Barbie B-Book Learning Laptop

$59.99, Smart Toy

Teaches: math, spelling, vocabulary

CTR Rating: 68%

CTR Review

This Barbie-themed laptop has fabric textures on the outside and is designed to look like a purse. Featuring 30 activities in both English and Spanish, subjects include Spelling, Math, Memory, Logic, Games and Music. Individual settings control volume and contrast. It is easy to exit a game during play and have directions repeated; however, game play is not saved once the laptop is turned off.The child begins by selecting a category of interest by scrolling through the menu via the use of the ARROW keys. Once a category is selected, they choose a game within that category. Reading is required. After answering at least 10 questions, the difficulty level of the game increases once their score is 80 or above. Likewise, if their score is 50 or less, they are automatically put at an easier level. Mix'em Up is game found in the Spelling category. The child sees a picture and scrambled letters. They are given three tries to correctly rearrange the letters so that it spells the word that identifies that picture. If, after three tries, they have still not successfully unscrambled the word, the correct spelling is given to them. The Math category offers good practice and reinforcement in the areas of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and greater than/less than. Dolphin Daze is one of six memory games in which the player must mentally note the numbers on the jumping dolphins and then repeat the number sequence in the spaces provided. One of a Kind Find is one of four logic games. The player is shown three pictures containing the same clothing item and must identify which picture is different. The other two categories are for playing games and composing music.This laptop is designed for children ages 5 and up. Keep in mind that reading is necessary in order to play the spelling game or choose a game to play. A self-checking feature allows for independent play. Requires 3 AA batteries (included).