Technology and Toys for Learning
Although all of my kids were born in the 21st century, my little kids are so excited to be finally joining the 21st century – technologically. We have finally agreed to allow them tablets …according to my children they were the ONLY kids in their entire school who didn’t have them. I’m not so sure they were exaggerating. I struggled with the benefit and necessity of these tools for the kids their age as I thought books (plain old fashioned ones), outdoor play, and imagination and make believe games were how little kids should be their spending time. However, the schools are implementing more screen time during school hours as a different way for kids to learn – and so I thought I should look into these options. It soon became obvious to me the amazing educational aspect that these devices can provide. While the kids think they are just playing – they are actually learning.
I was just thrilled to try out the Little Scholar Learning Adventure tablet from SchoolZone. It is aimed at preschool through first graders though my fifth grader found some games that were interesting AND relevant to what she is learning in school this year (states and capitals along with geography). I will even admit that while I was looking through it to see what games and learning opportunities were provided (read- I was playing) I found that I was learning things too (ok – maybe just recalling them vs. learning them but I am currently proficient at naming the bones of the body thanks to Little Scholar).
This tablet provides only learning opportunities and again, they are all disguised as games. These games range from number and letter recognition, to addition and subtractions facts and reading opportunities. My kids are thrilled! And truth be told, I am too. I love that the Little Scholars tablet offers interactive edutainment and that their “screen” time is not just spent staring passively at a screen.
It’s not just for little kids, either. This tablet also has provided many opportunities for family interaction. There are several games that provide a timer which made the games relevant to the older family members as a time challenge – who can get the fastest time??! It is a riot to challenge each other and the clock to see how quickly we can complete a simple task (sorting, naming states, or counting money). Additionally, this tablet also allows the little kids to interact together learning to read and count at a pace that is appropriate for them – it is just priceless to see them cuddled together learning something new.
For parents, the most fantastic part of this tablet is the fact that it easily monitors the kids’ usage. With the touch of a button, the information is summarized and provided with easy to read charts and graphs. Information such as the usage (both amount of time and dates used) is provided allowing for the parents to monitor time spent with the device….(easy to verify they are using it only when they are supposed to be using it). The time spent on each grade level (Pre K, K, or first grade) as well as each category (math, reading, spelling, thinking, creativity etc) are also provided with a breakdown of what games they are playing. I love that this information is so easily accessed. As a bonus, parents can utilize the App management tool to choose which apps, music and e-books their children can access.
I appreciate the value, the learning opportunities and the fun that Little Scholar offers. All of these features are offered in this tablet which retails for a fraction of the price that a teen-adult centered tablet sells for, and to be honest, my little kids don’t even know the difference. When my kindergartner opened the Little Scholar package, she squealed in excitement that she had her very own iPad. Of course, it isn’t one but if a child doesn’t know the difference then that by itself adds value. The fun and learning combination are a icing on the cake.
Keep up to date on SchoolZone Publishing news by following them on Facebook and Twitter. Know a kid who would love one of these (or a parent who would love for their kid to have one of these)? Enter to win your own!
The form says answer a question about itchy scalp, even though is does not go with the post, so not sure if that entry was a error, but what I hate most about itchy scalp is the embarrassing flakes that people can see. I also want to mention this tablet, love how many apps it has.
I bet you were really scratching your head about the “itchy scalp” question. It was a mistake in the giveaway widget but thanks to your heads-up, I fixed it!
I’m not sure I retained everything from 5th grade, but I do know a lot of the state capitals still. That looks like a great educational tool, and a fun way to get the kids excited about learning.
I was just looking for something like this for my preschooler. I think she’d love it!
I try to slip in as many “edutainment” products as possible. My girls have a love of learning right now at ages 4 and 5. Everything is new so they want to know all about it. I do my best to be sure they are in a great learning environment as well as putting importance on play as well. If I can combine the two, even better!
one of my friends got her son this tablet and they love it. He is learning so much with it.
This would be so nice to have for all three of my children
would love this for my 2 year old. he is into educational toys & this would be perfect for him.
Wow. I am such a big believer in the power of technology in helping kids learn. This is great.
i try to use as many ways to educate my son as much as possible but not so much with electronics i like the hands on education i think you learn more with actual hands on…thanks for this chance
My daugther would have really enjoyed this when she was little. We had computer programs for her to play and learn, but now with tablet technology it’s much more convenient!
I like how easy it is for the tablet to show parents the kids’ usage. That is a handy feature!
This is very interesting. I wonder if it would help my K-student. He is struggling in school and I wonder if the basic stuff would help him ease into the program
This would be amazing for my six year old! She love sto leran ! Right now she scored in the 99 percentile for MAP testing all because of apps on my tablet and me helping her at home. This woul dbe great for her to have her own tablet to learn!
not sure
My nephew has a leapster but we want to get him something more advanced.
Love this! Thank You!
Yes, we use many edutainment items in our home!
Educational toys are what I look for when purchasing a toy for my kids. I love that they can play and play with them and learn full of great stuff at the same time.
This looks like something my grandson would love. I bet it’d be a big hit if it were under the tree.
I hadn’t heard of this before. I love seeing toys that help encourage learning. It sounds very versatile.
This is such a great tablet for kids to practice academic skills on. By allowing them to practice these concepts in a fun way, they actually retain more information.
I love the sturdy case. Good for little hands.
I love for my daughter to have educational toys! That’s how she learned her abc’s! Thanks so much for the chance!
We do! I think they make learning fun!
would love this for my grand babies.
Thanks for this review as I am researching this tablet and another one to see what is best for my Toddler.
My grandchildren all love learning toys as that is all I buy them. This would be a great tool to have when I watch them daily.
We try to slip in as many “Edutainment” opportunities as possible when we have our Grands w/us. This product would def. put us in the “Cool Grandparent” catagory, LOL!!! Ty4 the chance………….
We have some products but no electronic edutainment products. I do like how many activities it comes with. It will keep the little’s busy.
google + name: bianca roman/yobonks@gmail.com
yes! we make sure any video game is somehow tied in with education.
Yes we do! We currently use ABCmouse.com
We use edutainment products in our home because they are fun and teach without it being boring.
Yes we do!
Yes we do but we also make sure to have lots of hands on and interactive play 🙂
Yep, great learning for the kids.
No, but now that I know they are available I think they would be great for the kids.
Great learning toys reviews and instructions. Like the pictures too. Very helpful. Thanks