(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated Jul 29, 2011

Learning Express Games Combine Summer Fun With a Back-to-School Focus

Educational Toy Store Offers Fun Games for All Ages That Help Children Keep and Develop Critical Learning Skills

DEVENS, MA--(Marketwire - Jul 28, 2011) - The lazy days of summer give children and families a break from school-year schedules and a chance to enjoy warm weather fun. When that fun can help kids keep basic learning skills sharp and help prepare them for the school year ahead, parents have a win-win situation, according to Learning Express.

'Our toys are designed to delight and fascinate,' says Sharon DiMinico, founder and CEO of Learning Express. 'As kids play our games, they are engaged in the entertainment, but at the same time they're building essential math, reasoning, spelling, strategy, and problem solving skills. At Learning Express we believe that play presents a unique opportunity for learning, and an opportunity for families to spend quality time together.'

Learning Express games are designed to help reinforce and develop children's learning skills, and this can give kids an important edge when school starts up again. Learning Express invites families to discover games for children of all ages. For example:

• Zingo! 1-2-3, for children ages 4+, is a fast-paced game that sharpens number recognition skills and gets the whole family involved. The game offers two levels of play that focus on counting and addition -- but the real focus is on fun.
• Spot It!, a best-selling game for children ages 6+, helps players master visual recognition skills and reflexes. The game includes fifty-five playing cards with eight symbols on each card. Between any two cards, there is exactly one matching pair of symbols. Players race to be the first to 'spot' the match.
• Spell It!, a new game for children ages 8+, helps all readers improve their spelling and vocabulary skills. It features five lettered dice that yield endless three, four and five letter words. Kids and parents will enjoy the challenge.

'Children need time to play and relax, and everyone looks forward to the slower pace and longer days of summer,' said DiMinico. 'But keeping children active and engaged is also important, and so is helping them retain and build on the skills they acquired during the school year. Learning Express games are designed for fun and learning, and that's a great combination.'

Learning Express stores carry a wide range of toys for a variety of age groups with a focus on educational products that promote learning and the importance of play.

For more information about Learning Express, please visit www.learningexpress.com.

About Learning Express

Learning Express is the nation's leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 150 locations across the country. Each store is proud to be counted amongst the family of homegrown local businesses in its community. Learning Express storeowners go to work each day to provide their neighbors with a warm, friendly environment in which to shop, meet, and learn. Whether shopping for a birthday gift on the go, that extra-special cherish-forever Christmas present, or the latest must-have collectible, Learning Express will always have the perfect toy. The Learning Express product mix is the crème de la crème of the industry, carefully evaluated for safety, child-tested for fun, and guaranteed to help parents raise smart, healthy kids. Perks such as expert advice, a 'Birthday Box' for making birthday wishes, free gift-wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and customer VIP programs set the Learning Express toy shops apart from other retailers. To learn more about Learning Express, franchise opportunities, or a store near you, visit www.learningexpress.com.

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