LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer
LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer 
The LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer introduces tots to the wonders of the PC and helps them learn basic computer skills. Ideal for ages three through six, this interactive toy plugs right into the television and teaches youngsters how to use a mouse and keyboard.
A Child-Friendly Design
The ClickStart features a child-friendly wireless keyboard, plug and play console, and a child-sized mouse with a right- or-left-handed adjustable mouse pad. It transforms the TV into a PC, which allows kids to work on a big screen and the whole family to join in on the fun. The miniature mouse is perfectly formed for little fingers to point and click. Large, colored buttons make it easy for kids to learn basic keystrokes, and four friendly games create a safe, age-appropriate environment to navigate. ClickStart is built to withstand rough toddler handling, a plus for parents who want to spare their high-end desktops from child’s play. And the wireless keyboard is light and convenient to transport from place to place, so kids can bring the fun with them wherever they go.
Transform your TV into a PC for your child, complete with wireless keyboard and mouse. View larger. |
Your child can click any of the icons on the desktop to play a game and learn. |
Encourages Age-Appropriate Learning
It is never too early to teach children the correct way to use a computer. The ClickStart ensures that a child’s first computing experience is age appropriate and pleasant, with engaging games that not only enhance basic computer skills, but prepare children for pre-school and kindergarten. This educational tool has four games that teach phonics, letters, animal facts, and counting, while sharpening a child’s screen navigation skills. Friendly puppy Scout guides kids through keyboard functions and allows them to work at their own pace. Techno tots can click on a faux in-box to receive their first e-mail; it even has sound for nonreaders. Should the youngster ever become stumped, a hint button gives them a clue. Additional ClickStart software packages, sold separately, feature well-known characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, and Nemo.
What’s in the Box
Wireless keyboard, plug and play console, mouse and mouse pad, 4 learning games, and 4 AA batteries.
List Price: $59.99
Amazon Price: $49.97
Customer Review: Best TV Learning Toy
My son just got this from his grandparents, and I have to say I am really impressed. We’ve owned several of the TV learning toys (Little Leaps, FP Learn with Me DVD come to mind) and were not really impressed with those. This toy will teach him how to interact with a real computer, and lets him have fun doing it. My son is almost 3, and has been given a probable diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome. Small motor coordination is difficult for him at times - I LOVE that this toy lets him work on his mouse skills. He absolutely LOVES this computer, and I do too. The games seem to be varied enough not to get too monotonous, the way some preschool computer software can. We decided to hook this toy up to a small TV that isnt connected to cable, so that as far as he is concerned, its just a computer monitor. So far, so good!
Customer Review: Good preparation for using real computers
I bought this for my 2.5 year old who has been showing an interest in using the computer. The nice thing about clickstart is that it comes with a keyboard and mouse and it has a desktop with icons, so it will prepare your child to move onto a real computer. The games that come with the system are so engaging to my daughter that she gained a lot of control over both the mouse and keyboard in less than a week. I thought it would take a lot longer for her to learn mouse and keyboard control, so I was very impressed. If your child has not learned their letters, numbers and colors yet then the level 1 games that come with the system will be a good introduction. If your child already knows these things, the level 1 games will teach them how to use the mouse and keyboard well. Level 2 has a spelling game, which is very good for children who know their letters. They will also develop better mouse skills and keyboard knowledge with faster, timed games. The games are long enough to build skills and short enough to hold a small child’s attention. Unfortunately, you can only choose level 1 or 2 when you first log in, so if your child is at level 1 in some games but level 2 in others they will have to restart the system to change levels. Fortunately, the purchased games do allow you to choose level 1 or 2 without restarting. If your child knows letters, numbers and colors the games on the system will not be too helpful from an educational point of view (other than the spelling game and the inbox which teaches some facts about animals). You may have to buy some games with the system or soon after buying it to keep their attention. However, if your child is still learning these things the games on the system should keep them busy for a while. I have two complaints. First, there is the lack of games but clickstart is fairly new to the market, so hopefully more will be added soon. Second, the games only come with two levels, so its possible that many children might outgrow the games quickly. A third level would have extended their usefulness longer. At $19.99 the longer the games can be used the better.
Backyard Baseball 2005 
Backyard Baseball 2005 combines the friendly playground atmosphere with your favorite MLB players. Play with or against the kids and pros and get the full baseball experience! The game engine and all-new code deliver a fresh take on a classic sports game series. Multiple modes of play - Single Game, Season Play, Batting Practice and Home Run Derby Full stats and standings in Season Play
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $2.97
Customer Review: The Best Backyard Sports Game Ever
This game is awesome. I never would play any backyard sport game if I had to choose one. I have thrown a perfect game[ very hard to try], game winning hits, clutch peformances by unsung players. This game is the best.
Customer Review: Son likes it
My 7 year old son loves it, but my pet peeve is that there is no way to Save a game & come back to it. Therefore I have to allot him a good hour to play, so he can only use it on the weekend! I contacted the company, & they said that is how the game is set up.
Math 2 
Based on the School Zone workbook series, this program teaches critical math skills with interactive activities and fun games. Proven curriculum, audio guidance, and clear examples help your child master addition, subtraction, multiplication, place values, and other skills. The program randomizes problems with each use, providing endless activities. The engaging games provide a helpful break.
List Price: $9.99
Amazon Price: $9.99
Used Price: $9.75
Customer Review: Definitely worth the money
Math Grade 2 (Schoolzone) This game provides 200 problems in 30 sets that concentrate on addition and subtraction. The first sets reinforce the meaning of and relationship between addition and subtraction. Next come the facts. Then, after a couple of sets covering place value, comes application of addition and subtraction algorithms up to three-digit problems with carry/borrow. The final sets touch on multiplication: its meaning, relationship to addition, and a few facts (2x and 3x only). Games are provided between problem sets to help maintain interest. I was pleased to see that some minimum number of problems must be solved before a game appears, so the little scholar must work first to play later. The program remembers what problems have been solved, so exiting the program doesn’t mean having to start again from the very beginning. With only 200 problems, this program won’t keep your kid occupied very long (my 6 year-old took three weeks to finish). It’s possible to start over with new problems in the same format, but that would be boring. Other than its limited scope (which is OK, given the low price), the only drawback is that your child won’t exactly be bugging you to get off the computer so she can do math. Games aside, this program is basically an electronic workbook, not an arcade game. That’s OK too - you’re buying education, not entertainment. NOTE: The Amazon listing states that Windows 95 or 98 is required. This is way out of date. The disk we got was labelled as XP-compatible, and ran just fine on our XP machine. Maura’s Review Math 2 is a great program. It helps me with math. Math 2 is amazing! I have never seen anything like it. So whatever you do something with math…get Math 2!** ** Translation: this program is very pretty when seen in the rear-view mirror.
Customer Review: My son loves this!
My son loves math so I was looking for a program that he might enjoy. He plays it often and I usually have to drag him from the computer!
