The Leapfrog Tag Reader - The Learning Toy For Christmas 2009

The Leapfrog Tag Reader is the latest in Leapfrog'swhich tend to be pretty high.
range of interactive learning toys for kids. DesignedAs the Tag matures there will be other savvy
as a replacement for the highly successful Leap padapplications for its unique technology. National
reading system, the Leapfrog Tag system is a muchGeographic have already released a series of
more streamlined tool for learning.information cards that teach children about different
The Tag system consists of a pen that children useanimals including the sounds they make. Whereas the
to point to specially designed books. The readingLeap Pad device required books of a certain size to
device at the bottom of the pen "reads" the wordsbe placed in a reader in order for the device to work,
and images on the book out aloud through a speakerthe Tag has no such restrictions so potential
in the top of the pen. For convenience, the Tag alsoapplications are endless.
has a volume control and earplug socket right on theIt's important to know that you will need to have
pen, something the leap pad lacked in it basic format.access to the internet in order to download the audio
The system comes in two different color offerings,component of any purchased book/card system.
green and pink, and the range of books is increasingHowever, the great thing about having to do this is
from an opening selection of 15 to a current range ofthere are no cartridges to lose, a potential flaw of
about double that. Books are available for varying agethe previous system.
levels and tastes. For those with a classical educationAnother benefit of the internet access component is
in mind, Dr Seuss' Cat In The Hat and Olivia by Ianthat Leap Frog have set up what they call the
Falconer would be favourites. Entertainment savvyLearning Path, which lets parents to upload their
kids will be drawn to the movie/TV related titles (likechild's progress and monitor the fundamental
Spider-Man, Ben 10, Star Wars and Dora) but resteducational skills being learned while the child reads
assured all titles have passed Leap Frog's standardand plays.