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Friday, May 13, 2011

ToyBox Thursday - Educational Insights E-Z as ABC and Numbers Count Review & Giveaway

I have been lucky enough to work with Educational Insights a few times and I am continually impressed by their products. As both a Mom and an Educator - I value their learning-based, interactive toys. Their products can easily be used both at home or in the classroom.

Educational Insights is a leading manufacturer of learning toys and hands-on educational materials.They provide quality, award-winning educational products in math, science, social studies, language, language arts, reading, early childhood, Spanish, ELL, ESL teaching and classroom management. (from Educational Insights website)

Recently, the Lil Divas and I had the opportunity to review Numbers Count and the E-Z as ABC Game Set.


The E-Z as ABC Game Set:

I love that there are quite a few ways to play with this game. Children can complete picture puzzles by sorting and matching uppercase and lowercase letters. They can match initial sounds with photographs, match pictures to words and sequence the alphabet.

The included directions pamphlet features 7 hands-on, phonics-based games with varying levels of difficulty and no reading is required to play so even the young ones can get in on the fun and sort through the pieces as puzzles with some assistance. The cards have great pictures - bright, colorful & engaging and they are also thick enough to be durable yet easy for lil hands to manipulate.

The set includes 52 puzzle pieces, 26 word cards, 26-word vocabulary list and a puzzle-cut alphabet strip.

The Lil Divas loved playing with this set. We worked on matching the lower and upper case letters and reviewing their sounds by naming the pictures and going over the initial sound in the word.



They were so proud of themselves when they got them all matched up!


Overall I found it to be a wonderful set and great for introducing the ABC's, early phonics skills or even just puzzle play.


The Numbers Count  Game Set:

I have to admit that lately I am trying to spend a bit more time on our numbers. I really haven't focused on them as much as I have our language/phonics and the Lil Divas knowledge isn't as soun in this area as a result of that. Of course - I like to try and find fun ways to help them with number recognition and counting. The Numbers Count set really fits right in what I am trying to do. This set features 6 early math games that reinforce matching, number recognition, counting, sequencing, number values and one-to-one correspondence.  

This math game set includes 44 self-checking puzzle pieces representing numbers 0-20, 42 "Secret Number" cards, 2 arrows, 21 English/Spanish word cards and an activity guide. Once again, the cards are like puzzle pieces and they have great pictures that would appeal to kids of toys, desserts, etc.  Just like the ABC cards they are also thick enough to be durable yet easy for lil hands to manipulate.


Since we are focusing on number recognition and counting we first used it as a matching style game. I put out all the number cards from 0-20 on the floor in mixed-up order and piled the picture cards. The Lil Divas had to pick a puzzle piece and count the items and then find the matching number piece. They were so proud when they finally got them all matched up!


Then they had fun couting & sequencing the cards in order from 0-20. Here they are hard at work counting to see which number comes next! :)



I like that you can use 0-10 as well as the whole set 0-20 so you can adjust to meet your child/s needs/age.



We can't wait to incorporate the arrows and secret numbers! The Lil Divas are ecited about using this set to play different games. I love they are excited about learning and that I don't ahve to buy 6 or 7 different games!

It's always a plus when you can use a product like both the  Numbers Count and the E-Z as ABC Game in so many different ways - a real $$$ saver!

***********************
Buy It: Purchase Numbers Count and the E-Z as ABC Game at Educational Insights website.
Win It: Educational Insights has graciously agreed to giveaway One (1) Numbers Count and One (1) E-Z as ABC Game  so there will be Two (2) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Reader Winners (1 for each set)!

How to Enter:

**Contest ends on 5/26/11**
 One (1) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas reader
(US Residents Only!) is going to receive:
(1) Numbers Count Game Set
&
One (1) lucky Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas reader
(US Residents Only!) is going to receive:
Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which Game set you would prefer to win then visit Educational Insights and tell me at least one other product you would like to try!
**This must be completed in order for any extra entries to count**

Extra Entries (Optional)
Please leave a seperate comment
for each entry &
please include your e-mail
so I can get back to you if you win! 

*If you are already a follower leave a comment and let me know as that will count as an entry*
  1. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Publicly via Google Friend Connect 
  2. "Like" Educational Insights on facebook 
  3. Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter 
  4. Subscribe to Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas emails 
  5. Make a comment on any non-giveaway post on Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Blog and leave a link.  You can do this for up to 3 posts but please note that comment must be dated after the start date of this post - not valid on previous comments.
  6. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link - can be done once a day

    Tweet: #Win an @ed_insights E-Z as ABC or Numbers Count Game Set w/@Momto2PoshDivas Ends 5/26 http://t.co/79oK9qE #giveaway #homeschool
Giveaway Rules:
Giveaway ends 5/26/2011 at 11:59 (PDT)
Winner will be chosen via random.org. 
Winner will be announced on 5/27/11 through a post on the blog
& contacted via email if an email is given .
Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.
Please note any entries that can not be verified will be disqualified.
*****************

Disclaimer:I received both the E-Z as ABC & Numbers Count Game Sets for the purposes of trying them out for this review. That being said, this review is my 100% honest opinion of this product - I  am not paid for my reviews or optinions! They are 100% mine! Please remember that your opinions and tastes might differ from mine. 

Good Luck,
Bern

126 comments:

  1. I Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas Publicly via Google Friend Connect

    ReplyDelete
  2. I want all the hot dots sets.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I Subscribe to Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas emails

    ReplyDelete
  4. I "Like" Educational Insights on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  5. i would prefer the ez as abc game and i also would love hot dots from the website

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. follow via gfc

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. like educational insights on fb @ alison sheardy czischke

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. follow on twitter @ mom22kids05

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. email subscriber

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/69241483932344320

    daily tweet

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. The game sounds great!! We would also like Picture Perfect!
    alklong at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. GFC Follower :)
    alklong at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like educational insights on facebook
    alklong at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Twitter follower @nwhomesteader
    alklong at hotmail dot com

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  15. Email subscriber
    alklong at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I prefer the E-Z as ABC Game Set
    I love the Smencils®, Bucket of 50

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like Educational Insights on facebook (Louis Here)

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am interested in the abc game.

    cutebanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. From the store, I really love the abc stamps
    cutebanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am a follower of your blog
    cutebanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am a subscriber to your blog by email.
    cutebanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like educational insights on FB

    thanks for this opportunity

    cutebanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. tweet

    http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/69562286846640128

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. tweet

    http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/69748753334157312

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'd prefer the ABC game and also like the Playfoam® 12-Pack

    alsatia23 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. like educational insights on facebook - kerry gibbs

    alsatia23 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. follow you on twitter - @kezzygibbs

    alsatia23 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/KezzyGibbs/status/69803982889025536


    alsatia23 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/70055158448537600

    tweet

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. if i won, i'd love the numbers count game. we are working on that right now too! (but I don't really know what the heck I'm doing as far as teaching my son.)

    and another product i'd like from Educational Insights is the Hot Dog Jr 'Ace', The Talking, Teaching Dog. Super cute.

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. i follow you on gfc as tasha j r; taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. following you on twitter as @pdxoregonom; taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. i am now an email subscriber; taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. already a facebook fan of Educational Insights as tasha j r; taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. tweeted! 05.16:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/70242843100327938

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. tweet

    http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/70500080154718210

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'd pick either one of them, but would prefer the numbers count if I won. I'd also like to get the hot dots jr. getting ready for school.
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow via GFC
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like EI on FB
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow you on twitter @hlthhngpshppnss
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I subscribe via email
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/hlthhngpshppnss
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Comment #1
    http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/2011/05/abcs-123s-preschool-caterpillar-themed.html?showComment=1305660377980#c8575291510390224595
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Comment #2
    http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/2011/05/sight-word-fun-learning-to-read-week-1.html?showComment=1305660842787#c109561454273292785
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. daily tweet 05.17:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/70712518020046851

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd like to have the ABC game, and the Woodsy Words game looks like fun, too!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I follow via GFC.

    Also, since you say REAL feedback is appreciated, I'll give you a little: Your blog would be a little bit easier to read if you'd make the left column narrower and the post column a bit wider. :0)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I like Educational Insights on FB: Cindy Dyer

    ReplyDelete
  49. I follow you on Twitter @getalonghome

    ReplyDelete
  50. TWeeted: http://twitter.com/Getalonghome/statuses/70802704036933633

    ReplyDelete
  51. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/70876394032340992

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. daily tweet 05.18:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/71080290898026496

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/71184264103870464

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I would love the numbers count game set and would love to try the game Blurt!
    Thanks!
    angiedkelly at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. follow you via GFC under AEK

    angiedkelly at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. follow on twitter @yeahhappy

    angiedkelly at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/71576432194760704

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. daily tweet 05.20:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/71577665622118400

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'd rather have the numbers game, if I won. I'd also love to try the Kabam and playfoam.

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. GFC follower

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I "Like" Educational Insights on facebook

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. twitter follower (4theluvofsanity)

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. email subscriber

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/71661517141065728

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. comment #3
    http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/2011/05/family-fun-friday-rain-rain-go-away.html?showComment=1305944086263#c2934330584323698030
    tamihuberty at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/71905137626583041

    soklad82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/72100627110559744

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. daily tweet 05.22:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/72201944961265664

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/72240217314164736

    daily tweet

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I like numbers count and this from educational insights: http://www.educationalinsights.com/product/parents/theme/creative+play/design+-amp-+drill--8482-+power+tool+workshop.do?sortby=&

    besttoddlertoys at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. following you via gfc

    besttoddlertoys at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. fan of the educational insights on FB

    besttoddlertoys at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. following you on Twitter

    besttoddlertoys at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/72706037710454784

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. My first choice would be the E-Z as ABC® Game Set but I'd love either. Also love the Teachable Touchables

    lizgiver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. follow you on gfc

    lizgiver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. like educational insights on fb (Liz Giver)

    lizgiver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. follow you on twitter @lizgiver

    lizgiver at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  79. subscribe to your email

    lizgiver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/lizgiver/status/72849289600180224

    lizgiver at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. tweet 05.23:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/72906756174516225

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/73009766061977600

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. tweet 05.24:

    http://twitter.com/#!/pdxoregonmom/status/73248586984464385

    taylortasha at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/73399764833673216

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. comment on a non-giveaway post

    asheardy said...
    hope you daughter had a happy b-day. My daughter just turned 4 too and it is hard to believe.

    asheardy@yahoo.com
    May 25, 2011 9:34 PM

    ReplyDelete
  86. comment on a non-giveaway post

    great idea....what a fun and creative way to explain the life cycle of a butterfly!

    asheardy@yahoo.com
    May 25, 2011 9:36 PM

    ReplyDelete
  87. commented on non-giveaway post

    love this idea....i'm starting sight words and think this may get my daughter interested.

    asheardy@yahoo.com
    May 25, 2011 9:41 PM

    ReplyDelete
  88. http://twitter.com/#!/mom22kids05/status/73742248487026688

    asheardy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I like EZ as ABC and I also like the Blurt! game. annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I follow you via gfc. annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I follow you on Twitter (I'm wowtotweet). annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I like Educational Insights on fb. i'm anne dall on fb.
    annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  93. http://twitter.com/#!/wowtotweet/status/73835266753835008 tweet link. annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I subscribe to your email. annejk112233(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I would want the ABC one and I love the dishes set
    cluelessme8{at}hotmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Both games look great, but I think I prefer the ABC one. I also love the world foam map puzzle!

    hungrymonkey09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Follow you on GFC (Nina H)
    hungrymonkey09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Like Educational Insights on facebook (Nina Hi)
    hungrymonkey09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Subscribe to emails
    hungrymonkey09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Space Faces looks like it would be fun to play with the kids. And I would like either game but I suppose if I have to choose I would say EZ as ABC. Thanks.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/hungrymonkey09/status/73882800553590784
    hungrymonkey09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. GFC follower.

    lewalk

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Twitter follower.

    lewalk76

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Email subscriber.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  105. Tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/#!/lewalk76/status/73882280111771648

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I like the numbers one. and On the site I would love to try the
    Presto Change-O™ Game.

    robinblankenship at gmail dot com

    email subscriber under mishablankenship at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would prefer to win the Numbers Count Game Set. I would also like to try the Bank AmeriKid ATM

    thransom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I "Like" Educational Insights on facebook
    (T.h.Ransom)

    thransom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter
    (@THRansom)

    thransom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. Tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/THRansom/status/73915006130982913

    thransom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I would choose the E-Z as ABC Game and I like the GeoSafari® Smart Talk™ Complete Set
    italiaangel80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I follow you on twitter
    @italiaangel80
    italiaangel80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I like educational insights on facebook
    (brooke comperchio)
    italiaangel80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I subscribe via email
    italiaangel80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/italiaangel80/status/73917853589442562
    italiaangel80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I would like to win the E-Z as ABC Game Set and I would like to try Word Wise
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  117. I "Like" Educational Insights on facebook
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  118. I Follow Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas on Twitter
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  119. I tweeted about this giveaway!
    http://twitter.com/JessicaADavis/status/73942793449512960
    jadavis42@tntech.edu

    ReplyDelete
  120. E-Z as ABC Game Set.
    Design & Drill Activity Center.
    My email is in my profile.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I retweeted about your nice giveaway! My Twitter account is @F5th
    Colleen:)

    ReplyDelete
  122. I liked Educational insights on FB.

    @F5th on Twitter

    Colleen:)

    ReplyDelete
  123. I follow you on Twitter and follow your blog too.

    @F5th Twitter
    Sunrise Learning Lab my blog

    Colleen:)

    ReplyDelete
  124. As far as my fav out of the two, would be the E-Z as ABC would be our top choice.
    Think that Word Wise would be a hit here too.
    Colleen
    @F5th on Twitter
    Sunrise Learning Lab Blog

    ReplyDelete