Homeschooling a preschooler is quite different than homeschooling a second grader. Preschoolers have limited attention spans and aren't going to sit there and listen to a lecture about their ABC's or how to count. From what I've read, pressuring a preschooler to learn will cause them to show less enthusiasm. So if you choose to homeschool your preschooler, you need to make it fun, laid back and follow your child's lead. If they start to lose interest then switch to something else. Set small goals of what you'd like to accomplish that day and keep the activities short. Remember they can be spread out throughout the day and don't have to be crammed together.
We got to review the Monsters Play All Day Eco-friendly set from Alex Toys and it's been a huge hit in my house. The set comes with the Moody Monsters Matching Set, Cards, and Memory Game. So how are these games educational? They teach early math skills and logic. I'm going to talk about each game so you can see how.
The Mix and Match Puzzle Game has 4 monster cards where you can match monster parts to the body. For beginners you can just lay down the cards and have your preschooler match the heads, bodies and legs. This promotes logical thinking for turning the pieces in the correct direction- like the legs and arms and they have to match the patterns and colors. Once your child masters this you can make a game out of it. Each person gets a card and you take turns turning over pieces to see who can build their monster first. Ella loves to match anything, so this has kept her occupied for hours. Yes, hours.The Memory Game is awesome! This was my favorite game as a child so I was really excited to play with Ella. When we first got our set, I laid them all face up and had Ella match the cards to get familiar with them. This was great for working with colors and having her focus on the backgrounds to find the pair. Each card has a monster face with an emotion on different backgrounds. They are all fun colors and silly designs with the emotions written on the cards. After Ella got used to the game, we started out with 6 cards and turned them face down and she got it! Over the past week we've gone up to 12 cards.The Playing Cards can be used for numerous activities. The first game we played was Slap Jack. This was tons of fun and Ella enjoyed smacking the Jacks. When we would turn over a new card we would say what the number was, count the shapes and talk about the colors. They are large, child sized cards and come with fun Monster game instructions. We haven't tried the Monster games yet, but I want Ella to become more familiar with the cards before we try so she doesn't get overwhelmed.
Ella has truly enjoyed playing all of the games. The awesome part is that she's learning important concepts without being forced. This set has won the Preferred Choice award by Creative Child Magazine.
Want one? You can purchase the Monsters Play All Day set from Alex Toys online or a toy store near you for only $34.99!
The Giveaway: Alex Toys would like to offer 1 lucky winner a Monsters Play All Day Set!
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 20, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US.
How to Enter: Visit Alex Toys and tell me another product your child would love! Click on "Comments" to leave your post. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!
EXTRA entries: You must complete the "How To Enter" before making any extra entries. Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one.
2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)6. Become a fan of Alex Toys on Facebook
7. Follow Alex Toys on Twitter
8. Enter Alex Toys Ready, Set, Create contest for a chance to win free art supplies by October 15 (5 extra entries) details below and on their FB page
9. Grab my Homeschool your Preschooler Week button
The Alex Toys Ready, Set, Create contest:
Mom, we want to know: How do you encourage your preschooler's creativity? Send us 1-2 paragraphs about how you create an environment that stimulates your child's artistic imagination.
Tot: The proof's in the pudding! We'd like to see some original artwork by you that illustrates just what mom does to let your creative genius shine. Ask your mom to scan or photograph an art piece of yours. Whether it's a crayon-drawn masterpiece or modeling clay extravaganza, it's up to you!
The winning teams will be chosen by the ALEX Toys Arts & Crafts Panel.
The art submissions from all winners will be displayed on the ALEX Toys website (www.alextoys.com)
The deadline to enter is October 15, 2009. Winners will be announced by October 25th.
Bragging rights included. To enter:
- Become a Fan of ALEX Toys on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/al
-Send a single email to contest@alextoys.com with a .jpg of your tot's artwork and your 1-2 paragraph submission.
The photo may be attached but your submission should be included in the body of the email with your full name, child's first name and age, email address and phone number. Children ages 3-5 are eligible for this contest. Mom's age may vary.
Well their Super Soft Modeling Dough looks awesome...and what a cool pottery wheel! Thanks for bringing this site to my attention. I did not know of Alex Toys before reading your blog! I really look forward to my 2 year old getting into more arts and crafts activities.
ReplyDeletejessicabrooke@gmail.com
Would love the picnic basket. My grandson has been asking me for one, Im so happy to have found this.joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan. Shelly Henley joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to your blog. joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe Jiggly Piggly toy is so cute!
ReplyDeletechrisny2(at)aol(dot)com
I'm following Alex Toys on twitter @chrisny2
ReplyDeletechrisny2(at)aol(dot)com
fan of alex toys on facebook. Shelly Henley joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeletefollowing alex toys on twitter. Jgnp joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteentered your soft star shoe giveaway. joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI know my kids would love the Monster Toss game. They both hae mean arms and have pretty good aim, too! =)
ReplyDeletetreflea4 at gmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter.
ReplyDeletetreflea4 at gmail dot com
I'm an email suscriber.
ReplyDeletetreflea4 at gmail dot com
I follow Alex Toys on Twitter.
ReplyDeletetreflea4 at gmail dot com
I entered your Dreamsacks giveaway.
ReplyDeletetreflea4 at gmail dot com
my one son was just telling me today how much fun he thought finger painting would be and I see they have some
ReplyDeletetwitter follower
ReplyDeletesubscriber
ReplyDeleteentered idbids
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted 2
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted 3
ReplyDeletetwitter follower Alex
ReplyDeletealex facebook fan
ReplyDeletehttp://clarissaneiding.blogspot.com/2009/10/wall-decals.html have your button
ReplyDeleteMy grandkids would love the Water Flutes -
ReplyDeletehow clever!
I'm an email follower!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you on Twitter (slmiresse)
ReplyDeleteI'm following AlexToys on Twitter (slmiresse)
ReplyDeleteI tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741
ReplyDeleteTweet (#2) http://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741
ReplyDeleteTweet #3
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741
My daughter would love "Ready, Set, School"...she loves to play school and learn new things.
ReplyDeletePatty
stannseniors at yahoo dot com
Mixed Up - Friends with shapes and all looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteExtra entry: FB fan
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter.
ReplyDeleteSubscribed to your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow Alex's Toys on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
ReplyDeleteI've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
ReplyDelete2
I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
ReplyDelete3
I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
ReplyDelete4
I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
ReplyDelete5
I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515
ReplyDeleteI tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515
ReplyDelete2
I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515
ReplyDelete3
"Ready, Set, School" looks great
ReplyDeleteThe learn to Write board is pretty neat looking.
ReplyDeleteRachskye at Gmail dot com
I follow Alex on Facebook
ReplyDeleterachskye@gmail.com
I love the Zoominoes. How great to ease the children into regular dominoes with you........that teaches them to count.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife at yahoo dot com
Marj M.
email subscriber to Mkokopelli.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife at yahoo dot com
Marj M.
My 3yo daughter would also enjoy the ABC Zoo.
ReplyDeleteI love the Make A Ruffle Rug
ReplyDeleteUSD$ 32.99
silverhartgirl at gmail.com
tweet #1 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875
ReplyDeletetweet #2 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875
ReplyDeletetweet #3 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875
ReplyDeletefollow alextoys @phxbne
ReplyDeleteREADY SET SCHOOL!!! Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeletefollower on twitter Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeletefacebook fan VAnessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI entered to win the Athena Tunic! Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe would also love the Giant art box!
ReplyDeleteMdjdarling@aol.com
The Learn To Write would be pretty useful.
ReplyDeleteTwitter follower @getalonghome.
ReplyDeleteEmail subscriber.
ReplyDeleteWould like to try their STring a Farm! thanks!
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber
ReplyDeleteThe kids would love the Happy Camper Chair
ReplyDeletecopperllama at yahoo dot com
I am a subscriber
ReplyDeletecopperllama at yahoo dot com
I am a follower
ReplyDeletecopperllama at yahoo dot com
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE the My Wall Easel for my daughter as she gets older. Right now she LOVES to draw and paint. My lil artist.
ReplyDeletedropcqueen@Yahoo.com
twitter follower
ReplyDeletelgsmith09
facebook fan
ReplyDeletelinda smith
entered imagiPLAY giveaway
ReplyDeleteMy step-daughter would like the Giant Art Jar. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
email subscriber
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow your blog.
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have the Homeschool Your Preschooler Week button up on the right hand side of my blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://heckofabunch.blogspot.com
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
The Learn To Write board looks great!
ReplyDeletekatiekarr at gmail dot com
My kids would love the Sticker Factory!
ReplyDeletekhmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
My son would also like the Play Mat. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemaryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom
The Color A Pony Purse Kit looks fun too! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
I follow, Fan and Twitter. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
fb name: bridgette.groschen
@joeandbridge
I subscribe to your blog by email. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
I tweeted your giveaway. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4823928864
Bridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
I posted a link to your giveaway on my Facebook page. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/home.php#/posted.php?id=100000184415722&share_id=158232085755&comments=1#s158232085755
Bridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
I entered your Mermaid Purse giveaway. Thanks
ReplyDeleteBridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
I am an Alex Toys Facebook Fan. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBridgette Groschen
joeandbridge@aol.com
fb name: bridgette.groschen
I think my kids would really love the Rub A Dub Draw In The Tub. It looks like such fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm a facebook fan of mkokopelli.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe via email.
ReplyDeletemy daughter would love the picnic basket
ReplyDeleteI like the "In My Kitchen"
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Became a fan of Mkokopelli on FB,on Twitter, and I Follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Subscribe to your blog by email.
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Entered the GlammaToys Giveaway.
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Become a fan of Alex Toys on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I'm Following Alex Toys on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
Entry #1
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
Entry #2
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I tweeted.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
Entry #3
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
Ready, Set, Art Table
ReplyDeleteIn My Kitchen set
ReplyDeletemy daughter would enjoy Fashion Weaving Loom
ReplyDeletemelissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
blog follower and follow on twitter s lovinmykiddos
ReplyDeletemelissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
fan of alex toys on facebook as melissa barnes
ReplyDeletemelissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
follow alex toys on twitter as lovinmykiddos
ReplyDeletemelissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
have your homeschool your preschooler button http://makingitbydaybydaywithasmile.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteand i do!!! yay!!!
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
entered Greenbee's giveaway
ReplyDeletemelissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com
MY GRANDSON WOULD LOVE THE PLAYMAT. THANKS
ReplyDeletejan816@aol.com
I love the Picnic basket! so cute. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletemogrill@comcast.net
The Monster Toss game looked like something my two grand children would love. I try to get new and different things for them at my house so it is special and different from home.
ReplyDeletejtckk@aol.com
My God-daughter would adore the Picnic Basket set.
ReplyDeleteI entered the ecojot giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSuper Soft Modeling Dough - Basic Colors looks great too
ReplyDeletetvollowitz at aol dot com
My three year old granddaughter would the Dot To Dot Markers-she is crazy about art supplies.
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
I follow with Google Friend Connect.
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
I am now following Alex Toys of Twitter (ptowngirl).
ReplyDeletesmchester at gmail dot com
The Monster Toss game would be something all of the children could play together.
ReplyDeletetraymona[at]aol.com
my son would love the monkey balance board
ReplyDeleteThe paper plate bugs are a great idea and something my children would enjoy working on!
ReplyDeletegreenlancer at comcast dot net
The Wooden Stringing Sets - String A Farm looks fun!
ReplyDeleteTarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com
The Learn To Write would be cool
ReplyDeleteI also love the Paint A Rockpet -- Turtle, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHotsnotty2@hotmail.com
My son would love the water flutes
ReplyDeleteFollowing you on twitter under juliemeagan. ao7577 at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 1
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 2
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 3
ReplyDeleteEntered the alex's toy giveaway
ReplyDeleteI like the Moody Monsters too.
ReplyDelete**Daily Tweet**
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4907625629
Zoominoes looks fun.
ReplyDeleteFingerpaints! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteNo question-- my girl would love Princess Matching Game!! :) --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI'm following your blog!! =D --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI entered the EOS giveaway! --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom
ReplyDeletemonster toss
ReplyDeleteI like the magnetic boats in the tub
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I like the Learn To Write
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
Fan of Mkokopelli on FB
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSubscribe to blog
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
Entered idbids starter kit giveaway
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
Follow Alex Toys on FB
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
Follow Alex Toys on twitter
ReplyDeletedisintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
silly sandwich fulfam@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould like the Learn To Write.
ReplyDeleteblog follower
ReplyDeleteemail subscriber
ReplyDelete**Daily Tweet**
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4954727634
JeansandTs@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI think we would love to paint the "Home Tweet Home" bird house.
Please count me in. We would also like the Ark Desk.
ReplyDeletelizzi0915 at aol dot com
I also entered the ImagiPLAY Counting Penguin Puzzle contest.
ReplyDeletelizzi0915 at aol dot com
Cuddly Kids Lexie is another I'd like.
ReplyDeleteMy son would like the pirate match it game
ReplyDeleteWe would love the In My Kitchen set. yyeres(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletewould like to have the Farm Giant Floor Puzzle.
ReplyDeleteclynsg at yahoo dot com
Blog follower
ReplyDeleteclynsg at yahoo dot com
Entered the Mermaid's Purse giveaway.
ReplyDeleteclynsg at yahoo dot com
My daughter is dying to learn how to knit. I would have to say Knitwear Designer would do the trick!
ReplyDeletecillymoo@gmail.com
I am a subscriber
ReplyDeletecillymoo@gmail.com
I follow your blog cillymoo@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am following Alex toys of twitter as cillymoosh
ReplyDeletecillymoo@gmail.com
I commented on your Where the Wild THings Are post
ReplyDeletecillymoo@gmail.com
I love the super soft dough and the cool pottery wheel. I always wanted one when I was little. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy 4 children really like the Ready, Set, Art Table. Thank you for the chance to win the memory game.
ReplyDeletecaitlin_melody@yahoo.com
I like the Mix, Stack & Farm
ReplyDeleteI also entered the mermaids purse giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMy kid would love the friends 4 Ever bracelet making kit!
ReplyDeleteredhensbread@aol.com
My daughter would love the My Tissue Art Kit.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love the Fashion Weaving Loom. She is really starting to get interested in crafts.
ReplyDeletessovrnej(at)gmail.com
Tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/4990917493
ssovrnej(at)gmail.com
I am following Alex Toys on twitter as Greatgiveaways.
ReplyDeletessovrnej(at)gmail.com
Water Flutes look like fun.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you on twitter as ky2here.
ReplyDeleteFollowing alextoys on twitter as ky2here.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a tweet: http://twitter.com/ky2here/status/4993087599
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I think kids and parents love doing beads, I know it's interactive for me and my daughter so I'd pick the Jewelry Design Studio
ReplyDeleteset
My boys would love the Bubble Beater With Bubbles.
ReplyDeleteI like the ready, set, art table also.
ReplyDeletejcristig@hotmail.com
I would like to win the mix match puzzle set. When class starts the first thing my son and his classmated do is to start a puzzle before going to other activities.
ReplyDeleterebecamrtnz@yahoo.com
I think my daughter would like the My First Sewing kit. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteannettekz2@yahoo.com
I'm a subscriber.
ReplyDeleteannettekz2@yahoo.com
My son would love the Tag-Along Tots - Aj. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI follow on Twitter @couponlover16.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe by email.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
#1
I tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
#2
I tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
#3
I entered your GlammaToys giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI follow @alextoys on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI think that they would like the Completer Cook Set.
ReplyDeleteLearn To Crawl Tunnel looks fun even for toddlers. Kids love tunnels and forts.
ReplyDeletedearandrea
at sbcglobal.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletefan of Alex Toys on Facebook
ReplyDeleteandrea brown bidwell
dearandrea
at sbcglobal.net
Follow Alex Toys on Twitter @dearandrea
ReplyDeletedearandrea
at sbcglobal.net
He'd love String and Beep
ReplyDeletedecadent87@gmail.com