Leap Pad combines, familiar characters and stories with problem solving and critical thinking, to bring out the academic, in even the most unsuspecting children. If you have a tablet and young children, then you will probably already know the plus points and pitfalls of getting the two together. Rules as simple as this, can keep your child from the monotony involved in extended play of one game, and introduce a "freshness" with each new use of the LeapPad. It takes 4 AA batteries but they will only last an hour to an hour and half of continueous play so I have brought the AC mains plug and she plays with it attached to the wall now as she is not bothered just yet about being mobile and moving around with the device and is quite happy to sit down with it. Even going in in the guise of an older child, we were hit by how basic so many of the literacy and numeracy tasks are – and even our six-year-old didn’t feel stretched much of the time.

Be wary of children who become overly involved in one particular game - even though they may be absorbed in a great educational game - the passion for the game will interfere with their ability to think flexibly, a skill rooted in shifting behavior and thinking strategies.And while I still find my 5 year old occasionally playing with the new LeapPad2 (mainly when the 2 year old isn't anywhere around), it's the new LeapsterGS that has grabbed his attention. You might find yourself put-off by the performance, camera quality and dinky low-resolution screen, but it’s unlikely that your offspring will be bothered. It’s mostly controlled with a stylus, which slots into a recess on the right-hand side and is tethered to protect against loss. Leap Pad is in good but used condition with some light signs of general wear and tear as to be expected.

Last year we contemplated the purchase of adult tablet or a children’s version tablet/system for Christmas. Over the years, she has taken several positions, usually within the realm of Hardware, including Associate Editor, Section Editor, PCMag Labs Director, and a brief stint as Reviews Editor for the Consumer Electronics team. Purchase content specific games to help your child feel more excited about subject areas in which he has difficulty.He doesn't seem to have a favorite, but instead hunts down the device that gives him whatever it is he's seeking at the moment. The flexible, tear-resistant cover personalises the look of your device with a custom-fit design that wraps around the corners, back and side. The next thirty minutes of my life is a complete blank, as I rushed to find rechargeable batteries to fill both devices AND get them configured. I got the green skin but this doesn't protect the front and somehow the silver is already scratched off the front cursor button (within first 2 days), so I wish I'd got the full case now. Though prior generation LeapPads are decent with game play time using standard “AA” batteries or rechargeables, even though the device has auto-shut off to preserve the power, if your kids like taking pictures and videos, it’s totally worth the extra money to not have to worry about replacing the batteries and just plugging it in the wall to charge.

As grown-ups, we value thinness, sleek lines and slick, metallic finishes, but in the LeapPad’s market the chunky plastic approach makes more sense. Since the Leap Pad has a variety of age and content-specific games and extended activity bundles, the opportunities for exploring academic content areas are vast. Begin by installing LeapFrog Connect for LeapPad using the CD that came in the box or download it from leapfrog. Until then, I'm just pleased when my youngest hops up on the couch with me to watch him flip ebook pages and do sketches and take photos.I liked the educational aspect of it, whereby he can play games and learn at the same time and this is exactly what he does. It is important to encourage your child to explore the various downloadable children's books, and set aside time each day for silent reading.

In the game your child will complete quests and treasure hunts, where he will build reading skills by guiding characters to the correctly spelled word. The ones we have are enjoyed by our 4 year old and he will play quite contentedly, but they are more about chasing balls/ dinosaurs footprints or drawing mickey mouse.My daughter is only 4 and is already recognising numbers that are in to the 50s and beyond because of this game.