Learning toys - Reviewed and Tested

Here’s the list of tested "learning" toys, in order of kids' preference

VTECH V. FLASH CD LEARNING SYSTEM
What it is: Video game system focused on learning. They call it "edutainment"--a claim that an educational curriculum is woven seamlessly into game-play, so that while kids are having fun finishing the race or saving the world, they're also learning. Also plays music CDs.


For ages: 6 and up


What's cool about it: Incorporates video game-style play with many different curriculums in each V. Disc. Each game focuses on a different discipline, such as math, spelling, or encyclopedia knowledge. The games include increasing levels of difficulty, so kids can progress as they learn.

What's not so cool: Most kids didn't play with it for very long.

What the kid testers said: "It's kind of boring and needs better graphics."Other comments: Requires additional remote for two-player action. Additional games sold separately.




LEAPFROG FLY THROUGH ALGEBRA


What it is: A learning accessory for the FLY pen system. Get step-by-step help solving your beginning algebra homework. Includes 50 pages each of plain and graph paper for solving problems.

For ages: 10 to 15

What's cool about it: When used with the FLY pen, it recognizes the math problems you are solving, and works like a math tutor.

What's not so cool: It didn't get much attention from the kids during the toy test. (CR adult testers said they thought the atmosphere wasn't correct for getting the most out of this toy.)

What the kid testers said: Kids liked that the toy knew what you were writing, and that it talked to you.

Other comments: Requires FLY pentop computer, sold separately. It will require additional paper after the included 100 pages are used up.



LEAPFROG LEAPSTER TV LEARNING SYSTEM



What it is: Game console and controller that connects to a TV to give a learning experience. The games feature popular characters and teach essential school skills to kids from preschool through fourth grade.

For ages: 4 to 10

What's cool about it: Controller has large buttons and is colorful. The controller also includes a stylus with a touchpad to help teach kids handwriting skills.

What's not so cool: Some kids found the controller difficult to use, and the stylus did not accurately recognize objects that kids clicked on.

What the kid testers said: The older kids found it to be too childish and the younger kids found it too hard to use.

Other comments: Additional games sold separately (cost $18 to $25). Includes one controller, but two-player games require another controller. See also the Leapster Learning Game System or Leapster L-MAX Hardware they got better reviews and are portable hand-helds.



BRAIN AGE


video game for Nintendo DS and DS Lite game systems

What it is: A game cartridge that claims to train your brain. Contains math and reading challenges designed to improve how quickly you think. It also uses voice recognition for some of the games. However, according to Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, a neuroscientist from Japan who specializes in brain imaging, playing typical video/computer games does not engage a large portion of the brain.

For ages: Everyone

What's cool about it: A lot of kids didn't give it a chance, since playing "Super Mario Bros" had more action. Some of the older kids, ages 9 and up, found it exciting to think they were getting smarter by playing this video game.

What's not so cool: The cartridge can only be used with the Nintendo DS or DS Lite player sold separately.

What the kid testers said: Even though it was a low-interest toy, some kids really did like it. Said one tester, "It's so fun to learn how fast your brain goes."

Other comments: It also includes Sudoku, a numerical variation on a crossword puzzle.



Source: ConsumerReports.org - Everything you need to know before you buy.