Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Monkey

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As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of babygear and preschool toys, Fisher-Price believes deeply in the power of innovation and fun to bring out the full potential of the world’s children.

The Laugh & Learn™ Apptivity™ range is brought to life with a selection of free Fisher-Price® apps available from the Apple iTunes Store – fun animations, audio and musical responses that introduce babies to animals, body parts, colours, letters, numbers and shapes.

The Laugh & Learn Apptivity Monkey is an interactive plush learning toy for babies. Parents place their iPhone or iPod touch into the case featured in the Monkey’s tummy to launch special apps that entertain and educate, while protecting their device. Babies can squeeze the Monkey’s plush hands and feet to interact with the app, which introduces colours, shapes, letters and numbers, enhancing hand-eye coordination as well as sensory development. The Laugh & Learn™ Apptivity™ Monkey can also entertain baby without a device, responding to touch with more than 10 songs, tunes and phrases.

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Apptivity Case iPad

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case iPad

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As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of babygear and preschool toys, Fisher-Price believes deeply in the power of innovation and fun to bring out the full potential of the world’s children.

The Laugh & Learn™ Apptivity™ range is brought to life with a selection of free Fisher-Price® apps available from the Apple iTunes Store – fun animations, audio and musical responses that introduce babies to animals, body parts, colours, letters, numbers and shapes.

The Laugh & Learn Apptivity iPad allows babies to interact with free Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ apps providing plenty of learning fun, while protecting their parents’ iPads. It safeguards the devices against sticky fingers, dribble and unwanted pressing of the home button. The case also features clacker beads and a handle making it great for ‘go-anywhere’ play. As well as the ability to be locked securely, the case has an easel and rocker base – perfect for tummy time. Onscreen Fisher-Price® app activities help babies practice hand-eye coordination, and the textured handle and clacker beads encourage fine motor skills.

LeapFrog LeapPad 2

LeapFrog LeapPad 2
Planet Fun 
Available now.

LeapPad2 Explorer inspires kids to imagine and explore with new front-and-back cameras and a library of 325+ applications. Capture your world in two ways with front and back cameras/video recorders.

Children ages 3 to 9 can explore a library of 325+ cartridges and downloadable apps, including games, videos, music, and creativity apps. Draws from more than 2500 skills in subjects like reading, art, music, language and culture, science, geography, mathematics, health and more.

•  So many ways to play:
Touch the screen with a finger to bring characters and words to life. Tap, draw and write with the stylus, or turn, twist and shake the tablet for exciting motion-based play! Videos and music add to the fun for endless engagement anywhere

•  Buy cartridges or explore the App Center:
LeapPad2 works with a library of more than 325 game cartridges, apps, videos, music and more.** Shop at your favorite retailer for LeapFrog Explorer™ game cartridges, or expand the fun right from your home computer by downloading new adventures from the LeapFrog App Center, a library full of amazing educational and age-appropriate apps for kids!.

•  The highest-quality educational content:
LeapFrog learning apps and games are designed by educational experts, who create innovative, immersive experiences that keep kids challenged and inspired! From math and science to creativity and friendship, kids can explore hundreds of skills at just the right pace for them. Parents can even enter their child’s math sets and spelling lists into select games, for extra practice as they play

•  Experience a new way to read:
Characters spring to life with amazing animation, reading levels adjust the challenge to keep kids engaged and learning, while touching the text sounds out words to help build phonics, comprehension and vocabulary skills. Voice recording, motion-based play and other innovative features turn reading into an interactive experience as children progress through our new Learn to Read series and other exciting Ultra eBooks!!

•  Imagine, Create and Share
With a new front-and-back camera and video recorder— plus 4 GB of memory—the sky’s the limit for creative play! Children can create masterpieces in the Art Studio, edit pictures they’ve taken in the Photo Studio and create, direct and narrate their own animated movies in the new included Cartoon Director app

 

LeapFrog Letter Factory Phonics

 

LeapFrog Letter Factory Phonics
Planet Fun 
Available now.

The new LeapFrog Letter Factory Phonics features an all star cast of twenty six singing letters that bring the alphabet to life! Based on the award-winning Fridge Phonics, the learning is now portable with this fun on-the-go console. Letter Factory Phonics teaches children letter names and sounds with fun and interactive learning.

 

•  Utilizes a system that is supported by teachers and has helped more than  7 million children* practice phonics in a fun way.
•  Tactile play with the individual letter tiles helps reinforce the curriculum.
•  Teaches: Letter names, Letter sounds and the ABC song.
•  Letter Factory Phonics is appropriate for children ages 2+ years.
•  Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

 

 

LeapFrog – My Own LeapTop

LeapFrog – My own LeapTop
Planet Fun 
Available now.

Encourage and personalise pretend computer play for your children with this LeapFrog My Own Leaptop Laptop. Choose and download songs to make a custom playlist (internet connection required), explore 6 learning activity stations and even personalise 8 email messages. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customised learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.
Internet connection required for personalisation and song downloading.

•  Great for encouraging fun and learning
•  Keyboard and mouse specially designed for small hands
•  Encourage your child to learn: Animal identification, Basic introduction to computers, Letter recognition, Phonics, Pretend play
•  Requires 3 ‘AA’ batteries (not included)
•  Recommended for ages 2+ years

 

LeapFrog Touch Magic Rockin Guitar

LeapFrog Touch Magic Rockin Guitar
Planet Fun 
Available now.

LeapFrog Touch Magic uses the latest technology to combine fun, learning and creativity!
Touch technology recognizes light touches and gestures, delighting kids as they touch, tap, or brush their finger, making products come to life with music, sound and speech.

Play the guitar like a Rock Star! Select a song, play it as it is supposed to – or silly fast, add drum fills and cool sound effects, play solo, or change the guitar sound: Make every song unique!
New LeapFrog Touch Magic Rockin’ Guitar turns budding musicians into rock stars!

The Rockin’ Guitar features 10 preschool songs that can be transformed with the touch of a button. Whether playing for a crowd or practising in the bedroom, Rockin’ Guitar is a rock star’s ultimate instrument!

 

•  10 fun pre-set songs
•  Change the tempo, play acoustic or electric guitar
•  Add drum and crazy sound effects
•  Take a bow with the applause!
•  Recommended for kids 3+ years

 

My Pal Scout

LeapFrog My Pal Scout
Planet Fun
RRP$59.99, 
Available now.

Give learning a personal touch with this soft and cuddly puppy named Scout. Scout connects to the computer so you can customise the music and personalise the learning with your child’s name, favourite food, animal and colour.

 

• Choose from 30+ songs to download
• 14 fun activities with feelings, animals, counting and more
• Connect to the computer for more learning fun, USB cord included
• 2, 5 or 10 minutes of bedtime music
• Suitable for ages 6-36 months
• Adjustable volume

LeapFrog LeapPad Reviews

Introducing the all new learning tablet just for kids, the LeapPad from LeapFrog.

With a built-in camera and video recorder, and a library of 100+ games, apps and activities, the durable LeapPad features innovative apps that inspire creativity and turn reading into fun and games. It’s a new way to learn, a new way to play – a new way to unlock your child’s potential!

• Build Reading Skills
Reading levels adjust automatically and sound out words using phonic support

• Image, Create & Share
Put yourself in the stories you create & make animation and art to share with family and friends

• Discover a World of Apps
Explore a library of games, videos and apps that grow with you. Choose from mathematics, reading, science, life skills and more! (Apps and games sold separately)

• Includes: LeapPad Learning Tablet,
4 free apps,
USB cable and
LeapFrog Connect CD and quick start guide
(3 Apps included on your LeapPad and download 1 free app when you register your LeapPad online)

• Works with all Leapster Explorer games, e-books and videos,
• Recommended for children aged 4 – 9
• 4AA batteries required (not included)

Design and Durability

The slim profile of the LeapPad makes it easy for little hands to hold. The textured back is tactile but also keeps the plastic from seeming too slippery. The screen measures over 5”. A larger screen helps prevent eye strain especially during prolonged play
Another factor to consider when looking at electronics for kids is moving parts. The front of the LeapPad is sleek. There’s an on/off button on the left, two volume control buttons on the right (one to turn volume up, the other down), a larger button towards the bottom that can be pressed to navigate up, down, right, and left, and a green button with a house that helps children return to the home screen

With the exception of the silver navigation button, all other buttons are sunken into the device. This means they don’t get pressed accidentally when in a backpack or bag which is a huge advantage when traveling because it ensures that your device won’t get turned on by mistake. After all, nothing is worse than dead batteries even before you start your trip!

The LeapPad also features a built in magnetic stylus that hides on the right side. A tether is enclosed in the box for optional use. It is long enough to be used on all parts of the screen but won’t get tangled. It also features a camera whose lens is sunken into the back of the device.

Content and Features

One of the biggest concerns about the new LeapPad is about existing learning games, eBooks, and apps that have been purchased for use on the Leapster Explorer.
New and existing content, as well as cross-compatibility with the Leapster Explorer cartridges, provides endless game play that reinforces phonics, math, spelling, geography, world languages, music, science, and life skills!  Games auto-adjust  so children progress at a pace that’s just right for them. It even remembers progress from game to game and book to book for each child under their profile so there’s no frustration in having to ever start over.
The LeapPad unit comes with pre-loaded content that will allow your family to take a look at the many different types of learning games.

LeapPad Camera and Video Recorder
Built in to the back of the device, the Camera and Video recorder is a cinch for little learners to use in order to capture their favorite memories, add fun effects, edit, view, and upload to the household computer. With 2 GB of memory, LeapPad holds 30,000 photos or 120 minutes of video. I also like the countdown timer for taking self portraits which helps avoid capturing the look of surprise!

Pet Pad App
PetPad allows kids to create a customized pet (cat, dog, pig, rabbit, sheep, dragon, monkey, or lemur) and reinforces letter writing skills. Captain Computer selects a letter and practices by connecting the dots that form the letter three times. Upon writing his letter three time, the pet will do a trick that starts with that letter. For example, writing D makes his brown dog dance. The game also teaches pet care and relies on the built in microphone to blow dry your pet. Captain Computer enjoys seeing his customized pet during game play on the LeapPad.

Story Studio: All About Me and Art Studio apps
These fun and creative apps allow children to create artwork, photos, writing, and recordings that become the content of a self-created book.  Young illustrators can also create masterpieces in Art Studio to add them to their All About Me book.  Both apps reinforce writing skills and a child’s creative side while also empowering them as authors and illustrators.

Reviews to Come

WIN a LeapPad with MUMSreview and Planet Fun – NOW CLOSED

Introducing the all new learning tablet just for kids, the LeapPad from LeapFrog.

With a built-in camera and video recorder, and a library of 100+ games, apps and activities, the durable LeapPad features innovative apps that inspire creativity and turn reading into fun and games. It’s a new way to learn, a new way to play – a new way to unlock your child’s potential!

• Build Reading Skills
Reading levels adjust automatically and sound out words using phonic support

• Image, Create & Share
Put yourself in the stories you create & make animation and art to share with family and friends

• Discover a World of Apps
Explore a library of games, videos and apps that grow with you. Choose from mathematics, reading, science, life skills and more! (Apps and games sold separately)

• Includes: LeapPad Learning Tablet,
4 free apps,
USB cable and
LeapFrog Connect CD and quick start guide
(3 Apps included on your LeapPad and download 1 free app when you register your LeapPad online)

• Works with all Leapster Explorer games, e-books and videos,
• Recommended for children aged 4 – 9
• 4AA batteries required (not included)

Design and Durability

The slim profile of the LeapPad makes it easy for little hands to hold. The textured back is tactile but also keeps the plastic from seeming too slippery. The screen measures over 5”. A larger screen helps prevent eye strain especially during prolonged play
Another factor to consider when looking at electronics for kids is moving parts. The front of the LeapPad is sleek. There’s an on/off button on the left, two volume control buttons on the right (one to turn volume up, the other down), a larger button towards the bottom that can be pressed to navigate up, down, right, and left, and a green button with a house that helps children return to the home screen

With the exception of the silver navigation button, all other buttons are sunken into the device. This means they don’t get pressed accidentally when in a backpack or bag which is a huge advantage when traveling because it ensures that your device won’t get turned on by mistake. After all, nothing is worse than dead batteries even before you start your trip!

The LeapPad also features a built in magnetic stylus that hides on the right side. A tether is enclosed in the box for optional use. It is long enough to be used on all parts of the screen but won’t get tangled. It also features a camera whose lens is sunken into the back of the device.

Content and Features

One of the biggest concerns about the new LeapPad is about existing learning games, eBooks, and apps that have been purchased for use on the Leapster Explorer.
New and existing content, as well as cross-compatibility with the Leapster Explorer cartridges, provides endless game play that reinforces phonics, math, spelling, geography, world languages, music, science, and life skills!  Games auto-adjust  so children progress at a pace that’s just right for them. It even remembers progress from game to game and book to book for each child under their profile so there’s no frustration in having to ever start over.
The LeapPad unit comes with pre-loaded content that will allow your family to take a look at the many different types of learning games.

LeapPad Camera and Video Recorder
Built in to the back of the device, the Camera and Video recorder is a cinch for little learners to use in order to capture their favorite memories, add fun effects, edit, view, and upload to the household computer. With 2 GB of memory, LeapPad holds 30,000 photos or 120 minutes of video. I also like the countdown timer for taking self portraits which helps avoid capturing the look of surprise!

Pet Pad App
PetPad allows kids to create a customized pet (cat, dog, pig, rabbit, sheep, dragon, monkey, or lemur) and reinforces letter writing skills. Captain Computer selects a letter and practices by connecting the dots that form the letter three times. Upon writing his letter three time, the pet will do a trick that starts with that letter. For example, writing D makes his brown dog dance. The game also teaches pet care and relies on the built in microphone to blow dry your pet. Captain Computer enjoys seeing his customized pet during game play on the LeapPad.

Story Studio: All About Me and Art Studio apps
These fun and creative apps allow children to create artwork, photos, writing, and recordings that become the content of a self-created book.  Young illustrators can also create masterpieces in Art Studio to add them to their All About Me book.  Both apps reinforce writing skills and a child’s creative side while also empowering them as authors and illustrators.

MUMSreview  and  Planet Fun  have  a LEAPPAD for 2 lucky people to win

To Enter:

1 – Like the MUMSreview Facebook Page  HERE
2 – Post on a message on this BLOG entry telling us what LeapFrog means to you
3 – Email your contact details, including name  (and blog name if different) and address to  competitions@mumsreview.co.nz

Terms & Conditions

*Please Note*  This competition is for the LeapPad only, no additional games
NZ Entry only
One entry per household
You must be a liker of the MUMSreview Facebook Page
Emails must contain your contact details so we can get your prizes (if you win) out to you

Competition starts 2nd April 2012 and finishes on 10pm Monday 30th April 2012

Holdson – 4M Green Creativity Recycled Paper Beads

4M Green Creativity Recycled Paper Beads

Green Creativity Recycled Paper Beads
Review product courtesy of Holdson
For ages 5+

Contents:
Paper Bead winding tool
Patterned paper strips
Elastic string
Glue
Plastic dabber with a foam end
Detailed instructions

Eco-friendly never looked so lovely! Use paper to make colorful, one-of-a-kind paper bead jewelry with this award-winning Toysmith 4M Recycled Paper Beads Green Creativity Kit. The bead winding tool turns ordinary paper strips into a tight bead that people will insist cannot possibly be made out of paper. This fun art craft kit comes with enough paper strips to make dozens of beads and turn them into a necklace, bracelet, anklet, etc. When they are gone, experimenting with other types of paper, – colorful magazine pages, Sunday comics, wrapping paper – will result in even more spectacular beads for gift giving or wearing.

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Review

I had the pleasure of being the reviewer for Holdson’s Green Creativity Recycled Paper Beads kit. This is not the first Holdson’s Recyclable toy kit I have used. I have used their recyclable Robot making kit as well. What I love about these kits is that they contain everything you need to get started, and you can easily use the kits over and over again to make different things, all by using the recyclable item the kit calls for.

The paper bead kit comes with the paper bead winder which was really really easy to put together. My 4 ¾ year old daughter popped it together within 5 minutes of getting it out of the box. I didn’t need to tell her how to do it, and she didn’t need the instructions at all. The kit also contains some sheets of coloured paper, so you can cut these out to make beads if you happen to not have enough recyclable paper lying around.

I loved the glue dabber for less heavy-handed glue application and there was even a sachet of glue in the pack. Elastic string was included to allow you to come up with a finished product, necklace, or bracelet. Really you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to beads and the things you can do with them.

The other thing I like about these kits is that their instruction sheets are really comprehensive and easy to read. So I can read the instructions out to my daughter and know she’ll be able to follow it.

Once we had everything out of the kit and we had cut some paper into strips, my daughter loaded a strip into the winding tool and started turning the handle. The bead came together relatively easy, but she did have to watch it pretty closely and had to stop occasionally to re-align the paper so it didn’t go too far off course. I got her to stop close to the end to apply the glue. The application of glue was easier with the dabber than without. When we finished winding the tool, the bead was pulled out and there as a little glue left on the tool to wipe off.

My daughter made two beads before getting a little bored of bead making and she handed the tool off to me. After making two beads I understood why. It did take a lot of concentration to load the paper and then to make sure the bead paper stayed nice and tight and aligned. I finished up after the 5th bead, which was enough to make a small bracelet. I think it would be a good activity to do while watching TV, because it’s fairly repetitive and isn’t the fun part of the kit. The fun is actually using the beads to make jewellery.

I love that I now have a use for all that Christmas wrap I saved. And I love that she can practice her fine motor skills making the beads and threading them onto the string. I love that I can easily replace the glue and the string after the kit’s allotment runs out. We did find the activity a bit boring to be doing just by itself. Possibly an older child would find this less tedious. If I was to buy the kit, I’d probably purchase it for someone around 9 or 10 years old. At that age I think a child is more likely to have patience to sit and make things like friendship bracelets, etc. Overall I really liked the kit though, as did my daughter. Thanks for choosing us to review this MumsReview!