Author: Erin Sluka

Children's Books, Education, Kids

2 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Children’s Books – ADHD and Dyslexia

Erin Sluka

There is a new series called SEN Superpowers. The series celebrates the positive traits associated with a range of common SEN (Special Education Needs) specialties, boosting the confidence and strength-awareness of children with those conditions, while also allowing for better understanding and positivity among their peers. This series is by Quarto.

Someone has been stealing food from Snowball, the classroom pet bunny! Can Izzy use her SEN Superpowers to track down the culprit and save the day? SEN Superpowers: The Classroom Mystery explores the topic of ADHD.

When I was younger they called it ‘spacing out’, ‘rude’ or ‘unable to pay attention’. We know ADHD to be a superpower now and in this series the focus on one task helps a classroom pet.

When Sammy’s group loses their map on a camping trip, can he use his SEN Superpowers to save the day and lead them safely back to the campsite? SEN Superpowers: The Map Challenge explores the topic of dyslexia.

Words are only a part of a story. There are challenges and advantages to dyslexia and this story shines on both for Sammy.

These 2 books are available now on Amazon and more information and locations for purchase at Quarto!

Kids, Toy Reviews

Freestyle Drawing and Tracing with SmART Sketcher

Erin Sluka

At 11, Anthony loves to draw. In particular, he likes to take his favorite video game or TV characters and make art as well as learn to draw. When I saw the SmART Sketcher I loved that it was so portable and the lighting was excellent for displaying the traceable images. But, it was the fact that Anthony can take any image he wants from photos we take to images he finds online and turn them into traceable art that has him hooked.

Freestyle drawing is for the talented, but smART Sketcher is for those who want to draw and need the guidance. The app that accompanies the projector and allows you to grab from your phone images is free and works on iOS and Google devices.

There are over 50 pre-loaded activities (on an included micro SD card) within the projector itself and the app is a great way to navigate through those activities. Image uploads are only one of many ways to use your projector.

Anthony is very much into the Season 3 of Stranger Things since it’s release this week, so he wanted to find images to draw such as this one with Steve in his ice cream shop which is a scene from the show.

The projector comes ready to draw and also with 20 sheets of paper and some colored pencils. Step-by-step instructions guide small hands through the entire process. 

Available Now at all major retailers (Amazon, Target, Walmart, QVC and more) Ages 5+. MSRP $59.95.

Kids, Reviews, Toy Reviews

Oops Scoops, is a sweet new ice cream stacking game from YULU!

Erin Sluka

The first game a child plays are stacking games. From blocks to play cups they love to stack until it all comes crashing down. They are testing limits, learning to strategize and with it and then comes shapes and space. When they have grown out of blocks, what a better stacking toy than scoops of ice cream!

Oops Scoops is a fun stacking game that challenges players take turns stacking the ice cream scoops on ‘Oops’ the ice cream cone. Players compete to build the tallest ice cream tower, but beware, ‘Oops’ the shaking cone, can shiver to make the stacking even more challenging and causing the tower of scoops to topple.

The scoop has a lever that spins and tells you how many scoops you have each turn. It is rated for ages 4+ and requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). In no time they will be attempting to stack as the cone shifts and vibrates. If that is too challenging for them, turn off the vibration mode or play ‘Pass the Cone’. Game options are in the included instruction booklet.

For more information on YULU check out YULUtoys.com. Oops scoops can be found at Target stores in the US. Coming soon to Canada.

College Bound, Home

Ambiance Lighting with SKYlite Laser Galaxy Projector – BlissLights

Erin Sluka
Dorm Room Fun with SKYlite Laser Galaxy Projector - BlissLights

Last week I went to the door to grab my packages. As I opened one of the boxes and pulled out my SKYlite from Blisslights my 11 year old grabbed it to observe then got very excited, “I have always wanted lights like this for my game room! They make the room more fun…”. So he immediately adopted this little white box that makes his own personal galaxy appear on the walls and ceiling.

I thought of all the teens gathering items for their College dorms this fall and how fun would this ambiance lighting be in the room? The unit is small enough to not be intrusive in a small room and it is such a calming ambiance.

It appears as drifting green stars against a moving blue nebula. the titling design allows you to shine the effect on walls or ceiling. Easily adjust light settings and effects with simple button controls. 

BlissLights also have more indoor and outdoor lighting options to rally transform spaces you want to light up. From instant holiday decor to revolutionary landscape lighting to lively party atmosphere, BlissLights products are perfect for any occasion and lifestyle.

See the selection at BlissLights.com