Educational and Fun - But Is It Worth The Money?
Written: Dec 03 '02 (Updated Jul 12 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Educational, good for siblings because there are books available for ages 4-10
Cons: The toy is electronic and can be fragile
The Bottom Line: A fun toy that encourages learning. The best part is that siblings of different ages can share because there are many books available for different ages and interests.
|
|
|
| modernmarvel's Full Review: Leap Frog Leappad Learning System |
We bought our Leappad for our 3 year old. As it turns out, our oldest child uses it too. We enjoy using it and the kids have started learning from it. However, this isn’t going to be the rave review that others have written. While we like this toy, I think it is expensive for what it is. Also, we have lots of computer software for the kids that they enjoy just as much and that is also educational.
SET UP
The Leappad comes with one sample book and the pad itself. The pad does not need assembly, but you need to insert 4 AA batteries (not provided) with a screwdriver (also not provided).
The Leappad came with a minimum of instructions, so it was a bit confusing at first. The instructions and the box indicate that you should insert the book and the cartridge. I spent about 5 minutes looking for the cartridge before I realized that the sample book does not need a cartridge. To start with the sample book, you just open the Leappad and lay the book on the pad. Turn it on and away you go.
HOW IT WORKS
The play is really intuitive. You turn the unit on. Then you select a page. You touch an electronic pen to the green “go” circle. Then you can read the words, play music or play games, depending on what is on the page.
THE SAMPLE BOOK INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
The 32-page sample book is intended to show the diversity of the books available. It has several sections to demonstrate the different types of books you can by.
The Leap Start section has a 2-page story about Leap. The Leap *1 section has a page from Richard Scarry where you can name the parts of the body, an 8 page story about Leap and a 5 page story about Winnie the Pooh. The Leap *2 section has a 2 page map of the U.S., a 2 page section on parts of a band, a 1 page fun with languages page and a 1 page paper piano. The Leap *3 section has 1 page on the skeletal system, a 2 page story from the Wizard of Oz, and 2 pages on the Bottlenose Dolphin.
Things you can do with the sample book: read words, learn definitions of words, play games, count, learn vocabulary, play music, learn some phrases in a foreign language, play the paper piano, learn state capitals.
OTHER BOOKS AVAILABLE
The sample book is pretty limited and you will want to purchase other books to fit in the Leappad. There are many other books available. You can see all of the titles at www.Leapfrog.com. The books come in four levels: Leap Start (ages 4-5), Leap * 1 (ages 4-6), Leap *2 (ages 6-8) and Leap * 3 (ages 8-10). The books also cover a wide range of subjects: reading, math, geography, science, music and phonics.
The books feature “Leap” and family, characters created by LeapFrog. There are also many licensed characters including some from Disney, Richard Scarry, Scooby-Doo and Arthur.
The books seem to cost about $15 each, although Toys R Us and Etoys are currently having sales where you buy 2 for $15 and the third is free.
OUR EXPERIENCE
It took my kids a few days to warm up to the Leappad. However, we have all been playing with it ever since. The kids don’t get lost in the toy the way they do with similar computer software. I have seen them mesmerized, playing educational software on the computer for over an hour (or until I turn it off). They enjoy Leappad, but don’t go crazy for it.
The box says it is for ages 4 and up. There is another Leappad for ages 3 and up on the market. Since this was purchased for a 3 year old, we weighed our choices and finally decided to purchase the 4 and up model so our youngest could grow into it. As it turns out, the play is so intuitive, he has mastered the basic functions already and enjoys hearing the stories. So, I can recommend this model for a slightly younger age than it is recommended for.
OTHER INFORMATION
Website: www.leapfrog.com. For some reason, I expected this site to have educational information. However, it is mostly a marketing site. There is not much except product information.
You can buy a separate headphone for quiet play. You can also buy a Mind Station connector to download activities from the internet.
WARRANTY
There is no warranty information on the box or in the instructions. Inside, there is a card you can fill out and send back or you can fill it out online. However, the purpose of this card is to register the toy. There are no claims of warranty that I can find.
LEAPPAD VS. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
There tons and tons of software programs designed to teach kids the same skills that Leappad does. Many of these software programs are a lot cheaper than Leappad ($40-60) and the additional books at $15 per book.
Here are some advantages that some software programs have over Leappad:
- They have a parents’ section where the parent can see what skills the child has mastered.
- Software has animation to keep kids interested and learning fun. Often, when the user masters a new skill, they get some type of animation reward. Leappad only offers verbal praise.
- Sofware is adaptable. Many programs automatically change the skill level to suit the user. Leappad makes some effort at this – but is not as successful as our other software programs.
- Computer software can teach younger kids to use a keyboard, which will be very handy later on in their education.
In our experience, the best advantage Leappad has over computer software is that it is portable. The kids can take the Leappad to their rooms or to a grandparent’s house.
In any case, Leappad is a great toy and I am all for toys that attempt to educate and entertain my children at the same time. However, I don’t think this is the best toy ever and that everyone should own it. There are plenty of other alternatives in the marketplace.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
This is a great toy with lots of versatility. With the add on books, this toy can teach a wide variety of subjects to different age levels. We have been playing with ours steadily and the kids use most of the features. However, this toy does remind me of several computer games we already have and play with. The Leappad is expensive: about $40-60 for the initial investment and then about $15 for each additional book. Often, computer software is cheaper. I have picked up many great programs for under $10. If it is a matter of trying to encourage kids to learn math, music, reading, geography, etc., you can probably find cheaper software and get a similar result. The think I like best about the Leappad is portable.
MY REVIEWS OF BOOKS YOU CAN BUY FOR YOUR LEAP PAD.
Leap Start Pre-Reading, The Birthday Surprise: http://www.epinions.com/content_88654974596.
Leap Start Pre-Math, Disney's Lots and Lots of Honeypots: http://www.epinions.com/content_96919064196.
Leap 1: Count on Leap: http://www.epinions.com/content_96727764612.
Leap 2: Arthur and the Lost Diary: http://www.epinions.com/content_88328867460.
Leap 2: Hit it Maestro!: http://www.epinions.com/content_84052643460.
REVIEWS OF TOYS MY PRESCHOOLER LOVES AND I RECOMMEND:
Preschool Roller Skates: http://www.epinions.com/content_83685772932.
Bob the Builder Play Yard: http://www.epinions.com/content_83220729476.
Bob the Builder Trucks: http://www.epinions.com/content_82655350404.
Color Glow Flashlight: http://www.epinions.com/content_83062001284.
Wagon for Two: http://www.epinions.com/content_81773825668.
Magna Doodle: http://www.epinions.com/content_80241397380.
Air Happy Tricycle: http://www.epinions.com/content_105852604036.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 40
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
modernmarvel
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Location: Basking in the Sun
Reviews written: 504
Trusted by: 340 members
About Me:
Can anyone recommend a western family dude ranch for a vacation this summer?
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.