No better buy-in than learning through play!  The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit introduces children to a lot of the basics, like learning how to identify letters, forming shapes and how to follow directions.   Since all the activities are like games, it will hardly feel like a traditional lesson plan.

The exercises help them absorb each concept by executing it hands-on. Kiddos learn how to make letters, shapes and pictures with clingy stickers that adhere to a gel board. Games that include finger tracing, mystery letter recognition, and fishing for letters (yes, with a little rod included) are all part of the fun.  Great for those little visual learners!

Children will learn how to color inside the lines, complete with mini canvas boards and crayons.  Parents and kids can also get active with body awareness exercises that help with coordination, balance, directions and fine motor skills. Our tester learned he was right-handed!

The kit also includes a map-like board game that addresses counting, navigation and taking turns – a great launching pad to play board games with older siblings or friends!  All the fun packs up neatly in a handy travel case.  $50 at www.grasshopperkits.com.