Count and Draw

Count & Draw
From LeapFrog
About the Toy
Follow the lights! Learn how to draw shapes, write numbers, count from 0 to 10 and play early math games. Position words such as above and below guide children through fun activities. You can even make counting a personal experience by adding in your child's age!

Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning. Appropriate for children ages 3 years and up.

Our Thoughts
This adorable toy will help your child to master the writing of numbers.   Geared for children ages 3 and up, this cute portable tablet will let him/her learn to trace numbers, lines and shapes as well as play number games.    The games included in this toy will permit the child to count, add, subtract, get familiar with words like under , above and inside as well as get introduce to more than and less then.   Tracing is always fun when Scout is with you!   Not only will the child learn the numbers from1 to 10 but shapes like triangle, square, pentagons and more are also included in the device.

Three modes are available.   Shapes and Lines mode will allow to draw lines and shapes while exploring above, below, inside, across and so on.    The Numbers mode will let your child to trace and learn their numbers.    Finally the Game mode contains fun games with Scout like the Treasure Hun or the Animals in the Barn where you child is introduce with early addition/substraction.

You can even personalize the device with the age your child is!   It is very simple to use as the child as to follow the lights with the stylus to learn how to write.

The device is very sturdy and the stylus is the perfect size for little hands.    No need to be worried for the possible drop on the hard floor.    Scout is always ready to play with your child!   This device is perfect to keep little ones busy learning when you are occupy with something else – in my case it would be homeschooling!  

Count &  Draw from Leapfrog is perfect for early learning at home.  

The Count & Draw is available in English or French for the price of 19.99$ Canadian.

To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.


Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Scribble and Write

Scribble & Write
From Leapfrog
About the toy
Light the way to early writing with Scribble & Write!
Children trace the lights to get practice drawing simple shapes and pictures, then graduate to learning uppercase letters with step-by-step guidance. Fun learning games help reinforce letter recognition and pencil control skills. Best of all, Scribble & Write uses a single retraceable surface for ease of use and portability.

Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

Our Thoughts
The Scribble & Write didn’t stay long in my hands when I showed it to my 3 years old daughter.   She grabbed it immediately and went to sit down on the sofa to play with it.     “Mommy it’s like the one at grand-maman’s!”, she said.  I proceed to tell her that yes it is the same except our is in English while the one at Grand-maman’s is in French.  

Since we received the Scribble & Write, it keeps changing hands between Jasmine and her brother, Jérémy, who also enjoys spending some time playing with it.   Though to be honest, he is able to write his letters without problem while Jasmine is learning it.   But when I am busy teaching my son who is in grade 2 and learns differently than his older brother, it is nice to have this toy to occupy the youngest two.


Your child will learn to trace the uppercase and lowercase letters as well as learn to draw.   Games are also included in the Scribble & Write to reinforce how the child is holding the pen and the recognition of letters.    What is very creative is the erasable surface which permits the child to write over and over again.

The Scribble & Write is quite sturdy and is easy to carry around by little hands.  It could be put in a backpack and brought for a trip at the doctor or the dentist if necessary.

My only disappointment is that the sticker indicating the uppercase, lowercase and games has broken off after a bit of water came on it.    Still the game is working fine but it is too bad that it got “washed out”…

If you have a toddler or a preschooler in your house, this toy will be a fun way to learn to write their letters either in lowercase or uppercase.   They will also have some fun games to encourage them in their learning.   This toy is a great item to have for any homeschooling family!

The toy is available in English or French.    The price tag attached to it is about 24.99$ Canadian.

To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.


Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Chat and Count Cell Phone

Chat & Count Cell Phone
By LeapFrog
About the product
Fun learning in a smart little phone! Sing along to songs about counting and phone routines, explore more than 15 phone activities and call on Scout for learning fun as you trade calls and voicemails with your puppy pal.

Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

Ages 8-36 Months

My Thoughts
Most cell phones have limited plans on how much you can talk to people around you.  Your little one will have a ton of fun with Scout since there this will be an unlimited fun plan with the Chat & Count Cell Phone.

Scout the dog will guide your child to counting, reasoning skills as well as pretend play.   Your little one will learn his numbers and count from 1 to 10 in no time with the help of this dedicated little dog.    More than 15 phone activities will encourage his or hers pretend play time while imitating mom or dad on the phone.   Via interactions with Scout the child will also build on his/her social skills and learn conversational words like hello, how are you, nice to talk to you and goodbye.  

The cell phone is sturdy for little hands and the button are big enough to be press by tiny fingers.    Press a number and Scout will repeat it as well as count something like bees, hats or a dog.   Push the music button and learn some songs about counting and phone routines.   Finally push the call button to trade calls and voicemails with Scout!

The little screen also display some fun animation for your child while he/she plays with the cell phone.
Mind you the cell phone can get annoying for parents but the child will have a blast with it!    If it gets on your nerves just make sure that your child doesn’t play with it while you are driving….  *grin*
The Chat and Count Cell Phone would be a perfect gift for a first birthday or for a baby shower.
 
The Chat & Count Cell Phone is available for the price of 19.99$ at your favourite toy store.

To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.

 
Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Leapster Explorer

Leapster Explorer
By Leapfrog
About the product
Introducing Leapster Explorer™, an extraordinary new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day with endless ways to play and learn--from games, e-Books, videos, and online play to customizable learning skills and more.

• A library of more than 40* games and activities includes cartridge games, downloadable learning apps (games, e-Books, videos, flash cards and more), a camera/video recorder** and more.
• Children can learn school skills like reading, math, science and geography, plus creativity and life skills like music, health and problem solving.    
• Expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld™--a safe, online world of learning games and activities. Children can play unique games that connect their online and on-the-go play and learning.
• Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning, and explore ways to expand their child's learning journey.

My Thoughts
Here’s a game that I would recommend to anyone.  When I discover games such as this one, I have to shout it on top of the mountains.   It is a wonderful product that will give peace of mind for many moms of preschoolers – especially homeschool moms with multiple children.  

I am so impressed with the sturdiness of the Leapster Explorer.   My daughter, who is three years old,  has trouble using the Nintendo DS but I know without any doubt that she can handle the Leapster Explorer without problem.   And if she would drop the Leapster Explorer by accident, I know that it won’t break automatically!

When they have designed this wonderful toy, the creators have thought of everything.   Big buttons, volume, plug to include a headset, long enough cord for the pen, two different places to put the pen whether your child is a left hand or right hand writer, home button, power button out of the way to avoid sudden closure of the game and a pause button.     The screen is the perfect size for the child to see and have fun while playing. They have even thought of putting two different colors on the market to please boys or girls.   Though I find that the green one can be more unisex… 

When you open your device, you have the opportunity to download Leaplets apps to enhance the learning opportunities for your child.    The learning possibilities are without limits; you can create via art and music as well as imaginary play, you can learn the basics of school (the three Rs – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetics), discover geography, explore science and learn more about social skills, health and nutrition.  

Going on a long trip?  No problem, pack the Leapster and some cartridges and your child is set up for hours of fun and learning (don’t forget these headsets though…).   Appointment at the doctor?  Make sure you grab the Leapster Explorer to entertain your child.  It will give you peace of mind that he/she won’t bother other patients while waiting.

When I receive the Leapster Explorer to review, I also received a game called The Penguins of Madagascar.   This particular game will provide fun activities to learn addition, subtraction, animal facts as well as logic and reasoning skills.  Throughout the game the child will have to use his/her mathematical skills to earn some tokens that will help him/her to discover the secret vacation photos of the beloved penguins.  But beware you have to avoid the zookeeper.   The child will also learn interesting facts about endangered animals and discover their sound.   I have seen the quality of this game and I can tell you it is well done.  The penguins will sure keep your child busy with the fun activities included in this game.
Leapfrog have a huge variety of games for the Leapster Explorer.  Go to Leapfrog.com for more details.

My only disappointment is that I find the extra  game cartridges a bit expensive.  I will keep an eye open to purchase some more – I am particularly eyeing the eGlobe, Mr. Pencil learn to Write and Draw and a couple of other ones.   These titles will go on the want list for birthdays and Christmas for sure!  

I give my two thumbs-up for the Leapster Explorer.  It will definitively be a popular item for the Christmas season!

The Leapster Explorer and the game cartridges are available at your favourite toy store.

To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.


Disclaimer: I have received the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Text and Learn

Text and Learn
From Leapfrog
About the product
Text and Learn is designed to let little learners play in a grown-up way! Children can exchange text messages with their puppy pal Scout, check Scout's planner to see what his week entails and more in the pretend browser mode.

Other learning modes offer practice with letter matching, shape identification and QWERTY keyboard navigation through silly animations and sound effects. Children also explore letter names and sounds.

Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

My Thoughts
This toy is fabulous to strengthen the learning of the alphabet for little ones.    The device is sturdy and easy to handle for little hands.    I almost wish that my keyboard on my iPod was this big!!! *grin*
Seriously though, you child will have tons of fun with Scout (the little dog in the Text and Learn) and learning will happen at the same time.   The device has been created to introduce the young kids to the qwerty keyboard and texting.   Ugh!  I think I need to play more with this as at this moment I personally don’t like texting… 

There are three different modes from which the child can play.   The alphabet mode will teach the pronunciation as well as words starting with each letter of the alphabet.  For example for the letter F, the child will hear how the letter is pronounced and then learn it is like fast fish.   The game mode contains two different games.   The Map game will help the child to develop skills in following directive and guide Scout to where he needs to go.   The Bubbles game will strengthen the letter recognition as the child has to find the letter on the keyboard to pop the bubble containing it.   Two easy games that will entertain your little one even when she/he have to waits for appointments.   Finally, the last mode will allow you child to interact with Scout by receiving and sending text message to him, dance at the sounds of music with him, or learn the days of the week as he/she discover what is on Scout agenda that week.

The browser and the keyboard is a good way to introduce and develop computer skills for your child.
As a homeschooler I am always in the lookout for tools that would entertain my little girl while her big brothers are having lessons.  This fun toy from Leapfrog will help her to learn more on how to recognize the alphabet and use the keyboard.   I suspect that she will be more familiar than her big brothers with the keyboard.  Mind you all of them do use the computer as part of our homeschool but to know where the letters are can be tricky.  Having this Text and Learn device will teach Jasmine to recognize the QWERTY keyboard.

I do recommend the Text and Learn for everyone particularly homeschoolers.   It can be a wonderful way to introduce your child to the English language as well.  A French version is also available and must be purchase separately if you want to have both languages.

Text and Learn from Leapfrog is available at your favourite toy store for the price of 24.99$.

To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.


Disclaimer: I have received the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Tag Reading System

Tag Reading System
from Leapfrog
About the product
Learn to read, love to read with Tag - the amazing touch reading system that brings stories to life like never before! Now the #1 best-selling reading system, the Tag Reader is loved around the world with more than 28 awards in 6 countries. As children touch the Tag Reader to the pages of specially printed storybooks, words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud, engaging children's senses to make reading a rich, fulfilling experience. And, with more than 40 books and games based on favourite TV, movie and classic tales, the Tag library has something for every reader!
The Tag Reader now holds audio for up to 10 books at a time. Simply connect the Tag Reader to your computer with the included USB cable, download the audio for your Tag books and drag-and-drop up to 10 of your child's favourite stories onto your Tag Reader.
While online, you can also discover your children's favourite books and activities, learn about the skills they are exploring and share in their accomplishments by creating a free LeapFrog® Learning Path at leapfrog.ca.
Geared for kids ages 4 to 8 years old.
Our Thoughts
I always loved Leapfrog’s  products.   We have at home a My First LeapPad and two LeapPad with various books in both official languages.    Recently I had the opportunity to product test and review the Tag Reading System.   I will be honest with you I have eyed this product before.   Now that I have it in my hands, I realize how marvelous this product is.  

This wonderful product will  help build the confidence in your child while he is learning to read.   You can go with the read to me option or go from word to word as you progress in the book.   Throughout the book, you will also have interaction with the characters in the story if you click on them as well as games to play.    I tried the Tag Reading System with the book included in the box (which presented a variety of titles available) and with Ozzie and Mack which I already had from a giveaway of LeapFrog in the past.    I am quite impressed with the pen that allows you to read.    It reminded me a bit of the LeapPad that used to be popular in the past (and we still have) but it is not as bulky as the LeapPad system.    I love the fact that you can reduce the sound on it as well as the fact that you could put a headset on it.    Very thoughtful from the company to have included this option on the Tag Reading System.   I know for a fact that my husband disliked hearing such a device while we are driving.   Having the possibility to put a headset on it is simply fantastic!   
The Tag Reading System can easily be handle by little hands without worrying that it will break.    And the buttons are located at strategic places where the kids won’t touch by error.     Holding this pen while reading will also encourage them to practice holding a pencil correctly and to follow while reading.   
The product also comes with a connection for your laptop.   From there you can download a software that will help you manage the books installed on the Tag Reading System.  The installation is quite easy to do and you can download the books you need in a minute or so.    It is wonderful to have the flexibility of choosing the books that will be available on the Tag Reading System.   At this moment I have four items downloaded on the reading pen.  These four items takes about 12 megs of space and I still have 19 megs of space available on it.   Be careful when you purchase a Tag Reading System as there are two different models available 16 megs and 32 megs.    I was blessed to received the 32 megs product.  
We also received two Tag books – Spiderman The Lizard's Tale and Fancy Nancy at the Museum.   Being Comic books collector, it is nice to have a Tag book with Spider-Man.   My boys will love to go through this story for sure.   As for the Fancy Nancy, my daughter will love to discover her world with me.    I am delighted to have this title on our bookshelves.   I have seen the Fancy Nancy at the library and bookstore before but my daughter was too young at the time to be interested in them.  

TAG has more than 40 books available. Check their website for a list of all the books including some phonics books.  I already know titles I will get in the future; Star Wars - The Clone Wars Rescue in the Sky, I Spy Imagine That!, Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire, and the World Map.  Apparently I will also be able to use it with French books.   I have discovered from the LeapFrog Community site that the audio for both French and English books can be downloaded onto one Tag Reader no matter whether you have an English or French Tag Reader. Consequently it doesn’t appear that there is a need for someone to purchase an English and French Tag Reader.   I must admit I haven’t tested this part yet.
The Tag Reading System is definitively a wonderful addition for our homeschool. With two kids that will learn to read in the years to come and one that is becoming more comfortable in reading by himself, this product will be used greatly in our home. I doubt that my oldest will find any interest in it, but maybe he will be willing to help his younger sister with it… I also realize that I will have to control the use of this product as I suspect that there will be a fight over who uses it when. Honestly, I don’t mind if my kids are excited about it because I know that it will encourage them to read and be independent in their reading eventually. I can see also how it would help families with special needs children. This reading system will help the special need child to learn at his pace while having fun at the same time.
The LeapFrog Tag Reading System is available at your favourite toy store.
To order directly from Leapfrog Canada click on the logo below.

GREAT NEWS!
I have been offered another TAG Reading System to give away to one of my readers.
To participate, tell me what is the your favourite book of your children and why! This entry is mandatory. Don’t forget to include your email address in the comment.
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6) Blog about this contest and give me you link (3 entries) – Give me your link and enter three times in the comment section.
Don’t forget to include your email for each steps. No email means I will have to pick someone else. I need to be able to contact you if you win! Random.org will be use to determine the winner. You will have 24 hours to contact me and give me your mailing address so I can send it to my contact which in turn will ship the prize to you!

Open to Canadian residents ONLY.
Deadline: May 15, 2011.
Disclaimer: I have received the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.