The research for this article was compiled by February 10, 2005.
The beeping, buzzing and clicking of electronics provide kids with an unavoidable lure. Using these attention grabbers to educate children in their most fundamental development years keeps both kids and parents happy.
Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set by LEAPFROG
This magnetic alphabet set teaches youngsters the basics using the kitchen fridge as its main platform and a reader to pronounce the sounds. — “I don’t know why it’s selling so good,” said Ben Everett, owner of Tooty Toys in Boston, “It’s been around for a of couple years, but it’s taking off again.” — “It’s the LeapFrog name that sells. Parents know it’s a good brand and buy accordingly,” Debbie Bennett, co-owner of Baby’s Day Out in Cincinnati explained. — “A friend has a new baby? Grandparents have a new grandkid? Buy LeapFrog,” stated Patty Douglas of Doodle Squirt in Tallahassee, Fla.
Parents can turn “Game Time into Brain Time” with the V.Smile TV Learning System, which combines a video game platform and educational content in a system that connects directly to the television. The system features 32 “smartridges,” with an additional ten in Spanish. This product is a 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award and Creative Child Magazine Toy of the Year Award winner. — Russell Selick, manager of Bob’s Toys in Seattle, was surprised at how good a showing the V.Smiles were having. “They sell, but now, come Christmas, it seems everyone wants one.” — “It’s a 'grandparent' gift, a 'parent' gift, and when the kids get it, a ‘kids’ gift, too. Everyone likes them,” responded Betty Pagginette, owner of St. Louis’ Playful toy store. — “Can’t keep them on the shelf,” a frenzied Douglas Robertson, co-owner of Robertson’s Toys in Ogden, Utah, said.
MGears Remote Control Racers by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
This requires imagination to put together a gear-filled car that actually runs.
-- It fosters creativity with the use of construction and actually runs after the kids build it. -- It is approved by the Parents Choice Foundation. -- It was nominated for Best Educational Toy of the Year 2005 by the Toy Industry Association.
SpongeBob – Krusty Krab Adventures (InteracTV DVD) by FISHER-PRICE INC.
This platform works effortlessly with a DVD player, allowing a child to interact with the program using a colorful, wireless touch pad.
-- It focuses on teaching memory, logical thinking and the value of numbers. -- It was nominated for the DIC Entertainment Ultimate TOY Awards. -- SpongeBob Squarepants is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Cable TV programs according to the Nielsen ratings.
This handheld product might almost be mistaken for a video game console because of its shape and tiny size.
-- It is continually top-rated among Amazon.com users. -- It fosters creativity and teaches phonics, rhyming, numbers, music and art. -- It is a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award.
This software for Windows stars two very vivid characters who guide the viewer in a world of fantasy. The first in a series of grade-based products, Didi & Ditto (Kindergarten) proposes a complete learning package, where children practice thinking skills, literacy skills, math skills and creativity. Children can play the game as a learning adventure or choose specific skills to practice.
-- It encourages kindergarteners to learn math, language and thinking skills, and fosters creativity. -- It was winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award in 2004. -- Its sales rank 263 in the general Software category on Amazon.com.
Robosapien Programmable Robot by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.
Although entertaining enough for adults, kids can benefit from this friendly, stimuli-responding robot.
-- It is a winner of the Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award. -- It was rated four stars by PC Magazine. -- It communicates “feelings” to its owner, inspiring communication in the user, and can perform up to 67 pre-programmed functions.
GeoSafari Talking Globe Junior by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.
The 12” talking globe provides a geography lesson using skill questions with varying degrees of difficulty.
-- It is a winner of the Great American Toy Test Top 10 Toys. -- It is a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. --The colorful map provides a visually engaging experience.
Color Pixter is the answer to providing a world of artistic exploration in a small, portable panel.
-- The toy appeals to a wide range of age groups, from preschool to elementary school. -- Create your own designs using pre-made images and backgrounds or 128 colors. -- It is a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award in 2005.
The Wave Dance Maker by MOOSE MOUNTAIN MARKETING INC.
With the success of dance consoles like Dance Dance Revolution inside and outside of the home, it’s a given that this semi-instructional, flashing light-display will be a big hit.
-- By learning where to step and how to move your arms, your dancing skills improve. -- Released in late 2004, this toy is also great at parties. -- Instructions are based on a flashing light display and light sensors.
