Learning Resources - Coding Critters Ranger & Zip - Review & Giveaway


AD - We were sent this product for the purpose of this review.


Just like most children his age, Noah's favourite way to learn is through play. This is why we adore Learning Resources so much. Read past reviews here. Year after year, they continue to create innovative toys and activities which aren't just lots of fun but are educational too. Coding Critters are one of their newest products and we were sent one for the purpose of this review.

Coding Critters are suitable for children from 4-years-old and are the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the world of coding. There are 3 different sets to collect; Ranger & Zip - dogs, Scamper & Sneaker - cats, and Rumble & Bumble - dinosaurs. Each set promotes early STEM development through coding and play, with different activities and challenges to try out.


Included with the Ranger and Zip set:
Playset for coding games including ball, see-saw, house, and slide
Full colour storybook
10 Coding paw prints
3 Cardboard playset decorations
Multilingual quick start guide

The storybook that included with the set is such a fantastic idea. Not only does it introduce children to Ranger and Zip, whilst telling a story, but it also acts as a guide, to both parent and child. Together, we read through the book and coded along with the story.


To code, Noah simply pressed the direction buttons on the Ranger's back to create a coding sequence. Each step is roughly 10.2cm and up to 30 steps can be taken at one time. We coded Ranger to play hide and seek, fetch a ball and caught Zip as he slid down the slide. Noah seemed to pick it up pretty quickly and wanted to code over and over again. There is also an option for free-play and to create your own code games and activities. 


Coding Critters aren't just coding robots, they are interactive toys too. When Noah had his fill of coding for the day, he pressed Ranger's nose to activate play mode. He was then able to feed, stroke and play with Ranger. He thought this element was so much fun and he got the giggles when Ranger started to sing and dance!

Coding Critters are fantastic, another genius idea from Learning Resources. Noah hasn't stopped playing and learning with Ranger and Zip since they arrived last week. I'm contemplating ordering him the other two sets, they are that good. 
Retailing at £40.00 each, they are suitable for children from 4 years of age. Order online today at Amazon

How would you like to win a Coding Critters set? To enter simply use the Gleam form below and don't forget to enter my other competitions

Learning Resources Coding Critters Playset

Terms & Conditions.         
1. There will be 1 winner who win the prize mentioned above. Winner can choose the set.
2. Winners details will be shared with the PR to arrange delivery of the prize. 
3. Competition ends 31/08/19.
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only

Noah - The End Of His First Year At School


Time flies when you're having fun, and when you have children. I suppose both of which go hand in hand. That's something that all parents grasp from the get-go, how fast the time seems to pass you by. That said, I thought that time would slow down a little when they get little older, but if anything it's going even faster.


Noah's first year at school, his Reception year has flown by in the blink of an eye. It's scary how fast it's gone. I was very emotional on his admission day when he got his first choice of school, on the eve of his first day at school, starting school and I'm just as much of a wreck now that he's finished his first year at school, Reception class. It's such a huge milestone in his life, and it's now over just like that.

Noah was very anxious about starting school, which is something he's struggled with since he was a baby. He's always felt anxiety when it comes to new places and being away from me. He knew that most of his friends from nursery were moving over to the same school with him, but he still struggled with the transition. For the first few weeks, he would cling to me, sometimes he would cry but he overcame it after some time, a lot faster than he did with his nursery transition.

As weeks and months went by I watched Noah blossom before my very eyes, in many different ways. Academically, he's at the levels that he should be, which for a boy who never sits still, who daydreams away into Noah-land, is really impressive. In the space of one year at school, he's learned to read, write, do basic maths, and much more. He's grown so much in himself, in his self-esteem and confidence. He's worked hard and has won a few awards over the year, the role model cup and medal, he's had lunchtime awards and star of the week.

His end of year report really made me smile because it was evident that they got to know him well. They noted how much of a people person he is, how he always strives to make new friendships and has many friends in class. They said that he's well mannered, kind and a joy to be around, which I think is something that all parents want to hear.

He'll be starting year 1 in a couple of weeks, but for now, here's to the summer holidays and all the adventures we have in store.

Air Unlimited Burnley - Review & Giveaway


AD - We visited free of charge and received family passes in exchange for this review.


Living in Burnley, with two youngsters, I'm always on the lookout for new local places to explore and enjoy with them, especially if they are within walking distance. Air Unlimited is just that. Opening its doors last year, it's the only inflatable playground in Burnley and we couldn't wait to see what it was all about. We were invited to attend an Air Unlimited Family Airtime session for the purpose of this review, which worked out perfectly for us.

Noah and Ava's eyes lit up as soon as we set foot in the building so I was glad it was a quick and straight forward process on arrival. I simply signed waiver forms for myself and the kids via an iPad and was handed four pairs of grippy socks (they cost £1.95 a pair, however, you get to keep them for next time.) I was pleasantly surprised by the free to use lockers (ideal for storing your shoes and your valuables) and by the cafe which had snacks and drinks at a reasonable price. 


It didn't take long for the kids to find their bearings and they were both zooming around like two bolts of lightning. They were both in totally in their element exploring all the different inflatable courses. Noah being five-years-old was more adventurous and attempted all the obstacles to the best of his ability. Naturally, his favourites were the ones he could jump off! Ava being 2-year-old would try to keep up with him but preferred to run around, jump and go up and down the slides. Nick and I were exhausted from just running around after them. We had so much fun together, so much so that we are already counting down the days until our next visit. It's a new favourite of ours and one which we've already been recommending to friends.


Family Airtime sessions are running daily throughout the summer holidays, usually, they are just at the weekend. Please note that Family AirTime can only be booked online. It costs £4 for toddlers, £7 for children and £2.50 for each accompanying adult. All airheads must wear AirUnLtd grip socks, this is for safety and hygiene reasons. These are £1.95 and can be purchased when you arrive. Other sessions, times and prices can be viewed on their website.


x5 Air Unlimited Inflatable Park Passes (Burnley)

Terms & Conditions.         
1. There will be 1 winner who will win x5 passes (to be used by 01/09/2019)
2. Prize provided by myself. 
3. Competition ends 31/07/19.
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only.

My Sunday Photo - 29/52