Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Parent's Helper: Products To Promote Early Literarcy and Learning

When our oldest child was one we bought her a Little Touch LeapPad by Leapfrog. The electronic and interactive story reader introduced all the fundamentals of reading, along with music and math basics. That was six years ago. Now two children and several products later, Leapfrog totally rules our home. Their educational products are the best at keeping children engaged, whether they're preschoolers or in grade school. Our kids' favorite learning tool is the Tag Reading System. I purchased this product in 2009 as Leapfrog phased out a few of their earlier systems, including our beloved Little Touch.

The Tag comes in two versions Tag Jr. for children ages 2 to 4 and Tag for ages 4 to 8. This product is great because children can do self guided learning as well as work with a parent's help. However to reap the benefits of this niffy gadget, a PC and internet connection are required. That's because the audio file for the each Tag storybook must be downloaded before the child can enjoy it. Access to a home computer makes this quick and easy to do.

The Tag's premise is an electronic pen which serves as the reader and a book that responds to a touch of the pen. So when the child touches the pen to the book pages, it will read the story aloud, read one word at a time, test reading comprehension, play fun story-based games and more. To find out exactly what your child is learning you must plug the item into your computer and log on the Leapfrog site. There you can see your child's personal learning path, collect rewards and check out even more awesome learning toys and accessories. I give the Tag reader 5 out of 5.

Questions or comments on my children's experience with this product are welcome.

Blessings,

Polly

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