One of my fondest memories of Christmas as a child is the year I received a microscope set.

I remember poring over the included slides, marveling at the way I could use the mirror to reflect window light into the lens, and siphoning up with the tiny dropper samples of water from our side yard’s “mini bayou” (we lived in Louisiana). I nearly screamed when I spotted live, moving paramecium and amoebas swimming around on the slide!

Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be able to have our family review the GeoVision MicroPro 48-piece Microscope Set from Educational Insights!

I knew right away that it would be a very welcome addition to our homeschool classroom, especially since our son is very scientific-oriented! It wasn’t long before it was out of the box and being completely investigated.

Included in this set is the following:

- Die-cast metal microscope with a focusing knob and rotating turret
- Two glass eyepieces, 10X and 20X
- Handling tools (scalpel, spatula, stirring rod, tweezers, and pipette)
- Test tube with a cap and three specimen vials
- Spare bulb
- 3 prepared slides plus 8 blank slides with labels and covers
- An 18-page instruction booklet with diagrams and activity ideas

What do we love about the MicroPro 48-piece Microscope Set?

- With 50X – 600X magnification, this is no kiddie microscope. It’s solidly built and worthy of classroom use.
- The light’s batteries are easy to purchase and replace (2 AAs)
- A very detailed map and guide helping you get the most out of the microscope, including several projects.

For any science-adoring kid or hands-on classroom, I highly endorse the MicroPro microscope! You can order it directly from Educational Insights, or use this handy store locator to find out where to buy it near you.

(If you’re wanting the next level up, check out the MicroProElite 98-piece Microscope Set from Educational Insights.)

Win it! Courtesy of Educational Insights, one of you will win a GeoVision MicroPro 48-piece Microscope Set!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item at Educational Insights that your kids would love to have.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Thursday, September 16th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item at no cost per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Your child may be young, but I’m betting you can already see his or her passions and interests, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses — forming and peeking through — amid the chronological developmental stages.

And another thing: Parenting isn’t just about dealing with the behaviors — it’s about getting into your child’s heart. The folks at Family Matters understand and believe in this wholeheartedly. The passion to lead parents everywhere to discover their children’s hearts helped lead to the creation of Kids Flag Page.

(From Family Matter’s product info page: Consider this to be the operating manual that should have come with each of your kids… But didn’t.)

Family Matters graciously sent our family a Kids Flag Page kit to use with our two children. This kit contains all you need to discover the heart of your children (up to three children):

~ Game Board
~ Instruction Booklet
~ 36 Trait Game Cards
~ 4 Countries of the World Chart
~ Kids Flag Page Book by Dr. Tim Kimmel
~ Supplies for 3 Kids Flag Pages
~ Score Cards
~ Stickers

We sat down on a schedule-cleared evening and helped our children complete the simple steps to creating their own Flag Pages. Since our youngest is 4 and our oldest (nearly 6) isn’t reading well on his own yet, we aided them in the process. In no time at all, we learned what excites our children, what fuels their energy, what they don’t care for, what they believe they’re good at, what they need intrinsically, and much more.

Kids Flag Page will help you:

* Discover the way God uniquely hardwired your children individually and how to best relate to them.
* Find the six key things that motivate your child
* Find out what your children love most about life.
* Connect to the heart of your child.
* Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to motivate, encourage, discipline and help each child succeed in life.
* Learn how to raise your kids in the power of God’s grace.
* Discover how to bring the best out of your strong-willed kids.

There are so many things our family loved about Kids Flag Page:

~ The way the four main personalities are put into the terms of “countries” made it much easier to understand (and more fun).
~ The interactivity of the cartoon-enhanced cards and the matching stickers kept smiles on our kids’ faces and got them involved kinesthetically.
~ The diagram/chart tangibly shows how very well we/you might be raising the world’s next leaders/workers/owner-managers/entertainers/caretakers.
~ The included book tells you how to take what you’ve learned about your kids and apply it — such as how to learn what their motivations really mean, how to raise “your child’s emotional stock value,” and how to apply your knowledge to grace-based parenting.

It was so interesting to see how alike our two children are in many areas, but how vastly different they are in others — and how much sense it all made in regards to certain scenarios we’ve observed in them interacting together!

I highly, highly recommend the Kids Flag Page kit for every family. Doors of communication will open, enigmas will become better understood, and a closer bond will no doubt develop in the process.

If you have more than three children, you can simply order the Kids Flag Page Refill Kit. Adults can also use the Kids Flag Page…or order the adult Flag Page.

(Be sure to check out the Family Matters Blog for excellent parenting ideas and helps, encouraging articles, and more.)

Win it! Courtesy of Family Matters, one of you will win a Kids Flag Page kit for your own family!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Browse around and dig into the Family Matters Blog. Tell me, in a comment below, what you think about it — or something that particularly caught your eye or interest.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Monday, September 13th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This past weekend, the Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch descended upon our neighborhood!

Rocco (the raccoon), Sweetie (the rabbit), ZuZu (the hedgehog) and Stinker (the skunk) made their presence known in a big way. We just had to have a party so they could go crazy and run loose!

I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen by MomSelect to host a Zhu Zhu Pet “Wild Bunch” party — and what a party it was! Eleven Wild Bunch Zhu Zhu Pets arrived at our doorstep, ready to play. Activity ideas, recipes, and a bucket of sidewalk chalk also traveled with them.

This past Saturday, our kids and several of their friends attended the Wild Bunch party we planned. There were races, there was graffiti painting, and yummy “hamster snacks” to munch on.

Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch Party from Megret on Vimeo.

Thanks to Zhu Zhu Pets/Zhuniverse and MomSelect for letting us host such a fun party!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect for the purpose of hosting a party, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A couple of weeks ago I told you that Learning Curve introduced a line of toys sprung out of the popular PBS show for kids, Dinosaur Train.

Learning Curve sent over a couple of dinosaurs for us to try out — and the kids have been playing with them nonstop!

Tiny and Ned were the kids’ picks. They’re semi-posable, of sturdy weight and size, and super fun to play with. Their interactive talk technology amazes even me — I was mesmerized the first time I heard the two dinos “talk to each other!”

Put together, the Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures collaborate to say over 40 different sounds and phrases!

Dinosaur Train toys interacting from Megret on Vimeo.

You can purchase Learning Curve’s Dinosaur Train toys, including these InterAction Figures, via Learning Curve’s online store, at most Toys ‘R’ Us stores, or at these other locations near you! Collect them all for the most supreme interactive toy fun!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Learning Curve at no cost per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Following the first two in the series’ success, another Scholastic DVD was released last week that features American Sign Language along with the narration. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed…and more great children’s stories has three well-loved children’s stories that are enhanced by visual ASL demonstrations on the screen while the stories are being brought to life.

Building on the popular trend of teaching babies sign language, this ASL production is geared towards kids ages 2-9. This DVD will help to build language comprehension, fine motor skills, and vocabulary within this age group, teaching sign language in a fun and engaging way with familiar tales.

Five silly monkeys refrain from heeding Mama’s bedtime advice and end up with injuries in the frolicking and funny “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow. “Little Quack” follows, by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Derek Anderson, telling of a little duck’s learning how to find the courage to swim on his own. Finally, “There’s Something in My Attic” (written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer) tells the brave tale of a little girl with a trusty lasso who sets out to find out what’s living in her attic.

Each story has vocabulary lessons (via ASL) and an interactive quiz for further comprehension. This terrific series is developed by parents Missy Keast (the “Shakespeare of Sign Language”) and Dave Victorson, ASL and education experts.

You can order Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed…and more great children’s stories from NewVideo/Scholastic for $12.95.

Win it! Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one of you will win your own copy of this new ASL DVD from Scholastic!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another Scholastic Storybook Treasures title you’d love to add to your family DVD collection.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, commenter #14, Nicole C.!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There are two educational (and fun!) games we love from Learning Resources.

POP for Sight Words Game

The concept is simple, but the playtime is huge! POP for Sight Words is buckets of fun. A “popcorn box” holds 92 “popcorn kernels,” each with a sight word on the back. Eight “POP” kernels are hidden in the mix — so watch out! Kids can keep each sight word kernel that they spell correctly.

At $9.95, this is a must-have for backseat entertainment, classroom phonics centers, and playrooms everywhere.

Linkology™ Human Body Card Game

One of the kids’ favorite things to learn about is the human body. They’re right! It IS truly fascinating! But keeping up with all of the parts and systems can be a lot for little minds….and that’s why the Linkology™ Human Body Card Game is such a fantastic interactive resource!

Kids can make “links” between body parts, body systems, and diagrams — make matches to win! Everything from bones to muscles to organs are in the mix. Photographs/diagrams enhance a visual learner’s ability to learn, remember, and make connections.

This game can be played individually (just for drill), with friends in a classroom, or as a whole family. 100 self-checking cards are included in the convenient slide-out storage box. The Linkology™ Human Body Card Game also retails for $9.99.

You can order these two games and all other products from Learning Resources’ online store….or check out their store locator to find other locations for purchase.

Win it! Thanks to the folks at Learning Resources, I can give away one of each of these games!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item from Learning Resources that caught your eye.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, September 5th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

#37, Staci A, the winner of the POP for Sight Words Game…and
#23, Jaclyn, the winner of the Linkology Human Body Card Game!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just in time for the school bell’s ring, Scholastic Storybook Treasures adds another winning DVD set to its already stellar lineup. Scholastic’s Adventures at School 3-Pack DVD Set houses fourteen tales in one handy case. Each story is narrated and beautifully illustrated/animated in the classic Scholastic Storybook Treasures way you’ve come to know and love.

Kids will laugh along with “Crazy Hair Day,” a story by Barney Saltzberg (and narrated by the comically acclaimed Zach Braff) all about a kid (or is it a porcupine?) who gets Crazy Hair Day and Picture Day confused on the school calendar. There is also the very entertaining and silly “How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?” by Jane Yolen, one of our kids’ personal favorite tales.

The other two DVDs in this 3-pack include The Teacher from the Black Lagoon…and more school stories (that are slightly “scary”) and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day…and more schooltime stories. Everyone in my generation remembers and loves the Miss Nelson series — it’s so fun watching these beloved books be brought to life on screen!

The DVD set as a whole dishes out hours of educational entertainment, and boasts other notable narrators such as Calista Flockhart and Alexander Gould. Perfect for the school library, school teacher, or the little back-to-school enthusiasts, Scholastic’s Adventures at School DVD Set deserves an A+. (Order it for $24.95, using the code “MUSEREVIEWS” at checkout for 10% off your total, as always!)

Win it!
Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one Scholastic Adventures at School 3-Pack DVD Set is up for grabs.

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, who you’d love to give this DVD set to if you win.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #61, Marc!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another winning game from Educational Insights: Color Scheme!

Color Scheme is a strategy game intended for kids ages 6-8. (Though my kids are younger and enjoy it — and I can see older kids getting into it, too.)

Think “Tic-Tac-Toe meets the rainbow.” Transparent, colored, double-sided squares drop down into the swiveling color tower. When they overlay, the colors “blend” and change. Players try to layer the right primary colors to gain three secondary colors in a row. Use “blocking” strategies, just like in Tic-Tac-Toe, to keep your opponent from winning.

We love that this game encourages strategic thinking skills, cause-and-effect, friendly competition, as well as drills in scientific/artistic color mixing practice!

And it’s SO pretty to look at! Don’t you agree?

You can order Educational Insight’s Color Scheme for $29.99 directly from the online store….or find a location near you selling Educational Insights products by using the store locator feature on the EI website.

Win it!
Courtesy of Educational Insights, one of you will win Color Scheme….where “creating secondary colors is your primary strategy!”

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another product from Educational Insights you’d love to have for your kids or your classroom!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner, #14, Cindy!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Maybe you have heard about PBS Kids’ new series for 3-6 year old kids, a show combining the entertaining and educational qualities of both dinosaurs and trains….aptly called Dinosaur Train?

Or maybe your kids are already head over heels for this show (created by the Jim Henson Company) and its lovable characters.

Either way, keep reading!

After much anticipation, Dinosaur Train toys have finally arrived on the market! Learning Curve, an award-winning toy company, is excited to announce the release of a line of toys from this popular television series.

“The new Dinosaur Train product line brings dinosaur play to life like never before. With many of the items available for under $20, the innovative preschool product line includes interactive dinosaur action figures, collectible dinosaurs, plush, train sets, and electronic learning aids.”

With their “Smart Talk Technology,” it’s difficult to explain the new Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures without showing them to you….and that’s why Learning Curve has put together three excellent and entertaining videos for you to enjoy:

(If you’d rather watch these videos on Learning Curve’s site, click here.)

Be on the lookout this fall for the Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures line to hit store shelves.

(I know a few little folks who will probably be getting one of these fun toys for Christmas!)

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received neither product nor monetary compensation for this review/announcement. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Are your kids Rosemary Wells fans? Ours are. They think that Max & Ruby, Nora, Morris, and all of the other silly, furry creature characters she’s created within her tales are super entertaining.

Scholastic is excited to present a new 2-DVD set celebrating the varied stories by Rosemary Wells: The Rosemary Wells Collection (featuring Max and Ruby). There are eight beloved stories housed within these two DVDs, some of Wells’ most famous and enjoyed tales.

Narrated by famous voices such as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Diana Canova, these stories are sure to bring smiles to your kids’ faces:

NOISY NORA (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Mary Beth Hurt) What’s a wee little mouse to do when little brother and big sister take up all of Mom and Dad’s time? Make noise!

EMILY’S FIRST 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Diana Canova) As the days and weeks of school go by, Emily and her classmates learn new ideas, expand their world, and grow closer together one day at a time.

VOYAGE TO THE BUNNY PLANET (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal) Three bunnies are whisked off to the gentle Bunny Planet – a place that lies – far beyond the moon and stars.

READING TO YOUR BUNNY (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, performed by Mary Chapin Carpenter, voices by Diana Canova, David DeVries, Rosemary Wells, and others) An original story by Rosemary Wells highlights the importance of reading to little ones.

MAX’S CHOCOLATE CHICKEN (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Clavelle Dalferes) Will Max and Ruby find the most Easter eggs to win the chocolate chicken? Only the Easter Bunny knows for sure.

MAX’S CHRISTMAS (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Jenny Agutter, and Rex Robbins) Max is told that he can’t stay up to see Santa, but he sneaks down anyway. Will Santa still come if Max is awake?

MORRIS’S DISAPPEARING DOG (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells) Morris thinks his brother and sisters have better Christmas presents. But inside the last box under the tree he finds a magical gift that makes all his troubles disappear.

OTTO RUNS FOR PRESIDENT (Written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, narrated by Diana Canova) Who will win the big school election at Barkadelphia School? Popular Tiffany, Sporty Charles, or good friend Otto?

What I love about Rosemary Wells’ stories is that they appeal to boys and girls alike….there’s a story for just about every season, just about every interest, just about every subject. This spectacular set is an all-around kid pleaser!

You can order The Rosemary Wells Collection 2-DVD set directly from Scholastic/NewVideo for $19.95.

Win it! Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one of you will win your own copy of this wonderful Rosemary Wells-authored 2-DVD set!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another one of the Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVDs or DVD sets you’d love to add to your video library.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, August 15th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the lucky winner, #24, Julia!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”