Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer – Don’t Waste Your Money
Written: Jan 15 '03 (Updated Jan 15 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cards store with the toy, batteries included
Cons: Numbers and shapes too hard to see, unit too small
The Bottom Line: The Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer is a waste of money. It has too many flaws to be educational and it is mildly entertaining at best.
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| BearySweet's Full Review: Fisher Price Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Compute... |
My son Jake is 2 and a half years old and loves Blue's Clues, so it was no surprise that he was ecstatic when he received the Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer from his Uncle Doug. I was excited too because I love educational toys that entertain as well. Jake immediately started pressing buttons and I practically had to pry it from his hands to get it out of the package. Once it was out of the box, the problems with this toy were immediately obvious. Even though he has a hard time using it, Jake has spent quite a bit of time exploring and experimenting with this toy. Although it has held Jake's attention, the Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer has very few redeeming qualities.
Before I get into this toy's shortcomings, let me give you a quick overview of what it looks like and what it does. The Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer is pretty small, standing only 7 inches high and just 5 inches wide. This toy is designed to look like a computer with a monitor screen making up the bulk of the height and a keyboard angling out in the front. This game comes with 7 double-sided activity cards; each card shows Blue in a different setting, the details of the picture help children answer questions. The monitor screen is open and allows you to view the cards when you slide them in from the top. The keyboard contains 6 keys, red, yellow, blue, green, fuchsia (purple) and orange. The keys also have numbers and shapes on them. They are numbered 1-6 with shapes on each one to represent the number. There is a small button to the right of the keyboard that is shaped like a paw print. The Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer requires 3 AA batteries that are included. When you are ready to change them, you will find the battery compartment underneath the unit. You will need a small phillips screwdriver to get into the battery compartment.
When you slide a card into the slot on the top, you should be greeted by Steve’s cheerful voice, “Hi, It’s me, Steve!”. Then you are prompted, “Press the paw print for a question”. Each card asks 3 questions, usually one color, one shape and one counting related question. If you get the question right you are rewarded with a “That’s right!” or “Great Job!” from Steve. If you answer a question incorrectly Steve says, “Hmmm, try again”. You have 3 chances to answer a question then you are prompted to press the paw print and it moves on to the next question. If you continue on one card, it will just continuously cycle through the same 3 questions.
Believe it or not, there are some things I like about this toy.
~ All the cards can be stored behind the monitor, reducing the mess and chance of lost cards.
~ Batteries were included.
~ Steve’s voice is soothing and encouraging.
~ The cards slide in and out of the monitor easily.
That’s about it.
Now for the things I don’t like!
~ Each key is a different color plastic; the numbers and shapes are molded into the plastic and not a contrasting color so they are very difficult to see. I don’t think Jake even knows that the keys have shapes and numbers on them.
~ The entire computer is pretty small and the card is recessed in the monitor about ¾ in. Jake can’t see the card very well if he sits on the floor with this toy. Often I find him hunched over and craning his neck to see what is on the card.
~ Some of the questions are a bit confusing. The balloon is considered a circle, but I thought it looked more like an oval. The color button to represent purple is actually fuchsia, which can be confusing for children. There are more examples, but I think you get the picture.
~ The paw print is difficult to press; you have to hit it just right to get Steve to ask a question. Jake has a lot of trouble with the paw print.
~ Steve doesn't always greet you when a new card is added. This frustrates Jake and causes him to pull the card part way out and shove it back in to get Steve to speak.
For me the problem with the keys is a deal breaker. I feel that if my son cannot see the number or shapes clearly, there is no way he will be able to learn them. I have no idea what Fisher Price was thinking, but they really missed the boat with this one. Despite the fact that the Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer has no real educational value and it irritating to use, Jake still plays with it regularly. He just enjoys putting the cards in and pulling them out. He presses buttons, answers questions wrong, but just plugs on.
I wondered if it was the fact that Jake is still about 5 months shy of the 3 year old age recommendation that he was having so much trouble. However, Jake received Blue’s Clues Preschool for the PC for Christmas as well and has no trouble operating that game; even identifying shapes, colors and numbers. This tells me that the problem is with the Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer rather than it’s pint-sized user. With the wide variety of quality educational toys available today, there is just no reason to waste your money on the Blue's Clues Learning Lessons Computer.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): Gift
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Epinions.com ID:
BearySweet
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Member: Michelle
Location: The Buckeye State
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 68 members
About Me:
Taking a break...life is a bit crazy right now.
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