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The Perfect Christmas Gift > « } . : : h? • -4t \i v". vi.11 it i* u u PLA1NDEALEE - PAGE 2 -FRIDAY, NOVEMBERS, 1979 is a baked potato in 4 to 6 minutes, lasagna in 20 minutes, a hot dog in 30 seconds, or a pineapple upside-down cake in 10 minutes. Yes, the Whirlpool RFM 7300 microwave oven pan do a/l these things, and more. iS a MEAL MINDER * variable power control that lets you adjust the average cooking energy levelsio the type of food being cooked, heated or defrosted. A MEAL SENSOR * temperature probe that permits cook­ ing by temperature rather than time. A Whirlpool Micro Menus cookbook, in­ cluded with purchase. I d" IRsJ VT 11 IRsJ '3 I u -L I I is the quality that Whirlpool builds into the RFM 7300. The FREE Cooking School we include with purchase. The low introduc­ tory price. Not to mention all the nutrients you'll be eating instead of cooking away. - , - .rmk. A Small Down Payment Will Hold This Microwave Til Christmas LEE & RAY ELECTRIC lOCfc N. FRONT (S. RTE/Bl), MeHENRY, ILL 385-0882 We have many great gift ideas in our art supplies department for the novice or accomplished artist. McHemy Paint, Glass & Wallcovering 3411 W. ELM ST. (I BLK. W. OF FOX RIVER ON RT. 12p) MeHENRY fy 385-7353 OPEN THURSDAYS TIL KIM Preschool * - • • V 1 stimulate j Children form most of their impressions of the world within the first few years of their lives, through contact with people around them, and by experi­ mentation and discovery through play with toys. So, it is important to choose preschool toys that will stimu­ late creativity as well as rein­ force fundamental skills. Even the simplest pull toy helps toddlers to increase coor­ dination and self-confidence, since they control the move­ ment. Basic activity toys will also develop manipulative skills a6 little fingers "play and leant." For example, Baby Elephant, from Kusan, has three storage drawers in its side that young­ sters can open only by matching up the color and shape-coded keys. So, not only do children learn the coordination involved in manipulating a key in a lock, but ..they also learn to identify colors and shapes. Realistic toys act as scaled- down versions of objects in the adult world, familiarizing chil­ dren with grown-up life, and giving them a sense of mastery over objects within their grasp. "Chunky" thicks, designed by Kusan especially for pre­ schoolers, are ideal as baby's first truck because they are made of safe, durable plastic, with removable drivers just the right size for little hands to grasp. A dump truck, fire truck, ce­ ment mixer and scoop loader are all fashioned just like the real thing, but in a size and shape manageable find fun for tod­ dlers. Since children learn most by imitation, they should have some toys that allow them to re- enact adult activities while re­ taining the fun quality of play. For instance, the Zoodleland animal activity toys are func­ tional yet whimsical: a bright pink Hippo is also a play sink; a blue Penguin's tummy opens to reveal a play refrigerator; and a friendly green Hirtle is also a play stove--all complete with appropriate accessories. Or, for non-kitchen activities, a Beaver Work Bench comes complete with play tools» and Professor Owl Play Desk has its own drawing board and school- type utensils. Most toys in the hands of a preschooler will help teach some basic skill or perception. But one can get more play and learning value from each toy by choosing Christmas gifts care­ fully, keeping in mind the quali­ ties mentioned here. And that could mean a brighter, happier New Year for a child. KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Christmas can be a time when youngsters can learn the funda­ mentals of cooking while having fun. Children can learn about nutrition, arithmetic, kitchen safety and good table manners while preparing seasonal treats which they themselves will ulti­ mately enjoy. Gingerbread men, fudge, and sugar, oatmeal nut and choco­ late chip cookies are just a few ideas for recipes that are sim­ ple enough for a child to do with minimal supervision and guidance. A feeling of importance will accompany the aroma of home- baked cookies when a child re­ moves a creation from the oven that he or she has baked.