Siblings are a blessing, and often a curse at the same time. Both of my sisters have children twice as old as mine, and when selecting gifts for my son they often settle old scores. Elmo’s Dance & Learn Game was payback for some Minnie Mouse toy I purchased years ago. Jeeze, after 10-years I thought she would have forgotten my special little gift. Apparently not!

Elmo’s Dance & Learn Game is an electronic dance mat for children 3-years and up. It’s comprised of a vinyl mat with attached game unit, and a strap for storage. The mat is the perfect size for pre-schoolers. It measures roughly 30” x 30” square. On the face of the mat are 6-shapes. Inside each shape is a picture of a Sesame Street characters playing an instrument:
Triangle ~ Big Bird plays the piano (Sesame Street Theme Song)
Star ~ Elmo plays the guitar (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Heart ~ Zoë plays the flute (Yankee Doodle Dandy)
Circle ~ Ernie plays the trumpet (Ring Around the Rosie)
Square ~ Oscar plays the drums (Pop Goes the Weasel)
Diamond ~ Cookie Monster plays the saxophone (Mary Had a Little Lamb)

The game unit consists of one button for each game, an On/Off button, a speaker, and a molded handle for carrying. The game buttons are easy to use, and the handle is large enough for adults. Fold it 3-times, Velcro down the strap, and it’s ready for storage. The sound quality is good, but it’s a very LOUD toy! To begin, install 3-AA batteries, as they are not included. The battery compartment is concealed on the back of the unit. One must use a Phillips screwdriver to install, and replace the batteries. There is also a main On/Off switch on the back of the unit.

There are 4 games: Shapes, Follow Elmo, Play a Song, and Elmo’s Jam.
Game 1 ~ Shapes: Step on a shape, and Elmo calls out the shape.
Game 2 ~ Follow Elmo: Elmo calls out a shape to which the child follows the sequence. If the shape is accurately selected Elmo will say, “Yeah!” If not, he’ll say “Ops!” and repeats the shape. He allows 5 errors, and then starts the game over. The sequence ends with 5 in a row.
Game 3 ~ Play a Song: Step on a shapes, and a short portion of a song will play. The child must continue to step on shapes to continue the song. There’s a different song associated with each shape. See above for song list.
Game 4 ~ Elmo’s Jam: Step on a shape and an instrument will play. To continue the jam, the child must continue to step on shapes.

Elmo allows 5-seconds before he prompts the player. He offers two prompts such as, “Step on a shape,” or “Elmo wants to play.” The game will go into Sleep Mode after 30-seconds of non-play. To wake the game, simply press one of the game buttons. Wipe the vinyl surface with damp cloth to clean. Do not immerse in water.


Our Experience:
My son received Elmo’s Dance & Learn Game two Christmases ago. He was 20-months at the time, and the game is recommended for kids 3 and up. I didn’t let the lack of a year, and a few months deter my son from exploring. Afterward, I realized there was either something to the age recommendation, or the game’s a dud. Six months passed, and I tried again. He ran around for a few minutes, and then moved on to something else. (I should mention, that my son knew his shapes by two, so he wasn’t bored because the game was too difficult for him.) Nearly a year passed and I heard, “Elmo wants to play” coming from his room. I was surprised, and went in to see him chasing around stepping on the shapes. He responded to the cues, and laughed aloud. The play session didn’t last long, but I was encouraged. Since that time, he’s pulled the game out a few times, and has enjoyed a short romp.

I don’t understand why there’s an On/Off switch on the front of the unit, as well as on the back of the game. The toy automatically goes into Sleep Mode after 30 seconds of non-play, so what’s the point of an additional switch. Mattel would have been better off placing a High/Low volume control on the front, as Elmo voice is very loud, and annoying. Fortunately, this wasn’t the revenge toy my sister hoped for, but I’m not about to announce that. My dear boy could take this game, or leave it behind. I think with the suggested retail price of $30.00, the Elmo’s Dance & Learn Game is better off left on the shelf. Unless of course your child is a HUGE Sesame Street, or Elmo fan.

Mattel, Inc.
El Segundo, CA 90245
1-800-524-TOYS Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00 pm PST
www.fisher-price.com/




Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): (Gift) 30.00
Type of Toy: Game
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years