Anyone have the "Leap Frog" toy?

[Rock'n Robin]

I am considering getting my 4 year old DS a "leap frog" toy for Christmas, the interactive toy to teach reading, etc. Does anyone have this, and does it hold you child's interest?
I was going to get him a bike but the neighbor gave us one for him, so now I need to think of a good present!
Robin M.

 

[Mskanga]

My DD 5 years old has it and loves it, they even have a leap frog station in school but much better than the home thingy.

 

[janette]

I'm interested in the reviews. My 8yo DD has problems with reading and is just now starting to use phonics and sound out words etc. I wondering how helpful these would be to help with phonics and basic sight word skills.

 

[BWVDenise]

She was close to turning 5 at the time, and I thouht this would be a GREAT gift. Well, she used it a few times and then tried to rip the pen and cord off of the base! I put it away. Perhaps she will become less destructive as she gets a little older. I'm sure a more "mild" child would love it, but my "wild" child tried to destroy it!

 

[C.Ann]

My granddaughter has had one since she turned two (she just turned 4 in Sept.) and she absolutely loved it.. She still uses it occasionally now but spends more time with learning programs on her parents computer..

I think it would make an excellent gift.. Then again though, I'm big into "educational" toys whenever possible.. Fortunately my granddaughter LOVES the learning process so she doesn't realize that toys and learning can be two different things - ha!

 

[OkieDisney]

My kids use it (and Pixters) in the car and love them!

Very educational and fun!

 

[mrsv98]

We bought one for our DD, 2 1/2, about a month ago and she loves it. She plays with it every night before she goes to bed. We bought the "Leap Start" books that are pre-reading and she can use them just fine. I am not saying that she is getting the entire educational package just yet, but she can follow along and play the games with no trouble. We went ahead and bought her the older leap pad rather than the Jr version because I didn't want to have to buy a second unit in another year. I really like the range of books in terms of skills and also the variety of subject matter. I really think it is a good investment.

 

[jwfla422]

My MIL gave my dd one for her 3 yr old birthday which I thought was a little too old for her at the time.

She is now 4 and periodically uses it but it doesn't hold her interest for long. I put it away and take it out. I think if they sold books that were either "Disney characters/princesses themed" (they do have a POOH one but she's not a big POOH fan, but that's it) or a Sesame Street related one it may hold her interest longer.

I think these would be more suitable for kids that are just learning how to read or have trouble with reading. Most of the books are for 1st grade and up. There may be 2 or so that are for PRE K.

She did like the Imagination Station better which was more for the toddler/pre K age.

 

[POLLY ANN]

I bought one for my 5yo dd when she turned 4. At first, she didn't like to use it but with practice, she really enjoys it. Especially the books that play music. She's constantly singing!

I think it would make a wonderful gift and be a great start to reading!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Santa brought it for my DS last year. He used it occassionally.

This year, now that he is in 1st grade and a good reader, he uses it often and enjoys it.

Santa is bringing him a case to fit all his books and programs in.

It's worth the cost!

 

[nanalisa]

I bought my granddaughter a Leap Frog Leap Pad Pro last year when she was almost 5. She loves it. You can buy new books and games for it. It will read to her or she can read and touch the words she doesn't know with the magic pen. She has also learned states and capitols, music notes. I bought it from QVC because they have a great selection of Leap Frog and accesories.