by photochick~ Punkin received Leapfrog's Tag Reading System from my brother for Christmas and he absolutely LOVES it. Not only does the nifty little gadget read the entire book, but it also has the option to read page by page or word by word so that it grows with the kids as they learn to read. You simply point to a little icon or a specific word to choose between the options.
As much as he LOVES being able to read a book by himself, an even greater hit are the comprehension, sequencing, main character, and other reading related games on almost over page of the book that he can play independently. AKA, in his room, on his bed, quietly, while mommy cooks dinner. This is the one aspect that really surprised me.
To top it off we were surprised one day when the little gizmo started saying, "Ask your parents to connect me to your computer because you won an award!" For my competition oriented child (no idea where he got that from) that is like saying, "Here is your crack, come again."
So we connected and sure enough the same message popped up on my computer. We clicked and a nifty little door hanger popped up ready for printing and complete with Punkin's name. Since then he's won various "awards" and gained access to online games through his reading and playing the reading games. He's pretty sure it's magic and I'm not far behind him.
If you're looking for a gift for an upcoming birthday this is definately worth a look. Leapfrog offers traditional books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Olivia and Disney books like Diego and Cars. So far we have a few of each, plus a set of phonics books geared to introduce letter sounds. I like that it's something we can add to over time and it will keep his interest for more than the first few weeks.
The Tag combo withThe Cat in the Hat runs $39.97 at Walmart (about $10 cheaper than the Leapfrog site) and individual books average $10 - $15. The phonics set (short vowels and long vowels sold in two different sets) are $19.97. Amazon often has sales and you can also find sets that cut the price as well.
The only caveat, an internet connection is required to download the audio for each book.
And no, I did not receive the Tag for free in exchange for a review, but dang I wish I had. I will be happy to review any books if someone from the Leapfrog family wants to send them my way! (yeah, I'm holding my breath.) It's just so hard to find toys that are worth spending your money so since I happened up one I thought I'd pass on the info. Happy reading!
(photos from Walmart.com)
I'm sure Little Sis would love something like this when she gets a little older. She loves books and loves to have people read to her.
Posted by: socialchick | January 28, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Leap frog has come a long way. Big sis used to love hers and it wasn't near as advanced.
Posted by: babychick | January 28, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Mary-Ellen has one and she loves it. When Caroline plays with her, Caroline loves it too!
Posted by: Ayshia Hatcher | January 28, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Well you know the teacher in me is yelling, 'Hooray'!!!! Can I go ahead and buy myself a kit for my "not even close to being real" child? Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: damaris | January 29, 2010 at 04:04 PM