We're bringing back our compilation of suggestions by our teachers of great gift ideas for your kids that will help them learn, grow, and have fun all at once! First up, our grammar school teachers weigh in on what they think will get your kiddos excited and keep their minds sharp:
Preschool - Ms. Kayla Holod
- Melissa & Doug create timeless modern classics, and these pattern blocks will keep your little one busy and engaged.
- Floor puzzles are fantastic, and some favorites might be this world map with animals or thistraffic jumbo jam.
- Animals are always a hit at this age, so this Little People A to Z Learning Zoo playset - which combines alphabet learning and imaginative play - will be a hit.
- Start a family game time tradition this coming year and invest in some educational and fun games to bond over. Some great ideas include The Honey Bee Tree, The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, and Sound Bingo.
Kindergarten - Mrs. Jackie Lake
- Kingergartners love the Bob Books, and this is a great set that will help them build their reading skills with confidence.
- They love learning to read, and this game - which combines sight words and popcorn - helps them do just that.
- ABCs ad 123s go together, and these kids enjoy their numbers too. Foster that love of learning with this fun game that helps them polish their addition and subtraction skills.
1st Grade - Mrs. Sharon Strawbridge
- Many of our students love drawing, so art supplies would make great gifts. Consider:
- Crayola Crayons (my favorite)
- Art paper or sketch books
- Coloring books
- Crayola Crayons (my favorite)
- Books are best! Here are some of our favorites:
- Early Readers (the "I Can Read"publications)
- Bob Books
- Dr. Seuss
- I SPY books
- Poetry books, such as Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O'Neill, The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (selected by Jack Prelutsky), and Lavender's Blue (nursery rhymes: Kathleen Lines)
- Carolyn Haywood's Betsy books
- Books that cover topics we discuss in class, such as Pennsylvania history, Indians, planets and solar system, or Bible stories
- A new "real" Bible (ESV or NKJV may be easier to read)
- Music/CDs
- Judy Rogers' Why Can't I See God or Teach Me While My Heart is Tender
- Steve Green scripture memory songs Hide 'Em In Your Heart
2nd Grade - Ms. Deb Chapin
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Second graders will likely love some of these items from the National Geographic website:
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National Geographic Shut the Box Game
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Around the World Touch-Pad Quiz Game
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All-in-One Adventure Multi-tool
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Interactive "Laptop" Planetarium
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Voice Changer
- Some books that they might enjoy include:
3rd Grade - Mrs. Katie Zappitella
- If your students enjoy playing games, teach them strategy and remind them of C.S. Lewis’ wonderful land of Narnia at the same time with Narnia Stratego. Or, practice your bingo skills with Roman Empire Jingo!
- If your student enjoyed D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Mythology, try any of their other beautifully illustrated books. They have written on topics from Norse Mythology to trolls to American founders.
- Another fun read is the Asterix and Obelix comic book series. Originally written in French, these hilarious translations chronicle the adventures of the Gauls vs. the Romans. Boys and girls alike enjoy them!
- A few of our literature books have sequels. Homer Price is followed by Centerburg Tales.
- Rosemary Sutcliff, who wrote Black Ships before Troy, also wrote a children’s version of the Odyssey called The Wanderings of Odysseus.
- The students love creating stories with the Roman soldier figures that we have in the classroom. These are similar!
4th Grade - Mrs. Emily Fischer
- Fourth graders love fun games and strategy, so here are some ideas to help them rise to the challenge:
- Rubix cubes of varying shapes
- Ticket to Ride: Europe (Stategy game), which coincides with our study of Europe in the Middle Ages History.
- They also love science—especially if it helps them throw things! Try:
- Finally, some might enjoy toy soldiers, outfits, and medieval buildings.
