One of the most important things to expose your child to, even at a very young age, is the alphabet. I remember handing alphabet blocks to my son at 6 months of age, and he began recognizing letters at age one, which is probably also part of the reason why he was an early reader. That’s why I really like this book Alphabet Soup by Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes. It’s a scavenger hunt that helps little ones learn letters in a whimsical way. You can purchase the softcover version of this book for $19.95 or $29.95 for the hardcover version at blurb.com.

VTech is releasing a new reading system called Bugsby, designed for ages 3-7 years. As we were one of the lucky households to be able to sample the system before it’s available in stores we received our Bugsby Reading System package in the mail today. My 5 year old son flew right into it and absolutely loved it. Although he can read pretty well on his own, he likes the design of the Bugsby pen that reads the story to the child, and he loved the books that came in the package, especially The Wonder Pets. The games that the child can play using the Bugsby pen and book are fun and more challenging, too, involving rhyming, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and more. I can’t pry this reading system out of his hands for a second, which I guess is a pretty good advertisement for the product! You can read more about the Bugsby Reading System at VTechKids.com, where the starter pack (including Bugsby pen and starter book) sells for $29.99. It’s a great learning tool and a way to make children eager to read.

Baby Sign Factory has created a new kit that is supposed to help baby learn sign language faster. Called Bamba’s First Comforts, the kit includes special toys and baby signs to help both parent and child learn sign language. All of the items are specifically designed to appeal to one of baby’s senses, and were designed by speech and language therapists. A sign instruction booklet for parents featuring the most useful signs is also included in the kit. The kit costs the equivalent of about $57 USD, with shipping as it comes from the United Kingdom. You can read more testimonials about Bamba’s First Comforts at BabySignFactory.com, where there is also a link to purchase the kit.

Babies are always learning, from the time they emerge from the womb. It seems that the more they’re exposed to, the more their little brains take in and absorb. This Nature Themed Number Poster is therefore a great idea for wall decor in the nursery. It’s a wonderful way to introduce numbers to your baby in a format she’ll naturally be drawn to, with the bright colors and pretty nature illustrations. I kept artwork like this on my son’s walls as a baby, and he was able to count to thirty and beyond before he was three years old. Coincidence? Maybe so, but either way, this is still the perfect addition to your child’s nursery, as it is printed on 100% recycled paper and made with soy ink. Made by Print, Pattern & Paper, you can purchase the numbers poster for $32 for an 11″ x 14″ size, or $42 for the 18″ x 24″, at PrintPatternPaper.com. Artistic value plus educational possibilities — what could be better in a work of art?

Our sand a water table was a big hit when we got it, but I’m afraid it has seen better days. I’m thinking it can make it through one more summer, but I am definitely looking around for a suitable replacement. This Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Center from Step 2 is one of the nicer models that I’ve seen. I love the canopy, which allows you to put it even in a less-than-shady spot. I also like that the water and sand are kept relatively separate. Our table allows them to mix a little too easily. You can purchase this table for $79.99 at amazon.com.

Learning Curve is having a sale on some of its most popular toys and other baby/children’s items, such as this “Getting Started” Thomas the Tank Engine for just $4.99 (regularly $10.99). Other items on sale include the Bob the Builder Build Along Electronic Tool Bench for $9.99 (regularly $19.99) and the Magna Light Travel System, including stroller and carseat, for $169.99 (was $269.99). Visit LearningCurve.com to see all of the steals and deals available.

Leap Frog is currently having its Spring Clearance, with prices up to 75% off. This is a great time to buy some educational games for your child’s My First Leap Pad or Leapster. For example, the My First Leap Pad Dora the Explorer To The Rescue book and cartridge is on sale for just $8.99 (was $12.99). Another great buy is the Fridge Phonics Fridge Talk Magnetic Wordplay Recorder, regularly $21.99, on sale for $14.99. View all the great buys at LeapFrog.com.

Hooked on Phonics has some of its best (and most expensive) sets on sale for a short time, including the Discover Reading Baby Edition Premium. Normally selling for $64.95, it’s currently on sale for just $19.95. If you use the additional coupon code “save40,” you can save even more. Other editions on sale include the Learn To Read Pre-K Edition Premium, for $19.95 (regularly $64.95, and Discover Reading Baby Edition Deluxe for $39.95 (regularly $99.95). Check out all of Hooked On Phonics Overstock sales at HookedOnPhonics.com

Our fridge is covered in all sorts of magnetic toys, letters and numbers in the hopes of entertaining my son while I’m busy in the kitchen.  These fancy wooden letters by Djeco are possibly the most attractive ones I’ve seen. The best thing is that they are not only magnetic but are wooden too, so maybe I can finally get rid of the generic plastic ones we have scattered around. These are sure to make learning the alphabet and to spell out words much more entertaining with their bright multi-colored and fun designs.

These letters come in a set of 38 wonderfully colorful magnets guaranteed to cheer up any dreary looking fridge. They are made by Paris based company Djeco who have been producing superior products for children for over 50 years. They are made from high quality wood and paint and either meet or exceed European Safety Standards. They are for children ages 3 and older and are available at PetitBaby.com for $19.99.

I tutor children in math. One of the most important concepts for them to learn is the mechanics of counting, which leads right into multiplication. Visual and tactile aids add so much to their understanding of mathematical concepts. These Counting Blocks by Haba are a perfect tool for helping your child with her math homework. It’s much better than counting fingers.Visit KangarooBoo.com to view and purchase this item, priced at $38.99.

Computers are such an integral part of our lives today, and no one is a better example of that than our children. My son had computer lessons during his first year of preschool, when he was just 3 years old! He was able to teach me how to use the touchpad when I got my new laptop. It’s a new world, and GeoSafari realizes that. Their Laptop for Kids is designed especially for kids ages 3-7. It has adjustable time limits for games, so that your child doesn’t spend too much time on the computer, reading exercises, alphabet, science, phonics, sight words, and more. It comes with 63 laptop cards containing 2000 questions in 126 lessons, and additional cards are available for purchase.

This laptop is an award-winner, having won the Dr. Toy 10 Best Educational Products and the Seal of Approval 2001 from the National Parenting Center. You can purchase this educational toy for your child at DiscoverThis.com, where it is currently on sale for $57.95.

 This Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy by Fisher-Price will provide plenty of fun for your little one. They’ve really utilized every inch of this little puppy to give you several learning/play options. Your child will be introduced to the alphabet, numbers, parts of the boyd, and colors. It also plays games and sings songs. Having this puppy, you almost wouldn’t need any other toys.

I’d probably take this little puppy along on long drives to make the trip a little less stressful on baby. Kids can get a littled stressed by long car rides and traffic and the back of your head. Take a few minutes to bring a few toys along or just bring the Laugh & Learn Puppy by Fisher-Price. You’ll be glad you did. Visit babyearth.com to view this item, priced at $21.95.

These Brightlings Matchers by Leap Frog will reward your child by twirling, chiming, and shining whenever he correctly matches the halves of the toy. Your child will be responding to colors and motion and learning about matching and sequencing all at the same time. Of course, he’ll think he’s just having fun playing with these Brightlings Matchers.

You can view this item at babyearth.com, where they are priced at $7.95 each. It would be a great gift idea for baby’s shower. The baby who receives these Brightlings Matchers will be getting a real head start.

Sight words are commonly used in preschool and kindergarten to help children learn to read. This DVD takes the concept a step further.  The Dolch Sight Words DVD, Parts 1 & 2, shows over 200 words that are commonly learned in kindergarten through third grade. The words are presented over stimulating visual images with a rhythmic beat, designed to enhance a child’s learning of the words.

It seems to me that good old flash cards would have the same effect, but maybe not. If your child is struggling to learn to read, this might be the answer. It is also an idea for those with precocious toddlers and preschoolers who seem to pick up words quickly. This would be a great way to build their vocabulary even further.

The Dolch Sight Words DVD, Parts 1 & 2 sells as a set at Amazon.com for $19.95.

I was so excited to find this puzzle today while browsing through the GoingApe.com website. I’ve been looking for an aid to help my 4 year old son learn to tie his shoes, and haven’t found anything I like. This Shoe Lacing Activity Puzzle by Melissa & Doug is perfect. The puzzle is fashioned out of wood and looks like a high top sneaker. The shoe measures 8.75″ x 5″ x 3.75″, which is the perfect size to help a child learn to tie his shoes.The wood is smooth and sanded, so it’s safe for your child to play with (like all of Melissa & Doug’s products).

Recommended for ages 3 and up, you can purchase the Shoe Lacing Activity Puzzle on sale for $8.27 (reg. $11.02) at GoingApe.com.