LeapPad

Alright, alright, alright.  So Bella plays with my iPhone.  A LOT.  And we had hoped that this recent gift by from her Grammy and Poppy would help keep my phone out of her little hands.  While it doesn't completely free my phone from her grasp, it definitely lessens the use of mommy's technology on a regular basis.

And since I am at it, I thought I would add a little review of the toy.  From my teacher perspective.

Perks

*Durable. Perfect size for little hands.

*Left-handed adjustments--this was key for my lefty.

*Grows with her.  Right now she enjoys the basic programs that come with it.  But we can download aps as she grows.  These aps include educational movies, games, and flashcards.  Which brings me to my next point.

*Learning focused.  The games on this pad are directed specifically toward a child's learning.  Following directions, listening comprehension, perfecting fine motor skills.  

*Monitoring.  I LOVE that I can monitor Bella's progress.  This is a feature of ALL Leapfrog products, which is why I am a HUGE fan.

*Perfect for car rides.  We don't have a DVD player in our car, and Bella can be a bit demanding on the road after a long day at school because she is tired.  But for a car ride from home to school, it keeps her entertained.  Which means I can focus my attention where it should be.  Keeping us safe on the road.

*Well priced.  Much more reasonably priced.  While the iPad is great, and so are its family members, we are NOT ready to put something quite so expensive in the hands of our two year old.

Downfalls

--While it has a camera and video recorder, which I LOVE, I do not think I can download my own pics to it.  Which is one of Bella's FAVORITE things to look at on my iPhone.

--Battery Life.  Rechargeable batteries are a must with this toy.  Because About every two weeks, batteries need to be replaced.  And that is with Bella playing with it only a few minutes every day or every few days.

I am a firm beleiver in exposing your children to technology early on, because it is the way of the world these days.  Settting boundaries with such technologies, yes, but providing them with the right learning tools, are only going to help prepare them for their time in a classroom setting, and later on in the real world.