Learning Resources Pizza Mania Early Math Game ~ Review & Giveaway

Kaelyn has always been a learner from the time she was very young. She is constantly challenging herself and loves to learn new things. That's why I'm always on the lookout for high quality games and activities that we can do with her to help support this love for learning. Thankfully, I know we can count Learning Resources for exactly that!

The leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home, Learning Resources has been a trusted source for educators and parents for more than 25 years! With a diverse product line of over 1300 products focusing on everything from mathematics, science, early childhood, reading, etc...it's no wonder Learning Resources is a name known around the world.

I was introduced to Learning Resources when I taught preschool. They have a great selection of products for children, with a mission to develop quality educational products that make learning exciting for children of all ages and abilities. No matter what age or skill level your child may be at...Learning Resources is sure to have a hands-on activity to help build important skills through imagination and fun.

I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review another one of their great products. We were sent the Pizza Mania early math Game.

Features/Benefits:

• Reinforces listening, counting, and early addition and subtraction
  
  
• Challenges students with 2 levels of play
  
  
• Includes 4 pizzas, 48 toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives and peppers), and talking chef (3.5"L x 3.5"W x 5"H) with volume control
  
  
• Requires 3 AA batteries, not included
  
  
• For 2-4 players (ages 4-7)

Although Kaelyn is not quite 4 yet, I knew she'd be excited to play a game that had to do with counting and math. This is something that's right up her alley...not to mention a game dealing with one of her favorite foods...pizza!!

When the Pizza Mania early math game arrived, she and I were both excited to try it out. Upon opening the box we found everything we needed to play. It includes: 4 pizzas, 48 toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives and peppers), and a talking chef (3.5"L x 3.5"W x 5"H) with volume control. The talking chef does not come with batteries, but AA batteries are very common and something we always have on hand so this was no problem at all. After putting in 3 AA batteries, we were ready to read through the instructions and get started.

Setting it up couldn't have been easier. Each player got a pizza and we set the Chef and all pizza toppings in the center.

We then turned on the talking Chef and followed the directions he gave. For instance, "Add 3 olives; take away 1 pepperoni". After 1 minute, the Chef calls out what toppings the pizzas should have and all players with the correct toppings win.

We played it several times and had a great time! Kaelyn is getting so good at counting and really is getting the hang of the game the more we play. I can see it helping her with her counting and listening skills...as well as addition and subtraction and she doesn't even know it. Best of all...all this learning is going on while she's having fun!

I really love this game for several reason. First of all...it's simple to understand and goes fairly quickly (each game lasts about 60 seconds). Young children Kaelyn's age do not always have the longest attention span, so keeping things moving and short are important. It's really been perfect for her. I also appreciate that there are two levels of play for an additional challenge. This ensures that it's something both younger and older children can use and enjoy.

The first way to play is as mentioned above. It's great for younger players to listen closely and following the direction for addition and subtraction of the toppings.

The second way to play is called Pizza Panic. This is for more advanced players and sounds like it will be a lot of fun once Kaelyn is a bit older. The game plays the same as Game 1, but the speed of the game is increased even more. You have to think fast.

Finally, I really like that's it's not so much a competitive game amongst other players, but a way to work on these early math skills for yourself. More than one player can win which helps young children keep the focus off of beating another child, and on doing the best that they possibly can.

Overall I've been really happy with this game. The quality is great, and best of all it offers an opportunity for us to work with Kaelyn on her early math skills while having fun at the same time. I can see this being a game we pull out to play frequently over the coming months and years. Once again, Learning Resources did not disappoint!

Buy It: The SRP of Pizza Mania Early Math Game is $24.99 and is available at www.LearningResources.com, other online retailers and specialty stores.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Pizza Mania game from Learning Resources!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Learning Resources and let me know another product you'd love to have.

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#WIN a Pizza Mania Early Math Game from Learning Resources! http://bit.ly/n9oWbt Ends 9/9

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Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 9th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.*