 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: LeapSchool Reading
- LeapPad Explorer, Leapster Explorer
- Price: $24.99
- Genre: Edutainment
Common Sense Media says
Great early-reading mini-games with fun characters.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: LeapSchool Reading (for Leapster Explorer or LeapPad Explorer) is a collection of mini-games, each attached to a different character in the "school." Only some (perhaps one third to a half) of the games are reading related. The rest are a strange assortment of sorting games and games that encourage hand-eye coordination. The reading games are varied and some are certainly easier than others. Since the mini-games are designed so kids won't be completely stuck, parents should know that completing the game is not an indication that your children can read. Parents can connect the device to the LeapFrog Learning Path to get statistics for their child's use of the game, including how they have done with a particular skill. Kids can also connect to LeapWorld online (a virtual world with no social interaction) to purchase Micromods with tokens they earn from the game. These add additional content, themes, etc., to the game.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn word recognition and concepts such as rhyming and homonyms. They'll also be introduced to basic ideas in chemistry (molecules), astronomy, baking, pet care, and more. Each of the 26 children in the game has a different hobby, and elements of those hobbies are introduced in their related mini-games. Repetitive activites may distract from learning as kids explore reading and hobbies.
Subjects
- Arts
- Hobbiesbuilding, collecting, cooking
- Language & Readingletter or word recognition, phonics, spelling
- Math
- Scienceastronomy, chemistry
- Social Studies
Skills
- Collaborationrespecting other viewpoints
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethicsintegrity, respect for others
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoninglogic, strategy
What's it about?
LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: LeapSchool Reading introduces kids to 26 characters (whose names each start with a different letter of the alphabet), all of whom are students in the school. Each character in the game has a particular passion, whether it is carpentry, baking, magic tricks, or racing. The mini-game that goes with the character matches their skill or interest. Kids are introduced to these characters in groups of three through a series of quests. In each quest, a character is trying to accomplish something, but needs some sort of help from the other two. Once kids have unlocked a particular character, they can play that mini-game through the Friend section of the menu. There are also challenges that ask you to look for certain objects throughout the game. Kids also unlock pictures, which can be revealed by rubbing away a blue film. They can then "tag" the picture with the names of the characters in the scene.
Is it any good?
LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Leapfrog Reading is definitely a strong game. The 26 different mini-games have plenty of repetition in terms of the general activity, but there is still enough variety to keep kids engaged and to appeal to a range of interests. There are also a lot of things to unlock and do. The characters are diverse and interesting -- kids will look forward to "meeting" them all. The reading games are also varied and help kids learn by presenting reading challenges from a variety of different angles.
If LeapFrog Reading were full of learning activities, it would be a 5-star game. Unfortunately, the mini-games that don't include a reading skill often feel like repetitive filler. Quite a few of them involve slicing a line through objects as they float across the screen. They're technically different activities (saw a board, shred a paper, hatch an egg, break up a molecule), but the gameplay is basically the same. Another set involve quickly tapping on an object in a whack-a-mole-type style. And a third set asks kids to flick objects toward a goal (feeding a horse, feeding a dolphin). They're fine, but it does seem like they could have easily integrated a learning component to reinforce the reading objectives. This is a game that will definitely entertain, and probably educate. Kids will love exploring. The bottom line is that is good, but just falls short of being perfect.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about loaning and borrowing objects. When is it OK to loan or borrow something? How long should you keep something you borrow? What if the item you have borrowed gets broken?
Talk about skills and hobbies. What are the things you can do that are special? How are those the same or different from the things your friends can do? How do the friends in the game use their special skills and interests to work together?
Do you like playing reading games for fun? Why?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn word recognition and concepts such as rhyming and homonyms. They'll also be introduced to basic ideas in chemistry (molecules), astronomy, baking, pet care, and more. Each of the 26 children in the game has a different hobby, and elements of those hobbies are introduced in their related mini-games. Repetitive activites may distract from learning as kids explore reading and hobbies.
Subjects
- Arts:
- Hobbies: building, collecting, cooking
- Language & Reading: letter or word recognition, phonics, spelling
- Math:
- Science: astronomy, chemistry
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration: respecting other viewpoints
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics: integrity, respect for others
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: logic, strategy
How kids will learn
Despite some repetition in the mini-games, kids will be drawn back to the game in order to "collect" each of the children in the story. They're also given the chance to help and collaborate with the kids in the game. Parents can use the online LeapFrog Learning Path to track their child's success in each of the content areas. Printable games and activities on the LeapFrog website can be used by parents to reinforce game concepts.
How parents can help
- Use the provided activities and worksheets to help reinforce learning.
- Talk about hobbies at home. Introduce your child to some of the hobbies discussed in the game (cooking, astronomy, carpentry, photography, etc.).
- Practice rhyming with your kids as part of your daily routine.
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| Platforms: | LeapPad Explorer, Leapster Explorer |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Edutainment |
| Developer: | LeapFrog |
| Release date: | September 28, 2011 |
| Price: | $24.99 |
| ESRB rating: | NR |
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