Curious Parents Parenting Resources

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COOL STUFF

Merriam-Webster Dictionary & Thesaurus with Comprehensive Reference Set

This item is perfect for anyone, whether you’re playing scrabble on the road and need a handy dictionary not one that weighs five pounds or the student on the go who constantly is looking up words to make the grade. Write, edit, or proof-read like a pro with instant access to over eight essential reference titles—it even translates four languages! The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Thesaurus and Reference Suite has over 300,000 Merriam-Webster definitions and over 500,000 synonyms/antonyms.

Jump Start World: 2nd Grade

Computer games, cartoons, and education do not seem to go hand in hand. However, Jump Start World seems to do it perfectly. This particular program aimed at second graders, includes essential math, reading, critical thinking, and social skills that every student needs to know. Over 90 games and activities are included in the program; each allows children to increase difficulty at their own pace. Parents never have to worry about their child being online and can even have a report e-mailed to them noting their child’s progress. Jump Start World is an exciting program that can be used as a resource for extra help, an after-school reinforcement or just a fun recreational activity. With so many games your child will not get bored. Who said learning isn’t fun?

COOL BOOKS

Thomas’ Read-Along Storybook

Troublesome trucks, practical jokes, and magic railroads are a few obstacles Thomas the Tank Engine must endure to become a Really Useful Engine. Thomas and Friends work together, and sometimes against each other throughout these four short stories. As a result of the obstacles, Thomas is able to learn responsibility, patience, and trustworthiness. The text itself is aimed towards a more advanced reader, the illustrations, however, are brilliant and vibrant from cover to cover. As an added bonus, Thomas’ Read-Along Storybook comes with a CD that allows children to read along as they follow with the pictures. The mixed up adventures of Thomas and Friends are certainly enjoyable by all.

The IQ Answer: Maximizing Your Child’s Potential

As thousands of children are diagnosed with learning disabilities each year, doctors stand ready, pen in hand, to prescribe the pill needed to focus. But before we raise our youth to depend on pills for their problems, perhaps we should just teach them how to eat and breathe properly. Or so suggests Dr. Frank Lawlis, author of The IQ Answer: Maximizing Your Child’s Potential. In his book, he outlines medical, emotional and spiritual ways to help stimulate and increase brainpower without the use of prescriptions. He includes innumerable action plans, family strategies, and quizzes to determine the best method of success. In the preface, there is even a promise to improve your IQ by five points just by reading the book.