6 Reasons We Have A School Supply Crush

Balancing Cactus Game from S&S Worldwide

Summer is upon us and I could not be more excited! You know why? Yes yes, I of course can’t wait for all that fun in the sun – but the arrival of summer also means we’re one step closer to (drumroll please)… back-to-school shopping! It’s one of my absolute favorite things in the world. Every year I think long and hard about where to find new ways to keep things exciting for my little ones in the classroom. This year, I hit the jackpot! S&S Worldwide is a treasure trove for educational toys and creative learning. Their products are well-designed and educational, and some even come with their very own lesson plans! What more could a homeschooling maker mama ask for? I couldn’t wait to share these with you, so I’ve put together a toy box of sorts, filled with a few of my favorite finds that we’re definitely going to be working into both our planning and play.

 

Circle Foam Magnetic Maze from S&S Worldwide

Circle Foam Magnetic Maze
Approx. $17

Mazes have always mesmerized me! Once I start, I can’t stop until I’ve finally reached the finish line. This one uses a magnetic wand to help kids abracadabra their way through a test of logic, coordination, and concentration. Bonus points: the underside is transparent, meaning that with each different surface you play on, it creates a new eye-catching experience. A-maze-ing!

Jumbo Dominoes from S&S Worldwide

Jumbo Dominoes
Approx. $25 (set of 28) 

What’s more fun than dominoes? JUMBO dominoes! Incorporate these extra-large play pieces into math lessons to help little ones get a more hands-on grasp of numbers. Little learners can use them for basic counting purposes, and older guys can use them for help with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Wooden Balloon Powered Boat Craft Kit from S&S Worldwide

Wooden Balloon Powered Boat Craft Kit
Approx. $30 (pack of 12) 

Who says you can’t mix science and art? Balloon boats not only let kids get their hands colorful with paint, but also serve as a tiny introduction to physics. The air from the balloons power the boats, sending them sailing through streams, pools, bathtubs, etc. We live on a lake and I already know there will be many a boat race in our future.

Handmade Charlotte Stitchable House from S&S Worldwide

Handmade Charlotte Stitchable House
Approx. $38 (pack of 12) 

Handmade Charlotte Stitchables are a double win! Kids can create something beautiful and lasting (perhaps a Mother’s Day gift, wink wink?), while also honing their hand-eye coordination. Use stitchables as ornaments, bookmarks, doorknob decorations – anything you want!

 Flexible Wooden Snakes Craft Kit from S&S Worldwide

Flexible Wooden Snakes Craft Kit
Approx. $16 (pack of 12)

Here’s some more crafty science for you! Perfect for a lesson on rain forests, reptiles, or the food chain, kids can paint them to match the coloration of their favorite slithery species.


Pictured at top: Balancing Cactus GameApprox. $30

Who knew cacti could be fun to play with? Not only is this one adorable to look at, but it also challenges children’s strategic skills. Here how it goes: the player who can build the entire cactus without making it topple over wins! You can also make it an exercise in teamwork by having kids put their heads together to figure out how to conquer this prickly puzzle.