Category Archives: 8 years and up

New York Toy Fair 2016 Hot Trends for Learning Toys

Posted on February 28, 2016 by sherry

Every year I get so amped for The International Toy Fair in New York City–no caffeine needed–as we scour the isles of the Javits Center for fun new products embedded with language learning potential. The creativity, passion and spunk of … Continue reading →

Posted in 12 years and up, 3-6 year-olds, 8 years and up, Birth-3 year-olds, Games, Preschool, Strategies to Encourange Language Development, Toy Reviews, Toys | Leave a comment

Preview of the NY Toy Fair

Posted on February 12, 2016 by sherry

Wow! The excitement is building with the countdown almost over for Toy Fair. It all starts tomorrow! That means that companies are finishing up their booths at the Javits Center which will transform into a wonderland of toys. I’m getting so many … Continue reading →

Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Toys | Leave a comment

How Dollhouse Play Can Strengthen Essential Learning Skills

Posted on February 3, 2016 by sherry

I have dollhouses on the mind lately. As I prepare to move out of state and pour over the stuff in my house (I am not a collector but it is amazing what accumulates) and decide where things go–the dump, … Continue reading →

Posted in 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Language, Strategies to Encourange Language Development | Leave a comment

Desperate to Find That Missing Play Piece

Posted on January 12, 2016 by sherry

I was going to title this blog, “The importance of Play Accessories ” but that sounded too boring so instead….”Desperate to Find That Missing Play Piece!” As  I get ready for the Toy Fair, where I have to make quick … Continue reading →

Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, play, Strategies to Encourange Language Development | Leave a comment

PAL Award Top Ten Picks 2015 To Be Announced on NBC CT TV Today!

Posted on October 29, 2015 by sherry

I’m excited to share some of my  2015 “Top 10 PAL Award Picks” today on a segment on NBC CT TV with Keri-Lee Mayland. I wanted to get my list up so those who watch will have all the details … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 and up, 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Games, Toys, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Worry Eaters Offer Opportunity For Kids To Share Concerns

Posted on July 22, 2015 by sherry

We find PAL winners are natural subjects for developmental videos.  Showcasing differentiators of great language toys, I demonstrate how to optimize play with some amazingly fun toys and games that provide great opportunities for learning. Recently we sat down with some kids to … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 and up, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Language | Leave a comment

Playonwords.com Presents Their Spring 2015 PAL Awards today

Posted on June 18, 2015 by sherry

Here is the full press release.

Posted in 10 and up, 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Apps, Birth-3 year-olds | Leave a comment

NBC CT Announcing Spring PAL Award Winners on Friday

Posted on June 11, 2015 by sherry

Tomorrow on NBC CT,  I am featuring some of the PAL Award’s Spring winners that spark great fun and can keep language skills sharp over the summer–encouraging exploration and open-ended play. Here are the new products I am going to … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 and up, 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Birth-3 year-olds | Leave a comment

Parents Concerned About Young Children’s Time Spent With Technology?

Posted on May 9, 2015 by sherry

New ASHA Survey of U.S. Parents: Significant Percentages Report That Very Young Children Are Using Technology Usage Is Occurring When Human Interaction Is Key To Developing Strong Communication Skills The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association commissioned a survey of U.S. parents on … Continue reading →

Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Strategies to Encourange Language Development, Toddlers | Leave a comment

New Folkmanis Puppets for Conversation and Story-telling

Posted on May 6, 2015 by sherry

I’ve had my head down reviewing so many fantastic new products submitted for the PAL Award this spring and now I need to catch up and share them with you–my fellow professionals who work with kids AND parents and grandparents … Continue reading →

Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Strategies to Encourange Language Development | Leave a comment