Technology can go both ways when it comes to kids (and adults), but I'm comfortable with not only the content I'm seeing on these two devices, but also with the time spent using them. Still, he's got quite a few favorite games on the LeapPad, including a Scooby Doo game that teaches spelling at a speed and level that he enjoys and matches the words that he's learning in school. The only physical controls are the aforementioned D-Pad, volume controls to the right of the screen, a home button at the bottom and a power button to the left. The LeapPad2 will give them a good entry point, and when they are older and ready to make a transition, the LeapPad Ultra is the next logical step. Begin by installing LeapFrog Connect for LeapPad using the CD that came in the box or download it from leapfrog.

While there are certainly games that require your child to shift his gameplay strategy (usually following a failed attempt or low score), alternating between different types of games also exercise your child's flexibility skills. The LeapPad chewed through 4 AA batteries at an astonishing rate, but there have apparently been improvements in the LeapPad2 in terms of battery consumption. Although most I found indicated they were for four to seven year olds, this is still a huge age range for a kid’s item. Many reviews (and leapfrog) tell you this is a 4years plus product, but from experience it is good for 2 year olds as well.As a parent, there is nothing better than having confidence in a product where I can hand it over without any reservations and worries that my child is accessing inappropriate content. By balancing fun games with learning games, your child can better understand his needs as a learner. The major drawback is that you can end up spending a small fortune on games (although 1 purchase can be uploaded to 3 devices) as there aren't (m)any free games for the children to download. The LeapPad Explorer was the first release in a new line of LeapPad products after the discontinuation of the original LeapPad line by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Disney Princesses: Pop-Up Story Adventures is a game where your child can practice phonics and early reading skills as he or she unlocks the stories of Belle and Cinderella. Outer has some light scratches and stylus has some light bite markings however over all is in good condition. In 2012, the LeapPad Explorer was awarded 3 titles: "Toy of the Year (overall)", "Educational Toy of the Year" and "Preschool Toy of the Year" at the 12th Annual Toy of the Year Awards, [5] which is held at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

So, in an effort to compromise without having to dip into his college fund, I thought of getting him a toy tablet. By using grade specific programs, or purchasing games that target your child's weaknesses, you can customize the LeapPad to work harder where your child needs it most. And even though he doesn't understand most of the rules of the games available or some of the more advanced drawing and animation tools (such as those found in the really cool Disney drawing app), he still has a blast playing with it. For the past 2 years, the LeapPad and LeapPad2 have been honored by the Toy Industry Association at Toy Fair in February, winning both Toy of the Year and Educational Toy of the Year categories for 2012 and 2013.