The science of brain development is providing concrete evidence that there is real power in play. While often dismissed as “just fun,” play is the vital activity that children use to learn about and interact with their world, and gain the mental, physical and social skills necessary to succeed in their adult lives. As Professor Karen Hutchison of Rowan University says, “Play is actually the work of a child in which they are preparing themselves for adult roles and for society at large.” For a child, play is the vehicle for exploring and learning, developing new skills, and connecting with others. Through self-directed play, children can follow their interests, explore the unknown, link outcomes with choices, conquer their fears, and make friends.

Play also has important links to developing key skills that serve as a foundation for life-long success, including critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and collaboration. Often referred to as 21st century skills, these capabilities complement core subject matter knowledge and are highly valued in a world that is increasingly complex, competitive, and interconnected. (Boston Children's Museum)

Helps Hands And Improves Handwriting

The Pencil Grip was designed by a doctor and is widely used in classrooms, at home, and in therapeutic settings. The unique shape is designed to be “one size fits all” to help the hands of kids and adults, and work for both righties and lefties. The Pencil Grip can be used as a training tool, and then permanently for added comfort. The Pencil Grip fits on pencils, primary pencils, pens, crayons, markers, paint brushes, etc., so its benefits can be widely enjoyed.

How To Use

Slide the wider end of the grip on first. Righties and Lefties simply place their thumb on the “R” or the “L” printed on the grip. Fingers will naturally fall into place with the middle finger on the underside of the grip. The images on the left show proper positioning.

Improve Kids' Handwriting

A comfortable hand has more control and shows improved handwriting. The Pencil Grip guides the hand into an ergonomic position. It relieves hand pain, reduces fatigue, and improves comfort. Consistent use teaches and reinforces the proper grip, and stops common problems like fist grips, thumb-wrapping, and white-knuckling. Parents, teachers, and occupational therapists widely recommend using The Pencil Grip.

Helping Adult Hands

The Pencil Grip is widely used by the millions of Americans diagnosed with hand health issues like Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tremors, and a general lack of strength. The Arthritis Foundation recognized The Pencil Grip for ‘helping to improve the quality of life of the millions of Americans with arthritis. ’ The Pencil Grip received this commendation because it is easy and comfortable to hold.

These are pictures from one of our customers Jenn Luckett's classroom. It is just gorgeous, so welcoming! If you like the polka dot paper, red file pockets, lime green or black organizers, ladybug cut outs and polka dot border...well, you know where to find them- not to mention the educational charts.

"Choose your favorite color. You can use Thinking Putty as a toy, a stress ball, a squeeze toy, or as therapy putty. As an office toy, Thinking Putty will draw the jealousy of your co-workers. As a toy, you will never be able to put it down.

I promise!" - Crazy Aaron

 All Putty BUY ! GET ONE 1/2 Off!!! Ends Dec 31, 2014

 If you're looking for innovative sensory products, educational toys, occupational therapy tools, autism or special needs toys for learning, play, self-regulation, sensory integration, handwriting, motor skills development, fidgeting, and much more... you've come to the right place! If there are items that you would like to see us carry in the store or have a recommendation for an item you would like for us to stock- Please let us know!! Here is a Sampling of what you can find at BEST.

Chewy Tubes and Oral Stimulators

Therapy Putty

Pencil Grips

Emotion Cards

Seat Cushions

Fine Motor Matching, Counting, Sorting

Play Foam ( Great for Sensory and Fine Motor)

Kinetics Sand

Sensory Items

Tactile Items

Sensory- Tactile Games

 

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Open the door to imagination with Magformers.  They'll enjoy hours of play with our impressive selection of Magformers. Make birthday or holiday celebrations extra memorable when you surprise them with these must-have gifts. BEST has a wide variety of popular toys and games that help promote extended imaginative play. Enjoy one-stop shopping with all the latest products for those special girls and boys on your list. When you need an engaging gift sure to please, make BEST Teacher Supply your first and only destination for fun.

We also carry Magna-Tiles® Clear Colors 32 Piece Set includes: 14 Small Squares, 2 Large Squares, 4 Isosceles Triangles, 4 Right Triangles and 8 Equilateral Triangles The original starter set of Magna-Tiles®. These tactile, colorful translucent Magna-Tiles® are sized just right and easy to use, whether creating designs on a flat surface or building in 3-D. Basic shapes are learned through play. Magna-Tiles® develops patterning, shape recognition, building and motor skills. Use them for guided activities or hours of open-ended fun and exploration. They will work well alone or together with Magna-Tiles® Solid Colors to build windows, skylights, etc.

Veterans Day...show your support and appreciation!

with a Patriotic Display. 

Show your patriotism....we do! This Snoopy Set does as well!

IF You love the Winter as much as we do...then you will adore this display! For the background we used the Pacon City Lights paper. Then we added in the Snow Pals Bulletin Board Set--we like to make our displays 3D by adding little strips of rolled paper to the back of the pieces. There are snowflake cut-outs in the set but- we also added in additional snowflakes in assorted sizes which really dress up the scene. This is a scene that can stay up all winter long, for those that don't like to change your displays every month.

34 Teaching Emojis

www.weareteachers.com

34 emojis and what they mean in the teaching world.

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• When asked what they thought of the TIME article...this is what some of our customers had to say:

•  Define "Bad Teacher"... Bad teacher by what measure? If they're referring to concepts like Amendment 3... NO NO NO NO NO!
  Tech Millionaires (and other millionaires) need to keep their noses out of education, unless they plan on donating significant funding to schools, and not just the districts in worst financial need. All public schools need increased funding. So if they want to bank roll all schools to the point that all schools have all the technology, supplies, support, staffing, and facilities that they deserve, and to the point that all teachers and support staff are compensated properly, then they can have some say in how schools are run. However, no matter how much money they invest, they don't get to pretend like the are education experts, because they're not. They don't get to try to impose one-size-fits-all methods and measures.

  11 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 3
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   I think TIME magazine is a little misinformed about teacher tenure. Disappointed in TIME.

  11 hours ago · Unlike · 3
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   Teacher does not force districts to keep "bad" teachers but rather gives teachers their due process in the event of a problem. It provides a process for administrators to deal with "bad" teachers. Most importantly though it gives teachers the security to advocate for their students without fear of negative consequences.

  11 hours ago · Unlike · 1
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   Bad teachers can be fired! Time magazine does not understand teacher tenure!

  8 hours ago · Unlike · 1
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Calico Critters is a line of miniature animal figures, with homes, furniture and accessories. The animal figures are unique because they are made of a special flocked material that gives them an endearing quality. They were introduced in Japan in 1985 and are distributed worldwide. Calico Critters are sold as families, with Mothers and Fathers, sisters, brothers and babies. The homes and furniture are quite life-like are have incredible detail. The Critters live in the community of Cloverleaf Corners. All the citizens in Cloverleaf Corners have hobbies and jobs. The underlying theme is giving, friendship and happiness. Calico Critters are wholesome, never trendy.

Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners are timeless, classic toys that delight children and promote wholesome family values. These award-winning miniature animals and their life-like environments have inspired the imagination and creativity of countless children all over the world.