Winds of Fortune: FamilyFun Toy of the Year Finalist!

This just in! FamilyFun magazine has notified us that Winds of Fortune has been named a finalist for their upcoming Toy of the Year Award! Finalists are expected to be listed in their November 2009 issue, with the top ten announced later.

This is great exposure for SimplyFun's newest game!

Two New Game Titles from SimplyFun

Original posted by W. Eric Martin on Jul 22, 2009 at 02:00 PM on Boardgamenews.com.

SimplyFun, the game publisher that employs [home-party] consultants to introduce its games to others, has released two new games: Head of the Herd and Winds of Fortune.

Head of the Herd, for three or more players, ages 8 and up, is a party game in the tradition of Quelf as players must follow the instructions on various cards each time while simultaneously avoiding what’s prohibited by the “Law of the Land” cards. Thus you might have to start your turn by bowing, then complete a task without using your thumbs and while having one hand on the table. Break the law, and you move closer to being eliminated from the game. Head of the Herd retails for $32.

Winds of Fortune, for 2-4 players ages 6 and up, is another entry in the gem-collecting category, but players do so by blowing on a straw to move a ship through a water-filled tray, collecting gems at the various ports they reach. While one player is imitating the North Wind, the others are rolling a die to try to stop her. Winds of Fortune retails for $34.

About SimplyFun

Based in Bellevue, WA, SimplyFun is a direct selling, home party plan company offering original, award-winning, play products for children, families, and adults. SimplyFun believes that play is absolutely essential to a happy, successful, and balanced life. SimplyFun is an active member of the Direct Selling Association. For more information on SimplyFun, its products or becoming a consultant, visit my website or call 314.640.6281.

Make Time for Family with 30 Minute Play Solutions

Too often I hear, "I don't have time to play games."

To that I ask, "Can you make 30 minutes a day for your family?"

In just 30 minutes of game play you can:

• reconnect with your family and/or friends
• create fun, lasting memories
• build essential life skills
• enjoy meaningful conversations
• experience family bonding
• reinforce family values
• strenthen relationships through healthy play

When searching for your own 30-minute play solutions, look for choices that have everything you need to play a complete game in one box or pouch. You don't want to waste time searching for those little add-ons, like a pencil and scoring pad. You should be able to just open the box, take a minute or two to read the quick rules, and begin playing a fun game.

Might I suggest checking out SimplyFun products. These games are just that: simple to learn and fun to play! I've found SimplyFun to offer the best solutions for 30 minute play. This is one of the many reasons I chose to become a SimplyFun games consultant. As a work-at-home-mom, I have lots of 30 minute blocks of time to play games with my family.

Check out this "Christmas in July" Sales Event going on right now. http://bit.ly/Trtzj Watch demonstrations of many games on the web or attend a SimplyFun games party to experience these 30 minute play solutions first-hand.

Healthy play is essential for a successful, balanced and happy life. I invite you to rediscover the people who mean the most in your life and together take time to celebrate the importance of play each and every day. It only takes 30 minutes a day to fit game play into your busy schedule. Grab a game and play with your family!

Teaching a Child the Alphabet

It's been a while since I was a child--over forty years ago! As I think back to my early childhood education, I really don't remember how I initially learned my ABC's. What I do recall vividly are the cursive penmanship lessons in second grade, but I must have already known my alphabet to have completed those lessons.

Now that I have a preschooler of my own, I want him to learn his alphabet this summer so it's fresh when he starts his Pre-K class. He already knows the capital letters. Learning the lower case alphabet is not as easy. In a child's mind sometimes a 'd' and 'b' look the alike. Same goes for the 'p' and 'q'.

So, if a child isn't yet writing, how do you go about teaching the lowercase alphabet to a preschooler? To find the answer I put on my thinking (research) cap and began combing the Internet for suggestions.

Low and behold, I found a wide selection of ideas that are both fun for the child and educational for my peace of mind. There are three ways I can tackle this summer lesson plan:
1. Set him in front of a PC and run a software application, such as Let's Learn ABC
2. Show flash cards or read books, such as Dr. Suess's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book
3. Use a puzzle, like Huey Learning Puzzle

Well, as you can imagine, I chose the most interactive lesson from among these three choices. The one that incorporates family fun and games! The Huey Learning Puzzle allows me and my son an interactive learning experience. Not only is he identifying the lowercase letters, but he's matching them to the capital letter also printed on the puzzle. Each lower case alphabet character is a different puzzle shape so he quickly learned that the lowercase 'd' will not fit in the 'b' spot.

In addition to the alphabet, Huey also teaches colors and counting. Each of Huey's shoes is a different hue. The lady bugs in the scene are numbered 1-10 for counting. Three concepts in one puzzle! I've hit a gold mine for a solid wood puzzle at only $12!!

Now that he's on the verge of spelling 3 and 4 letter words, the Huey puzzle makes a great spelling game, too. One puzzle, unlimited fun learning possibilities!