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Education in a Flash

Art Supplies and Learning Aids Board the School Bus

By Julie L. Jones
September 2007

“We try to work with the school and have things that will help with what they’re doing.” — Susan Castor, Pentwater Toybox

With additional reporting by regional correspondents Virginia Davis, Dennis Furlan, Erik Jay, Terri Hughes-Lazzell, Christine Lebednik and Brenda Ruggiero

Sixty-six percent of the 48 specialty retailers recently surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine said they don’t carry traditional school supplies, though many stock complementary items, such as art supplies, backpacks and lunch bags (see TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted School Supplies).

Angel Stahl of Angel’s Toy Barn in Greensburg, Pa., understands her competition well, “with five Wal-Marts in a 25-mile radius, two Targets, Office Max, Staples within five miles and a specialty teacher supplier across the street.”

WHAT’S NEW

Nonetheless, companies such as Rich Frog Industries support the specialty market with brightly colored and historical rulers, and Hygloss Products gives studious eager beavers a chance to create their own colorful flash cards with new Triangle Cards for math study.

Barker Creek has come out with FUNctional File Folders in 18 different designs, as well a Building FUNdamentals Classroom Set for the teacher resource store.

For those who like to spruce up their environment, KeyCals reusable stickers give computer keyboards a bit of self expression, and may also be used to help beginner typists.

Robots are gearing up for a takeover, it seems, with availability including Hog Wild’s Robot Calculator and Coelacanth's themed magnets, file folders and more.

WHAT’S SELLING

Even if kids can’t take all their supplies to school, fun educational accessories include a Pecoware lap desk with art supplies and stickers that can be used in the car, said Sue Cooke, owner of Mother Goose in Litchfield, Conn.

Manager Lynn Walsh of Classic Games Shoppes in Westborough, Mass., is a fan of the walking Kikkerland Robot Pencil Sharpener, which “sells very well.” And Cheryl Richmond, owner of Punkin Doodles in Havre, Mont., told TDmonthly she sells three or four bulletin board sets and stickers from Creative Teaching Press per month.

Izilla Toys in Seattle gives kids a hand with school projects by offering art supplies such as clay, said Owner Jude Larene.

Added Susan Castor of Pentwater Toy Box in Pentwater, Mich., “We try to work with the school and have things that will help with what they’re doing.”

LEARNING IN A FLASH

“We have a lot of kids coming in asking for flash cards,” noted Frances Finfrock, owner of Aunt Franny's Toys in Richland, Wash. Those children may want to try out MathShark, according to Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys & Books in Scottsdale, Ariz., who claims the electronic aid by Educational Insights obviates the need for flash cards.

Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorers Toys in Zionsville, Ind., carries both regular and electronic flash cards.

Teachers seeking items for the classroom occasionally check out Learning Tree Toys in Oklahoma City, Okla., said the lead clerk, Alex. The Golden Apple in Pleasanton, Calif., caters to the educator demographic by selling flashcards with rounded corners and double-card sets with duplicate multiplication tables for more than one student to use, owner John MacDougall told TDmonthly.

WHAT TO MAKE OF IT

Think about what your customers might want but can’t find elsewhere: A furry book bag? Designer pencils for homework? Fun workbooks or flash cards to replace a tutor? And don’t forget the teachers; think of some suggestions for what might spruce up their room and make learning fun.

Here are some ideas to get you through the school year:

Goals for a Great Year Clay Art Bulletin Board by CREATIVE TEACHING PRESS

Kids can now liven up a flat wall with this brightly colored, 3-D design bulletin board. The set includes 30 bright and colorful pushpins for displaying student work, nine title signs perfect for identifying goal categories, seven decorative pieces, a blank writing chart and a welcome sign. It's comprehensive, practical and even adds a bit of color and fun to a child's scholastic efforts.
— "I sell quite a few bulletin board sets and stickers. Most of my stuff comes from Creative Teaching," said Cheryl Richmond, owner of Punkin Doodles in Havre, Mont.