the wild and on the plate. This GulfAlive children's music CD and accompanying coloring book set creates an awareness for the creatures and culture of the Gulf region. Get to know some exciting friends and flavors of the Gulf…spiced just right with New Orleans funk, Cajun waltzes, island rhythms and more."

(Review upcoming)

Just head on over to their site for more details.

You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter

The Creativity Institute has agreed to provide the winner of the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway their own Coloring Book/CD set.

How would you like some extra entries into the Back to Preschool Blast?

Head on over to their site and tell me which you think will be your favorite song on the CD. You can listen to a clip of each of them toward the bottom of the post. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 points.
Also, if you would like to spread the word about this event and place the button on your blog sidebar I will give you an additional 10 points. Again, please come back and comment.

Either way, don't forget to stop back between August 8th and 25th to enter the giveaway.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- Rock 'N Learn Sight Words 2

Welcome to another Back to Preschool Blast Sponsor Spotlight in anticipation of the giveaway which starts on August 8th (that is this week!).

(If you would like more information on this event click here.)

Now, onto the review:

"Rock 'N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound -- the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, [they] have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Rock 'N Learn programs help students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. [Their] DVDs incorporate music with exciting, colorful imagery. "

We have enjoyed several of these DVD's this past year. In fact, I have already reviewed Dance with the Animals for the Back to Preschool Blast. But I was generously offered another DVD to review. Rock 'N Learn has a brand new DVD out called Sight Words 2 and we were thrilled to receive it (having just recently reviewed Part 1).

Sight Words 2 starts off where the original Sight Words leaves off. We are reintroduced to the characters, which thrilled the children. Not only do children learn more sight words in this DVD while reviewing words from the first DVD, but they are also taught that there are different and proper ways to use them. First the children learn that words need to be placed in the correct order so they will make sense. Words can be used for songs and writing and so much more. The tunes were just as catchy as the first DVD, though at times I think they were too similar.

Repetition is used frequently, which is great for children. Songs are repeated by one character so the children have a chance to hear them again. When they are reviewing words with Word Bot (whom Tabitha really likes) the repeat them a couple of time so the children will really learn them.

In one segment of the DVD the children are encouraged to play along to discover, through word clues, whether they would use the past or present tense of the verb. For example, they were to chose between eat & ate, do & did, ran & run and say & said. There are plenty of opportunities to review the words throughout the DVD including chances for the children to chime in with the word before the characters say it. Now I just have to stop Tabitha from saying them all the time with out giving Amelia a chance. There is a section where a picture is shown with a sentence and they need to see if they can read it before the characters do. They are to use the pictures for clues.This DVD does a good job at teaching sight wors, but also sharing that there are other words we can know by sounding them out. I guess it just bothers me that so many of the sight words CAN be sounded out.

This DVD also includes bonus material. Like the first Sight Words DVD the bonus chapters focus on shapes of words and spelling skills.

There were a couple of things that I wanted to mention.

The children, for some strange reason did not take to this DVD as well as they did to the first one. Amelia said it was too long. I did check and it was 10 minutes longer. She definitely complains when things last too long.

However, after watching it a few times I think it is starting to grow on them.

In fact they wanted to play their guitars along with the songs.

For teaching sight words this is a great DVD. It teaches all the primer Dolch words (plus some from Fry's list) in a fun way. There is quite a bit of humor in the DVD, plays on words that may or may not go over the children's heads.

You can check out all the great DVD's Rock 'N Learn has for a wide range of ages at their website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

I have already mentioned, in the previous Sponsor Spotlight, that Rock 'N Learn has agreed to give one lucky winner in the Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast their choice of DVD or CD. It will be a part of the Grand Prize Pack which is now worth over $300. Additionally, you can head over right now and use this coupon code JQ7711 for 25% off DVD's or CD's on the Rock 'N Learn Site.

I would like to give you the chance to earn even more extra entries into this giveaway before it starts?

Head on over to the Rock 'N Learn website and tell me something you learned. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and when the giveaway is live I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 entries. (You can also check out the Dance with the Animals review for a chance to earn 10 bonus entries)
If you choose to purchase a DVD or CD with the code above you will get 25 extra points. Once again, just come back here and comment.
Also, if you would like to spread the word about this event and place the button on your blog sidebar I will give you an additional 10 points. Again, please come back and comment.

Either way, don't forget to stop back between August 1st and 18th to enter the giveaway.

Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast: Sponsor Spotlight- Frecklebox

Welcome to another Back to Preschool Giveaway Blast Sponsor Spotlight in anticipation of the giveaway which starts on August 8th (that is this week!).

(If you would like more information on this event click here.)

Now, onto the review:

From the website:

Frecklebox is your home for personalized books and gifts for children.

"Frecklebox.com is a unique site where you can purchase truly special, one-of-a-kind personalized gifts. Our growing selection of personalized gifts includes personalized books, coloring books, puzzles, posters, party favors, stickers, journal books, placemats, growth charts and more.

Our personalized books and unique toddler gifts allow you to put a very personal touch on your gift. You make the stories and artwork actually about the child you're giving it to. The effect will absolutely mesmerize the child. It takes just seconds to create a personalized children's book or another personalized toddler gift-and to create memories that last a lifetime.

Frecklebox is committed to delivering the responsive customer service and fast turnaround on all orders. We maintain the highest standards for product quality, strive to deliver affordable gifts, and produce eco-friendly products."

In the spirit of my Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway I had asked if I could review some of their Personalized Coloring Books.

Here is a little information about them from the site.

" Frecklebox personalized coloring books are the ultimate party favor. Each of our childrens coloring books feature the child’s name on every page.Coloring books have 20 pages, printed with black ink on 70# white opaque text. The covers are printed in color on 10pt. C1s cover stock. The book is saddle-stitched. Finish size is 8.5" x 11". Each book comes with a set of four crayons. "

The books come packaged in a zippy bag with the crayons enclosed.
I also chose to get the girls a sticker set each, which are also enclosed in zippy bags.

The girls absolutely loved that their names are on these books. When I opened the package upon arrival Tabitha and Amelia were literally jumping for joy. They couldn't wait for Hannah to wake up from her nap to show her.

I chose the In the Garden Activity books for Tabitha and Amelia because, while I know they like to color, they also enjoy mazes and such. I also wanted them to get some practice with reading. Besides, it's the time of year for bugs and gardens. Tabitha seems to think the flower on the cover is her, and she is quite proud of that. She also likes that there is a ladybug next to her.

The first page is a coloring page with the name quite prominent.

There are many coloring pages where their names are just there. But what I like the most are the pages where they are actually being interacted with. This truly makes it their book.

I chose an alphabet book for Hannah because we are going to be working on Letter of the Week this year. I thought it would be great for her to have a page to color for each letter we are on.

One of the first things I noticed while they were coloring was how vibrant the crayons are.

Amelia finished her first page and moved on to some other pages right away.

I really didn't know she could do a maze so well.

Tabitha didn't get to finish her first page because she is being so careful it is taking her a while. I told her she could come back to it as I didn't want her to get frustrated. I want to make sure they are doing their best work.

Tabitha enjoyed the maze and the "find the different caterpillar" pages. Though she did need some help with that caterpillar. I love these kind of activities because they help develop fine motor skills and visual discrimination skills. I just wish there were more of them in the book. There is only one of each.

Hannah just went to town. She wasn't quite as impressed with the whole personalization thing. But we will use the opportunity to teach her name on each page.

I had to stop her because I wanted to make sure we could use this book for our lesson time.

They were each allowed to use one sticker and save the rest for another time.

There are so many coloring books and stickers to choose from, but I think I made pretty good decisions for the girls. They really enjoyed these books and can't wait to get them out again. In fact, Hannah was just about devastated when I put it away so she could work on something else.

Here is a list of all the gifts Frecklebox carries:

Just head on over to their site to check all these great personalized gifts out.
I'm sure you will find something that your child would love to have.
What great gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
And this would be a great way to start the school year.

And while you are there you could check out their FREE Personalized Coloring Pages.

You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.
Plus, they have a blog.

Frecklebox has agreed to provide the winner of the Back to Preschool Blast Giveaway a $40 Gift Cerificate. Now I know you want to check out the site to see what you can buy. Just as a heads up, the products I selected would have been able to be purchased with a $40 gift certificate. This Gift Certificate will be included in the Grand Prize Pack that is worth over $300.

How would you like some extra entries into the Back to Preschool Blast before it even starts?

Head on over to the Frecklebox.com and tell me what you would like to purchase. Leave the answer here in the comments with your email and when the giveaway is live I will email you the secret code to place in the Rafflecopter for a bonus 10 points.
Also, if you would like to spread the word about this event and place the button on your blog sidebar I will give you an additional 10 points. Again, please come back and comment.

Either way, don't forget to stop back between August 8th and 25th to enter the giveaway.