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It is that time of year again…. the holiday season!
Your kids have so many things, you think to yourself, do they really need something else.
When your family and friends ask, suggest something you want them to use during their homeschooling day. Yes, you can have a long book list ready; however, how about some fun manipulatives and piece of technology that kids love – and appreciate!
First up, Magnatiles. My neighbor introduced me to these, and I can’t wait to buy them for a friend’s 3 ½ year old. With that said, I have heard that 10-year olds love these as much as their preschool siblings! Magnatiles inspire creativity! They can build anything – but they are even fun to clean up! This is a great gift idea for homeschoolers.
Second up, my daughter’s former favorite (now she is 23 and plays with bigger and better things) …. SNAP CIRCUIT! There are basic Snap Circuit set for the very young “future engineer” that run about $19.99 to the heavy-duty set, Snap Circuit Pro that includes computer interfacing, that can entertain your teen! The Snap Circuit Pro sets has over 500 projects and runs around $125.00. But think for a moment, ask a grandparent for this as a family gift. You have science for a year with 500 projects!
Next, how about science kits by the company SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER. This company offers various STEM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics) kits for our youngest of learners! It encourages hands on science fun! And best off, everything comes in a box. There are kits based on all different scientific explorations. There is something for everyone! Take this box and turn a “boring winter day” into fun!
Next, we need art supplies for our creative kids. All kids love to draw and doodle. Having plenty of sketch pads as well as quality markers, colored pencils and crayons are needed. This might sound basic; however, a quality set is needed for the older children! These supplies make a great gift!
Finally, although a bit more expensive, an iPad or Tablet makes a great gift for a homeschooler. This is a bigger investment, which is why it is at the end of the list. Perhaps, all grandparents can go in and buy this for your child. In my opinion, an Apple iPad is easier to use, has tons of apps and has a quality operating system; however, they are more expensive. A cheaper option is a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. But either way, this will help your child with endless learning opportunities between online classes, YouTube videos, research, writing papers and more! It is an investment in their future!
Eva Goldstein-Meola is not only co-founder of Open Tent Academy, but an instructor as well as a former homeschooling mother. She has lived in New Jersey, Florida, Western Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and now resides just outside of Jerusalem. Eva holds a Master’s Degree as a Consulting Teacher of Reading and Writing, IEW certification and a Bachelor’s Degree as an Elementary Teacher. She has also been involved in education since 1986 as a Private Tutor, Teacher, Reading Specialist, Homeschooling Mother, Homeschooling Teacher and Business Owner of an Online Education Consortium.
