If you are looking to upgrade your toddler’s room, consider bringing their walls to life with Wall Stories. Choose from Paw Patrol, Elmo, Peppa Pig and the Ludo collection teaching numbers, colors and more. All you need in some wall space, a box of your Wall Stories choice and a tablet or device for the free Google Play or Apple Store app. Once you have it all ready, simply aim your device at the wall art and start learning and playing.
The wall stickers are easy to install. You can see that they come in large chunks which makes adjusting and placing them much easier than smaller pieces. The adhesive is removable and repositionable. If you have a silicone-based paint then you know it can be more difficult to stick to. Once the Wall Stories are in place, find the free app here: https://wallstories.com/en_ca/download-app
There are 3 modes: Story Mode, Game Mode and Creative Mode. In story and game mode, you don’t need to have the device aimed at the art, but you will for the creative mode.
In story mode every story can be read or listened to in English or French. In game mode there are 3 levels of difficulty: The games will evolve as your child learns! In creative mode children can design and create their own space for play.
The box comes with all stickers and an activation code. Shop Wall Stories to find a set that the child in your life will love. It makes a great gift for the Holidays.
As parents, we all want what is best for our children. We want to ensure that their mental, physical and emotional well-being is all developing strength as they grow. For the most part, kids will find their own way towards enjoying music, especially in their teenage years – although, as parents, we may not always favor their tastes! But learning how to play an instrument is where the real developmental benefits lay. Here’s why music is important for kids.
The health benefits of music for children have been scientifically proven, and one particular benefit is in the improvement of their overall brainpower and memory capabilities. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California, musical experiences in childhood can accelerate brain development, particularly when it comes to reading skills and the acquisition of language. It is widely understood that music helps to stimulate the parts of the brain that are responsible for math, reading and even emotional development.
Different instruments have been shown to offer specific benefits, too. For example, studies have shown that drumming develops the motor planning functions of the brain, essentially allowing for quicker and more efficient exchanges of information between the hemispheres of the brain. When it comes to playing the piano, one of the primary benefits is strengthening the brain’s capacity for split concentration – reading music, using both hands and working the pedals is a lot to do at once and significantly sharpens multitasking and concentration skills.
2. It can build their confidence
Particularly if you have a timid child or one who seems low in self-confidence, learning how to play an instrument can be very helpful. Once they realize that they can successfully develop a skill on their own, it can really boost their confidence and improve their belief in themselves and in what is possible. Furthermore, as their diligence results in even more improvement, both their confidence and their sense of self-determination can grow.
3. It can inspire creativity
Musicians are arguably some of the most creative people out there, and with music, there are also a variety of creative paths to take. Whether your child sticks to playing one instrument or several, or perhaps becomes interested in lyric writing or audio production – the options are vast and exploring one’s inner creative streak is celebrated. This can significantly benefit them as they grow into dynamic, artistic, and/or entrepreneurial adults.
4. It can help them to develop social skills
It’s common for children to experience challenges when it comes to adapting socially and as parents, it’s therefore prudent to encourage extra-curricular activities that promote socialization. Many music-based activities involve group work – choirs, school bands etc., all have a wonderful sense of collaboration and cooperation. These experiences help children to develop social skills – in how they relate to others, to both work under and assume leadership and discipline, as well as how to enjoy and appreciate team-based achievements and rewards.
5. It teaches them discipline
Successfully acquiring a musical skill requires discipline and lots of patience. They will need to practice regularly whether they always like it or not, especially when it comes to a group relying upon their improvement. This teaches children the importance of following through and recognizing that, in order to improve, they must put the time and effort in.
6. It is great for self-expression
Self-expression is vital in nurturing a sense of self, of creativity, of enhanced communication skill, and even a strong sense of identity. It is so important to foster a great sense of expressive freedom in children to ensure that they grow into more self-assured and expressive adults. For children who exhibit signs of overt shyness, music can be particularly freeing and beneficial in giving them new ways with which to open up.
7. It teaches them patience
Working within any group or band requires patience. If your child is involved with a choir or other musical group, they will have to regularly wait patiently for either the leader to signal them to play, or for other group members who interrupt with challenges or questions. Through these experiences, they will learn not only the virtues of patience, but also what wonderful outcomes are possible when everyone works together patiently.
How to get your child involved in music
So, we’ve established all the wonderful benefits, but how do we get our children interested in music?
Buy an instrument and set up some lessons – there is no guarantee that they will fall in love with that particular instrument, but if you show interest and make it fun and inclusive it’s quite possible. Make sure the instrument is child-friendly though, as some will require smaller versions, like junior drumming sets, for example.
Find the right teacher – this can be harder than it sounds, but it’s so important to keep children engaged long-term by ensuring that their teacher is a good fit for them and one who can keep it engaging and fun.
Make music a way of life – you may not be a musician yourself, but that doesn’t stop you from playing a variety of music, dancing, singing and taking your children to watch live music!
This COVID-19 can’t stop our kids but closing group classes will. This is why Pickup Sports is a great way to teach your child a sport, at home with all the gear they need. You buy the box and the access to virtual coaching classes are free.
My neighbor is busy with 3 boys and I gave her my Pickup Sports Soccer Box. It comes with all your child needs to attend the virtual class with his/her coach and more. There are basic branded balls, markers, cones, a scarf, stickers, whistle (if you dare), playbooks, pump and more. Once your box arrives head to the website, choose your sport and fill out a short form to get your child connected to virtual coaching classes.
Foe soccer, the classes are Mondays. Each session is 4 weeks long at one 15-25 minute class a week. The lessons are short enough to keep your child’s attention. Then they spend the week practicing what they learned before next class.
You can even choose sessions best for your child’s age: Starters (ages 3-4), Explorers (ages 4-5) and Ballers (ages 5-7). The bracket you choose depends on the time you will sign in to class.
More than just soccer, you can choose to have virtual coaching from the following sports for your child:
Intro to Tennis
Intro to Basketball
Intro to Soccer
Intro to Baseball/Softball
Intro to Flag Football
Intro to Volleyball
Motor Control, Ball Control Skills for Kids
Adaptive Fitness FUNdamentals (for kids with physical limitations)
This unique product is a great way for parents to teach kids how to play, improve their physical literacy, and just get outdoors and have fun! My neighbor said it was easy enough for the 3 year old to follow along too with big brother. The entire family will have fun exploring the box and playing outdoors. Buy your Pickup Sports box today to get started with virtual coaching of your favorite sport!
Super Hero fans, rejoice! Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has a list of shows for Super Hero fans. This list includes a little bit for everyone at any age.
These are movies or season series available for purchase giving you hundreds of hours of Super Hero fun for binge watching or TV time (a.k.a. leave Mommy alone for a little bit).
171 episodes across 8 seasons of The CW’s hit series! based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow. Follow billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) on his journey after spending five years shipwrecked on an island, and returning home to Starling City to fight crime and corruption as a secret vigilante whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow. Arrow: The Complete Series will be available on Blu-ray & DVD April 28, 2020 or available NOW on digital. Check your digital listings.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
The Joker is back with a vengeance. After a 40-year absence, The Joker (Mark Hamill) invades Bruce Wayne’s (Kevin Conroy) estate, revealing his knowledge of Wayne’s past secret identity. The Joker nearly kills his nemesis, but Batman, alias Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle), Wayne’s protégé, saves Wayne’s life–for now. Pressured by Terry to divulge the truth, Commissioner Gordon (Angie Harmon) retells the events of the night she witnessed the total annihilation of the psychopathic Joker. Available NOW on digital. PG-13 and runtime is 1HR 16MIN.
16 episodes of the hit series from the first season on The CW! Kate Kane never planned to be Gotham’s new vigilante. After Batman disappeared, Gotham was in despair. Until she returned. Armed with a passion for justice and a flair for speaking her mind, she soars through the shadowed streets of Gotham as Batwoman. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, she must first overcome her own demons before becoming Gotham’s symbol of hope.
Constantine: City of Demons
The Hellblazer is back in a twisted tale of mystery, intrigue and the occult with Constantine: City of Demons, a 90 minute full-length, R-rated feature film based on the acclaimed DC animated series from CW Seed. The film follows family man Chas and occult detective John Constantine, a decade after a tragic mistake, set out to cure Chas’s daughter Trish from a mysterious supernatural coma. With the help of the mysterious Nightmare Nurse, the influential Queen of Angels, and brutal Aztec God Mictlantecuhtli, the pair just might have a chance at outsmarting the demon Beroul to save Trish’s soul. In a world of shadows and dark magic, not everything is what it seems, and there’s always a price to pay.
LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash
When Brainiac cleverly displaces several members of the Justice League to other time periods in Earth’s history, Batman, Flash and Cyborg must build and use the Cosmic Treadmill to race across time to retrieve their comrades – while members of the Legion of Super Heroes attempt to hold off Brainiac’s assault. Only time will tell in this battle for the fate of the Earth and the Justice League!! Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and the LEGO Group with a runtime of 1HR 18MIN
Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the 73 minute feature-length animated film stars the beloved multi-series cast from the past 18 years, and follows the comedic modern-day quintet as they take on their 2003 counterparts, when villains from each of their worlds join forces to pit the two Titan teams against each other. They’ll need to set aside their differences and work together to combat Trigon, Hexagon, Santa Claus (that’s right, Santa!) and time itself in order to save the universe. Runtime 1HR 18MIN
129 episodes currently available from first six seasons of the top-rated series on The CW. After being struck by lightning, Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is reborn. Now having super speed, he has a new name – The Flash. With the help of his friends, he fights crime and find other meta-humans like him, and will do anything it takes to stop them!
Titans
All 24 episodes from the first 2 seasons of the American web television series for DC Universe. Based on the DC Comics team Teen Titans, the series depicts a group of young heroes who join forces in their fight against evil.
103 episodes currently available from the first five seasons of this DC TV series. Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Kara Zor-El escaped at the same time as her cousin, Superman, but didn’t arrive on Earth until years later after being lost in the Phantom Zone. Raised by her adopted family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to hide the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin.
Wonder Woman: Bloodlines
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the 83 minute feature-length animated film is rated PG. Amazon princess Diana of Themyscira chooses to save fighter pilot Steve Trevor and return him to his home in America – setting in motion one of Wonder Woman’s most captivating chapters. Fulfilling the role of both ambassador as well as protector, Diana soon earns the name Wonder Woman from the gracious people of Earth. Equally strong in body, heart and will, she makes it her mission to help a troubled young girl enlisted by a deadly organization known as Villainy, Inc., whose criminal members have their sights set on invading Themyscira, Diana’s paradise home.
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
_gac_
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
A video-sharing platform for users to upload, view, and share videos across various genres and topics.
This cookie is used to play YouTube videos embedded on the website.
2 years
VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATA
Youtube visitor privacy metadata cookie
180 days
GPS
Registers a unique ID on mobile devices to enable tracking based on geographical GPS location.
1 day
DEVICE_INFO
Used to detect if the visitor has accepted the marketing category in the cookie banner. This cookie is necessary for GDPR-compliance of the website.
179 days
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
Tries to estimate the users' bandwidth on pages with integrated YouTube videos. Also used for marketing
179 days
PREF
This cookie stores your preferences and other information, in particular preferred language, how many search results you wish to be shown on your page, and whether or not you wish to have Google’s SafeSearch filter turned on.
10 years from set/ update
YSC
Registers a unique ID to keep statistics of what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
