Sounds Good, but a Very Limited Toy for the Money
Written: Aug 11 '07
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Pros: A thorough, fun introduction (for a toddler/preschooler) to the sounds letters make.
Cons: Nothing to do other listen to the sounds.
The Bottom Line: This kind of toy that should be available in a day care setting, or stocked in a "toy library" - it works, but you won't want it around very long.
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| kentmom's Full Review: Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set |
I've enjoyed enough LeapFrog toys to get myself in trouble - meaning, I didn't investigate this one very well before buying.
Don't get me wrong - the idea is good, and I believe the toy fulfills its goal to introduce the sounds of the letters.
But that's all it does.
At 3-1/2, my son wants to spell (yeah, he's pretending, but it's still great practice) words - and since just ONE of each letter of the alphabet is included, he can't spell many of the words he's come to recognize - mom and dad, for example.
So, for a nearly $20 investment, I got the happy Leap-Frog singers (singing at a too-robust volume, a hallmark of the brand, I think) to introduce my son to the "concept" that letters make sounds, and sounds sound like words, and... frankly, I think $20 of regular refrigerator magnets would have been a better toy.
The toy is well-made, and I think it would last through several kids - so, if you know you can pass it along to a friend's kids who are a few months behind your own, it may be worth the expense.
Frankly, I'd like to see a game option or another activity built into the toy - obviously, LeapFrog has the ability to do it, and older toddlers/preschoolers clearly have the capability to enjoy such interaction. (Are you listening, LeapFrog developers??!)
In response to the concerns raised in a previous review, I want to note that yes, I've listened to every letter, and they're all right - even in cases like A and E, where two sounds are represented. I hope that parent considered returning the toy either to the store or to LeapFrog, as I suspect it was a fairly unusual defect, and not the norm. (Based on my experience with LeapFrog toys.)
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 18.99
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
kentmom
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Location: Kent, Ohio
Reviews written: 205
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Mundane middle-aged Midwest soccer mom & cycling, self-employed cyber-worker who loves alliteration.
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