GeoSafari Phonics Lab
© 2002 Educational Insights
Sturdy and colorful, this lap top toy teaches letter recognition, phonics and spelling. Seven games include both exploratory activities (press any key to hear a letter or sound) and directed activities (press the letter that makes the "mmm" sound). More advanced games include a spelling activity where the child presses any three keys to make a word. (Not to worry, a language filter is in place here, so kids can't make inappropriate words.) We found the sound quite clear, and appreciated the volume control button and optional headphone jack. The toy requires 4 AA batteries or an AC adapter (purchased separately). Also included are support materials like word cards and a 28 page reproducible activity book. Our testers enjoyed the toy and their parents liked it as well.
$40, Smart Toy
Teaches: reading, phonics, letter recognition