shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com February 23, 2016 • Page 9 Stumped for a Birthday Gift? Fun Present Ideas that Help Kids Learn Arts Just as Crucial as Math and Science, Say Education Experts (StatePoint) One of the best ways to motivate kids to learn is by making it fun, and birthdays are the perfect opportunity to equip the kids in your life with gifts that are equal parts entertaining and educational. For some great gift ideas that turn what could be a chore into a good time, consider the following: (StatePoint) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math -- known collectively as STEM -- has been the buzz phrase for educators for some time. But, with many school districts eliminating art, music and other humanities classes, there has been a recent push by educators to change the focus from STEM to STEAM, and add arts back into the mix for a more wellrounded education. “Many experts agree that STEAM education is a great way to engage children of all ages in creative play, discovery and learning,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning Expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. Whatever the present academic focus of your local school district is, you can help support a more comprehensive education for your children at home, while making it fun. Here’s how to incorporate STEAM learning into your children’s playtime: Art Time The school day may not offer daily opportunities for creativity to flourish, but you can turn the playroom at home into an artists’ studio. Keep on hand arts and crafts supplies such as glue, construction paper, glitter, scissors, string and paint. Take a trip to a museum or gallery and learn about different artists and styles to get kids inspired. New Technologies Handing over your Home Design Tips for Baby Boomers walk-in tubs that promote easy entries and exits, are all bathroom features people may need as they age,” says Jean Dimeo, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. (StatePoint) There are about 76.4 million Baby Boomers in the US, according to the Population Reference Bureau. As this population ages, it will become important that features on their houses promote safety, are easy-to-maintain, and last a long time. Whether building from the ground up or remodeling a current home, take “agingin-place” into consideration every step of the way. Here are some great projects to consider with strong payback. A Better Basement When building a new home, choose your foundation carefully. Not only is an uninsulated basement a major source of heat loss, but it’s throwing away potential space that can enhance your life. A “liveable basement” can be designated as a “grandkid zone,” an at-home office or crafting workshop. You can use a pre-cast insulated concrete foundation system, such those from Superior Walls, to create an energy-efficient damp-proof basement. This foundation will help reduce utility bills for long-term savings. Reinforced concrete walls create a permanent barrier against water, and pre-engineered access for wiring or plumbing features are a key element to whatever vision you have for this subterranean space. First Floor Privacy Many seniors opt to spend more of their time at home on the easy-to-navigate ground floor. But don’t compromise privacy in pursuit of accessibility. Privacy windows can alleviate concerns you have about neighbors seeing you go about your business. For example, those from Hy-Lite are offered in numerous styles and designs, including opaque decorative glass, acrylic block and true glass block windows. Silkscreen glass designs can complement the overall style of the home. From your master suite to your bathroom to the main rooms of your home, avoid prying eyes with this crucial component of stylish first floor living. Safe, Comfortable Bathrooms As mobility and coordination decline, slips and falls can make bathrooms a hazardous place. Think of the years ahead by seeking out bathroom features that are ADA compliant. “Taller toilets that are easier to rise from, pedestal sinks that allow wheelchairs and walkers access, and Brands like Mansfield Plumbing are accommodating the boomer population by offering selections of SmartHeight toilets, pedestal, under counter and wall mounted sinks. A popular product, Restore walk-in tubs, come with whirlpool and inline heater options to sooth aching muscles and joints. With many highdesign fixtures and fittings available, a safe bathroom does not need to be just a utilitarian one. Durable Roof When choosing a roof for over your home, seek out long-term durability without compromising beauty. Slate and shake polymer roof products from brands like DaVinci Roofscapes are lowmaintenance, offer lifetime limited warranties, and come in a variety of color options that have the authentic look of natural materials. Impactand fire- resistant, these hardworking roofs offer boomers both peace-of-mind and long-term value. By upgrading key home features during construction and remodeling efforts, aging-in-place is not only possible, it can be preferable. YOUR RADIATOR HEADQUARTERS! • Great Parts • Great Warranty On-Hand & In-Stock! NO WAITING! Cox Auto 1007 Broadway Ave. Yankton • 665-4494 New PREFERRED BUILDERS Construction CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Remodeling Home Repair Siding Windows Kevin Olson 605-661-7480 Jim Richter 605-267-4118 605-661-6559 45153 315th St • Gayville, SD 57031 Watch it Grow Whether you do-ityourself or opt for a storebought kit, a terrarium offers expensive, breakable mobile children a hands-on lesson in technology to your young horticulture, biology, earth children may not sound ideal science and responsibility. for on-the-go learning, but Terrariums, which make there are durable tablets great gifts, can be used to built for children that supgrow beautiful plants and port learning apps combinflowers, or edible herbs for ing STEM subjects with the the kitchen. arts. Pair this gift with books For example, InnoTab about nature and gardening MAX, VTech’s most powerful and you may inspire a green and versatile 7-inch tablet, features access to more than thumb for life. 650 educator-supported Smart Gaming apps, including hand-picked Kids will always want to Android learning games and age-appropriate learnplay video games, so why ing software and content not allow them to learn while through VTech’s Learning playing? Check out VTech’s Lodge, as well as creative onboard apps such as Movie InnoTV, an educational TVconnected gaming system Maker and Art Studio. The designed with preschoolers apps feature a wide curin mind. It features an easyriculum of language arts and reading, math, science, to-use kid-friendly wireless social studies, problem solv- controller and learning ing and creativity, that have games for ages 3-8 that introbeen reviewed by a panel of education and child develop- duce language arts, science, technology, engineering and ment experts. math concepts and more. InnoTV also offers access to a Music huge educator-supported liParticipation in music brary of additional games on education has been proven VTech’s Learning Lodge app to improve grades in STEM subjects. Not only that, it’s a store, as well as compatibility with a variety of InnoTab ton of fun. MAX cartridges. “The family gaming If your school offers opportunities such as band console has found a welcome or chorus, encourage your place in many family rooms kids to get involved. If arts programs are scarce, invest in a keyboard or guitar for the home. Even if private music lessons are out of the budget, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help with the basics. for good reason,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, VTech Expert Panel member and Platform Learning Expert. “The console connected to the TV provides an interactive focal point for family gaming.” InnoTV comes with singleplayer, age-appropriate educational games (many aligned with Common Core curriculum standards), and allows for multiple players -- providing opportunities for social play, which is important for preschoolers learning to share, cooperate and take turns. To learn more, visit www.vtechkids. com/InnoTV. Make Music Many children wish to explore the world of music, but unfortunately, their schools may not offer the exact programs they are looking for. You can nurture musical talent and interest at home with thoughtful birthday gifts, however. If your child is indecisive, consider a temporary rental of his or her instrument of choice and a starter pack of just a few lessons. Kids’ Size Science Bourgeoning scientists will love making their own observations and discoveries. Luckily, kids-size scientific apparatus are available for those just beginning to explore everything from cells of plants to the cosmos. Telescopes and microscopes designed with kids in mind can help young ones develop the skills needed to succeed in science. When planning your gift, don’t forget the notion that fun and learning are two peas in a pod. While there’s no doubt that math and science comprehension are critical, education experts advise parents to support an interdisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates the arts as well. Need people to find your business? Get your display ad here! MV Shopper MV Shopper Go Ahead. . . M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y www.missourivalleyshopper.com 665-5884 M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y WALK ALL OVER US! 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