innovativeKids “Now I’m Reading” Series Review (& Giveaway Ends 10/22)

ABOUT:

innovativeKids is a company that creates books designed for everyday play and extraordinary learning, from birth to age 12 and up.  In addition to books, you can also find games, puzzles, and toys all to help kids learn while sill having fun.

One particular product is the award-winning Now I’m Reading series from innovativeKids, written by author and former teacher Nora Gaydos.  Since its launch in 2001, over 3 million books have been sold making this program a trusted name in starting children off on their journey in reading.  It is a series for kids ages 3-7 years old that now comes in the format of book, game, and play.

The Now I’m Reading Play are easy-to-read classic tales meant to be read aloud and acted out.  It contains a 24-page storybook, five scripts and four character masks to encourage kids to read by performing in their own character voice.  It is meant to improve fluency, comprehension and confidence.  The plays available are Three Little Pigs and Cinderella.  (Retails for $16.99)

The Now I’m Reading Read It, Write It, Draw It Activity Book is a reading and writing book to encourage kids to use their imaginations through silly stories.  There are 12 titles available and each storybook is 32 pages long.  In each book you first read it through, then in the next section you have to trace over some letters to form words, finally you need to draw in mission pieces through connect the dots.  (Retails for $4.99 each)

Finally, the Now I’m Reading Game allows parents to turn reading into playtime.  There are six titles available that encourage recalling information, reading, summarizing a story, making conclusions, and predicting outcomes.  It is ideal for travel or taking to an overnight slumber party because of its snap-in-place storage compartment.  (Retails $9.99 each)

MY THOUGHTS:

My son is going to be 4 years old in a few months and I know how important it is to encourage reading at an early age.  I am an avid reader and I can’t wait for the days where I can share that love with my children with trips to the library, bookstores, and just talking about books together.  Well I may be a long ways off with all that, but you do have to start somewhere!  I got the chance to check out the New Now I’m Reading Games:  Go Fish Stories! and it is adorable.  First you read the stories than you play a Go Fish type game with the playing cards to reenact the story.  For example, the story “An Apple Grows” will require players to find the cards that make up the story like “Plant the seeds,” “The tree grows,” “The blossoms come.” and “Pick an apple.”

Now my son is just learning that one action causes another and how things go together so I thought this was perfect for him.  After reading the one page story, we looked at the cards and went over them so he understood how they went together.  We haven’t played the Go Fish way yet because I am still working with him on how the cards match up to each story and then I think it will be fun to try to match up the cards.  Each player than has to match up a story with its four cards so will ask another player if they have a card from for example the “An Apple Grows” series.  Then that person has to figure out if they do and hand it over, the player with the most sets wins.  It is pretty easy to pick up on and the stories cards all have a color-coded background to make it a little easier.  Everything is storied inside the book to make it easy to take with you!

Overall, I think the Now I’m Reading series is a great way to not only teach kids to read but also that stories can be fun and imaginative.

BUY IT: innovativeKids products can be purchased directly from the innovativeKids website.

WIN IT: (1) US winner will win their choice a Now I’m Reading product!

TO ENTER: Check out the innovativeKids products and leave a comment on another product your kids would love!

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Please leave me a comment for EACH entry. This contest ends October 22, 2010. Thanks everyone and good luck! Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you. This contest is only open to US residents and once per household please.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I was sent a game to review. Please see my Disclosure Policy.