Exploring Bugs, Creepy Crawlies & More (A Learning Resources Review)

A month ago I was introduced to a company that has been in existence since the past 25 years and is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands on educational materials for the classroom and learning toys for the home. I am ashamed to admit that Learning Resources is new to me but a household one for many of you.

Looking through the site was exciting as it's filled with great educational toys and resources for kids catering to sharpening different skills from imaginative play, manipulatives and exploration to creative play and early skill development. They even have toys to help children with special needs.

With summer just a week or so away, I'm sure you must be googling "outdoor activity ideas" already. Well, if you have a little Explorer on your hands then check out the Learning Resources Discovery and Exploration toys.


The Buzz:

A year ago I had a curious little Explorer who loved to pick up creepy crawlies and bugs with her bare hands. Well not anymore. That little Explorer now goes "Eeeeeew" or squeals at the sight of anything that crawls , thus the two "fun" exploratory toys we received to review would sadly be of little interest to her....we know several little boys who would jump for joy though!

Honestly which little fellow wouldn't want a set of 6 Big View Bug Jars?


These neat 4.5" high jars come with lids that seal tight and air vents to allow the live bug under observation to breathe. With this you can use the opportunity to teach your child that it is important not to harm even slimy/hairy/ ugly looking creepy crawlies especially if they haven't done anything to harm him/her. Your child should be shown how to gently place them in the bug jar and gently release them after the observation session.

Each jar come with a 3.5 x magnifying glass hidden under the bug's wings on the lid, making this all the more interesting to use.

You can also buy the Early Science Explorers Set that includes a 4.5 x magnifying glass with a built in stand to prop the same up and 6" tweezers.


Since both sets are suggested for children aged 3 and older I would advise you supervise the younger ones if they insist on taking the tweezers too close to the live bug. You wouldn't want any bug fatalities!

For children aged 5 and older you can encourage them to create a science journal and have them draw each bug captured for observation. You can later google more information about the bug and have them list out characteristic features, what they eat and more. It will be fun to look through the journal at the end of summer and a great "Show n Tell" topic for the next school year.

Visit the Learning Resources site for more hands-on science projects you can do with your child.


Buy It-

You can buy the Big View Bug Jars (Set of 6) for 35.99 US$ and the Early Science Explorers Set for 6.99 US$.


Love on the Sponsor-

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** EBMR Disclaimer: Learning Resources sent us the featured products for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: learning resources, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 6:00 PM