Sunday, January 31, 2010

Discovery Toys Haitian Support Program

Discovery Toys Helps Haiti!


Who We Support:

We are excited to support an amazing hospital located 40 miles outside of Port-au-Prince called the HOPITAL ALBERT SCHWEITZER (HAS). The hospital has been in existence for more than fifty years. From their website (www.hashaiti.org):

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is a model for health care facilities in developing countries around the world. An integrated rural health system, HAS provides medical care and community health and development programs for more than 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Visiting medical professionals from North America and abroad work with a permanent Haitian staff of almost 550. Financial support comes from partner organizations and private individuals around the world.

How It Works:

For every dollar donated through March 31, 2010, Discovery Toys will match your donation in toys and cash.

For every dollar donated through Discovery Toys home-based Parties, attended by people like YOU, DT will match your donation dollar for dollar with our wonderful learning toys plus a cash contribution. I will add your cash donations to your DT Party purchase and Discovery Toys will match your contribution and donate cash and up to $50,000 retail value of our toys to HOPITAL ALBERT SCHWEITZER (HAS) and their designated partners – nearby schools and orphanages. Because these donations are being made through Discovery Toys as a third party, they are not tax deductible. However, the advantage to you is to know that in addition to your valued donation, HAS will receive a matching donation of product and dollars from Discovery Toys equal to the amount collected.

Please join me and provide financial support TODAY. Contact me to Party, Play and help Children and their Families in Haiti, NOW!


posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
www.playsmartstore.com
playsmartstore@gmail.com
765.461.7989

Friday, January 29, 2010

Family Meals

Do your kids rush through dinner and bolt from the table? Try these ideas to build quality family timr into your dinner hour.

Keep the converstaion light. Focus on the events of the day or fun weekend plans ahead. Of course, praising your children for a job well don at school or home is always welcome!

Take turns. Ask each person to tell one interesting thing he or she learned during the day. That includes you, too! You might mention something you read in the newspaper or learned about at work.

Play a game. Try the "name game". Start with the name of someone famous (George Washington). Go around the table taking turns calling out another well-know person or character with the same first or last name (Curious George, George Washington Carver). Another fun game is DT's own Wiz Kidz. Pull out a catagory and a letter and think of as many things that fit.

posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Product Spotlight - Discovery Fun Play House


Discovery Fun Play House
#2158 $100.00
(on sale for $90.00 until Feb. 6, 2010)

Four play spaces in one! It's a little red schoolhouse, a stylish restaurant, a puppet stage, and a pet hospital. Your child will enjoy countless hours of imaginative play and story crafting while strengthening language skills and social interactions. Parents can peek in mesh roof sides. Easy set-up in minutes. Includes opening for tunnel connection. 50" x 40" x 50" high.


Washable surface.

(K, V)  d  f
Learning Pathways: 3y-primary school
Exlporation
 
Key Benefits:
-Develop small and gross motor dexterity
-Enjoy imaginative play and story crafting with a School House, Restaurant, Pet Hospital and Theater
-Strenghten language skills and social interactions
-Associate play environments with real-life environments
-Experiment with positional concepts: in, out, on, under & through
 
To learn more or order this and other games, click here and then click "Shop Online".



Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Characteristics of Autism by Age

OBSERVABLE AT 6-12 MONTHS
* Poor eye contact
* Passive in social interactions
* Little facial expression, smiling, and/or emotional control when interacting with others
* Delayed babbling, infrequent vocalization, and decreased object manipulation
* Abnormal movements, little variety of movement in exploring new objects, poor muscle tone and motor coordination

OBSERVABLE AT 9-14 MONTHS
* Infrequent or delayed response when name is called
* Infrequent monitoring of the direction of other's gaze
* Infrequent response to others' pointing gestures
* Infrequent attempts to point out or show objects of interest
* Infrequent smiling at others paired with eye contact
* Low variety of speech sounds and gestures during communication attempts
* Delayed language development
* Low variety of actions on toys
* Infrequent vocalization paired with eye contact
* Repetitive behaviors and interests
* Unusual sensory responses, such as being unable to tolerate the feel of grass on bare feet

OBSERVABLE AT 20-24 MONTHS
* Infrequent imitation of others' actions
* Minimal display of interest in other children
* Infrequent attempts to share with others
* Limited range of facial expression
* Infrequent offering of comfort to others
* Low variety of words produced
* Repetitive behaviors
* Restricted interests
* Unusual sensory responses

If your child displays several of these, please talk to your doctor.  Early intervention is key to helping your child be the best they can be.

Discovery Toys is a great resource to help your child in many areas of development.  If you would like more information about how Discovery Toys can help your child whether they are on the autism spectum or not, please visit my website: www.playsmartstore.com or send me an email: playsmartstore@gmail.com
 
posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
www.playsmartstore.com
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Measure Up! Gingerbread Recipe

Here is a Gingerbread recipe that you can make with your kids. The amounts are using the Discovery Toys Measure Up! Cups and the spoons from the Measure Up! Pots & Spoons set and then in case you don’t have those items yet I’ve included the regular measurements in parentheses as well:

#9 cup Butter (3/4c)
#12 cup Sugar (1c)
1 egg, slightly beaten
#3 cup Molasses (1/4c)
5 -#6 cups Flour (2 1/2c)
#8 spoon Baking soda (2 tsp.)
#1 spoon Salt (1/4 tsp.)
#4 spoon Cinnamon (1 tsp.)
#4 spoon Ginger (1 tsp.)

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses. Sift the dry ingredients and mix with the wet ingredients. Chill the dough. Roll the dough on a lightly floured board to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out the gingerbread men shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Thursday, January 14, 2010



Under!!

http://www.cottonellerollpoll.com/ 

Leave a comment on my post to be entered to win 1 of 10 Cottonelle gift baskets randomly chosen on January 29, 2010 from all entries.

I am entering a contest for a month's worth of Cottonelle toilet paper as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Just Playing

When I'm building in the block area,
Please don't say I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play: about balance and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.
When I'm getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play:
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint, or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping the clay,
Please don't let me hear you say, "He's Just Playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair "reading" to an imaginary audience,
Please don't laugh and think I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don't pass it off as "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some plaything at my school,
Please don't feel the time is wasted in "Play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking to tasting foods,
Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please don't say I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or an athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today, and I say, "I Just Played",
Please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work,
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work IS play.

Author Unknown

posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

2010 Healthy Families Toy Drive

During 2010, I will be collecting donations to purchase toys for the children of Healthy Families of Howard County. There are several ways you can participate:

1. One the 15th of each month, I will be placing a group order. All free items earned from this order will be used to get toys. Let me know by noon on the 15th of any month if you are intersted in ordering.

2. Add $1 or $2 to your order to pool with other donations to be used to purchase toys for the toy drive.

3. Donate any amount to go towards purchasing toys.

4. If you own a business, run an organization, or know someone who does, I can set up a display in the place of business and take orders from any customers or employees, all free items earned from this will go towards toys for Healthy Families.

5. If you own a business, run an organization, or know someone who does, the business can donate money to purchase toys.

6. Hold a party and use all or part of the free toys you earn to donate toys to the drive.

7. Spread the word. Pass this info along to everyone you know and encourage them to participate.

8. Any other way you can think of.

The toy drive starts now and will run through November 30, 2010.

As of right now, I'm not sure of the specifics of the number of kids to be buying for, but in 2009, there were 163 kids in the program and 306 siblings. I was able to get a toy for the 163 kids in the program, and hope to do more this year. I would like to be able to get at least 1-2 toys for each child and I can't do this without your help.

Please let me know how you would like to participate. If you have any questions, please email me at playsmartstore@gmail.com.

Thanks so much to everyone to helped last year and for your help this year!!

Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
www.playsmartstore.com
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

101 Ways to Praise a Child

Wow
Way To Go
Super
You're Special
Outstanding
Excellent
Great
Good
Neat
Well Done
Remarkable
I Knew You Could Do It
I'm Proud Of You
Fantastic
Super Star
Nice Work
Looking Good
You're On Top Of It
Beautiful
Now You're Flying
You're Catching On
Now You've Got It
You're Incredible
Bravo
You're Fantastic
Hurray For You
You're On Target
You're On Your Way
How Nice
How Smart
Good Job
That's Incredible
Hot Dog
Dynamite
You're Beautiful
You're Unique
Nothing Can Stop You Now
Good For You
I Like You
You're A Winner
Remarkable Job
Beautiful Work
Spectacular
You're Spectacular
You're Darling
You're Precious
Great Discovery
You've Discovered The Secret
You Figured It Out
Fantastic Job
Hip, Hip Hurray
Bingo
Magnificent
Marvelous
Terrific
You're Important
Phenomenal
You're Sensational
Super Work
Creative Job
Super Job
Fantastic Job
Exceptional Performance
You're A Real Trooper
You Are Responsible
You Are Exciting
You Learned It Right
What An Imagination
What A Good Listener
You Are Fun
You're Growing Up
You Tried Hard
You Care
Beautiful Sharing
Outstanding Performance
You're A Good Friend
I Trust You
You're Important
You Mean A Lot To Me
You Make Me Happy
You Belong
You've Got A Friend
You Make Me Laugh
You Brighten My Day
I Respect You
You Mean The World To Me
That's Correct
You're A Joy
You're A Treasure
You're Wonderful
You're Perfect
Awesome
A+ Job
You're A-Ok My Buddy
You Made My Day
That's The Best
A Big Hug
A Big Kiss
Say "I Love You!"

How can you use these today?  They work on everyone, not just a child.

p.s. Remember, a smile is worth 1,000 words.

posted by:
Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com

Sunday, January 3, 2010

DT News - January 2010

Jump on January!
Greetings!
It's time to begin a brand new year (and a brand new decade)! The snow covering much of our nation is like a blank page, offering us a chance to start over with new resolutions and fresh ideas.

At Discovery Toys® we're starting off strong with our Jump on January promotions.

There's never been a better time to host a show, or start your own business as an educational consultant. Read on to see what's new and exciting!

Happy New Year!
- Cara

Winter Sale!

Jump Start Spring Learning - Amazing Savings on Discovery Toys® Favorites

Save up to 50% off now through 2/6/10

Discovery Fun Play House                Wipe Clean Primeras Palabras (Bilingual)
3Y - Primary School #2158              3Y - Primary School #2527
was $100.00 Now $90.00                was $6.50 Now $5.00

My Busy Day                                    Busy Bugs
2Y & up #1987                                3Y - Primary School #2109
was $20.00 Now $15.00                  was $20.00 Now $16.50

Playful Letters                                   Playful Numbers & Shapes
3Y - Primary School #1096              3Y - Primary School #1098
was $18.50 Now $12.50                  was $18.50 Now $12.50

Flip Flop Faces Emotions in Motion   Play to be Safe!
4Y & up #2240                                6Y & up #3153
was $22.50 Now $18.50                  was $20.00 Now $15.00

Motor Works Truck                          Motor Works Train
4Y & up #2176                                 4Y & up #2175
was $12.50 Now $10.50                  was $12.50 Now $10.50

A to Z jr.                                           Playful Patterns®
5Y & up #3019                                4Y - Primary School #2930
was $25.00 Now $20.00                  was $22.50 Now $18.00

Wiz Kidz                                           Zip Track
7Y & up #4246                                5Y & up #3026
was $12.50 Now $9.50                    was $40.00 Now $32.50

Lullabies Around the World               Twisty Bug
birth - toddler #1097                         6M - toddler #1078  
was $15.00 Now $7.50                    was $8.50 Now $5.00

Sunny Sounds                                   Baby Bear's Bedtime
6M - toddler #1059                          12M - toddler #1886
was $17.50 Now $15.00                  was $10.00 Now $6.50

Ladybug's Lesson                             Joe Scruggs - Traffic Jams CD
12M - toddler #1887                       3Y & up #2254
was $10.00 Now $6.50                   was $15.00 Now $8.50

My First Fairy Tales                         Shapes & Laces
3Y & up #2068                               3Y & up #2061
was $15.00 Now $8.50                   was $18.50 Now $10.00

Dear Tooth Fairy                              Number Hunt
4Y & up #2154                               4Y & up #2996
was $16.50 Now $8.50                   was $20.00 Now $10.00

Juggle Toss                                      Snappy Ducks
7Y & up #3039                               12M - toddler #1103
was $18.50 Now $10.00                 was $20.00 Now $10.00

To order products visit my web site and click on "shop products".


January Hostess Specials

1. Hostess Book & Hold Book and hold a $200 or more party and select 1 Free Sale item (sale price up to $20.00)! Through January 31, 2010.

2. Hostess Bonus Hold a $500 or more party and select your bonus $50 in Free Products. Through January 31, 2010.

Example: A $500 party Hostess could earn $160.00 in Products! ($90 Free products from the Hostess Rewards Program + $20.00 Sale item for Book & Hold + $50 Hostess Bonus and it can grow with 2 Half Price items from the Hostess Rewards Program when a party is booked!)

These bonuses are in addition to the regular Hostess Rewards Program. Please call or email me for details.


Join My Team for Just $99

You don't have to "get a job" to go back to work. You can be your own boss and enjoy a successful home-based business that's fun and easy to run!

Make a New Year's resolution to start your own career as an educational consultant for Discovery Toys® And now through January 31st, it's more affordable than ever!

The Discovery Toys® Success Start Kit, normally $125, is available through the end of January for just $99!

Your Success Start Kit includes: 18 party demontration samples, business tools and supplies to successfully start your business & FREE personal website for 3 full months! Earn your Success Start Kit for FREE when you follow the Success Start Rewards Guide. Please call or email me to learn more!

Cara Retz
Educational Leader, Discovery Toys
http://www.playsmartstore.com/
playsmartstore@gmail.com