A classic children's activity gets an interactive twist with this battery-operated "learning desk" that is designed to teach kids basic concepts while stimulating their imagination. Depending on how the toy is played, children color or press images, and the toy responds with audio prompts, congratulations, and reinforcement of concepts learned.
The Coloring Gallery mode involves inserting specially designed coloring pages into the unit's frame, pressing a "go" button, and coloring images while the toy provides audio feedback. For example, one coloring page features the letter M. If the unit is set to "learn" mode, kids are prompted to "learn about the letter M". Coloring the large letter M activates a song in which the letter's name and phonics sound is taught. If kids press or color the image of Lilly holding her mug, she might giggle and introduce herself, or talk about how she drinks warm milk from her mug. Color or press on the mug directly, and kids will learn that "mug" starts with the letter M. The word "mug" is spelled out on the bottom of the page, and each letter is named individually as kids color it. In game mode, kids are asked to find and press on the mug, Lilly, individual letters, and more. In music mode, kids can happily color the pages as music plays.
The toy can also be used as a busy box by attaching the Count and Sing Express template. This colorful board depicts a train with favorite LeapFrog characters as passengers, along with raised numerals 1-10. Kids can discover in "learn" mode as they "blow" the train whistle, play peekaboo with Dan, hear the names of numbers, and learn to count. In game mode, they are asked to find and press on individual numbers. Incorrect answers prompt the toy to give hints that help narrow down the answers (for example, the color of the letter is given). We found that most of the template's activities worked well, but turning the wheels of the train was not very responsive.
The concept of this desk is exciting, although its execution is not perfect. Kids are prompted to "go ahead and color" too frequently, for example. This creates a sense of urgency, which is exasperated by the unit's automatic shut-off feature that acts too quickly. Also, when children color a portion of the page and lean on a different hotspot, a confusing response is created.
Happily, the desk is packaged with a full book of coloring pages, entitled Learning Letters with Leap. The learning focus is expandable with additional books (sold separately) that teach phonics, numbers, shapes, and more. Replacement coloring pages are available online for all books, including the one that comes with the unit.
All things considered, the toy is encouraging and educational. Feedback is always positive. Never do kids get negative feedback or sound effects when they respond incorrectly. The toy is portable, featuring a handle for carrying and a pocket at the back of the unit for storing coloring pages and templates.
