JUNKDRAWERS

MOMMY, Can I PLAY on the COMPUTER?

How many times do you hear that in a day?

Now, there's something new for children ages 5 - 8 that just may ease your mind when kids want to have their turn on the computer.

(And moms, you don't have to buy any stuffed animals!)

DreamBox Learning has developed a K-2 math learning program that actually adapts the game to each child's learning needs. Kids like it because they play cool adventure games based on pirates, dinosaurs, pets, or pixies. Parents and teachers like it because it's a robust math program that reflects what is being taught in the classroom while updating parents on children's progress.

An individual subscription to DreamBox is $12.95 per month (and $19.95 for a family). Six-month and year-long packages are available. baystateparent likes DreamBox because it solves the problem of where to go on the computer with little ones and makes a great gift (it's green, educational, affordable, and no clutter!)

Two-week trials and gift certificates are available. Visit DreamBox.com to check it out for yourselves.

Bright FUTURE Have you gotten your baby's eyes checked?

InfantSEE®, a public health program managed by Optometry's CharityTM - The AOA Foundation, says an eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age is important to determine if an infant is at risk for eye or vision disorders. Did you know that eye problems arise from conditions that can be identified in a baby's first year?

According to InfantSEE.org, 1 in every 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems, yet only 13 percent of mothers with children younger than 2 years of age said they had taken their babies to see an eye and vision care professional.

The best part of this preventive screening, "Vision Therapy," is that regardless of your income or health insurance, InfantSEE will conduct their testing FREE of charge to all children 12 months and under.

Offices are located in Worcester and Spencer. Please visit their Web site at InfantSEE. org or call 508-885-2219 (Spencer) or 508-753-5103 (Worcester).

Roadeez ADD FLAIR to your SEATBELTS!

 

Add some flair to your family's next road trip with cool and stylish seatbelt covers by Roadeez. Created by two moms from Danvers, MA, Sheri Trocchi and Chloe Marmen, their goal is to promote "consistent seat belt use and responsible automobile travel."

Inspired by a love for adventure and the open road, safety is actually what prompted these moms to create comfy and funky wraparound seatbelt covers. With an endless amount of design and fabric selections, there is a style for every member of the family to personalize his or her spot. Wouldn't your kids love that?

Each machine-washable cover retails for $14.95 with a portion of your purchase donated to preserving the earth through carbonfund.org.

For more information, visit roadeez.org. While you are there, click the link "destinationz" for free New England road trip suggestions, travel-friendly snacks, etc.

Non-Profit TUTORING in NATICK
Just in time for report cards and holiday giving

Kids Connect, Inc., a non-profit on-site tutoring service in Natick, assists students in grades 2 - 12 facing academic challenges while focusing on building self-confidence.

While the current annual budget for Kids Connect has grown to over $100,000, director Deb Sayre is determined to continue to provide this valuable service to local students, especially at a time when the economy is increasing the challenges faced by the families of many of her students. "My goal is to continue to reach those who need help but may think they can't afford our services," says Sayre. "We offer a sliding scale so parents can pay what they can afford." That fee ranges anywhere from 0 to $45 for a session in many subjects with a high-quality tutor (many are certified teachers in Natick schools).

A meaningful way to recognize a special teacher (or anyone really) this holiday season could be to make a donation in his or her name to Kids Connect. Purchasing an hour of tutoring for a needy child is an investment in a child's future, says Sayre. "Once a child learns he can learn, he can succeed. It's not about the MCAS. It's about their foundation of learning. There is nothing worse than the loss of potential."

 

For information on getting tutoring for your child or to help children in need, contact Kids Connect, Inc., located on 43 Main St. in Natick: kids-connect.org, 508-652-4211. Mark your calendars: The Kids Connect 12th Annual Arts & Artisans Craft Show will take place on Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Morse Institute Library in Natick.

Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? E-mail editor@baystateparent.com.