Fun and Games Books

I used the Chat Pack with my advisory students for 2 years so far (6th graders, 7th graders and now 8th graders). One of the purposes of advisory is to help students bond as a group. Research shows this bonding to a group helps students experience more success, less at-risk behaviors. By now, my students ask to have another question to answer. It is a great opportunity for students to share what relates to them and others to get to know them better. I do this during the 8 daily minutes we have, if we have time after details of the day. They never tire of doing this. It is also lovely for me to get to know the angels in my advisory.

Pick any card and use it as a stating point for everything from a smart one-liner comeback to an all-night in-depth conversation that will let you learn about your family and friends from new and different perspectives. For example:

* "If you could have any object or place to yourself for one day, what would you choose?"

* "You've been given the chance to travel into the future to see how the world will change over the next 50 years. What in particular are you most interested in?

* "If you could enter a race horse in the Kentucky Derby, what would you name him?"

I promise you that once you get the party started, nobody will want to go home!

I purchased this little box of cards at a Christmas sale. My 11 y.o. son started reading the questions after Christmas dinner. A whole new world opened up to our family. Once you start on these cards you will realize how little you knew about your famiy, friends and others in your life. This was one of the most meaningful purchases of my life.

My sister received this as a gift from a co-worker and she brought it to one of our family's Christmas gatherings. I don't know if it is marketed as a game, but we treated it as one, with everybody taking turns drawing the cards and allowing everyone to answers. It was a blast!! We had a really wide age range and everybody got into it and enjoyed it. There were questions like: What is your all time favorite scene in a movie? If you could have 50 pounds of something (not money) what would it be? If you could be the apprentice to someone, living or dead, who would it be?
I got to learn a lot about my relatives, even my own siblings, and it got everyone to join in on conversation together. I would totally recommend for your next gathering, small or large, to keep the conversations fun and exciting:)

With educational and testing standards getting more and more difficult, it is nice having a tool to provide students with practice with language arts skills. These Daily Language Practice sheets give 1st graders a daily dose of basic editing (adding capitals, basic spelling errors, punctuation). They also include a variety of other activities including sorting words, yes/no questions, rhyming words, and other fundamentals. The Friday sheet always has a different and more lighthearted activity. There is also a Daily Math Practice book and I xerox them back to back and use them as bellwork. Both are half-sheets which are completed in about 10 minutes. Highly recommended!

My daughter is in Kindergarten and she likes it. It is well written.

I have used extensive grammar and language texts with schoolchildren. And they would hate it! Now I use this book
and it is rather quick, efficient, and to the point.
The children enjoy their sessions as they learn.
You can have them practice handwriting as well as grammar and punctuation. It is really great.

The books offers a review for many skills children should know. It's a usefully tool to begin class with and have children review what they know. There are questions for each day of the week for a 36 week school year. It has helped my students review concepts they have learned.

Excellent daily practice for those little-ones having a hard task in breaking down "word problems". Not overwhelming, but simple clear exercises. I would recommend this booklet.Daily Word Problems, Grade 2 (Daily Word Problems)

My Child is a bit of a slow, when it comes to reading, and Math that's why a got her this book to help her boost her understanding of Math and Reading.
So far, so good she is doing A lot better, but to make sure she get it is better I sit and help when she get stuck.
Overall this is a great book to help you 2nd greader, with Math and reading.

This was my daughter's favorite book last year. She begged me to get the third grade one for this coming year as well. She liked the different themes every week (she would try to guess the next theme and enjoyed the anticipation). The problems themselves were solid (made the kids think) but not overly tricky. She solved 95% of them with no guidance at all (I will state math is her strong subject though). Overall, this is a great book to get kids enthusiastic about word problems.

My 7 year old loves to work on the daily problems before school. It has helped him become a better math student.

My five year old loves this, and I enjoy doing it with her, which is more than I can say about some of her books. This was a desperation purchase, late at night, at a drugstore when I realized Valentine's Day was tomorrow and I had nothing to give her. I recommend this book!

nice layout, could have used better quality paper and more color print, but all in all a good series of books, great for older kids.

Most youngsters love puzzles, but this book offers more than just brain work, it is perfect for rainy days, long trips in the car, or just spending time alone without the drone of television. The puzzles are challenging for ages 5 and up, some more difficult than others, and my kids enjoy the way the items are really well hidden in each scene. I love that it is lengthy and features various themes like Vacation, Meal Time, Playground, and so on. This edition will keep us busy throughout the entire summer vacation.

We received several of the Everything Kids books in the mail a few days ago and my 6 year old daughter has been having a great time with them. This hidden pictures book is a challenge but she really enjoys spending time on locating the different items. And if you have a 6 year old you know that after a few minutes, losing interest is the norm. So an activity that keeps her attention is always GREAT!

During a recent flight, included with my carry on luggage was a copy of "Fun With GPS", a relatively new publication from ESRI press by Don Cooke. The author is the founder of GDT, recently acquired by Tele Atlas, and has an extensive resume, including having played a key role in the creation of TIGER.
Jumping right in, the book provides the reader with an introduction to GPS along with a useful primer on mapping and the proper use of a GPS. The "meat" of the book is really from Chapters 3 onward. This is where Cooke provides numerous informative, educational, and interesting examples of real-life uses and applications of GPS. Even better, each example explains (in detail) a fun use, detailed instructions, photos/images, useful web links, and interesting commentary.

Particularly useful (and educational) small sections devoted to mapping, GIS, accuracy, and GPS concepts & terminology are included. After all, simply capturing and storing GPS coordinates is hardly of use, particularly to the layman. It's the understanding of the data, along with integration of maps and/or GIS that really makes GPS fun! A particularly interesting and "bang on" quote from the book that really struck a cord with me... "GIS really does put the fun into GPS". My take... indeed it does!

So who should buy or read Fun With GPS? If you happen to be one of millions of users of a GPS or a GPS-enabled mobile device then you'll no doubt find this book to be a valuable addition to your library. Can the book provide specific examples that apply to your lifestyle? Likely so since numerous specific examples and applications of GPS uses have been provided. These include:
Geocaching
Degree confluence chasing
GIS/mapping
Ice skating
Hockey
Skiing
Racing (auto)
Hiking
Sailing
Polo
Camping
Golf
Rowing
Sky diving

If you happen to have a hobby included above then Don has provided a detailed example application of how you will find GPS to be useful and fun.

Finally, the heart of the book comes in chapters 2 and 8. Chapter 2 offers an awesome primer on mapping. Cooke uses the free ArcExplorer GIS data viewer from ESRI and the complimentary (and free) DNR Garmin program from the Minnesota DNR as the focus of a tutorial on using your GPS data with a GIS without spending a dime. Both programs are totally free and detailed instructions for use have been provided to get you up and running and help get your GPS data off the device and used within a real application.

Chapter 8 is devoted to the use of GPS in schools and in the community. Interesting sample uses focus on the use of GPS by a museum to track visitors, mapping of a restored cemetery by grade school students, and even how to write your name with a GPS track log. Students attempting any of these sample projects will no doubt get a great introductory education to mapping and geospatial concepts, but will still have some addictive fun with their GPS as well... they may also even solve a community problem or address a local conservation issue.

Fun with GPS is truly a fun read. I admit, I have a dusty, 2 year old Garmin somewhere on my desk, however, it wasn't until I read this book that I had much interest in turning it on! I plan on locating a geocache in the near future and I also plan on capturing a degree confluence or two!

[...]

Do you remember when a GPS device was expensive and heavy and only to be used for serious work? The inexorable progress of Moore's Law has laid that low. So along comes ESRI Press with this lighthearted book by Cooke. Outreach to the young masses. He talks about fun and cool things you can do with a GPS transponder. All the things we never had.

You might wish to thumb through his suggestions. See if any catch your fancy. Or, if you like these ideas, try also looking up the magazine "Make" published by O'Reilly. It has the same freewheeling spirit seen here.

Think 'GPS' and what comes to mind? Usually in-car navigation systems - but there's much more to GPS and ordinary users may find these devices can be attached to about anything to be use for interesting results. Maps and photos come with each outlined project for hobbyists, athletes, drivers, teachers and more. Use GPS devices to track and map activities, or in a treasure hunt, or to GPS a model airplane's abilities: there's a lot a GPS device can accomplish, and Fun With GPS covers it all.

This is a spectacular book that treats GPS with a light (and fun) touch without any sacrifice of technical substance. Though aimed at beginners, GPS savants will find it equally useful, both for elegant insights as well as ideas on how to teach others about GPS. I teach land navigation and regularly consult this book for inspiration regarding new ways to keep the material fresh in my classes.

I have used this cd both last year and this year with Kindergarten ESL students in China and they love the songs!

I use this curriculum in our weekly music and movement program. It is invaluable. We love the songs and activities!

fast shipping and great condition but not what I expected. Thought it would have more new songs.

This book is very useful for my instruction.

This book has so many great ideas. I love the snippets of helpful tips, other resources and good ideas on the sides. I would recommend this book to all new teachers!!!

Since I am somewhat new to the teaching profession, I was looking for all of the resources I could get!! I came across this book, and I really like the way that it's set up. It is simply written, and broken up into organized bullets in each section!

There are chapters containing subjects such as: Countdown to the first day, the first day, the first month, the first year, the end of school. Within those sections, you have things like classroom procedures and rules, student helpers, lesson plans, substitutes, working with parents, learning centers, assessment, and everything else that you could imagine!

I loved the "helpers" on the sides of the pages! Seymour Books gives you resources for more reading!
Sir Chalott gives you webpages!
Uneeda Halt comes around to make sure that you do the most important things first!
Pierre Tutor directs you to the person you need to talk to when it comes to site-specific info, mentoring, and peer coaching!
Mia First encourages you to take time for yourself and to relax!!

At the very end, there are reproducible pages for behavior charts, progress reports, behavior bucks, and agenda chart icons! (reading together, art, music, library, drama, ABC's, etc) There are also helper chart icons so you can copy and laminate for class jobs! I have always loved scholastic books and I highly recommend this one for new classroom teachers grades K-4!
Diane (kindergarten teacher)

I have seen many books written for beginning teachers and this is the best for many reason, one is the site for addition information and various general guide and tips. There is no book to compare!

It was the exactly the book I was looking for with great info on where to find stuff for your classroom, classroom management tips and what information you need to file. If you need a book to guide you through the process of creating your very first classroom, this is the book!

I love all the American Girl quiz books! They have so many different quizzes to do, and they're great for car rides, doctors offices, or just hanging at home! They're so fun to do with your friends, siblings, or even parents.
I would definitely recommend any of the American Girl quiz books!

this book helps you to look at yourself by answering questions on what kind of a friend are you? Mall Madness - are you a good shopper? how do you make good friends? This is simple, funny, and easy to read, and puts a smile on your face. Ages for 8-14.

Dear amazon customers,

This book is great. I had soooo much fun with this book."Now why is this book so great?"you may ask.This book is sooooo great because it has many fun quizzes including "Are You All American?","Boy Barometer", and much, much more.It's fun to do by yourself, or with a friend.These quizzes are some that tell you what you are like.

This is an enjoyable book from American Girl. Here is a list of allthe quizzes inside the book:

1.) Hue Do You Do? In this quiz, it is about what your favorite color t-shirt says about you

2.) Rock Around the Clock. Are you bright-eyed in the morning, nifty in the afternoon or a night creature? Find out in this quiz.

3.) Baby Talk. How much do you know about yourself as a baby? Find out in this quiz.

4.) Sweet Dreams. In this quiz, you match what you think your dreams might mean.

5.) Do You Want to Be a Millionaire? What would you do for a million dollars?

6.) Predict Your Friend's Future. Get out your crystal ball and look into the future!

7.) Do You Mope or Cope? When things don't go your way, how do you react?

8.) Eyewitness. Try this test to detail. Otis the puppy got into your room and messed everything up! Can you tell what five things are missing?

9.) Mall Madness. Find out what kind of shopper are you.

10.) Happily Ever After? Choose new endings to fairy tales and find out how you like to solve problems.

11.) Raise Your Hand. Some people believe that palm reading can tell your personality. Look at your palms to see if you agree!

12.) Back in the Day. What were your parents like at your age? Write the anwsers to the thirty questions and check with a parent to find out how much you know!

13.) Doyouknowthis.com. Are you up on the latest Internet lingo? Log on to the quix and test your skills!

14.) What Kind of Friend Are you? Are the the first one to give a hug, always ready to the rescue or not so sure? Take this quiz to find out!

15.) Boy Barometer. Are boys your new hobby, just O.K., or pretty icky? Check the barometer and see what your reading is.

16.) Singing Sensation. Are you cut out to be a diva, a songwriter or a manager to the stars?

17.) Read Between the Lines. What kind of books get you hooked?

18.) Stress Test. Are you a Stress Mess, Happily Challenged or Stressless?

19.) Best Buds? Did you know that when you give someone a bouquet, you're really sending them a secret message? Test your flower power with this quiz.

20.) What's Your Recipe for Making Friends? When it comes to making friends, do you bubble over with enthusiam, or you a bit slow to warm up?

21.) Birds of a Feather. If you were a bird, what kind would you be?

22.) Grudge Meter. Do you hold a grudge or can you forgive and forget?

23.) The Scoop. Did you know that some people say your favorite ice cream flavor shows alot about your personality?

24.) Mighty Manners? Do you have good manners?

25.) Happy Birthstone! Do you know your birthstone? Find out what your birthstone means.

26.) Are You an All-American Girl? Take this quiz and see how much you know about the good old U.S.A.!

This book has a lot of things to do, but unless you like to bugged to "play" constantly on a trip, make sure you have two kids with you. There is a wide variety of things to do, so there is something for everyone. A good book to have along with other travel games.

A Godsend for keeping kids entertained in the car, the restaurant or anywhere on the go. The book is divided into handy sections with a fun games for any occasion - why not play "Point at the Disabled Man" while waiting at the checkout, or "Puncture Daddy's Eardrum" or "Taunt the Dog" in the car?

This book is invaluable for road trips with kids. It's filled with dozens of fun games to keep the little ones occuipied (while keeping adults engaged and amused).

The book categorizes games by age groups. From 2- year olds to teens, there are lots of great games to play that stimulate brains-- painlessly.

Playing the games in this book makes any trip more enjoyable and makes traveling seem shorter.

The games even promote conversation. ALL with no batteries required.

A MUST for people with little people.

This book is essential if you are waiting or travelling with your children. It focussess on creativity and imaginative play. It's broken down into age categories, games for 2 to 11 year olds. Once you have it you'll recommend it to everyone you know.

Enter the wonderful world of Victorian New York! If your child is studying this period of history, there can be no better way to encourage greater exploration of history than with this amazing publication.

This is an opportunity to see the era through the eyes of the Hobarts, a very wealthy family and the Kadinskys, a recently arrived family of immigrants from Poland. The families are fictional, but the history is quite real and well researched. You can experience their era in great detail as the seasons pass and their work and play change accordingly.

You can make the same arts and crafts that the Hobarts and Kadinskys make, including a Victorian folding fan, a decoupage box and some Christmas ornaments. You can also taste the same food that they ate, including bread sticks flavored with cinnamon, rock-candy, and "New York cheesecake!"

This is a learning experience that will change your child's appreciation of history and be cherished forever. Could you ask for anything better?

Great book for homeschoolers. It has lots of crafts for this time period. Nothing too impractical.

This book by David C. King who has written similar books really has provided an entertaining and informative way of educating students about the Victorian era without them getting bored by predictability or turned off by the subject. These books in his series allows us to help students understand life before television, radio, telephones, etc. in another time. This book answers the questions about life in the Victorian era where life was so proper.

This book is another in a series that includes very easy activities for children to do in class. Working with these activities children will be able to discover a different lifestyle than they are used to today. David King has written a book that would be perfect for culminating activites to demonstrate this historical period of time.