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Industry News
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Same but Di erent
Ask students to explore the math by asking, “What is the same? What is different?”
Grades 3–5
Fractions, Multiplication & Division, and Place Value! Grades K–2
Counting, Addition & Subtraction, and Place Value!
Inspire dynamic mathematical conversations!
Using photographs, illustrations, equations and more each card features a content-rich image comparison. Great for whole-class or small-group instruction!
PHabLAB by Palmer Hamilton, an award-winning designer
of tailored, sustainable makerspaces, partnered with Lakeland School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to develop a makerspace for special needs students. There, they can experience a hands-on education that exposes them to technology, devices, and collaborative problem-solving they might not have otherwise.
PHabLAB offers turn-key makerspaces supported by a step-by-step proven process, providing a unique, tailored makerspace for each school they work with. It’s this approach that created a distinctive PHabLAB for Lakeland School’s students.
Lakeland School was created to educate students with special needs, ages 3 to 21. It is one of only two schools in Wisconsin that exist solely for the education of students with disabilities. For the space, PHabLAB designed a traditional makerspace with standard equipment while applying ADA standards, such as appropriately heighted tables and dampening noise devices. This created an environment where special needs students can learn skills and create real-world items, instilling confidence and fostering growth for social inclusion.
Artcobell, manufacturer of innovative K-12 school furniture for flexible learning environments, has named Patricia Cadigan vice president of Learning Environments. The move marks Artcobell’s continued focus on helping schools transition their educational furnishings to meet the needs of current and future learning strategies.
Cadigan joined Artcobell in 2019 after 28 years in public education, including more than 18 years in school administration.
“Patricia has a unique perspective,” says Rick Parker, Artcobell president. “She sees the challenges of transforming learning environments with the eyes of school leadership and the diverse team of professionals they work with. Her expertise helps teams visualize how furnishings can promote engaging and supportive learning environments.
Cadigan said, “As I work with school districts across the United States and Canada, I’m connecting with leaders who are transforming learning across their campuses by transforming the learning environment. Based on the ways design, layout, and the configuration of spaces can directly impact student engagement and achievement, I find it critical that we support schools in finding solutions that fit them. I understand the importance of engaging everyone – students, teachers, parents, community – in the process, and developing tools that can help them all be successful.”
She is the author of the Next Gen Spaces blog on Artcobell.com and other planning resources. She is an active presenter at national and local education-focused events, including LearningScapes (A4LE) and the National School Board Association (NSBA), and is currently completing her Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) certification.
In 2023, the 118th edition of the New York Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, instead of in its traditional February timeframe.
The Toy Association’s Board of Directors made the decision to change the date based on the responses of multiple member surveys. Many of the factors were accelerated by the pandemic, and include, but are not limited to, extended lead-times in production supply chain and sourcing, and evolved retailer purchasing cycles.
This year, The Toy Association will hold a 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market in September in Dallas, where retailers can shop holiday must-haves and preview innovative product for next year. Exhibitor applications opened Tuesday, April 5, for priority placement.
The previous iteration of Toy Fair New York, held in 2020, was a soldout show In New York that brought tens of thousands of play innovators and members of the press from 100 countries. Details about Toy Fair New York 2023 will be shared at toyfairny.com.
Meanwhile, ASTRA is making plans for new tradeshow in February 2023 – a combination cruise/tradeshow it is calling ASTRA Toy Boat. It will be held February 20 through 24 and embarks from Fort Lauderdale.
The cruise ship will be in port during the day and will only sail in the evenings and overnight, according to ASTRA’s Toy Times Digital Monthly enewsletter. A variety of cabins have been booked for ASTRA members in a variety of price ranges. “Booking as a group gives us the opportunity for a discounted rate, and it will be all inclusive with WIFI, drink packages, etc.,” says the article.
To be clear, ASTRA Toy Boat does not replace the association’s Marketplace & Academy. In 2022, the combined tradeshow/annual conference will be held June 12 through 15 in Long Beach California. In 2023, Marketplace & Academy is scheduled for June 11 through 14 in Columbus, Ohio.
ASTRA’s cruise was motivated by The Toy Association’s reimagining of Toy Fair New York. With feedback from ASTRA members indicating that they would attend an in-person February show, board members brainstormed together at Toy Fest West in early March. They formulated plans for an experience that would focus on new products, order writing, relationship building, “and lots of family fun,” explains ASTRA President Sue Warfield.
“The cruise ship is large with plenty of room to roam,” says ASTRA. “It offers activities for kids, which opens up free time for adults.”
There will also be tabletop display options for vendors to showcase new items only, but they’ll be able to write orders for existing product, too. “We are also planning a Game and Kit Night onboard with the option of having one night open to everyone on board beyond ASTRA attendees, so that vendor participants can get consumer visibility and feedback.”
Conference rooms will be available on the ship for private meetings, focus groups, and for committees and toy-industry organizations like The Good Toy Group, Learning Express, etc.
“Sound like fun? Not so much?” asked the enewsletter article. “We understand this isn’t for everyone, but from the feedback we received, we know there is a want and need to gather in person during the time that was traditionally scheduled for Toy Fair.
“We are ready to be bold and step out of the ‘usual,’ and we are gearing up to set sail for new adventures!” it concluded. “Watch for further details as we work on finalizing an amazing four days.”
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