Merry Christmas

To all our fabulous followers on the Learning that's Fun Blog & Facebook Page,

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a most wonderful Happy New Year! 

May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter and fun family adventures. 

Love from the Jones Girls, your Learning that's Fun Team

Aunty Lou (22 nieces & nephews), Megan (Mum of 2) and Donna (Mum of 4)

12 Days of Christmas: Wrapping it Up

Dear Blossoms,

Thank you so very much to everyone who has been involved in the 2013 Learning that's Fun 12 Days of Christmas. It's been an absolutely HUGE online event and I hope you've all enjoyed it as much as I have.

Congratulations to all the winners of the daily giveaways, we had some truly wonderful gifts to share with you all and to those who missed out on a giveaway prize, do check out our shopping list so you can visit the websites of our sponsors and experience the wonderful games and toys for yourself.

Also a massive thanks to the sponsors. Without them the 12 Days of Christmas would just not be possible. They have provided some fantastic products to be reviewed and won by our lucky readers all out of their back pocket. For some of them, small businesses or one person creations, this is a very generous undertaking at expense to them.

So if you could show your appreciation and LIKE their Facebook Pages, and visit their Websites to see what wonderful fun and educational products they can offer you and your family.

Last of all, I hope that we have been able to inspire you to think about the learning benefits of your Christmas Gifts when shopping this year. We have shown you that educational presents are certainly NOT boring, they can be the most unique and memorable gifts of all.

Learning that's Fun will be taking a little break over the Christmas & New Year period, but we will continue to jump online every now and then and share some interesting and helpful things with you. But we will be back in the new year, just in time for Back to School. Maybe another special event heading your way? Stay tuned.

In the meantime if you would like to purchase a copy of Learning that's Fun to get you inspired for the new school year click here. Available from $2.99 on Kindle and paperback copies from $12.

And if there is anything you'd like us to cover next year that you are having problems with, let us know and we can add it to our list. Maths, concentration, learning difficulties etc.

All best to you and your family for this special time of year.

Louise XXX

Senior Learning Funologist
Blossom: Learning that's Fun

Sorry I couldn't find a better photo! LOL

Links to the 12 Days Sponsors:

Kimochis
Brain Box Games
Toy Universe
Skillbuilders
Just About Kids - Craft for Little Ones
Sweet Dreams Enterprise
Margie Balazic

12 Days of Christmas: Shopping Tips

Christmas Shopping List

Now with only 12 sleeps to go, we've put the whole 12 Days of Christmas in a single post for you. From the comfort of your own chair you can finish off your Christmas Shopping with a few mouse clicks.

Day 1: Kimochis $49.95 Buy Now

Day 2: Microscope Kit $30.80 Buy Now

Day 3: Learning Shoe $25.95 Buy Now

Day 4: Brain Box Games Buy Now

Day 5: Wikkistix $27.50 Buy Now

Day 6: Volcano Science Kit $23.65 Buy Now

Day 7: Emmi Game $42.90 Buy Now

Day 8: Craft for Little Ones Buy Now

Day 9: Stocking Fillers from Buy Now

Day 10: Concetta the Pig from Buy Now

Day 11: Stocking Fillers from Buy Now

Day 12: Princess & the Pea from Buy Now

3 Top Tips for Christmas Shopping

1. Buy local - support small and local businesses, it keeps people in jobs and helps your community boom

2. Buy Handmade - you will get something truly unique and personal. Nobody else will have anything like it.

3. Buy Educational - Reading, writing, motor skills, problem solving, creativity, what can they learn?

Most of important of all, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the special time with your family and friends, an be safe :)

Happy Learning!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12: Happily Ever After

The Princess and the Pea

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, a handmade Princess & the Pea play set from local artist Margie Balazic! 

Margie is a local illustrator and textile artist. Her handmade creations are absolutely second to none. Working with paper, fabrics, printing and a sewing machine these are top quality works that kids AND adults will love! 

From finger puppets to dolls, to cushions and soft toys, with everything in between. Margie's colourful creations will inspire any child to play and pretend, and will brighten the dullest room. If you are planning to decorate a children's play space or want to encourage more play, less TV, visit Margie's page.

Margie brings all your favourite characters to life, the 3 Little Bears, The Princess & the Pea and many more. And she creates her own characters from personal inspiration and ideas from her children.

The colour, the simplistic design and the quality of materials and labour is what sets Margie's work apart. You will often find her at local markets and pop-up shops around Ballarat and Victoria, like the Ballarat Pop-up Collective. 

Be sure to like Margie's Facebook Page so you can purchase her truly unique play pieces and find out where she is next attending a market near you. 

Follow Margie on Facebook

Day 12 Giveaway

Today's giveaway is the very gorgeous Princess and Pea play set and a bonus copy of Learning that's Fun.

For your chance to win tell us what your favourite fairy tale was as a child. 

Leave your comment here on the blog or on the Facebook page.

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 12/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 13/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11: Stocking Stuffers that Teach

Time to Relax

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, some more handy stocking fillers from Skillbuilders. 

As time to Christmas ticks down, the rush to get those last minute stocking fillers is on. Today we take a look at a couple of great ideas that will make learning fun, novelty items that you don't find every day.

Connect-a-Straw
Connectastraws are great fun, for young and old! But for young children they are a great way to make meal and drink time fun. Putting together the pipes and connectors helps young toddlers develop their tow handed motor skills and for fussy eaters it can be a novel way to try new tastes and sensations.

And when the kids have gone to bed Mummy and Daddy can use them for a nice cocktail after a big Christmas Dinner. A pack of connectastraws on Skillbuilders' online store sells for $20.95

Let's Imagine - The Crystal Castle CD

And after that big day of presents and play and eating and running about, the Let's Imagine set of CDs will be just the thing to send the children off to sleep. These are an Australian series of children's relaxation CDs which encourage visualisation & imagination to help children relax, de-stress, build resilience and boost self-esteem. 

When I listened to the CD, I fell asleep right at the part where the narrator was guiding me through the forest and came across a glistening river that went all the way out to sea, washing away all my worries and problems. I never made it to the Crystal Castle! hahaha.

There are 4 discs in the full set:

* A Bush Adventure
* The Crystal Castle
* Journey Through Time
* Fun & Fantasy

Beautiful Australian imagery and narration to help your child relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep.

$25 each

Visit the Skillbuilders Online Store for loads more stocking filler ideas or like their page on Facebook.

Skillbuilders

Day 11 Giveaway

Today's Giveaway is a Stocking Filler Pack from Skillbuilders. The pack contains:

Pack of Connect-a-Straws 

Let's Imagine CD (The Crystal Castle)

and a bonus copy of Learning that's Fun by Louise Jones

Just comment and leave your name on the blog or the facebook page to win. 

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 11/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 12/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10: Concetta the Pig

Concetta the Pig's Secret to Happiness

On the tenth day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, Concetta the Pig's Secret to Happiness by Lady Lini (Karolina). 

Karolina is a beautiful spirit from Country Victoria, using her art and creativity to share her messages with the world. Karolina's creations inspired the birth of Concetta the Pig, a not so pretty pig with a heart of gold. 

The inspiration for Concetta is to remind readers about some of the values that have been forgotten in our crazy world of materialism. It's about teaching children to be giving and sharing without expecting anything in return. It's about friendship and being kind to others, and is as much for adults as it is for children.

The first time I read the book, it brought a little tear to my eye. Concetta is a pig with little possession, but is always happy. She goes out of her way to make her friends happy and shows them that they don't need "things" to have a great life, they can make do with what they have if they just change their attitude a little.

Beautifully written in plain language, Concetta the Pig is a great book for kids of all ages to practice their reading and learn some incredible lessons from these characters. You might even get something out of it yourself.

Karolina plans to add more books to the Concetta Collection and introduce her other vibrant characters to the team.

Meet Concetta and her friends on the Sweet Dreams Enterprise Website. You can buy a copy of the book and a cute Pencil Topper there.

Follow Lady Lini and the Castle of Creativity

Day 10 Giveaway

Today's giveaway is your very own copy of Karolina's beautiful children's book.

For your chance to win, tell us who is your favourite character and why? 

Hint: You'll find them on the website above :)

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 10/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 11/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 9: The Write Stocking Fillers

Beautiful Handwriting is a Gift

On the ninth day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, some handy stocking fillers for reading and writing from Skillbuilders. 

We've had a look at some fabulous gifts so far, but today we are going to look at some stocking stuffers. But not just any old rubbish to fill the stockings, these are fun, useful AND educational stocking fillers from Skillbuilders.

Besties
Besties are animal friends on the outside, and washable marker pens on the inside. The ones we have here are the Underwater Mates, but they also come in farm animals, dinosaurs, fantasy characters and more. There are actually hundreds you can collect.

Underwater Besties Waterbased Markers

Besties are Australian owned, so they meet some very high standards. They are odourless, waterbased markers all in different colours, and with their big grip they are perfect for young children to practice drawing and writing with.

A pack of 6 sell in the online store for $13.20. Perfect for stocking fillers as a whole set or as individual markers for 6 stockings.

Each pack comes in a range of colours

Jumbo Pencil Grippers
How long has it been since you saw these little guys? In my tutoring I searched high and low in every stationery store for these, but all I could find was a VERY expensive ergonomic pencil! So when Skillbuilders turned up with these I was beside myself!

If you've never seen them before, they are ergonomic pencil or pen grips to help students with their handwriting. They are great for kids who struggle with writing, as it guides them in how to hold the pencil at the right angle and where to place their fingers for the best control over the pencil. These ones are shaped for Lefties or Righties! So they are versatile and can be shared around. Pencil grips are also great for kids with learning difficulties like dyslexia or dysgraphia. At $4 each or $17.95 for a pack of 5 they are great value.

Bookmark Reading Guide

The great highlighter reading guides are small and can fit in a book or pencil case, and help kids who have learning difficulties or visual perception problems to stay focused. They are even just great for kids who have trouble concentrating stay on track. Blocking out the "noise" on the page, they don't magnify, but help focus line by line in the text. 

Available in a range of colours, they could be the difference between a struggling reader and a great reader. And at $6.95 each, why wouldn't you give it a go? 

For ideas like these and HEAPS more, check out the great range of stocking fillers on the Skillbuilders Website here. 

Like Skillbuilders on Facebook

Day 9 Giveaway

Today's giveaway is 2 Stocking Stuffer Gift Packs from Skillbuilders. Each pack contains:

1 x Bookmark Reading Guide
2 x Jumbo Pencil Grips
3 x Besties Washable Markers
plus a bonus copy of Learning that's Fun by Louise Jones

For your chance to win, simply comment with the secret password "learning". 

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 9/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 10/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 8: Handmade with Love

The Most Thoughtful Gifts of All

On the eighth day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, a handmade felt play set from Just About Kids - Craft for Little Ones. 

So far in the 12 Days of Christmas event we've seen some fantastic toys, games and products to help children explore the world and learn through play. But I want to show you today something beautiful and unique, that you cannot buy anywhere else in the entire world! Some thing handmade, with love and your children in mind.

One of Angela's Felt Play Creations

Angela is a local kindergarten teacher and Mum, so I would say she has a pretty good idea of how young children like to play and learn. Angela runs a small business called Just About Kids, painstakingly crafting all manner of crafty items for children to play and learn. She makes items children just pick up and play with and creates kits that children can take home and make themselves. 

Play at Home Cookies & Pizza

A Christmas I love the opportunity to look around for the perfect gift, and there is no better way than to find something unique, and you can't get more unique than handmade. But you can't buy things like this in shops. To find these treasures you have to visit local craft markets. You will find unbelievable gifts for good prices. Put a little thought into your gift giving and support local and small businesses. Not only does it help your back pocket, but it puts money back into the local economy rather than in the profit pockets of big companies. Support local, support handmade, and give a beautiful unique gift that nobody else will have.

Like Just About Kids on Facebook

You can purchase items from Just About Kids on Facebook or at the Caledonian Primary School Art & Craft Markets. 

These gorgeous items start from prices as ridiculous as $1. You can literally fill your toy boxes with beautiful imagination inspiring play sets, rather than big useless plastic junk. 

To contact Angela email: tinetti@optusnet.com.au

Day 8 Giveaway

Today we have 4 gorgeous handmade items to giveaway from Just About Kids.

Item 1: Felt Board & Play Set
The large felt board has a plain black front to arrange your play pieces. And a blue pocket on the back to store your pieces. It is teamed with 3 play sets, Butterflies, Teddy Dress Up & Flower Garden. Market Price $19.50. You couldn't buy this in a shop!

 Item 2: Mr Potato Roll Up Set
This little guy makes a comeback in felt form! All his/her pieces can be stored in the pocket and you can dress him up with Mr and Mrs pieces. Then to pack up, simply roll and tie. It's genius. Sold for $15, but it could be yours if you win.

Nude Potato

Dressed Potato

Rolled up & put away

Item 3 & 4: Craft Kits

These little craft kits are so simple, but will keep kids occupied for hours, creating something they can be proud of. Make your own little doll or your own wind chime. Comes with everything you need including paint, brush and pieces. These sell for a few dollars each. So simple, but who would think of it?

For your chance to win, simply comment which item you would like to win. 

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 8/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 9/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 7: Emmi Caterpillar

Good Old Fashioned Fun & Games

On the 7th day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, Emmi the Caterpillar Game from Skill Builders.

Just unpacking this little guy was exciting for the kids. A big wooden caterpillar with moving parts, some big wooden dice and coloured wooden cards for play.

One die has numbers, the other has caterpillar heads & tails. Each player takes a colour card, then they take turns to roll the dice, a count in from either the head or tail the number they rolled on the other die. Once they land, they spin that piece of the caterpillar's body to match the colour on their card. 

The player with the most body parts in their colour wins.

It's a pretty simple concept, but the beautiful quality of the playing pieces and unique idea of this game make it a great family favourite that you can just play over and over. 

For the younger children it's a fun opportunity to learn small numbers and basic colours. And as a family it's also a great way to learning the basic skills of compeition like taking turns, winning, losing and sportsmanship. 

Valued at $42.90 this is a beautiful, unique gift for any child 2yrs + this Christmas. 

Emmi isn't the only game available on the Skillbuilders website. Visit their online store to see the most amazing range of learning and development toys, games, school supplies and tool kits for teachers and therapists. The store is so big I get mesmorised by it all. 

Like Skillbuilders on Facebook

Shop Online with Skillbuilders Here

******   Day 7 Giveaway   ******

Thanks to our friends at Skill Builders, this gorgeous wooden game could be yours.

To win tell us, if you were a butterfly, where would you go? 

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 7/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 8/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 6: Volcanoes

Have a BLAST this Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, a Scientific Explorer Lava-Blasting Volcano Kit from Toy Universe!

Do you know how HARD it is to explain to a 6 year old , that we can only look at the box and the pictures on the back, but we are not allowed to open this and make our own volcanic explosion??? It's like trying to herd cats. Can't be done! BUT, the general feedback from Riley on this, was that it looked AWESOME, and he wished he could keep it. He really wanted to get his hands dirty making the plaster mould, paining it up and mixing the exploding ingredients. BUT, some other very lucky child out there is definitely going to love getting this in their Christmas Stocking!

So for the budding scientist, geologist or generally excited young one over 4 years old, this kit has everything you need to create your very own volcano, and then mix the ingredients together to demonstrate volcanic eruptions up to 10 times over! From this hands-on kit you can learn how volcanoes come to be, how the lava explodes and much more about the Earth and the forces of nature.

Other products in the Scientific Explorer range from Toy Universe include the Magic Science Kit, My First Music Science Kit and Outer Space Kit, priced from $19 to $24. View the Full Range here.

Toy Universe is an Australian online toy store, located in rural NSW, you'll be supporting local and small regional businesses in our economy. They offer a flate rate of $9.95 for shipping, or FREE SHIPPING for orders over $140. Bargain! 

Like Toy Universe of Facebook

Day 6 Giveaway

Thanks to Toy Universe, we are giving away your very own exploding Volcano Kit!

Try making your own explosions that can out race a speeding car!

For your chance to win, tell us which is your favourite product in the Scientific Explorer Range from Toy Universe?

Leave your comment here on the Blog or on the Facebook Page. 

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway runs from 6/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 7/12/13 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 5: Wikki Sticks

Wikki-Stick-ipedia - What are Wikki Sticks?

On the first day of Christmas, Learning that's Fun gave to me, a Wikki Sticks Multi-Sensory Tool Kit from Skill Builders.

You may remember a couple of days ago, we featured the Learning Shoe from Skill Builders. The managers from this company were so generous and supportive of the 12 Days of Christmas, so this is not the last time you'll see some of their fabulous products. So today it's Wikki Sticks. 

Making a girls face

Wikki Sticks are colourful, reusable rubber like sticks. They can be shaped and moulded to provide a really hands on learning and play experience for kids with or without learning difficulties. They are great to help kids with their fine motor skills and can be used as a fun tool to learn other concepts like reading, maths and creativity. 

How many candles are on your birthday cake this year?

The kit we tried out has a sample of the entire range of Wikki Sticks products such as a pack of sticks, some prompt cards with activity suggestions and a guide book for parents & teachers. Something different for the most difficult to buy for kids, they are a much cleaner alternative to play dough, and will keep your walls much cleaner than markers or pencils for younger children. 

Not mess, and tons of fun!

I just popped the Wikki Sticks into a snap-lock bag to keep them clean for storage. 

Easy to pack up

The Multi-Sensory Kit comes equipped with:

Pack of Wikki Sticks

A grid board

Set of 6 activity cards

Resource Manual for parents & teachers

Zip Up Bag

 Available from Skill Builders for $27.50

The Multi-Sensory Tool Kit

You can see more of the Wikki Sticks range on their website, like these additional activity cards for pre-schoolers, extra wikki sticks and bigger & better kits for kids of all ages.

Much more in the range

Like Skill Builders on Facebook

Day 5 Giveaway

Valued at $27.50 be in the running to win the Multi-Sensory Tool Kit

To win this kit, visit the Skill Builders website and answer this simple question.

How much is the Wikki Sticks Tons of Fun Kit? 

Post your answer here on the blog or on the Facebook page.

The Small Print:

1. Giveaway open 5/12/2013 9:00am AEDST to 6/12/2013, 9:00am

2. Winners will be judged by the blog owner. All decisions are final.

3. Prizes will be sent regular mail via Australia Post or delivered in person (depending on location).

4. Winners will be notified by email or Facebook. 

5. Winners MUST be either a subscriber to the Learning that's Fun email list, or a fan on the Facebook page.