Monday, July 12, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Learning Resources CLOSED



Thank you to Learning Resources for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout at Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

The weather here has been super hot lately so we've been keeping cool in the backyard with some fun water play. We can splash around in our water table or lounge in our inflatable pool. While many of our outdoor toys are indeed entertaining, few of them are educational. So, I was thrilled to welcome Learning Resources to our collection.

Learning Resources has been a trusted manufacturer of innovative, award-winning, educational toys and materials for parents and educators for over 25 years. Their mission is to make learning exciting for children of all ages and abilities. They strive to create hands-on products that build a concrete foundation of skills through exploration, imagination and fun. Learning Resources features a diverse line of over 1,300 proprietary products focused on areas such as mathematics, science, early childhood, reading, Spanish and English language and more.

To complement our summer fun, we were fortunate enough to review the Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs. This set of 26 crabs features uppercase letters on one side and lowercase letters on the other, encouraging children aged 2-5 to learn both aspects of the alphabet. The crabs can be linked together to form simple words or alphabet patterns. Each crab also doubles as a squirt toy, making the set perfect for the bathtub, pool or water table. Made of soft, mold-resistant plastic, each set comes complete with a convenient mesh storage bag.



Ever since I opened the box, Nate hasn't been able to keep his hands off his Letter Link Crabs. The crabs are larger than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. No choking risk! They are flexible for little hands to hold and relatively easy to fit together. They also stay together fairly well unless tugged apart or pulled firmly. The plastic material makes them easy to clean and the storage bag really comes in handy to drain them at the end of playtime and ensure the critters won't skitter off to the land of lost toys.

We've spent hours playing with our Letter Link Crabs outside in the water table and pool. Nate loves to sort them by color, squirt them and try and link them together. I like that the vowels are easily identifiable, with the bold yellow and red combination. I just wish there was an option to purchase more letters. Because there is only one of each, you cannot make words like "mom" or "dad". But we do have fun coming up with all sorts of creative, non-letter repeating phrases.




I'm so happy to have a durable water toy that is not only fun but also a great learning tool. Not many toys feature lowercase letters so I like that we have that option with our Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs. I know this is an activity that will keep us occupied for many summers to come - and in the bathtub during winter!

If you're looking for a gift for a special toddler or preschooler, you'll definitely want to check out Learning Resources. I'm really liking the Pretend and Play Doctor's Kit (for imaginative role playing) and the Smart Snacks Counting Fun Fruit Bowl (which teaches fractions, addition and subtraction):




BUY IT: You can purchase the Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs (ARV $19.99) at www.learningresources.com or check out their handy dandy store locator to find a retailer nearest you.

WIN IT: Learning Resources is generously donating a set of Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs to one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Learning Resources and tell me another toy you'd like to own. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Learning Resources on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

#Win a set of Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs for your preschooler from @LearningHandsOn & @kris10chumley! ENDS 7/26 http://bit.ly/aHHYlm

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Learning Resources on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 26, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a set of Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs from Nancy with Salmon Borre Group courtesy of Learning Resources to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

145 comments:

aledol said...

http://www.learningresources.com/product/parents/shop+by+brand/pretend+-+play--174-/food+-+kitchen+sets/pretend+-amp-+play--174-+snack+shop.do?sortby=&

Kim said...

love: Jumbo Animals Habitat Set

aledol said...

EM

aledol said...

G ~fd~rd

aledol said...

FB GGG

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18429704329

aledol said...

FB. LR

JJ said...

We begin a new year of homeschooling for my four-year-old. She begins k5 next month and the Smart Snacks® Piece-A-Pizza Fractions™ would be a fun and helpful toy for math. Thanks.

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

JJ said...

Fanned Learning Resources on Facebook

JJ said...

Birthday Button on right sidebar - What's Hot in 2010! (sub page)

Nicole Larsen said...

My daughter would love the Teaching Cash Register



pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

I follow both on Twitter @pittsy82 and tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18466183694

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

I "LIKE" you on Facebook (Nicole Pitts)

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

I "LIKE" Learning Resources on Facebook (Nicole Pitts)

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18552065590

pittsy82@hotmail.com

cstironkat said...

I like the Foamfetti™ Wild About Animals Kit

Stephanie said...

GeoSafari ® Light Writer®
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Michelle Frame said...

I love the Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game.
mframe00@yahoo.com

Michelle Frame said...

I am a blog follower
mframe00@yahoo.com

Dawn said...

Pretend & Play® Supermarket Set

Dawn said...

Subscribe to blog via rss

Dawn said...

Following both on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/adjolly/status/18601746577

Dawn said...

Fnned Learning resources on fb

Dawn said...

Liked goodie Goodie gumdrops on fb

Katrina said...

I also like the sky high scoops!

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

littlelatina said...

for my little man

mogrill said...

The teaching cash register is really cool.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18623365899

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Elana Kahn said...

I'd love to try the Talking Clever Clock.

Elana Kahn said...

I follow on google.

Elana Kahn said...

I subscribe via eamil.

Elana Kahn said...

http://twitter.com/emk808/status/18662472580

Elana Kahn said...

I'm a fan of Learning Resources on Facebook

Elana Kahn said...

I "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook.

Elana Kahn said...

I have your Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button on my left sidebar: www.thetwinners.com

Elana Kahn said...

I have your regular button on my right sidebar: www.thetwinners.com

Chrissyb said...

I like the sky high scoops.
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

google follower
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/18693184580

Deborah said...

I like the Smart Snacks Stack & Count Layer Cake.

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18728250489

pittsy82@hotmail.com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18734412851

2kidsand8cats said...

I like the PlayFoam® Creativity Kit
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

2kidsand8cats said...

follow google friend
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

2kidsand8cats said...

subscribe email
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

2kidsand8cats said...

fanned Learning resources on facebook
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

2kidsand8cats said...

"Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

2kidsand8cats said...

follow both twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/18744677399

Meredith said...

Smart Snacks Stack & Count Layer Cake is a great learning toy.

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18780370491

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Lisa said...

I like the Giant Inflatable Solar System.

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18811696345

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/18821160531

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18848579878

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Jana said...

my daughter would LOVE the
Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I follow your blog

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I follow you both on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/18873163189

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jana said...

I Became a fan of Learning Resources on Facebook (Jana Leonard)

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

magic5905 said...

Smart Snacks® Piece-A-Pizza Fractions. magic5905@embarqmail.com

2kidsand8cats said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/18884820700
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18884900342

Jana said...

tweet http://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/18944170268

drocpqueen at yahoo dot com

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/18945153418

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/18960978150

2kidsand8cats said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/18963014220
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

Jana said...

tweet https://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/18990394159

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Jolee said...

Love the Pop for Sight Word Game. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

email subscriber. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

fb fan. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/19036139238

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19040729628

aledol said...

http://m.twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/19060957013

skgaff said...

I would love to own the sky high scoops game
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

follow your blog
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

subscribe to your blog
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

skgaff said...

follow you and learning resources on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/skgaff/status/19103581846
glass.stephanie(at)gmail(dot)com

Elana Kahn said...

I'd love the Snap 'n' Learn Number Bugs

Elana Kahn said...

I follow your blog.

Elana Kahn said...

I subscribe via email.

Elana Kahn said...

I subscribe via RSS feed reader

Elana Kahn said...

I follow both on Twitter (@emk808) and tweeted: http://twitter.com/emk808/status/19214665311

Elana Kahn said...

I'm a fan of Learning Resources on Facebook

Elana Kahn said...

I "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook

Elana Kahn said...

I have your Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button on my left sidebar: www.thetwinners.com

Elana Kahn said...

I have your regular button on my right sidebar: www.thetwinners.com

2kidsand8cats said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/19215136665
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19219165957

Emmy Coffee said...

I think the Pearly Whites™ Dental Health Game is awesome

Beth said...

I like the Pretend & Play® Bakery Set.

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/19301588623

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19302960570

2kidsand8cats said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/19311580804
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

kyla g said...

I like the Jump n Jam Jungle talking floor mat!
irshsmil9 @ yahoo.com

Jana said...

tweet https://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/19353917596

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19365345481

Unknown said...

I'd like to get the Teaching Cash Register for my daughter.

macd9900 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Follower on GFC (amanda D.). :)

macd9900 at gmail dot com

Melissa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melissa said...

i love the jumbo animals habitat set and i think my daughter would tooo!
Invisible_Fairy_05@yahoo.com

Melissa said...

I follow your blog!
Invisible_Fairy_05@yahoo.com

aledol said...

http://m.twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/19391570439

Anonymous said...

I like the Smart Snacks® Counting Cookies™ Electronic Play Mat
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I follow you publicly on Google Friends Connect (Carolsue)
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I am a fan of Learning Resources on Facebook
Carol Anderson Ezovski
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I like you on Facebook
Carol Anderson Ezovski
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I posted your Birthday Blowout button on my Blog
http://carolsbloggys.blogspot.com/2009/07/blogging-events.html
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I subscribe to your newsletter updates by e-mail
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Jana said...

tweethttps://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/19421259162

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/19442550786

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Jennifer T. said...

I'd love to have the Pretend & Play Rise & Shine Breakfast for my daughter.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm an e-mail subscriber.

Jennifer T. said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Learning Resources under username Jennie Tilson.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Goodie Goodie Gumdrops under username Jennie Tilson.

2kidsand8cats said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/highlight4u/status/19463984901
amyfedorchak1(at)gmail(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19466174690

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/19467704913

Unknown said...

I like the superset Gears Gears Gears.

mammabear06 at gmail dot com

Melissa said...

My daughter would also love the teaching cash register. She plays store all the time!

melissamcnicol at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

would like the bunny hop memory game

Louis H said...

I really like the Foamfetti™ Fairy Tale Princess Kit

Louis H said...

Following publicly as Louis on Google Friends Connect

Louis H said...

following you both on twitter at rosidentevil
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/19533061040

Louis H said...

I like Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on FaceBook (Louis Here) :)

Louis H said...

I like Learning Resources on FaceBook (Louis Here) :)

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19539788042

Anonymous said...

I also would love the Human Skelton floor puzzle.

Unknown said...

I like the Pretend & Play® Bakery Set

Unknown said...

I like Learning Resources on FB (Jd drenchek-Scavo)

Unknown said...

Like Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on FB (Jd drenchek-scavo)

JD said...

Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game.


jdmimi at gmail dot com

SolDucky said...

The 1-10 counting cans look really neat too! Good for play food too.

(email in my profile!)

SolDucky said...

I am a fan of Learning Resources on FB as sarah linette

SolDucky said...

Following you on FB as sarah linette

SolDucky said...

http://twitter.com/DuckyBunny/status/19573602379
tweet!

Jana said...

tweet https://twitter.com/dropcqueen/status/19574596820

dropcqueen at yahoo dot com

ReggieMann said...

I'd like to have the Smart Snacks® Counting Cookies™ for my niece

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

ReggieMann said...

I follow your blog publicly with Google Friend Connect as ReggieMann

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

CarrieAnn13 said...

I love the inflatable solar system

Chrissyb said...

http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/19621131366

Nicole Larsen said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/19625203412

pittsy82@hotmail.com

tina reynolds said...

my kids would also like sky high scoops thanks eaglesforjack@gmail.com

tina reynolds said...

i follow your blog thanks

tina reynolds said...

i subscribe to your blog thanks

cman said...

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