Preordering of LeapPad UltraCHECK AVAILABILITY
Showing posts with label tablet toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tablet toys. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
LeapPad Ultra: The Ultra Learning Tablet for Kids
The latest chapter in the kids' tablet saga is upon us, and LeapFrog has truly made a leap, creating a tablet that doesn't require the extra cartridges that were necessary with the two initial LeapPads. This is a real tablet. The icons are much like those of an iPad or other adult's tablet, but the contact is kid-friendly and parent approved. Built to withstand the rigors of child handling, the 7-inch hi resolution screen and Wi-Fi access make this a great option for safeguarding your investment. Kid-safe Web is another important consideration. The entire system is kid-safe from the very moment it comes out of the box.
Parental controls provide extra management options. The Kids' tablet provides access to a LeapFrog created library of more than 800 games, ebooks, videos and apps. Onboard are 11 apps to start with or download for free. A built-in lithium ion battery is rechargeable. Front and back cameras provide lots of creative fun, and peer-to-peer play options promote cooperative learning. The system is designed to enhance learning and provoke creativity at an age-appropriate level. The system is ideal for kids from ages 4 to 9 and is available in green or pink.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Toy Vs. Tech: Toy Tech or Real Tech Gifts for Kids?
As a mom, I want my children's experiences with tech gifts to be productive, whether with a learning toy, or with a serious piece of tech equipment. I also recognize that independent exploration can be just as valuable as programmed direction of a child's learning activities. However, the younger the child, the more direction and supervision is necessary. This is especially true with higher priced tech items such as computers, laptops and netbooks, but can also be a factor in working with tech toys designed for a younger age group.
In our house, we've come to a determination that under age ten, an expensive tech gadget isn't even a consideration as a personal gift, due to maturity issues. Handheld video game systems, netbooks, iPods, and similar sought after items on a child's wish list are too expensive to easily replace, and the kids know, as well, that there is a coming of age sense of trust that will go along with such gifts. They can dream, no doubt, but it's just good sense, from our perspective, to be wise in this sort of gift giving.
Child targeted electronic learning systems, and other tough child gadget gifts, however, if within reach in terms of cost, are equally acceptable as child gifts from about age 4. My children, when in that under 4 age range, haven't really had the interest, nor the need, to spend time with such gadgets, and are much happier with age appropriate toys. From age 4 to 7, electronic learning systems, such as Leapster, have held their attention well, and have been within their capacity to operate. At ages 8-9, there may be a passing glance, but little targeted interest in these early learning electronic gifts. Still, I'm not quite ready to put more expensive gadgets in the hands of my 8-9 year olds, and so I look for non-electronic alternatives in that time frame. One consideration at that age might be a desktop computer, as it is non-portable, and stays anchored in one place, less prone to accidents and damage.
For my sons in that age range, there are some interesting electronics, in terms of race cars, helicopters, and motorized building sets that seem to satisfy the tech interests, while for a daughter in that age group, I tend toward girl gifts like electronic diaries, or text messaging toys. If I see a reasonable demonstration of maturity, I may give way a little bit on game consoles, or iPods, or ereaders. Guidelines are great as a starting point, but need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Watch that you don't create problems with a less responsible child, though, who wonders why they don't get equal treatment at a given age. Have a solid response ready, and discuss the issues that cause you to hesitate in purchasing costly tech presents.
Every home will have different dynamics, every parent, an individual response. When it comes to real tech items, verses tech toys, keep your own interests, as well as your child's, balanced with important factors that give credence to your decision.
Read about age ranges for tablet toy alternatives for kids.
In our house, we've come to a determination that under age ten, an expensive tech gadget isn't even a consideration as a personal gift, due to maturity issues. Handheld video game systems, netbooks, iPods, and similar sought after items on a child's wish list are too expensive to easily replace, and the kids know, as well, that there is a coming of age sense of trust that will go along with such gifts. They can dream, no doubt, but it's just good sense, from our perspective, to be wise in this sort of gift giving.
Child targeted electronic learning systems, and other tough child gadget gifts, however, if within reach in terms of cost, are equally acceptable as child gifts from about age 4. My children, when in that under 4 age range, haven't really had the interest, nor the need, to spend time with such gadgets, and are much happier with age appropriate toys. From age 4 to 7, electronic learning systems, such as Leapster, have held their attention well, and have been within their capacity to operate. At ages 8-9, there may be a passing glance, but little targeted interest in these early learning electronic gifts. Still, I'm not quite ready to put more expensive gadgets in the hands of my 8-9 year olds, and so I look for non-electronic alternatives in that time frame. One consideration at that age might be a desktop computer, as it is non-portable, and stays anchored in one place, less prone to accidents and damage.
For my sons in that age range, there are some interesting electronics, in terms of race cars, helicopters, and motorized building sets that seem to satisfy the tech interests, while for a daughter in that age group, I tend toward girl gifts like electronic diaries, or text messaging toys. If I see a reasonable demonstration of maturity, I may give way a little bit on game consoles, or iPods, or ereaders. Guidelines are great as a starting point, but need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Watch that you don't create problems with a less responsible child, though, who wonders why they don't get equal treatment at a given age. Have a solid response ready, and discuss the issues that cause you to hesitate in purchasing costly tech presents.
Every home will have different dynamics, every parent, an individual response. When it comes to real tech items, verses tech toys, keep your own interests, as well as your child's, balanced with important factors that give credence to your decision.
Read about age ranges for tablet toy alternatives for kids.
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