You know when you have something to do and your kids keep interrupting you? Yeah, well, in this case it was a good thing. Well, a good sign at least. Tonight I tried to grab the LeapsterGS to try a cartridge game, LeapSchool Math, LeapFrog recently sent me to write a review.
Here’s how it went down.
Big said, “Ooh. That game is totally awesome. Here’s what you do…” Then he proceeded to tell me how to work the Leapster because, let’s face it, I’m old and not so tech savvy. In his eyes. (In my eyes I’m as young and as cool as any back up dancer on the AMAs rocking out with Carly Rae Jepsen as I type this.) I said, “Is it hard?” He said, “Nah, it’s easy peasy. But it’s really, really cool.”
I was looking forward to giving it a try, but got sidetracked for a few minutes. That’s when Little ran out and said, “Hey, mom, I wanted to play that game tonight. May I please have it?” Ok, maybe he didn’t say it quite so politely, but a girl can dream. (And it’s probably a bit more appropriate — read: not as easy-peasy — for ages 4-6, so I’m thrilled he’s enjoying it too.)
Once the boys were asleep, it was my turn. It started out a bit slow, but, like my kids, I figured out how to skip through some of the story set up to get to the fun. When I wasn’t sure what to do, the game did a great job of talking through simple instructions. It didn’t take long to figure out why my boys love it.
Designing toys. Selling toys. Creating the perfect recipe for bubble bath. Selling bubble bath. Programming a new video game. Selling the video game. And so on.
While each level had multiple ways of teaching math, it didn’t feel like work. I got to fill beakers, open mystery doors, count change, and hang promotional posters. In the short time I played, the game covered geometry, proportions, measurements, coins, and creative thinking.
Considering Big has refused to learn the math flash cards he’s had home from school for about 5 weeks, I must say there’s something to this whole making learning fun. (As if I didn’t know that.) Looks like I’m going to have to take a cue from LeapFrog (again), and make homework math a bit more fun too.
If this sounds like something your family might enjoy, click here to watch a cool video about the making of the game. As a big fan of LeapFrog, I loved seeing a bit of the behind-the-scenes thinking.
Disclosure: As a LeapFrog Parent, I was sent the game cartridge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Use Your Words