Because of COVID-19, so many parents are in the unfamiliar role of being, at least, part-time teachers. They have students who are going to school entirely on-line, or, in some cases, partly in person, partly at home. While parents have always had a role in making sure the homework gets done, and lending a helping hand when a child is stuck on a problem or an idea, taking a more active and important role in the day-to-day formal education can be frightening and frustrating.
Today I'll be appearing on SiriusXM's Doctor Radio (Channel 110) to discuss strategies to help parents cope with this brave new world. Joining me will be my mom, Joanne Oppenheim, a former 1st & 2nd Grade teacher, award winning author of more than fifty books for and about children, and co-founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, an independent guide to children's products. Mom is full of practical advice to help get the school year started on the right foot, advice that comes from years of classroom work, as well as her experience as a senior editor at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.
I'm going to talk about hi-tech products that can supplement the core curriculum to enhance your child's educational experience. Then, with internet access so central to our professional and educational lives these days, I'll go over some of the best products for your home network, from laptops and printers to backup and security software.
Here are some of the products I'll be taking on air today:
Coding & Robotics Toys
Osmo Coding Starter Set for iPad ($99.99 including base). Ages 5-10
Osmo Detective Agency (from $49.99, Osmo base $39.99 sold separately, if you don't have one already). Ages 5-12
Tech Will Save Us Arcade Coder ($69.99). Ages 6-12+
Mochi ($189). Manufacturer says 3-6, but be careful of small parts.
Wonder Workshop Dash ($148.46). Ages 6+
Wonder Workshop Gripper Building Kit ($39.99, Dash sold separately). Ages 6+
Wonder Workshop Ping Pong Ball Launcher ($29.99, Dash sold separately). Ages 6+
Sphero Mini Golf ($49.99). Ages 8+
Sphero Mini Soccer ($41.30). Ages 8+
Sphero Mini At-Home Learning Starter Kit ($89.99). Ages 8+
Sphero RVR: All Terrain Programable Robot ($249). Ages 8+
Littlebits RVR Topper ($124.99). Ages 8+
Computers & Tablets
Printers
Brother L2300D laser printer ($99)
Brother Creativity Center (Free)!
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer ($99)
Epson EcoTank ET-3760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier and Ethernet with document feeder (from $409)
Epson EcoTank ET-2760 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scanner and Copier (from $346)
Backup & Security Software
Acronis True Image 2021 (from $49.99 per year. $99.99 per year with 1TB backup storage)
Routers with Parental Controls
NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi Router System ($299)
