Phonics skills

To read independently, children must understand the relationship between the sounds in spoken words and the letters that represent those sounds.

Word building

As children put together letters to make words, they learn how even small changes (changing mat to man to can) result in completely new words.

Word recognition

With repeated exposure to commonly used words, word recognition grows and becomes more automatic.

Phonological Awareness

Along with learning language and letters, phonological awareness - the ability to pick out and play with sounds in words (such as syllables and rhymes)- is essential for learning to read.

Rhyming

Children learn that rhyming words have the same ending sounds and often share spelling patterns, which helps develop vocabulary.

The Alphabet

Children who can recognize letters with confidence have an easier time learning letter sounds and word spellings.

Consonants

There are more consonants sounds than there are consonants in the alphabet. A consonant digraph is a pair of consonants that stand for a single sound (ch, sh, th, wh).

Vowels

Spelling begins with regular short vowel sounds (cap) and long vowel sounds (with silent e, cap becomes cape). Finally, children learn the rules and patterns of vowel pairs (ee), digraphs (ai in train), dipthongs (oi in boil) and r-controlled vowels (farm, bird)

World Languages

Children can build on the foundation of their first language and enhance cognitive development by learning the sounds and words of another language.

Matching

Matching like objects develops logic and reasoning skills that foster early math and literacy development.

Memory Skills

Being able to recall information enables children to solve problems and retell stories more efficiently.

Sorting and classifying

Sorting and classifying objects based on size, function, or weight involves logical reasoning skills essential for learning.

Sorting and classifying

Sorting and classifying objects based on size, function, or weight involves logical reasoning skills essential for learning.

Music

Making and listening to music can increase a child's creativity as well as support language, math, and physical development.

Shapes

Children learn to recognize the defining properties of shapes (such as a square having four sides of equal length and a triangle having three sides) and identify them in different rotations.

Early number sense

Children learn to count and compare sets of objects as well as identify numerals as standing for specific quantities.

Nutrition

Understanding of food groups helps children make smart choices concerning their health and nutrition. Cooking and experimenting with food also helps children develop their palate and appreciate where food comes from.

2009
iParenting Media: Outstanding Products Award

2007
Parents Choice Foundation: Parents Choice Approved Award
National Parenting Center:Seal of Approval

Product Dimensions: 
5.40 x 0.90 x 8.30 inches

Product Weight: 
0.20 lbs