LeapFrog Adds Up to Educational Fun

Posted by Candace on Dec 1, 2009 | 113 Comments

scribbleKids love tracing. My daughter will sit there filling page after page, tracing numbers and letters.  In an attempt to save a few trees, I got her a dry-erase book for copying her letters and numbers.  Which works pretty well until she forgets to clean it or the pen dries out or her baby brother gets ahold of the marker and tries to eat it.

Even better? The LeapFrog Scribble & Write which they sent me to test out and has received almost daily use since then.

My daughter loudly proclaims that she is going to “go do work” on her “computer” and then sits down for a half an hour or more, tracing upper or lowercase letters.  The Scribble & Write also helps reinforce phonics and there are “guess the letter” and “drawing” modes.  There is a re-traceable surface over a grid of lights. When you are done drawing, you simply use the attached slider to erase and clear the surface.

As an educator, I think this is a fun and interactive way to build letter recognition and the fine motor skills necessary for writing.

My daughter feels a real sense of accomplishment when she presses “the paw button” and the lights disappear to reveal her perfectly traced shape or letter.

—

WANT IT: The LeapFrog Scribble & Write is available directly from LeapFrog (regularly $22, on sale for $16.50 but currently out of stock) and on Amazon ($17).

WIN IT: LeapFrog is generously offering one reader a Scribble & Write and a Chat & Count

  • Required Entry: Please visit LeapFrog and leave us a comment on this post sharing your favorite educational toy (other than the Scribble & Write and Chat & Count) from their catalog and why it is your favorite.
  • Additional Entries (up to three): You can receive up to three additional entries by linking to and/or sharing our Hottest Holiday Toys Guide (see rules at the bottom of the guide) and leaving separate comments on this post for each mode of entry.

Contest on Mamanista.com ends December 8, 11:59 PM EST. Open to U.S. Shipping Only. Winner chosen using Random.org.

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  • Carol said:

    I like My Pal Violet because it is a gentle way of teaching a child. They learn from a cute little animal, and it inspires good communication.

    #1 Dec 1, 2009 at 8:32 pm
  • Carol said:

    tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/6252847231

    #2 Dec 1, 2009 at 8:33 pm
  • Stephanie said:

    I like the Leapster2 Handheld

    #3 Dec 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm
  • Stephanie said:

    Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/sgrant2005/status/6253460892

    #4 Dec 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm
  • Stephanie said:

    I have your holiday toy button:
    http://thegrantsgiveaways.blogspot.com/

    #5 Dec 1, 2009 at 9:04 pm
  • Jill L said:

    I love the Zippity. I know my little one would love it because she would feel like a big kid. She watches her big brother plays and wants to join in. It’s just too hard for her. This is a game she could to.

    #6 Dec 1, 2009 at 10:03 pm
  • Stephanie V. said:

    the tag jr. looks awesome to get the little ones interested in reading
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    #7 Dec 1, 2009 at 10:17 pm
  • Elenna said:

    Oh that one’s easy- the Phonics Bus is fantastic!!!

    #8 Dec 2, 2009 at 1:19 am
  • susan said:

    My Pal Scout is my favorite because I love that he can be personalized to your child and engage them in what they are interested in.

    #9 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:55 am
  • susan said:

    Tweeted ~ http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/6105078158

    #10 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:56 am
  • DEBIJOT said:

    I like their Tag gift pack.

    #11 Dec 2, 2009 at 9:22 am
  • Mindy said:

    Tag Jr.
    My daughter loves using this. It saves me from reading some of the same books 100 times. I only wish they had a bigger book selection.

    #12 Dec 2, 2009 at 9:31 am
  • Tracey Byram said:

    I like the Leapster2 because it would keep Liz entertained during cartrips.

    #13 Dec 2, 2009 at 10:50 am
  • Aimee Hanson said:

    My daughter loves her Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set, so I will say that. She knows all those animals and sounds now

    #14 Dec 2, 2009 at 11:21 am
  • Annie said:

    I got this toy for my boys at walmart 4 and 5 years old and they love it not only do they trace the letters it teaches them the sounds each letter makes lower and capital case letters along with shapes I love it! I love all of leapster educATIONAL GAMES.

    #15 Dec 2, 2009 at 11:53 am
  • Carol said:

    I love my Pal Violet because she’s adorable and makes learning fun for our little one.

    #16 Dec 2, 2009 at 2:09 pm
  • Carol said:

    sorry for entering twice, please delete my last post

    #17 Dec 2, 2009 at 2:09 pm
  • Jennifer said:

    My favorite educational toy is the LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning System in Pink. I like that because my daughter would take it on the go when we travel, it has educational games, lol and because it is pink.

    #18 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:05 pm
  • Kristie said:

    My favorite would be the Tag Reader, because it would would help teach my daughter to read and she would love to be able to do that!

    #19 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:08 pm
  • Shimona said:

    I don’t really have a favorite, but I’ve been dying to get Fix the Mix and Match Up! for my 3-year-old!

    #20 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:24 pm
  • Susan C said:

    I like the Tag Reading System, it would be so helpful for a child learning to read!
    smchester at gmail dot com

    #21 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:25 pm
  • Sara L. said:

    We have the Fridge Letters and I have been amazed at how much they have taught my son!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

    #22 Dec 2, 2009 at 3:52 pm
  • Kim Young said:

    My son’s favorite is the Zippity Learning System and Tag reader. My daughter is in love with My Pal Scout, the little dog that is interactive. We just love Leap Frog at our house!

    #23 Dec 2, 2009 at 4:28 pm
  • Kim Young said:

    Stumbled it
    http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mamanista.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwrite-count-leapfrog.html&title=LeapFrog%20Adds%20Up%20to%20Educational%20Fun

    #24 Dec 2, 2009 at 4:36 pm
  • Kim Young said:

    Faved on Technorati
    username MomTriedIt

    #25 Dec 2, 2009 at 4:37 pm
  • Monique Rizzo said:

    I also like the Handheld Leapster 2. My daughter has been oogling over it. Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

    #26 Dec 2, 2009 at 4:45 pm
  • Ellen C. said:

    My son would love the zippity. Thanks for the chance.

    #27 Dec 2, 2009 at 4:48 pm
  • Lana said:

    I think the Tag Junior products are cool as I have a toddler who loves books.

    #28 Dec 2, 2009 at 5:02 pm
  • judy brittle said:

    I think Learning Baby Tad is adorable and would make a fun educational toy for my grandbaby. Thank you!

    #29 Dec 2, 2009 at 5:05 pm
  • judy brittle said:

    I tweeted about your Hottest Holiday Toys for 2009
    http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/6280926232

    #30 Dec 2, 2009 at 5:06 pm
  • Jo said:

    The Tag is my fave because it is a great way for preschoolers to begin reading
    jceko77@yahoo.com

    #31 Dec 2, 2009 at 6:51 pm
  • tracy heyer said:

    I like the Zippity! Thanks.

    #32 Dec 2, 2009 at 10:27 pm
  • tracy heyer said:

    email subscriber

    #33 Dec 2, 2009 at 10:29 pm
  • Clarissa Neiding said:

    i like the tag reader. I really encourage my children to love reading. This is a great way for them to start reading independently before they can actualy read themselves

    #34 Dec 3, 2009 at 1:49 am
  • Clarissa said:

    technorati faved

    #35 Dec 3, 2009 at 1:51 am
  • Clarissa said:

    stumbled toy guide cneiding

    #36 Dec 3, 2009 at 1:51 am
  • Clarissa said:

    digged toy guide cneiding

    #37 Dec 3, 2009 at 1:52 am
  • Mami2jcn said:

    The Alphabet Pal has gotten lots of play at our house. It teaches the alphabet in a fun way.

    #38 Dec 3, 2009 at 9:22 am
  • Vickie Couturier said:

    I like Tag Junior for Boys Gift Pack
    Appropriate for Ages 24 Months to 4 Years for my grandson

    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    #39 Dec 3, 2009 at 10:01 am
  • Vickie Couturier said:

    I tweeted;
    http://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/6303866362
    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    #40 Dec 3, 2009 at 10:03 am
  • Tanya Reber said:

    I love the Tag Learning System. It encourages children to enjoy reading and it foster a child’s creativity.

    #41 Dec 3, 2009 at 10:17 am
  • mickeyfan said:

    I know my niece has Fridge Phonics on her Christmas list. Looks like a great use for those lovely letters that most of us have had on the fridge at one time in our lives.

    #42 Dec 3, 2009 at 10:47 am
  • Kendra said:

    Leapster2 Handheld is great for taking on the road ~~~ thanks for the giveaway !!! this would be a great present

    #43 Dec 3, 2009 at 10:52 am
  • Stacy said:

    I really reccommend the new LeapFrog Tag that came out. My daughter has it and its amazing how fast she is starting to learn to read.

    #44 Dec 3, 2009 at 12:06 pm
  • Tarah said:

    I like the Tag Jr because it allows the child to read on their own and start learning how to read and what letters sound like together.

    #45 Dec 3, 2009 at 3:37 pm
  • susan varney said:

    the Leapster2 mverno@roadrunner.com

    #46 Dec 3, 2009 at 5:35 pm
  • Mellissa C said:

    I like the Learn and Groove Piano.I like it because it is on sale for only 6.99 and I am getting it for my nephew!

    #47 Dec 3, 2009 at 6:12 pm
  • Vicki wurgler said:

    I like the didj-they have so many great games for my older grandkids

    #48 Dec 3, 2009 at 7:02 pm
  • Sandra said:

    I like the text and learn. I am planning to buy it for my son!

    #49 Dec 3, 2009 at 11:56 pm
  • Vicky H. said:

    I like the Didj. It reminds me of the fun, educational games I used to play in elementary school, just in hand held mode.

    #50 Dec 4, 2009 at 12:41 am
  • Melissa said:

    The Tag Jr. looks like a great way to teach reading at a young age!

    #51 Dec 4, 2009 at 1:13 am
  • Hanna D. said:

    I love and currently use the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet, I work in special education working with kids in kindergarten and this product makes them eager to learn the alphabet sounds. Everyday I have at least one child that comes up to me and asks when they can play with the talking letters. Great product.

    #52 Dec 4, 2009 at 1:55 am
  • kristi blackstone said:

    NEW! My Pal Scout is super cute also! I’d love to win for my son!

    #53 Dec 4, 2009 at 9:03 am
  • Emily R. said:

    My kids would also love the Zippity Learning System. They love Play House Disney!

    mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

    #54 Dec 4, 2009 at 10:46 am
  • Cindy said:

    I’d love to get my son the Leapster2 Up! Adventure Gift Pack

    #55 Dec 4, 2009 at 4:06 pm
  • Heather said:

    I like the Leapfrog Tag Learning System – it’s a fun way to help learn how to read and also has books for a lot of the popular characters, like Disney movies, Scooby Doo, etc.

    #56 Dec 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm
  • Darci said:

    I also like the TAG & TAG jr reading systems.

    #57 Dec 4, 2009 at 5:01 pm
  • Sue E said:

    I like the Tag Jr for my toddler. He likes to look at books and I think the Tag would further enhance his love for books. Thanks for the chance!

    #58 Dec 4, 2009 at 5:20 pm
  • Linda said:

    I like the Tag Junior Reader, I think it would be great, my grandson would enjoy reading while learning words.

    #59 Dec 4, 2009 at 7:32 pm
  • Jeanine said:

    I like the Didj™ Custom Learning Game Racing Tiki Tropics.

    #60 Dec 4, 2009 at 9:10 pm
  • Lauren Manzer said:

    I like my pal Violet as it you can change the songs and put in your own child’s name. My daughter loves dogs so she would just think this is great.

    manzer001@yahoo.com

    #61 Dec 5, 2009 at 8:32 am
  • Brittney said:

    I like the tag jr because it helps children learn to read.

    #62 Dec 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
  • Rosey said:

    I like the Tag Jr. because it is so smart!!!!!! I think it is a great way to reinforce the joy of reading to the little ones in our lives!

    #63 Dec 5, 2009 at 4:50 pm
  • Molly Capel said:

    I love the Leapster.

    #64 Dec 6, 2009 at 3:22 am
  • Annette E said:

    I like the Didj because it’s an educational tool for older children.

    #65 Dec 6, 2009 at 12:36 pm
  • Janna said:

    Tag Jr

    Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

    #66 Dec 6, 2009 at 3:20 pm
  • Aniela said:

    I like the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set. That is a great way to help little ones learn the sounds of the letters.

    #67 Dec 6, 2009 at 4:01 pm
  • Brenda S said:

    Great service to track out of stock items on Amazon:

    http://www.ehow.com/how_5680413_notified-amazon-product-stock.html

    It works!

    #68 Dec 6, 2009 at 4:14 pm
  • Erma said:

    I like My Pal Scout cause it plays music and is cute.

    #69 Dec 7, 2009 at 11:12 am
  • Melissa McNicol said:

    I also love the zippity!

    #70 Dec 7, 2009 at 11:37 am
  • casey lawrence said:

    I got my daughter Violet for Christmas. She loves anything Leapfrog and is 2 years old reading at a first grade level!

    #71 Dec 7, 2009 at 2:32 pm
  • Ellie W said:

    My favorite is the Tag reader. My 4 year old is trying to learn to read and I think this would help a lot.

    #72 Dec 7, 2009 at 5:40 pm
  • Sue said:

    Love the Leapster! It has been a great learning tool and a well made product that actually works like it should! Thanks!

    #73 Dec 7, 2009 at 5:41 pm
  • Shilo Beedy said:

    I would love the Leapster2 Special Edition Cars Gift Pack for my son so you can learn and have fun to.

    #74 Dec 7, 2009 at 6:32 pm
  • Kimberly L said:

    Leapster®2 Special Edition Cars Gift Pack because it teaches a variety of different skills – Phonics Skills,The Alphabet,vowels just to name a few plus it is something my son would really enjoy.

    #75 Dec 7, 2009 at 8:07 pm
  • BeverlyM said:

    i like the tag jr , it helps them read along

    #76 Dec 7, 2009 at 8:44 pm
  • shirley said:

    i like tag jr…my grandkids would love this

    #77 Dec 7, 2009 at 9:42 pm
  • Sherri B. said:

    I really like the Leapster®2 Learning System! There are so many activity packs to choose from to fit any child’s wishes. Plus, it is a learning handheld instead of a gaming handheld so they have fun and learn at the same time! Thanks!

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

    #78 Dec 7, 2009 at 10:04 pm
  • Brooke said:

    While I do love so many Leapfrog products (and own them) my all time favorite is the Tag Reader… It gives kids a whole new level for learning to read… Wee Man is just starting to read and it gets difficult when he is trying to read and I’m trying to cook and all I hear is “MOM what is this word…. can you help me with this one?” I don’t mind helping but some times I have to cook and the Tag allows my son to read whenever he wants and have help at his fingertips..

    #79 Dec 7, 2009 at 10:20 pm
  • Molly K said:

    I like the Tag Jr because it is very interactive and gets them interested in books and reading.

    #80 Dec 7, 2009 at 10:22 pm
  • Cristi said:

    My daughter would love the tag junior. it is a easy way to help her read.

    #81 Dec 8, 2009 at 12:30 am
  • fidget said:

    NEW! Fridge Words™ Magnetic Word Builder – its a great way to keep the kids out of my hair but nearby when I’m cooking. It’s also awesome for learning!

    #82 Dec 8, 2009 at 12:58 am
  • Lisa said:

    I like the Learn & Groove Counting Maracas, my son loves anything that makes noise & when he’s older it will help him learn to count!

    #83 Dec 8, 2009 at 1:44 am
  • Kerri said:

    I really like the tag jr

    #84 Dec 8, 2009 at 2:48 am
  • Laura L said:

    I like the Leapster 2. My granddaughter would love this.

    #85 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:23 am
  • Marcia said:

    The LeapFrog L-Max is my favorite. I know it is being replaced by the Leapster2 but still, it is my favorite. Also the Zippity seems like a wonderful active toy.

    #86 Dec 8, 2009 at 8:03 am
  • Sheila Hickmon said:

    I like the Leapfrog Zippity because it looks like fun! It’s educational, and it gets them up and moving!
    Thanks!

    #87 Dec 8, 2009 at 9:30 am
  • Maja said:

    tag learning system is cool.

    #88 Dec 8, 2009 at 10:12 am
  • Nicole D. said:

    I also like the LeapFrog Tag Junior, because it helps develop reading skills. Thanks!

    #89 Dec 8, 2009 at 10:53 am
  • Cindy said:

    i think the text and learn is awesome too!

    #90 Dec 8, 2009 at 11:26 am
  • amy delong said:

    I really like the tag jr,we have one and my son loves it!

    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

    #91 Dec 8, 2009 at 11:48 am
  • Talitha Lee said:

    Love the Tag system. Great way to help a beginning reader get through the tough words. Thanks for the contest!

    #92 Dec 8, 2009 at 12:58 pm
  • Jess said:

    My favorite is http://www.leapfrog.com/en/fridge_phonics/wwfridgephonics.html
    LeapFrog NEW Magnetic Fridge Phonics Word Builder
    Why??? Because, my Daughter learned her ABC’s with the older Fridge Phonics and I would love for her to start Building Letters into words. I trust LeapFrog with that chore:)

    Thanks Mamanista and LeapFrog.
    Jes~
    greimanj@comcast.net

    #93 Dec 8, 2009 at 2:52 pm
  • Leslie S. said:

    I like the Zippity Learning System.Thanks!

    #94 Dec 8, 2009 at 3:14 pm
  • dawn said:

    I like the Leapster2 Handheld. It would be great as a take along. Thanks
    mightynaynay(at)cs.com

    #95 Dec 8, 2009 at 5:24 pm
  • Kate said:

    i love the NEW! Tag™ Dr. Seuss Reading Gift Pack, my nephew LOVES Dr. Seuss!!

    #96 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm
  • christina singer said:

    I like the Tag Reader Jr. It would be wonderful for my grand daughter

    #97 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:18 pm
  • Andrea said:

    I love their Zippity system…they can be active while they learn

    #98 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:26 pm
  • Miranda L Allen said:

    my leapster

    #99 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:27 pm
  • tuesday said:

    We have the learning lily toy that we LOVE! We would love Scout too!

    #100 Dec 8, 2009 at 6:28 pm
  • xenia said:

    I think the Tag Reader looks really great, it would really encourage kids to read!

    #101 Dec 8, 2009 at 7:15 pm
  • xenia said:

    Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/6478237784

    #102 Dec 8, 2009 at 7:18 pm
  • kathy pease said:

    i would love the Crammer™ Study and Sound System for my 13 year old son to help him with homework and tests :)

    #103 Dec 8, 2009 at 7:20 pm
  • Lance Pearson said:

    dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
    i’d like the leap from tag jr.

    #104 Dec 8, 2009 at 8:55 pm
  • tina reynolds said:

    I would love to get my kids the tag and tag jr. The tag for my son and tag jr for my daughter thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

    #105 Dec 8, 2009 at 9:49 pm
  • melissa said:

    I love the tag too

    #106 Dec 8, 2009 at 10:03 pm
  • trixx said:

    The Learn & Groove Musical Table has so many fun things for my daughter to play with & I like that she can learn numbers, colors, etc

    #107 Dec 8, 2009 at 10:14 pm
  • lilshuga2001 said:

    I heart the Zippity Learning System!!
    It seems to provide extensive learning for the lil preschoolers!!

    #108 Dec 8, 2009 at 10:52 pm
  • Chrysa said:

    I like the Didj!

    #109 Dec 9, 2009 at 12:26 am
  • Gianna said:

    The Tag Reader Jr because it’s perfect for my son :)

    #110 Dec 9, 2009 at 12:47 am
  • Rajee said:

    I like My Pal Violet because it is a gentle way of teaching a child. They learn from a cute little animal, and it inspires good communication.

    #111 Dec 9, 2009 at 1:00 am
  • Rajee said:

    tweeted @momsfocus

    #112 Dec 9, 2009 at 1:02 am
  • Noreen said:

    Fridge Farm™ Magnetic Animal Set because my girls still play with it

    #113 Dec 9, 2009 at 3:25 am