Forget flash cards – now kids have Turbo Twist handheld toys. Designed for a broad age group (ages 3-14), these interactive toys feature catchy music and a talking host that addresses kids with names like "dude", encouraging them to "hit it" – kids whack the large button on the end of the toy that functions much like the "enter" key on the computer keyboard.
These colorful products are the first generation of toys to provide web-enabled learning. Kids answer the toy’s questions presented on the LCD screen in a variety of modes, and with the purchase of a special LeapZone peripheral, parents can upload their child’s progress to the web, receive feedback, and then download fresh and customized content to the toy! This means parents can, for example, load their child’s weekly spelling lists into Turbo Twist Spelling.
Unlike many educational toys on the market, Turbo Twist games adapt as kids learn and grow. They feature five game modes and content most appropriate for grades 1-8 (kids ages 6 years and up), though kids ages approximately 6-9 will be more likely to use these toys in the long term.
Turbo Twist Math contains content that helps kids practice "mental math" facts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and word problems. Besides solving equations, kids can play in "learn it" mode, or play "beat the clock" games.
Turbo Twist Spelling has kids practicing to spell over 400 words, working with definitions and synonyms, and learning excellent "Rappin’ Spelling Rules". Children spell complete words or fill in missing letters.
Kids learn as they play practically anywhere they take it with this innovative portable product. It’s funky, fresh, and totally new-fangled – our testers pick it up often through the day. They are drawn to its appealing color, shape, and musical beat – perhaps not with the same fervor with which they approach their Game Boys, but certainly with great interest. It’s ideal for keeping kids occupied while traveling. The Turbo Twist toy is addictive, but parents won’t mind if their kids spend lots of time with this educational toy.
These toys can be enjoyed right out of the box, though purchase of the LeapLink peripheral considerably improves the product’s long-term value. The LeapZone Advantage Learning Service offers personal assessments and recommendations, customized content, and even allows the toy to call a child by name – but not without a fee. Though customers are stocked with some LeapPoints (a form of a virtual currency) to start with, parents will eventually have to refuel their points by purchasing additional points packages. The good news is that only one LeapLink peripheral is required to service all LeapZone web-enabled toys. Minimum system requirements for LeapLink are Win 95/98/NT 4.0 SP4, 16 MB RAM, 10 MB hard drive, serial port and Internet connection.
While developing children’s higher-order thinking skills is important, there are some subjects that require kids to memorize facts and learn by rote. Practice indeed makes perfect when it comes to absorbing spelling and math facts. These Turbo Twist toys take some of the tedium out of rote learning.
Suggested retail price for each toy is approximately $35 US. The LeapZone peripheral (that works with all LeapZone web-enabled toys) retails for about $25 US.
