27
Feb

Top 5 Lakeshore Educational Software Picks

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Can Do! Phonemic Awareness Interactive Games

Why We Love It:This game show is out of this world as learners spin the wheel and answer questions promoting phonemic awarness. Users get practice in beginning, middle and end sounds guided by a cool robot appropiate for ages 6-7 yrs.

Numbers & Counting Adventures Interactive Activities

Why We Love It: As a Language Arts teacher I focus on reading and writing skills and sometimes neglect mathmatical ones. This is a great games for learning numbers, sequential order and more. Ages 4-6.

Tiki Challenge: A Blends & Digraphs Interactive Game

Why We Love It: Learning blends and diagraphs are an important part of reading instruction. This fun game for future "Survivor" viewers gives feedback and printable assessment for progress monitoring. Ages 6-7 yrs.

Beginning Operations Adventures Interactive Activities

Why We Love It: The audio instructions make this software a perfect independant learning excersise in beginning math. The drive through diner is a huge hit with my son, and I love the pre and post assessment worksheet included. AGes 4-6 yrs.

Phonemic Awareness Interactive Games

Why We Love It: From syllables to rhyming words, this game show creates phonemic awarness while fun characters interacte with learners in three games for kids age 4-6 years with feedback for positive reinforcement.

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip

Follow Lakeshore on Facebook and Twitter for more learning product news and updates.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , ,
09
Feb

LeapFrog Numberland DVD Review & Giveaway

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Scout and friends are baaack! As a Language Arts teacher, I favor an approach to learning which incorporates a variety of contest and multiple modes of delivering that content. We read, play games and utilize educational toys and technology such as the LeapFrog DVD learning series. My son, age 3, can already read which I absolutely attribute in part to the fantastic line of LeapFrog products ranging from Fridge Words to Phonics Farm.  This new release focuses on numberacy skills as Scout plans a surprise birthday party along with friends Violet, Eli, Penny and Axle. We use reward charts to reinforce our house rules and used Numberland as the Pirate Ship surprise. The kids were as excited about it as any prize they received and couldn’t wait to watch the newest LeapFrog release. To me this speaks volumes; when learning masks as fun everyone’s a winner! I would highly recommend both LeapFrog Numberland and other LeapFrog DVDs which are listed below to any parent looking to reinforce skills taught in the home.

Cool Giveaway:

Enter to win a LeapFrog Numberland DVD, also available Digital and On Demand, by commeting on this post with how you teacher nunbers to your little ones. For extra entries, complete any of the following leacing a seperate comment on each:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 2/23/12.

Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

 

 

Filed Under: Cool Picks, Editor's Picks, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , ,
29
Dec

Wordless Wednesday: Fingerprint Kids’ Apps, PlayMaker & Big Kid Life Firefighter

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Cool Tip: Looking for cool new iPhone and iPad apps for the kids? Look no further than Finger Print and their all new Play Maker and  Big Kid Life Firefighter which are kids (and their parents) adore! Follow on Twitter and Facebook too.

Filed Under: Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , ,
29
Nov

Holiday Gift Idea:LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus *Giveaway*

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As a huge fan of anything that LeapFrog makes, I knew which section to head directly to in the toy store to shop for my 10 month old nephew.  My 2 and 3 year olds already play with and love the maracas to the Leapster  Explorer and now our newest addition the LeapPad, so I knew that I would find the perfect gift in the LeapFrog section.

Why We Love It

The LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus caught my eye and is a great gift for ages 9 – 36 months and at a reasonable cost of $29.99. It offers unlimited fun for a curious child while teaching them colors and numbers. The reason I always gravitate to LeapFrog when gift shopping is because they are both fun and educational.  The toddler takes the colorful balls and places them in one of the 2 spots at the top of the octopus and then lifts up the shoe to rediscover the disappeared ball.  The game helps to develop hand eye coordination and allows the child to learn basic colors.  The Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus is fun and entertaining with a peek-a-boo surprise that every child is sure to love.

Written by Karen, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Details

Ages: 9-36 months

Retail Price: $29.99

Purchase at:

LeapoFrog.com, Amazon

Cool Giveaway:  Sometimes I wish I had lots of arms like an Octopus! If you had an extra hand, would would you accomplish with it? Comment on this post to win a LeapFrpg Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 12/11/11.

 

 

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
18
Nov

All New LeapFrog Learning: Phonics Farm & 3-DVD Set

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It’s not a surprise that LeapFrog’s Phonics Farm DVD was an instant hit for my son who loves every LeapFrog toy he’s ever got his hands on.  I think his favorites are Fridge Phonics and Text & Learn which followed him everywhere for about a year.  It’s possible he enjoyed the DVD so much because he had a stuffed Scout when he was an infant. In any case, he was instantly engaged in the DVD, answering the characters and conversing with the television.  The story involves Scout, Violet, Eli, & Penny who take a trip to the farm and meet a lot of new animals.  It’s great when a cartoon can help reinforce information critical to early reading.  Our son is already very interested in the alphabet, letter sounds and sight words so the DVD was a great fit.  At 35 minutes, Phonics Farm is great for car trips and helps reinforce the sounds of the letters we are currently teaching.

With the holidays next month, the newley released LeapFrog 3-DVD Learning Collection makes a great gifts for youngsters ages 2-5. It includes  The Amazing Alphabet Amusement Park and Number Ahoy which we reviewed when they were first released. Lily, Tad and friends teach numbers, countings the alphabet and more. In  Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory our favorite  friends combine learning (to read) and fun in true LeapFrog fashion. We keep the LeapFrog DVDs in the car for travel; even a fifteen minute trip can be an opportinity to learn!

Written by Mr. Cool Baby Kid

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Phonics Farm and LeapFrog 3-DVD Learning Collection through our Amazon affiliate links.

Filed Under: Education Corner, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
15
Nov

LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad for Toddlers *Giveaway*

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Reminicent of My Pal Scout & Violet, the LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad customizes play and thrills little ones with personalized favorites including their name. Let’s face it…kids want what we have. When Mom and Dad use smart phones and pads, even the youngest children want in on the action. A much safer alternative than handing over our tech toys, LeapFrog innovations like LeapPad for preschoolers and now the My Own Storytime Pad for toddlers fill a gap in the educational tech toy segment. With a cracked iPad screen–luckily it was Dad’s and not Mom’s–I can persononally vouch for the fact that even supervised it is not advisable to let youngsters borrow “the real thing.”  Styled similarly to adult pads, the LeapFrog versions give a sense of ownership over less educaional and child-friendly ones.

Here’s a run-down of some of the features:

  • Hold 5 stories, 10 songs and 3 emails
  • Customizable “emails” so you can say “I Love you!”
  • Teaches the alphabet and phonics
  • Personalize with child’s name, favorite songs and stories
  • Press the paw and letters make silly sounds
  • Play messages from favorite LeapFrog characters
  • Connect to LeapFrog Learning Path for progress monitoring

At $29.99 retail price geared for ages 2-4, the low price point makes My Own Storytime Pad a perfect gift idea for the toddler age group. The pad comes in both green and purple, though I would never suggest a gender specific color since my three year old son is asking for everything pink this Christmas. To each his own!

Disclaimer:A product sample were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad from our Amazon affiliate link for $23.99.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad by sharing on this post your all-time favorite LeapFrog product. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/29/11.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , ,
11
Nov

LeapFrog Solar System Adventure Pack *Giveaway*

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To prove my love affair with LeapFrog, check out the number of  toy reviews I’ve conducted over the years on one of my all-time favorite companies. From baby to preschooler and big kids, they are my go-to source for educational toys.  Last season I was first introduced to the Tag United States of America Map and Tag World Map. Since then my children have learned about places all over the world thanks to one of our favorites pasttimes. We have both Tag and Tag Junior located both upstairs for bedtime and downstairs for learning time. And now with the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack we’ve added to our collection of Tag activities. It includes over 40 activities teaching everything from planets to comets like the one we’ve been hearing about in the news recently. The adventure pack even includes  interactive stickers with the most advanced positive reinforcment system to date. As a teacher I’d love have the ability to use iteractive stickers. Maybe someday…

Here’s a quick look at the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack in action:

While one lucky winner is receiving our top pick this holiday season, LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer,  another will be able to learn about everything from seasons to our solar system on a two-sided board which allow users to both learn and play games. Enter our cool giveaway and be sure to visit LeapFrog.com on Black Friday where they’re sure to offer fantastic deals. Last year we loaded up on Tag Books, and it’s one of my first planned stops as I gear up for holiday shopping post-Thanksgiving this year.

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Tag Reader system and LeapFrog Tag Solar System Adventure Pack through our Amazon affiliate links.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog Tag Reader and Solar System Adventure Pack by commenting on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/25/11.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
01
Nov

Our #1 Hot Holiday Toy Pick: All New LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer *Giveaway*

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Another LeapFrog innovation scores high marks with the entire family. It’s no secret we’re huge LeapFrog fans. Throughout the years Fridge Magnets to Tag and Tag Jr. have been learning staples with both of our children. Now a toddler and preschooler, they want more than ever to be like mom and dad. The LeapFrog LeapPad allows them to have their own “pads” which are infinitely more durable than their parents’ tech toys begin designed for kids.

Out of the box, I first noticed the screen…the largest among LeapgFrog tech toys such as Explorer. Using the built-in camera we took pictures of each child and used it to create a profile. Now they can click their own pictures and names during sign in so Learning Path can track their progress and achievements. A built in tilt-sensor is immediately apparent even on the home screen as your child’s pet slide across the screen when tilted. Now only can they make over their pet, the Pet Pad app and “trick time” functions as a build-in Scribble & Write, another of our favorite LeapFrog products, helping little ones learn to write their letters.

As an English teacher, the reading apps are my personal favorite. LeapPad turns reading into an interactive experience complete with sounds and dynamic moving pictures. In “Reading Mode” users can choose three reading levels essentially giving them three books in one. Best yet, starting at level one LeapPad will even automatically adjust reading levels as the child progresses. A built-in vocabulary skill builder is the coolest feature ever! Click on an underline word in the text and a screen pops up which shows a picture and definition of the word as the LeapPad reads and pronounces it out loud. Parents or children can also record their own reading voice to playback with the story. The learning possibilites seem endless with this ultra-awesome app. Here are some others’ we enjoyed:

  • With Nemo, Dora, Woddy, Buzz and more all in one game, Pixar Pals quickly became a favorite of my animal-loving daugher who is learning science and reasoning which works great for this Language Arts teacher.
  • Pet Pals 2,  on the other hand, is my son’s go-to game. With an emotional attachment to his furry friend, he hardly realizes addition and substraction are taking center stage as we attempt to win the dog show!
  • School is in session with LeapSchool Reading, my personalfavorite which includes 26 games to help teaching early reading skills appropriate for children ages 4-7.

While a stylus is included, a drawback for some who may be afraid to loose it, the good news is included. LeapPad’s touchscreen also works without it as well. Another favorite feature of LeapPad is the included “Story Studio” app. Users can create a story all about themselves! Using pictures and their own artwork, pages can be added to a virtual book entitled “All ABout Me.” Themed pages include topics such as birthday, feelings and expressions (i.e. “Today I feel…) and my family. Press play to listen to the story!

There are so many features in the new LeapPad with the ones featured only scratching the surface. We’re planning to purchase a second pink LeapPad for Christmas so each child can have their own. My prediction…this will be the hot toy for the holiday this year, and with hundreds of apps including characters the kids love–Disney Princesses, Toy Story and Cars, Dora and Star Wars– as well as plenty of learning games such as LeapSchool Reading, Mr. Pencil and more, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own. 

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog LeapPad and learning games from our Amazon affiliate links above and be sure to get your games loaded and connected so when Christmas morning arrives your child is ready to play! Check out even more LeapFrog picks.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer plus three game cartridge-(Pet Pals 2, Pixar Pals and LeapSchool Reading–a nearly $175 value! Comment on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/15/11.

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