As a LeapFrog Mom Ambassador, I receive products, promotional items and educational material to use and share as I see fit. However, any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. This post contains affiliate links.
It’s no secret that my son can’t get enough of playing with the family’s iPad or iPhone — I mean what kid does? Even though I’ve made numerous attempts to keep electronics use to a minimum, it’s natural for him to gravitate towards them in this tablet-dependent day and age.
So when he is playing with electronics, I like to be sure it’s educational and safe!
LeapPad Platinum Review
As a LeapFrog Mom Ambassador, I recently had the chance to review one of their newest kid-friendly tablets, the LeapPad Platinum. The LeapPad Platinum comes with some pretty awesome features including:
- 7″ hi-res multi-touch screen
- fast processor
- Just for Me Learning Technology
- Wi-Fi with kid-safe web browser
- shatter-safe screen
- wrap-around bumper
- two cameras and video recorders
- 5+ hours of rechargeable battery
- peer-to-peer connectivity
- 8 GB memory
- 10 apps
- 1 free app download
- 1,000 + games available for purchase and download
Now first, I need to mention one of THE most important features to help ease a parent’s concerns with tablets in general: kid-safe web browsing! This is something that has always worried me about electronics — especially with click-savvy little ones who can easily navigate through the web. It’s just one less thing that moms and dads have to worry about when their child is on the internet — and I’m so glad LeapFrog understands this!
Now on to all the fun, educational features. On the home page, there are a number of included apps (plus additional for purchase) that kids can play with to learn. There is a built in camera, games, music and LeapFrog-approved videos for browsing — because we all know kids can’t stop watching trending YouTube videos!
The tablet is durable with a wrap-around bumper and shatter-safe screen which is a necessary if you have boys like mine who tend to throw things.
An added bonus? It’s also light-weight for easy traveling!
In terms of cons, the main issue we experienced was practicing our patience waiting for the apps to load and then waiting for the auto-play instructions to finish. My son was getting a bit antsy then, pressing buttons and trying to start the games…before the system allowed him to, which made him frustrated. But it’s a good lesson in listening, if you ask me!
LeapFrog Imagicards
The LeapFrog Imagicards are interactive cards that kids snap a picture of using the LeapPad to bring the cards and characters to life. These cards basically extend the play beyond traditional tablet gaming, which really sets the LeapPad apart from the competition.
We received Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol and Letter Factory Carnival cards to try out with the LeapPad, but of course my 3 year-old, typical boy wanted to play with the Ninja Turtles cards only, even though they are intended for ages 5-8.
He loved all the characters (“good guys” and “bad”), and just wanted to check out the action. The game is great for honing mathematics skills and problem-solving, so will make a great tool as he grows and learns to add and subtract. Kids can even practice fractions in a fun way via the pizza slices – turtle style!
The Paw Patrol set, recommended for ages 3 to 5, is definitely more appropriate for him as the curriculum includes number recognition, counting, shapes, patterns, addition and subtraction…so we’ll be making use of those in the coming weeks.
The Letter Factory Carnival, recommended for ages 4 to 7, focuses on phonics, spelling, consonants, word sounds and sight sounds.
Word Whammer Review
We also got a chance to try the Word Whammer which is another awesome toy for helping kids get ready for kindergarden. This is a great word-building toy that teaches kids phonics and spelling skills.
It mimics video-game controllers, but adapted to little hands so kids can thrust, push and twist the handle to blast a rocket into letters and practice spelling over 100 words.
My 3 year-old had fun testing it out and listening to all the wacky sounds – even his little brother wanted to take a shot :).
I really love that all of these games make learning fun for kids – as it should be – and sets the foundation for them to learn to read, write and practice so many key skills for kindergarden.
Thanks again to LeapFrog for selecting me to be a part of this awesome ambassadorship!
You can learn more about LeapFrog products and how they are helping kids get ready for school HERE and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.
Lauren says
We love our Leap Pad! That web safe browsing was huge for us as well!!
Lauren recently posted…How to Find the Perfect Baby Monitor
Lauren says
Love our leap pad! and my daughter is word whammer obsessed!!
Lauren recently posted…Books my Kids are Loving in October