News North America

Don't let the fun and food of the holidays interfere with your child's learning. Video games and flashy electronic toys may appeal to many kids, but often don't work your child mind as well as non-electronic games and puzzles. Parents shouldn't fret however. There are plenty of toys and games available this holiday season to keep a child's brain sharp and focused during the break and beyond. Here are some tips to help keep your children learning and their brains sharp during the school holidays:

Math and problem-solving skills are most likely to be affected by holiday-season brain drain, experts say. There are plenty of games available however that will make math and problem solving, fun. One game that has the attention of educators and parents alike is Perplexus by Plasmart Inc. It's a 3D maze game where players manoeuvre a small marble around challenging barriers inside a large-sized transparent sphere. Unlike traditional flat-surface mazes that are composed of one path, this game challenges a player's problem solving abilities with numerous paths to choose from and hundreds of barriers to overcome. In addition to being an entertaining game, it's a valuable tool for cognitive development, encouraging children to exercise their problem-solving, motor and dexterity skills, as well as improving their hand-eye coordination. Experts say the game is just as challenging for adults as it is for children. For ages 4-104, it will help keep parents problem solving skills sharp as well.

It is widely accepted that there is a link between a healthy body and a healthy brain, so keeping your child's body fit, will also keep the brain fit and reduce the holiday season brain-drain. Physical activity can be either indoors, or out. One popular riding toy is the PlasmaCar by Plasmart Inc. It's a mechanical marvel that can be driven on any flat surface and is powered solely by kid-power. This attractive little vehicle a fun way for kids to ride around the neighbourhood and keep their bodies fit at the same time. PlasmaCar requires no batteries or fuel, perhaps just a cookie or two for the driver.

Articles are provided free of charge. Articles appearing on web sites, must credit www.newsnorthamerica.com. Articles appearing in Print, must credit News North America with (NNA) at beginning of an article or – News North America at the end. Any source/sponsor of the information quoted in the text must also be identified as presented. Images are only to be used with corresponding editorial copy. Usage of News North America articles constitutes your acceptance of these terms and an agreement between you and News North America.

Keep kids learning during the holidays