Fridge Phonics by LeapFrog ~ Awesome Toy for a Preschool!
Written: Mar 01 '05 (Updated Sep 15 '05)
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Pros: ● Phonics lesson
● Volume control
Cons: ● CAUTION: STRONG magnet!
● Only CAPITAL letters
The Bottom Line: The Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set might be one of those toys that initially HITS, but then MISSES.
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| marybatson's Full Review: Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set |
How many of you are potty training? Fortunately, I’m done with that, but I sympathize with those who are currently resting on their haunches in anticipation. A year ago, I was in the thick of it. Potty training that is. I discovered early on that incentives work, and I needed to find something quick to keep my little guy interested. Off to the store I flew, and when I fell upon the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set by LeapFrog, I wondered if it would made a good choice. I could prolong the reward by giving one letter at a time, which might motivate my child.
Well, I’m glad to report the enticement worked, but I guess you’re wondering if the toy did. First, what is the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set? The idea behind this set is to encourage children to learn the alphabet, and letter sounds while they play. The toy is brightly colored, and it makes noise, so naturally it appeals to kids. LeapFrog designed what they call the Magnetic Letter Reader, which is about the size of a palm pilot, and weighs just 6-ounces. When a letter tile is inserted into the Reader, the letter and sound(s) are identified. Leap, the little leapfrog that is represented on the unit goes into a little ditty for each letter. When a letter has two sounds, he identifies both.
G says Ghh, and G says Jhh. Every letter makes a sound; G says Ghh, and Jhh.
The tiles are shaped like an arched window: horizontal at the bottom with an arched top. The Reader only accepts the tiles in the proper position, so kids don’t confuse W, and M, or C and U. This plaything is intended to be a refrigerator toy, so both the letter tiles, and the Reader have magnets. If the refrigerator is not convenient, the Reader can attach to any metallic surface such as a washing machine, file cabinet, or even the wall. The manufacturer has included a wall attachment for non-metallic surfaces as well. All 26 Capital letters are included of course. The letter tiles are small 2” x 1½” but not too small to be a choking hazard. The Reader incorporates an On/Off switch with volume control, and requires 3-AAA batteries. The battery compartment is concealed on the bottom of the unit. To replace the batteries, one needs a Phillips head screwdriver to open the compartment.
Our Thoughts:
Initially this toy was a huge hit. My son took to toilet training like a pro, and the learning entertained him. I was amazed. At the time, I did not have a good attitude about LeapFrog. I considered their toys to be expensive gadgets that enticed parents, but not necessarily children. After my son earned all the letters, he played with the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set for a few days, and that was it. I didn’t think much about it, as kids alternate favorites frequently. Honestly, 3-weeks was the extent of play with this toy! Once he learned the letters, and the sounds, he moved on. The toy sits in a bin on the shelf. He never picks it up. I placed the bin in his closet for a month thinking he would ask for it, or at least be pleased when I returned it. He could care less. It’s been over a year, and the bin still sits collecting dust.
I don’t hate this toy; I just don’t think it’s worth the $20.00 price tag. The sound quality is decent; however, my son had a problem with the letter F sounding like S, and the letter D sounding like E. In addition, why didn’t LeapFrog anticipate the desire for lower case letters, and numbers? At the time I would have been willing to pay more for those add-ons had they been available. Also, as a caveat, the Parent Guide carries a WARNING about the magnet. “Keep at least 6” away from pacemakers, and avoid contact with magnetic computer media, including floppy disks, Zip disks, removable Hard Disk Drives, Televisions, and Computer Video Monitors, other magnetic media including credit cards, ID badges…”
The Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set did amuse my child, and he did learn the alphabet, but I have a feeling a tête-à-tête with mom could have produced the same results. This would make an awesome toy for a daycare, a pre-school, or special-needs school where many children can benefit. Do I recommend the toy? Well, it certainly won't hurt anything, except maybe your credit card. I just think reading to your child, and working with them one on one is a better alternative.
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
Telephone: 1-800-701-LEAP (5327)
1400 65th Street Ste. 200, Emeryville, CA 94608-1071
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time
www.leapfrog.com/
Additional LeapFrog Reviews:
Alphabet Pal
Discovery Ball
LeapPad and LeapPad Book Reviews:
Mother Goose Songbook
Lots and Lots of Honeypots
Tad’s Great Day at the Letter Factory
LeapPad Plus Writing & Microphone Learning System
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $19.99
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: Other
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marybatson
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Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
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