In short, the LeapPad Learning Tablet is an iPad for kids. LeapPad products are geared towards helping kids learn about reading and math, all while playing interactive games that help guide them through learning objectives to help them progress to the next stage. The leaning objectives are designed to be fun and easy to complete so that kids don’t get discouraged if they can’t complete something, but rather learn from their mistakes and figure out how to solve future problems.
Sturdiness
Just like all other LeapFrog products, the Learning Tablet is built to be sturdy and durable. LeapFrog knows that kids have a tendency to rub their fingers in peanut butter and grab onto their games, which is why the casing on the outside is easy to wipe down with a disinfectant wipe. It can also take a beating if it’s left on the floor of the car for a few days. In fact, the device is actually designed to be turned upside down and moved around to interact with certain games.
Leappad Features
Just like many tablet PCs, the Learning Tablet has many unique features that help kids complete games and projects.
- Touch Screen: Most notably, on the front, is a 5 inch touch screen display that lets kids interact with the screen in ways never before possible. There is an included stylus that can be used (and is probably more effective) instead of fingers.
- Camera: Also on the tablet is a rear facing camera that not only helps with certain games, it also allows your little ones to get their director caps ready as they shoot their very own videos. The videos can be shared or downloaded from the device onto your computer using the included USB cable. Preinstalled on the Learning Tablet are apps called “The Story Studio” and “Art Studio,” which both let kids take advantage of the camera to complete activities and make their very own movies.
Apps and Games
As of right now, there are well over 100 different games and apps available for the device. Just like with traditional Leapster games, each game or application is designed to encourage different types of learning by helping kids advance through different skill objectives as they play. Games are often built around characters that kids are familiar with, such as the gang from Scooby Doo or the characters from the Disney movies, Wall-E and Cars.
- The Learning Objectives: Obviously, each app is different. Some applications and games are focused on building an entire array of skills, while others are more focused on a single area of learning such as reading or geography. The games available cover a wide array of topics including, but not limited to, reading, writing, mathematics, geography, music, and science. While reading and mathematics are the most common two game types available, there are definitely enough games in all of the categories to keep your child entertained for a while.
Tracking Progress
What makes the Learning Tablet unique is that as your child plays through different games, it automatically keeps track of how well your child is doing and transfers it from game to game. That means that if your child has reached a certain reading level milestone in one game, when they move over to a different book or story to interact with, the LeapPad remembers how well the child is doing and starts them off with a comfortable level as opposed to back to square one. Previous Leapster models could only remember how a child was doing in individual games and every time the cartridge was switched out to play a different game, progress had to start over.
Reading Experience
Just like an Amazon Kindle or iPad that are capable of reading eBooks, the Learning Tablet has a similar feature. Interactive books can be downloaded for your child to enjoy while you’re on the move. The books are completely immersive, meaning they aren’t just text on the screen. The books require kids to define different words, play games, and even navigate the worlds that the books describe. All of these help kids build their reading retention rate to help them later on with school related tasks.
- 3 Reading Levels in Each Book: And just like in the games described above, the books on the Tablet are capable of tracking as well. Books monitor how well a child does at different reading levels and adjusts new reading objectives accordingly. That means that as your child advances from grade to grade or from reading level to reading level, they won’t be forced to work their way through the “kid stuff” of early reading levels.
See How Your Child is Doing
Finally, just like with the other LeapPad products, you have the ability to see how your child is doing as they move through different activities. By connecting the Tablet to your computer Using LeapFrog Connect, you can install the necessary software to help keep track of how your child is doing in different learning areas. If you see that your child is struggling in math or science, you’ll be able to see and download them even more apps in those areas to help them boost their skills.
If you take the time to register online with LeapPad, you’ll get access to 3 free apps for the device for your child to use. It’s worth the half hour time investment if you get to save money on a few games or activities for your little one.
Final Thoughts on the Leappad
It’s pretty safe to say that the LeapPad Learning Tablet is a fantastic way for young ones to get a grasp on basic educational concepts all while still having fun. The games are interactive and enjoyable enough that your kids won’t get bored of them right away and will still want to keep playing for a while. The system is designed for ages 4-9, but in many cases if your child is familiar with technology before the age of 4, they’ll have no problem operating the Tablet. As a final note, it’s nice to mention that the Tablet is multiplayer, meaning that brothers and sisters can play the same games together. Although only one player can operate the game at a time, passing the Tablet back and forth encourages sharing; yet another benefit of the LeapPad.
Where can i read more reviews or buy the Leappad?
You can buy the Leappad and read more reviews on Amazon. From comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon currently have the best deal.