Frequently Asked Questions...
Educational birthday presents for a 5 year old boy?
My little boy is turning 5 in a couple of weeks. I want to get him something educational. He has a V Smile, a Leapster, and a V Tech laptop (he's the only grandbaby on both sides). He's really into music and musical instruments. He already has a ukelele and a drum set. I want to encourage his creative side and development. He's a bit behind on his social skills, and he's an only child. Any ideas?
Answer:
Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about his social skills at his age. There's nothing inherently wrong with him enjoying time alone. He is five, after all. I'm one to believe that once he starts school or as he ages he'll become more extroverted. It seems like you've already done a lot to encourage his musical side and his technical aptitude with the things you mentioned. As for my ideas for educational presents, I firmly believe you can't have too many books. I urge you to consider buying your son something other than toys, especially the electronic ones he already owns. I heartily advise you to invest your money in something that (when used daily) can benefit him for the rest of his life. Think about the impact great children's literature can have on your son's life. Think of the special opportunity you have to influence his early learning and foster his emergent reading skills. Picture yourself reading to him, enjoying a great book, laughing or crying, exploring new worlds and new ideas, building the bonds of love and trust, teaching him the concepts you value most, and creating a foundation for his future. I'm sure you know that a book can be an everlasting gift. Moreover, you can inscribe a special message within it, creating a lasting memory for your son. I still have books that my aunt and uncle gave me when I was a child, and upon rereading these same books as an adult I loved rediscovering the inscriptions they wrote inside. The single best way to help a child become a reader (for life) is to read to him. You know that he can do almost anything with your help, and you can help him get an early start on reading and learning by providing him with great children's literature. By establishing that you value reading and books you're encouraging him to value the same. I advise you to look for books that rhyme or have a rhythmic pattern. Also, pop-up books and lift the flap books are very attractive to young boys his age (I've included some below). There are thousands of books that you might choose for him, but let me recommend a few:
"The Long-Nosed Pig" by Keith Faulkner; ill. by Jonathan Lambert
"The Wide-Mouthed Frog" by Keith Faulkner; ill. by Jonathan Lambert [this and the above are two great pop-up adventures]
"Shark in the Park" by Nick Sharrat
"Bark, George" by Jules Feiffer
"T is for Terrible" by Peter McCarty
"Some Dogs Do" by Jez Alborough
"Duck in the Truck" by Jez Alborough
"Hug" by Jez Alborough
"Where's My Teddy?" by Jez Alborough
"Louella Mae, She's Run Away" by Karen Beaumont Alarcón; ill. by Rosanne Litzinger
"The Wolf's Chicken Stew" by Keiko Kasza
"Knuffle Bunny" by Mo Willems
"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems
"Sheep in a Jeep" by Nancy Shaw; ill. by Margot Apple
"Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina
"Freight Train" by Donald Crews
"Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On" by Lois Ehlert (check out the many other wonderful titles she's written)
"Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson
"Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans
"Millions of Cats" by Wanda Gag
"How Loud Is a Lion?" by Stella Blackstone; ill. by Clare Beaton
"The Napping House" by Audrey Wood; ill. by Don Wood
"Rosie's Walk" by Pat Hutchins
"Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill
"The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault; ill. by Lois Ehlert
"Clickety Clack" by Robert & Amy Spence; ill. by Margaret Spengler (Wonderfully rhythmic!)
"Jamberry" by Bruce Degen
"One Red Dot" by David A. Carter [spectacular pop-up]
"Blue 2" by David A. Carter [another spectacular pop-up]
"Arrowville" by Geefwee Bodoe
"Duck on a Bike" by David Shannon
"No, David!" by David Shannon (he's written several other books starring David)
"Dinosaur Roar" by Paul & Henrietta Stickland
"Ella Sarah Get Dressed" by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
"Click, Clack Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin; ill. by Betsy Lewin (they've collaborated on several other books starring Duck and his barnyard friend)
"How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"How Does a Dinosaur Eat His Food?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
"Mockingbird" by Allan Ahlberg
"The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds
"Corduroy" by Don Freeman
"The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt; ill. by Tony DiTerlizzi
"Imogene's Antlers" by David Small
"Un Gato y un Perro" by Clare Masurel
"Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson; ill. by Jane Chapman (they've written three other Bear books)
"Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!" by Sandra Boynton (you can't go wrong with this author--she's written scores of books for tots)
"Banana Moon" by Janet Marshall
I've read the above stories scores of times to varied audiences with great success. Click on my profile and e-mail me. I would be happy to correspond with you and make further suggestions. I'd encourage you to check out the above titles from your local library before you buy any books. While you're there, talk to the children's librarians and ask them for their recommendations, too. I'd also suggest you find a copy of Jim Trelease's "The Read Aloud Handbook" (see link below). It's an invaluable resource for parents. Another good source of information is "Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children," published by The New York Times and edited by Eden Ross Lipson.
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/
 Girls Kids Drum Set Kit & Red Guitar Toy Musical Instrument Playset Educational US $27.95 
|
 11 PCS Kids Drum Set Girl Musical Instrument Toy Red US $25.99
|
 11 PCS Kids Drum Set Girl Musical Instrument Toy Blue Boys Music Band Children US $27.95
|
 5-PIECE 16" CHILD JUNIOR DRUM SET~6 Colors~Perfect GIFT US $119.95
|
 Drum Set Electric Guitar Musical Instruments Toy Educational Playset Boys Kids US $29.95
|
 2 New Drum Set Kid Boy Girl Musical Instrument Toy Music Band Child Black Blue US $42.95
|
 New Red Drum Set Musical Instrument Toy Payset Music Kids Red Electric Guitar US $27.95
|
 Girls Kid Drum Set Kit & Black Guitar Toy Musical Instrument Playset Educational US $28.45
|
 NEW Crescent Beginners BLACK 16" KIDS JUNIOR DRUM SET BASS+SNARE+TOM+CYMBAL+SEAT US $99.99
|
 8pc Kids Girls Drum Set Musical Instrument Toy Playset Pretend Play Educational US $22.95
|
 Girls Kids Drum Set Electric Guitar Musical Instruments Boys Red Educational New US $29.95
|
 TKO 5 Piece Child Drum Set Pro Wood Ply Kids Kit Black US $204.95
|
 16" JUNIOR KIDS CHILD Jr. DRUM SET KIT ~Blue Green Red US $119.98
|
 Percussion Plus Child Size 3 Piece Junior Drum Set NEW IN BOX US $199.95
|
 2 X Toy Drum Set Red & Blue Musical Instrument Music Band Child Kid Boy Girl US $43.95
|
 NEW 5 pcs CHILD JUNIOR JR. DRUM SET +CYMBAL+STICK+STOOL US $169.98
|
 11 PCS Children Educational Musical Toy Drum Instrument Play Set Boy Kid Blue US $24.95
|
 2 New Drum Set Kid Boy Girl Musical Instrument Toy Music Band Child Black Red US $42.95
|
 11 PCS Children Educational Musical Toy Drum Instrument Play Set Boy Kid Red US $24.95
|
 NEW KIDS CHILDREN DRUM SET & ELECTRIC GUITAR MUSIC TOY US $42.95
|
 NEW Crescent Beginners PINK 16" KIDS DRUM SET BASS+ SNARE+ TOM+ CYMBAL+SEAT US $99.99
|
 NEW 16" JUNIOR KIDS CHILD DRUM SET KIT~RED BLUE SILVER US $89.95
|
 GP Silver 3 Piece Junior Child Drum Set kids 6 & up NEW US $189.95
|
 11 PCS Kids Drum Set Musical Instrument Toy Guitar US $29.99
|
 NEW KIDS DRUM PLAY SET CHILDREN TOY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT US $32.50
|
 Boys Kids Drum Set Electric Guitar Musical Instruments Stool Educational Playset US $29.95
|
 NEW 5-PIECE CHILD JUNIOR DRUM SET+CYMBALS+STICK+THRONE US $119.95
|
 NEW 11 PCS DRUM SET CHILDREN KID TOY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT US $32.95
|
 VINTAGE 1960'S TOY CHILDS DRUM SET NOBLE & COOLEY CO. BEATLES LOOK US $75.00
|
 8 pcs Girls Kids Drum Set Kit Toy Children Musical Band Instrument Playset New US $23.95
|
 2 New Drum Set Kid Boy Girl Musical Instrument Toy Music Band Child Red Blue US $42.95
|
 16" JUNIOR JR. KIDS CHILD DRUM SET KIT ~BLACK BLUE RED US $119.98
|
 11 PCS Children Educational Musical Toy Drum Instrument Play Set Boy Kid Black US $24.95
|
 NEW Crescent Beginners BLUE 16" KIDS JUNIOR DRUM SET BASS+SNARE+TOM+CYMBAL+SEAT US $99.99
|
 5 pcs CHILD JUNIOR Jr DRUM SET KIT+CYMBAL+STICK+THRONE US $169.98
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Drum Set Kit ~Black Blue Green Red Silver Wine Red US $129.99
|
 11 PC Kids Drum Set Red Boy Girl Musical Instrument Toy Music Band Children NEW US $23.95
|
 GP Pink 3 Piece Junior Child Drum Set kids 6 and up NEW US $189.95
|
 Mendini 5 pcs Child Junior Drum Set +Cymbal+Throne ~Black Blue Red Green Silver US $179.99
|
 Drum Set Electric Guitar Musical Instruments Toy Educational Playset Girls Kids US $29.95
|
 11 PCS Kids Drum Set Boy Girl Musical Instrument Toy Black Music Band Children US $23.95
|
 KIDS BLUE 3PC DRUMSET w/ CYMBAL + STICKS***FREE SHIP!! US $99.95
|
 NEW Crescent Beginners WHITE 16" KIDS JUNIOR DRUM SET BASS+SNARE+TOM+CYMBAL+SEAT US $99.99
|
 GP Purple 3 Piece Junior Child Drum Set kids 6 & up NEW US $189.95
|
 New 11 PCS Kids Children's Toys Drum Set Musical Instrument US $28.99
|
 2 X Toy Drum Set Black & Red Musical Instrument Music Band Child Kid Boy Girl US $43.95
|
 11 PCS DRUM SET CHILDREN KID TOY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT RED US $32.95
|
 NEW Crescent Beginners RED 16" KIDS JUNIOR DRUM SET BASS+SNARE+TOM+CYMBAL+SEAT US $99.99
|
 5 pcs CHILD JUNIOR Jr. DRUM SET KIT+CYMBAL+STICK+STOOL US $169.98
|
 Girl Toy Children Drum Set Kids Musical Electric Guitar Educational Learning NEW US $27.95
|
 Vintage 1950's Childs Drum Set Noble & Cooley Rhythm Rompers 5 drums & cymbals US $199.00
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Jr. Drum Set Kit ~Blue US $129.99
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Drum Set Kit ~Bright Red US $129.99
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Jr. Drum Set Kit ~Black US $129.99
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Jr. Drum Set Kit ~Green US $129.99
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Jr. Drum Set Kit~Wine Red US $129.99
|
 Mendini 16" Junior Kids Child Jr. Drum Set Kit ~Silver US $129.99
|
 Royl Blue 3 Piece Junior Child Drum Set kids 6 & up NEW US $189.95
|
 11pc Kids Boy Girl Drum Set Musical Instrument Toy Playset A GREAT GIFT NEW US $49.99
|
 Schoenhut 5 PIECE DRUM SET Kids Junior RED C1020 US $159.00
|
 Child SILVER Drum Kit-Real set-NOT TOY-ages 4-8 youth US $99.95
|
 Green Cecilio Junior Drum Set - youth child Kit US $119.95
|
 Child BLACK Drum Kit-Real set NEW-NOT TOY-cymbal-throne US $99.95
|
 Child Pink Drum Kit-Real set NEW-NOT TOY-ages 2-5 kids US $99.95
|
 TKO 3 Piece Child Drum Set Pro Wood Ply Kids Kit Black US $129.95
|
 GP Blue 3 Piece Junior Child Drum Set kids 6 & up NEW US $189.95
|
 Child Black Drum Kit-Real set NEW-NOT TOY-ages4-8 youth US $94.95
|
 Pulse 3-Piece Kid/Junior Drum Set Metallic Blue US $109.98
|
 Pulse 3-Piece Kid/Junior Drum Set Bright Red US $109.98
|
 Pulse 3-Piece Kid/Junior Drum Set Wine Red US $109.98
|
 3 Piece DeRosa Children's 12" Drum Set For Kid's Black US $114.99
|
 TKO 5 Piece Child Drum Set Pro Wood ply Kids Kit Silver US $204.95
|
 3 Piece DeRosa Children's 12" Drum Set For Kid's Blue US $114.99
|
 3 Piece DeRosa Children 12" Drum Set For Kid's Green US $114.99
|
 11 PCS Children Educational Musical Toy Drum Instrument Play Set QUICK SHIP!! US $14.99
|
 3 Piece DeRosa Children 12" Drum Set For Kid's Red US $114.99
|
Children Drum Set
Assembling a mini TKO Drum Set for small children
Choosing the Best Junior Drum Set to Get Your Child Drumming Early
Junior drum sets, also often known as starter drum sets or kids drum sets, are small sized drum kits that serve a useful purpose as learning instruments suitable for young children and bargains for parents. As opposed to drum kits that you buy in a toy store (that really are 'toys'), a junior drum set is an actual instrument that plays quality sound and are durable enough to take the beating of a young drummer. Buying a junior drum set for a younger player will help them play drums using a real instrument, which in turn will help them develop a love for drums while at the same time learn drumming skills and have fun.
What is also nice about junior or starter drum sets is that even though they are high quality instruments, they are usually affordable. There are enough on the market now that you can generally buy one for between $100 and $150. This is far less than the several hundred dollars you would pay for a real drum kit. Plus, junior drum kits usually come with all the accessories needed to start drumming right away, like drum sticks, bass pedal, throne (drumming seat), and drum key. This means young drummers can usually start drumming right away once they purchase their kit.
There are junior drum kits in a variety of style, but generally choosing one is relatively simply. Starter drum kits are usually first categorized by how many 'drums' are in the kit. You'll find 3-piece, 4-piece, and 5-piece junior drum sets, which really defines how many tom-tom drums come with the kit in addition to the bass drum and snare drum. Any of these configurations are perfect for a young drummer to start drumming, its just a matter of personal preference and budget. Junior drum sets also come with cymbals and a high-hat to complete the drum set components.
There are also different size child drum sets, and most will indicate the age appropriateness for each set. You'll find small sets made for children ages 3-7, then sets for ages 7-10. Some of the larger junior drum sets are suitable for children all the way into their teenage years, which they will use as long as they are fond of drumming and until they are ready to upgrade to a full set. These junior drum sets will also last many years as well, as the main parts that wear down are the drum heads which are easily replaced.
Finding a great drum set for kids is relatively easy as well. Many major musical instruments manufacturers who make drums will also make child drum kits as part of their product offerings, and as mentioned they are generally affordable. You will find some upscale junior sets with more features that cost more. However another option is buying a used junior drum set. Since young drummers are always upgrading to full sets, and because their junior drum kits are usually perfectly useful, there are always plenty of used drum kits on the market. Looking on eBay for used junior drum sets is a excellent place for parents to find their child's first drum set.
So if you can stand the noise of your child enjoying his new drum kit, but are willing to introducing him to the new world of drumming, then purchase a junior drum set and get them started off in the right direction.
About the Author
The author runs the
www.FirstDrumSets.com
website where parents and new drummers can find, learn about, and buy their first
junior drum set
.
Here are a list of other products on Virtual Drums, come check these out:
