Common Sense Media Review
By Jinny Gudmundsen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Smaller, sleeker LeapPad version for older kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Developed by Leapfrog, the makers of the award-winning LeapPad (for kids ages 4 to 8), the QUANTUM PAD LEARNING SYSTEM for kids ages 8 to 11 is a smaller, more hip-looking version of the original LeapPad. The plastic laptop-style case opens for insertion of a book and software cartridge; once turned on, it becomes an interactive way to explore books. The software prompts kids to push on images or words in the book using a tethered stylus.
Books and software are $14.99 each and are divided into three series: FUN-damentals, Great Reader, and Above & Beyond. The FUN-damentals series focuses on classroom learning by grade level, with books focusing on one or several subjects. The Great Reader series uses popular books as springboards for reading comprehension, vocabulary, and book report activities. The Above & Beyond series offers books on special-interest topics such as outer space, the making of movies, brain twisters and more.
Is It Any Good?
This system is as good as the original LeapPad Learning System. In fact, it can play all the LeapPad books/software and the reverse works as well -- a LeapPad can play the Quantum books/software. Since it is sleeker and more sophisticated-looking than the LeapPad, it appeals to older children. But if you already own a LeapPad and your child is in third grade or above, you probably should buy age-appropriate Quantum Pad books/software instead of the paying for the whole system.
But if you don't already own a LeapPad, this is a good choice. Kids think it is cool (because it looks like a laptop) and fun to play. It is very compact, so it can be taken on trips; and it has a place to plug in earphones (not provided) so that it won't disturb others while traveling. The Quantum Pad will grow with the child because it has books/software for grades three, four, and five.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they've learned playing with this system. Parents can reinforce the lessons by revisiting the content with other media.
Game Details
- Platform : Quantum Pad Learning System
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : LeapFrog
- Release date : December 8, 2003
- Genre : Educational
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : August 25, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate