Items tagged “Education & Development”

As if Facebook^®, Twitter^® and Linkedin^® weren’t enough to keep us busy, Google^® recently launched its own version of a Facebook-type site called, Google Plus (Google+). Yes, you read correctly, search engine giant Google has officially entered the social media realm. Why care about this site and not the countless others that also exist? Simply put, because this one is from Google. The world’s largest search engine, combined with the communication capabilities of its own social media site, can only serve to offer more efficient marketing efforts for those trying to bolster their online presence.

Earning and spending money is a life skill that requires patience, perseverance, and commitment to goals. A little penny pinching and a treasured piggy bank is a good starting point! It’s never too early to start teaching kids about finances, especially since they are exposed to money starting at least by the first payment from the tooth fairy. These innovative products will give your customers tools to make finance easy and interesting to children of all ages: The Little Green Money Machine; Wi$eMoney, The Town of Financial Literacy; Money Scholar; and Moonjar.

At one time or another, even the most-cherished child may feel he or she isn’t worthy of being loved. Maybe a big brother has been unkind to a younger sibling and been reprimanded. Or, a kid gets angry at the playground and is given a time-out under Mom’s not-too-pleased eye. For a story that helps build self-esteem while pointing out that everyone deserves love no matter what difficulties have transpired, consider Dorothy and the Good Shepherd, the first title in the Lamplight series from Cane Creek Publishers.

Cloud9World focuses on values and virtues by offering products that reinforce integrity, humility, compassion, kindness and perseverance. With violence and bullying making news, parents and teachers are interested in helping students stand up to abuse. Children are inundated with media technology that can steal from spending quality time with family and learning social skills. Cloud9World products bridge the generation gap and draw on the shared experiences of using animals as a teaching method to help children develop social and emotional skills. Through the animals’ behavior, children can grow into happier kids and well-adjusted adults.

July’s “High Five” column counts down a handful of products that Editorial Director David Gaunt discovered at the Licensing Expo and ASTRA trade shows. His personal shout outs include an animated “reunion” with Warren Buffet, smiles from Puerto Rico, a recommended store appearance by a famous silhouette artist and author, card-caring creators of family games, and an original new entry in the silicone bandz craze that stands up to any competitor.