Jumbo Music Ball
© 2002 Neurosmith
Quizzes can come in all shapes and sizes, and this toy proves it. About the size of a beach ball (with flat sides) this plush cube is designed for slightly older children than last year's Jumbo Music Block -- although it's not nearly as fun. It starts easy -- a clear female voice asks children to "find the red shape." You have about ten seconds to roll the cube until the Red Octagon is facing up. Correct answers are greeted by applause, and it's on to the next problem. After about six correct answers, children are advanced to level two, where they must "find the Octagon". Level three covers letters (there are about five on each side), and level four covers letter sounds. In the last level, children were confused by similar sounding letters, especially when the volume setting was low. C and Z, A and E, sound alike. This would be a great toy for any preschool or day care setting. But in a home, the content will run out long before the first set of batteries. A race of some sort would help, or even a multiplayer setting. Features include two volume settings and the ability to plug in one of Neurosmith's music cartridges, which turns the toy into more of a musical experience. See also Together Tunes
$59.99, Smart Toy
Teaches: Letter recognition and sounds, phonics, colors and shapes, music appreciation