Christmas Countdown! Product of the Day 3

Great Geysers is a super science gift for any child in KS1 or KS2, supporting learning across the curriculum while also being great messy fun!

Extreme!

Ever tried this experiment? This great kit from Learning SPACE provides everything your 6-11 year old needs to recreate an amazing geyser up to 25 feet high! 

Not only that, it also includes the tools to explore the science behind the sensation, with over a dozen related experiments. 

Why not video your kids exploring this amazing experiment - we'll upload them to our Youtube channel! 

Priced at £14.99, it's a great value gift for hours of fun!

Christmas Countdown - Product of the Day 2

Day 2 - how's the shopping going?

We've had one of these sturdy wooden Tower Slopes out on display for a wee while, and it is one of those toys that attracts nearly every child (and adult!) who comes into the shop! The wooden cars come in a variety of sizes and click-clack down the track with a very satisfying sound.

Tower Slope

At £59.99, it's a great price for a very solid, sturdy piece of kit that will last for years! 

Christmas Countdown! Product of the Day 1

For our first Christmas Countdown product, here is the wonderful Sophie La Giraffe.

With her chewable, squeezable, squeaky body, she is a perfect first toy - ideal for any new little person's First Christmas! Sometimes the simplest ideas are just the best. Her natural rubber material is entirely phtalate-free, so perfectly safe to chew on. 


Sophie


This is one of the products I can personally endorse - my niece, son and nephew have all had a Sophie, and she's been a great favourite with all of them from only a few weeks old! 


Sophie is also very popular amongst the rich and famous - have a look here: Celebrity Spotting!

Sophie is £12.99 and comes in a gift box. 

Photo time @ Learning SPACE with award winning photographer!

A fantastic offer from Learning SPACE for the new year! 

Each week, the wonderful Mariusz will be in the store with his portable studio, running free taster photo sessions - to take part, simply make a purchase in the shop. You'll get a FREE 5x7" photo on production of a valid receipt! (valid for 2 months from date of purchase.)

I was so impressed with the quality - my kids look positively socially acceptable in the photos he took! And from such a short session, we were only there about 10 minutes!

Mariusz is a very talented photographer. With his 10 years of National Geographic accredited experience, he has travelled and photographed all kinds of people and places. His previous work includes photography at the very prestigious Double Take in London. Mariusz won a National Geographic award  just last year with a fabulous picture of Belfast, and is currently writing and photographing a book filled with photos of our city, for publication in his native Poland! 

For more about Mariusz, follow his page 

www.mariuszsmiejek.com

Here he is in action in Learning SPACE.

And the finished result...

Don't they look brilliant?

For more information, please call into the shop, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out the website at www.learningspaceni.co.uk

From now until Christmas - PRODUCT OF THE DAY!

And to start us off, a really cool kit! Magic Fish Gift Set


This tiny box contains everything you need to grow your own ACTUAL REAL LIVE FISH, just like this one 

Fishies! Tiny fishies that grow from a kit! 


These are not sea monkey type things - these are ACTUAL FISH! 

What a fantastic stocking filler! 

New Product of the Week - Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset

This fab new toy came in last week - I have never seen anything attract so many children for so long!





Everyday Heroes Wooden Playset




The bright colours and sturdy construction make this a long lasting toy with great play value. Friendly characters (people and animals) come included - as do the vehicles and all the furniture!

It's really a fabulous set. Learning SPACE have it at a bargain price, cheaper than Early Learning Centre! At £119.99, it's a fantastic gift for any child aged from 3 and up.

Fun at Photo Time @ Learning SPACE - an experience

Following on from my blog advertising our new FREE event, I thought I'd put my money where my mouth is and bring my own little ones into the shop for a session.


Mariusz was just great with the kids, helping them to relax and feel comfortable with having their pictures taken. His portable studio is just the right size for the space, giving the kids room enough to move around without feeling cramped.


Here's how it went:

This is my 8 year old, posing like a pro. Mariusz was really good at making her feel comfortable and smiley!

Next up, the 6 year old, being remarkably co-operative for once in his life. He really enjoyed the experience, although he was nervous at first. 

And here are the finished results:

Amazing results, I'm sure you'll agree! Especially managing to make the smallest goblin look quite so angelic - I can assure you he is a perfectly normally wicked 2 year old!

I definitely recommend the experience to anyone - and the photos themselves make perfect gifts. Remember, you get a FREE 5x7" print from the session! 

Sessions are FREE with the production of a valid Learning SPACE receipt - no minimum purchase, receipts valid for 2 months from date of sale. 

Product of the Week - PUPPETS!

One of our most popular product ranges at Learning SPACE is the fantastic selection of puppets we have.


My particular favourite is this one from Melissa and Doug - Smoulder the Dragon!

Just look at the cuteness of him! 

The Melissa and Doug puppets can be used with either hand, and are operated using your hand in their mouth plus a stick to move their arms. 

The range includes Smoulder, and his friends the Princess and Queen Carlotta Castlehoff, as well as a doctor, builder and many more! 

The Tell a Tale range of puppets includes hand and finger styles, and provides any fairy story you can think of! Peter Pan comes with his very own tiny Tinkerbell finger puppet! 

Of course, if you are going to be producing wonderful puppet shows, you need a theatre. This link shows the beautiful deluxe version (in my house, a similar one also became a shop/ doctor's surgery/ vets). Short on space? Try this super table top theatre,which folds down into a small box. Or even smaller - the Finger Puppet Theatre, which is already in my stocking filler collection for my 8 year old! 

Oh, and speaking of stocking fillers - check out this fantastic wee set of finger puppets - The Wizard of Oz! I absolutely love it! 

Town House Photography @ Learning SPACE!

Learning SPACE are delighted to announce a new partnership with Townhouse Studios!


Every Thursday from 3-7pm, renowned photographer Mariusz Smiejek will be in residence, available to photograph your little angels! As a special promotion, you will receive a FREE 5x7 photograph from the session, collectable the following week. And if you like what you see, Townhouse Studios are offering vouchers and offers towards a full session in their tailor made studio!


Just have a look at some of his work!

                                       

Mariusz Smiejek is an award-winning photographer with over 10 years of experience. In 2010 he won the 
International National Geographic competition with a picture of Belfast. He currently lives in Belfast, working
with his partner on a new book about contemporary life in Northern Ireland, to be published in his native Poland.


His previous work includes photographing in Germany, and working for prestigious photo studio "Double Take" in London.


Mariusz's Website

Speaking as a parent who has had their fingers burned in the past by overpriced, over-sold photographers, I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of Marius' work, and the extremely reasonable pricing - I'm bringing my kids up to be snapped in half term! (Oh yes, Grandparents, that's what you're getting for Xmas!)

New Product of the Week! JUMPING CLAY

This blogger is bouncing with excitment, I can't wait to play with this stuff with my kids!

Jumping Clay is unique - jasmine scented, air drying, easy to mix colours and it BOUNCES! Just look at some of these fabulous creations:

And here you can see the Learning SPACE staff finding out all about the wonderful stuff! 

We are the FIRST shop in Northern Ireland to stock Jumping Clay. Everyone who has seen or touched it in the flesh has been captivated by it - it's truly amazing stuff!

These amazing Dinosaur Kits contain a skeleton plus clay to build an accurate 3D Dinosaur - for only £4.99!

My 8 year old daughter is just going to love this Accessory set, pretty hair clips, keyrings and jewellry for only  £6.99

We also have a Hand Print Kit, ideal for a baby keepsake, as well as a range of kits - Mini Gift Set and the ultimate Total Gift Set

Order yours now - ideal as a gift, stocking filler or just a fun rainy day activity.

Product of the Week - Swish Kids Plate

Swish Kids!

Swish Kids is a new, exciting and creative way to immortalise your child's works of genius.

All you need to do is buy the kit - your child creates a drawing or painting on the enclosed template. Send it away, and in 3 weeks you will receive your choice of plate, clock or tray. All the products are hard wearing plastic, the plate and tray are dishwasher safe. I have heard reviews from parents saying plates used every day for 6 months are still as good as new!

You could use the template to immortalise some tiny hand and footprints. You can add text, and even photos. 

It's an absolutely perfect gift for doting Grandparents, or even just to brighten up your own home!

We are running sessions in Learning SPACE - every SatARTday, Crafty Ciara is on hand to help out with creative ideas. Come on down and have a go at designing your own plate!

Swish Kids also offer a fundraising pack - contact us for more details! 

info@learningspaceni.co.uk 02890319360

New Product of the Week! TANGLE BALL

Tangle Ball

From the makers of the fab Tangle range of fiddle toys comes this chewy, ergonomic, squishy ball.


Suitable from birth - so absolutely fine for those of us with children who like to chew everything. Washable and sterilisable, bouncy and brightly coloured, these are a great addition to the toy box for any child. 


The range includes a high-contrast black and white version - perfect for young babies or for people with a visual impairment. 


Particularly suitable for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other Additional Needs that need sensory input! 

COMPETITION TIME! Face of Month at Learning SPACE!

We would love to see your photos of you and your kids in unusual or interesting places.  Each month there will be a new competition to find the most exciting, novel or imaginative photo emailed in. Aha, easy! But here's the tricky bit - you need to include a Learning SPACE leaflet in your photo.


Here's our October Face of the Month. It's a particularly cheeky one too! 


Rowan, aged 2.9

You'll notice he's wearing his Learning SPACE leaflet as a fetching hat! (OK, OK, this one's mine - he's not getting a prize!)

Prizes include a £5 voucher for Learning SPACE and the chance to appear on our website home page as the Face of the month at Learning SPACE!


To get your leaflet and enter the competition, call into the shop or place an online order. Email entries to info@learningspaceni.co.uk

New Product! - Oh Plah Chewy Wristband

Oh Plah Chewy Wristband

We've sourced this fabulous, award winning new product in response to several requests for functional, practical but also fashionable chewy jewellry.

Oh Plah

These fab bracelets will fit almost any wrist. If you are using them with a teething baby, then mum or dad can wear them. If it is for an older child, adolescent or adult with Sensory Processing issues, they can wear it themselves, as a subtle, practical way to protect clothes and other objects from chewing! 

The bracelets are practically indestructible, they can be bent, twisted, chewed and bitten to provide that sensory input that the child needs. 

Made of an anti-microbial thermoplastic, free from  BPA, phthalates, cadmium. lead and latex.  No small parts or paint on the product, making Oh Plah! completely safe to handle and chew.

Completely recyclable

Easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away.

Size:  18cm long and 5.5cm at the widest part and 3cm at the thinnest part of the wristband.

Dr Toy Best Green Product Award.

Also in store, and perfect for anyone who needs oral sensory input, we have Chewy Tubes. These come in 3 varieties, all priced at £8.99. Extremely practical, long lasting, easy to clean and small enough to be subtle. They are also more age appropriate for older children than many regular teething toys. 

Green Knobby PQ 2-pack Red Chewy Tube

STOP PRESS!! NEW PRODUCT JUST IN!

Tangle Ball

A brand new fiddle/ chewy toy from the makers of the Tangle

More about this, and our many other fiddle/ sensory toys, next week!

Learning SPACE @ the NASEN Annual Conference!

Learning SPACE will be supporting this year's conference, on the 22nd October 2011, at Stranmillis University College, Belfast.

It's very exciting! 

The conference is aimed at parents and professionals working with young people who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. 

"A very knowledgeable group of speakers from various parts of the province will be sharing 

their knowledge and expertise of Autism Spectrum Disorders with us in a range of ASD 

specific seminar topics. Individual speakers will also consider what is already ‘good practice’ 

here in Northern Ireland, and as a part of the Conference programme, we also plan to share 

learning resource possibilities, presently available through the use of C2K in schools. "

NASEN Conference PDF link

At Learning SPACE we have a special interest in Autism. We have a catalogue of products specifically selected with people with ASD in mind  - click on the link for the Autism Catalogue

Our staff are knowledgeable and experienced, and able to support parents and professionals in the sourcing and use of our products. 

We will be attending with a range of exciting new things, including Sensory Direct weighted items and Sensory Room equipment, to show off the brilliant new range!  Learning Space is working with Fred Storey Ltd to  design and fit SpaceKraft Sensory Rooms.

Here are Lorraine, Owner of Learning SPACE, and Ciara, our Rep, trying out one of the new products that we'll be demonstrating! 

Here's what Lorraine had to say about the LED Musical Light Wall: 

I could have played with this all day! I was absolutely mesmerised. Simply by touching the screen, I could control the music, lights and movement. Amazing! 

See it in action in the video below! 

So, whether you are a student teachers,  an NQT,  an experienced teacher, 

 a  Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCO), a classroom assistant,  

a professional working with young people with an ASD, or a parent - we're looking forward to seeing you there! 

Fundraising Inspiration!

If you are involved in fundraising at all, you'll know how tricky it can be to think up new, unusual ways of grabbing people's attention - and getting them to put their hands in their pockets! 

The usual bake sales/ bring and buys/ raffles have their place, but it's great to bring out something new and exciting every once in a while!

I've been part of a Playgroup committee for a few years now - we are definitely planning to use some of the ideas detailed below. 

For a PDF copy of the fundraising pack, please go to this link.

Fund Raising Inspiration!

Newsletter Competitions

Make your organisation’s newsletter sparkle with a Learning SPACE competition!

Learning SPACE will provide a prize (a £5 voucher) for the competition winner, and as an additional bonus the organisation will also receive a £5 voucher, along with a 10% discount!

How to enter:

«  Email or phone Learning SPACE with your interest. info@learningspaceni.co.uk 02890319360 

«  We will activate your vouchers.

«  Place the competition in your newsletter or on your website. (example below; we can also provide word searches or colouring sheets)

«  Send us a link or copy.

«  We will send your vouchers.

Beautiful Personalised Plates, Clocks or Trays!

 SWISH KIDS IN ACTION @ Learning SPACE! 

 Swish kids

Swish Kids fundraising pack is a great way to immortalise children’s art work while also raising funds for the school.

You make up to £8 on each item, and it is risk-free – you only pay for what your participants order!

«  Contact us with your interest

«  We will send a Fundraising Pack and sample.

«  Display your sample plate and poster

«  Promote to parents via school newsletter and send flyers and letters to parents.

«  Place order  and payment less your commission and receive colouring templates (pages)

«  Children colour/paint their template. There is even an option to put a photo on, or to add a few words describing the picture. Maybe you could have a fun family art session?

«  Your beautiful, durable, dishwasher-safe items will be delivered to your organisation within 4-6 weeks.

All you need to do is contact us with your interest and number of participants – you are under no obligation to carry out the event!

Contact us for a fundraising pack on 02890319360 or info@learningspaceni.co.uk

Wish Tree

    

 The Wish Tree is a great way of making sure your staff get what they want or need at Christmas or at the end of the school year. The idea first came following lots of enquiries from schools. The first Wish Tree ran for a Special School last year and was very successful!

Here’s how it works:

«  Each staff member expresses their needs or wants through our Product Advisor or using the form.

«  We provide a tailored Wish Tree, with a gift idea from the list on each leaf. This makes a lovely display for foyer or entrance area.

«  Publicise your Wish Tree in your newsletter or on the website.

«  Parents/ carers can take a leaf to Learning SPACE where they will get the extra discount applied!  (Can’t make it to the store? Don’t worry - place an order over the phone and we can gift wrap, write a personalized message and deliver to the organisation!)

«  The Wish Tree helps your organisation to become better equipped with appropriate resources.

Did you know?

«  We have a Product Advisor service

Our dedicated product advisors come with a vast knowledge of child education and of the resources available in the education market.

We are able to listen to your needs and demonstrate the educational resources that are available to suit your individual needs and interests, for example; Sensory Rooms, Early Years, ASD or Literacy

This will save you time and money!!

«  We are a recommended supplier for educational play equipment for the Northern Ireland Education and Library Boards.

«  We offer FREE activities throughout the week in store  - keep an eye on our website, www. learningspaceni.co.uk for more details.

CONTACT US AT

              

  tel: 02890 319360 email: info@learningspaceni.co.uk

11a Fountain Centre

College Street 
Belfast
County Antrim
BT1 6ET