Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

I have posted this before – but since many families in our community are giving gifts to their children (our students) over the next couple weeks – here is my shameless plug to consider items that support our learning targets.

• Books – You can never go wrong with books. Consider non-fiction titles like biographies, autobiographies, travel/geography, how-to, and science/technology options. (Magazine subscriptions can also be a good fit for non-fiction reading.)

• e-Readers – Same as above but in Kindle, iPad, iPad Mini or Surface format.

• Legos – Always popular and great for creativity.  They can also help build dexterity and develop math and pattern skills.  They also have a product called “Chain Reactions” that involve design and build activities.

• Osmos – They are fun game that goes with an iPad and supports learning in key areas such as: creative problem solving, art, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

• Technology – This area can be pricey, however, we are encouraging our students at many grade levels to bring their laptop, tablets, and smartphones to class to use as a learning tool. Google Chromebooks are a relatively inexpensive option for laptop and they work well on our network.

• Hornet Gear – Okay, not educational – but kids and adults alike look good in Saline Hornet apparel.  Stop by 104 E. Michigan at the Edge Too – until 6:00pm on December 22nd.  If you can’t make it there – check out www.salinespirit.com.\

Some “Old School” gifts worth considering… science kit, art supplies, erector set, and telescope

Feel free to comment with other educational gift ideas.