"Colors and Shapes are Building Blocks of Cognitive Development"

I read another great article today titled “Why Colors and Shapes Matter”, by Ellen Booth Church via Scholastic.  In a nutshell it stresses that learning shapes and colors is a key building block in early cognitive development.  Additionally, the article provides a few simple tips for parents to help nurture the development of both.  It’s a fantastic article and well worth the read: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3746476

Check out the Shapels on YouTube!

We hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend and we’re sure everyone is trying to get the rust off from the three-day weekend.  Keep your chin up and remember the 4^th of July is only 37 days away! In the meantime when you need a break you can always head over to Shapeltown for endless fun and activities.  Even better, come check out the official Shapels YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIdJ41HEaY3oyrJSFQhfIg

Remember What Memorial Day Means

While many of us look forward to the great sales and BBQ potlucks with our family and friends, let us not forget the true meaning of the day.  Tomorrow we honor the great men & women who died serving our country. 

Additionally, a little known fact is that it was originally known as “Decoration Day” and was created soon after the civil war, although it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1971!  

Check Out a Shapels Cartoon

I am sure everyone is looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend. Since you will have a little extra time on your hands be sure to check out a Shapels cartoon.  It’s fun for the little one(s) to watch, but educational as well.  To see the Shapels in action click here:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/M3bzfIHHONI

Story Time: How Many Birds in a Tree?

Are you ready for another fun filled adventure with the Shapels? Well then you are in luck, the newest addition to story time is “How Many Birds in a Tree?”.

To read all about Cindy Circle’s adventure head on over to the Shapels learning center @: http://www.shapels.com/learning/story-of-the-day/

Read to your Little One(s) Early

I stumbled upon a fantastic story by Irene Sege via Eye on Early Education.  This article reiterates something I have touched on before, but states things in a very cut and dry manner.  There cannot be enough emphasis on the value reading to our children from an early age provides.  A few key bullet points from the article are listed below and you can also read the full article at: http://eyeonearlyeducation.com/2013/04/04/early-experience-shapes-later-literacy/

• “Children who enter school having been read to at home scored, on average, 35 points higher on the PIRLS test than children whose parents did not read to them”.

• “Students who like reading have an advantage of 54 points over those who do not like reading”.

Shapels Mobile Updated!

While we are still hammering out a few minor kinks here and there, be sure to come check out the new and improved Shapels mobile site.  Come learn, play and enjoy a variety of activities and adventures with all of your favorite Shapels.

www.shapels.com

Just Wanted to Say Thank You

Thanks again to everyone who has shown their support to the Shapels over the last 2 months!  We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you.  Don’t forget to follow our other pages @:

https://twitter.com/ShapelTown

https://www.facebook.com/shapels

https://shapeltown.blogspot.com

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/shapel-town/91/426/633

http://instagram.com/shapeltown#

http://www.pinterest.com/shapeltown/

http://shapeltown.tumblr.com/

Please continue to help us spread the word about the Shapels program. Our goal is to share our learning community with as many children and parents as possible. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

All the best,

Shapeltown

Daniel’s Mother’s Day Surprise!

Just in time for Mother’s Day we have a new story that you and the little one(s) can read together.  Head on over to story time and check out “Daniel’s Mother’s Day Surprise!”

http://www.shapels.com/learning/story-of-the-day/

Mother's Day!

We hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! Cindy Circle wants to remind you to "circle" Sunday, May 11th on your calendar. Mother's Day is right around the corner so don't forget to honor all moms on this day! Tell us something amazing about your Mom. 

Shapels YouTube Channel

Who wants to play “I Spy”? How many shapes can your child identify in their environment? Head on over to the Shapels YouTube channel where you can watch a video clip of our founder, Evie North, singing songs about shapes. After watching the video, go on a shape scavenger hunt with your child.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIdJ41HEaY3oyrJSFQhfIg