LeapFrog Imagination Desk Learning System

With this LeapFrog Imagination Desk Learning System your child learns while coloring and playing. Color the 26 alphabet pages to bring them to life and learn letter names and sounds, fun facts, numbers and counting. Includes 3 engaging teach modes that use characters, games and music to turn learning into play. Includes interactive learning desk, coloring book, crayons, volume control, storage for templates and supplies, and a carrying handle. Uses four AA batteries (not included). 

Here's another great LeapFrog innovation that lets children play and learn at the same time. The Imagination Desk Learning System teaches kids letters, numbers, phonics, counting, and vocabulary on a lively multimedia desk. As a child colors in the pages, they come to life with characters, games, and music that teach letters, colors, and other preschool skills. Three engaging modes (learn, game, and music) offer tons of variety for kids as they play, extending both the fun and appeal of the desk. The set includes the interactive learning desk, the "Let's Learn Letters" coloring book, and crayons. The unit features volume control, storage for templates and supplies, and a carrying handle. It uses four AA batteries (not included). 

LeapFrog Imagination Desk Learning System Reviews

"My 4 year-old son loves this toy!"

I have been very pleased with this toy. My son is autistic, very bright but easily frustrated and with a fleeting attention span and poor graphomotor (handwriting) skills - even for his age. He can be very hard on his toys,too!

Since he loves music, I thought my son may like this toy and would color longer. And it works! He likes all the different settings so he can focus on the sections that interest him, and he loves to "color" on the page, while listening to the music and information about the pictures. I showed his at-home therapist all the neat functions of this game (we also buy all the coloring booklets as they become available)and she was impressed with its ability to keep our son's attention, too. I also feel it's a great toy to reinforce social skills and kindergarten readiness.

If your child already loves to color and learns easily, I don't think you need to spend this kind of money on a toy--just buy regular coloring books and educational materials. But, if you are looking for a way to get your child interested and practicing his/her coloring skills, I strongly recommend this toy!

(I am only speaking from personal experience with this toy and my child. It may not be right for all children with autism/special needs.)

"One of our favorites!"

We bought this last year for our almost-three year old. It's a year later and she still loves it. Early on it took her a few tries to get the paper in just right, but it has been a favorite for whole year (coming from a child who changes favorites daily!)

It is easily portable, durable and has grown with her. Now that she has her letters and numbers down, we are working on telling time. She has even started spelling words from what she has learned about the sounds that letters make from the repetitive but effective letter song. You also can use blank paper and the music-only setting for free-form coloring and writing practice.

I do wish it held a few more crayons, but we just throw an extra pack in the bag. Another bonus: I haven't even had to replace the batteries yet!

"great way to encourage writing/coloring for young toddler"

I use this with my 2 year old(27 mo), and the level is about right, I think a child who knows their ABCs etc would not appreciate it, but my son who was reluctant to use crayons loves to hear pooh bear or tigger talk to him. So he spends 30-40 min at a time coloring which he would not do previously. The basic ABC sheets are not very interesting, but we color a few of those and then move on to Pooh bear each day and I guess some of the information sticks.

For his age group, I have to play with him, but he is catching on to the go circle, and I am thrilled when he attempts to color within the lines, and matches specific colors with specific objects like yellow bananas... This is also a redesign. It does not have snap on templates with numbers, or the coloring template like the previous design. The blue lid which holds the coloring page in place does come off occasionally, but only if he tries to open and pry it off, not while coloring. I don't notice any problems with sensitivity so far, but if you are not right in the middle of an object, it won't identify it for you. Not a problem so far since he seems just too young for the game mode where this might lead to frustration.

For the future, I'm not sure if this toy will lead to independent play since you have to keep changing coloring sheets etc. All of which can lead to numerous toddler decisions and frustrations. Despite the high price, this is a great great way to encourage coloring / writing skills though for your boy who would much rather be playing with trains or cars.

"Great for the aritst in the family"

I bought this toy for my 2 year old son that loves to color, although with this imagination Desk he is learning at the same time. He picked up on how to insert the paper immediatly and just keeps on drawing. I've had to print out more sheets from the website, so that he can continue to have fun with this toy. He is so proud of his work, he hangs it on the fridge as soon as he is done, I need more magnets!!! Great toy for the artist in the family.

Cat in the Hat - I Can Do That!

The Cat in the Hat I Can Do That! Game ia a high-energy game that combines balancing, jumping, sliding, giggling, and more to celebrate your child's I Can Do That attitude. Jump into the fun and discover all the new things you can do! Can you limbo under the trick-a-ma-stick while balancing the fish on your stomach?! There are hundreds of hilarious possibilities. The player who earns the most stars wins. The Cat in the Hat, I Can Do That! Game offers hours of out-of-your-seat fun while encouraging reading development, physical activity, and memory skills.

This is not your traditional board game. I Can Do That! comes with imaginative props inspired by the classic children's book The Cat In the Hat by Dr. Seuss, as well as a deck of color-coded cards that provide funny, challenging activities.

To start, a player picks one of each of the three color cards. Taken together, the cards create a fun and funny activity the player is challenged to do. For example, Card 1 could read "Take Four Giant Steps," Card 2 "With the Cake," and Card 3 "On your head!" Each card also has one, two, or three stars on it for score keeping purposes. If the player wants to take the challenge, he says "I can do that!" and proceeds. If he succeeds, he keeps the cards in his own scoring pile. If he doesn't think he can do the activity, he can re-draw until he gets an activity that he can do. But watch out: if he draws a "Stop!" card, he must give up his cards and end his turn. The player with the most stars in the scoring pile wins the game.

The beauty of this game is in its simplicity. Easy-to-follow instructions and super-easy assembly ensure that your family will be playing in no time, with minimal frustration -- a must for the enthusiastic, shorter attention spans of younger kids.

We also love that this game goes beyond traditional board games to get kids up and moving. This is great both for energetic youngsters who lack the patience to focus quietly and for children who need a bit more motivation to get physical. Kids will have a lot of fun balancing, crawling, leaping, and skipping with the whimsical props. They'll enjoy watching each other, and they'll learn to compete in an entertaining environment.

We also love that the game's structure encourages kids to challenge themselves, while the option of drawing and re-drawing cards still gives them the choice to play at their comfort levels. The simple, generalized game instructions are open it to many variations, and the instructions actually encourage families to customize the rules to their children's abilities and desires.

The only concern we had was with the game's durability. The foam pieces definitely won't last as long as your vintage Monopoly set. But on the plus side, the flexible, soft props guard well against injuries or mishaps.

Cat in the Hat Reviews

"Excellent Teaching Game...and it's fun for everyone!!!"

I bought this for my son and I thought it was too good to be true! My son is 4 and has autism. This game is wonderful for any child (my typical 2 year old can do it and LOVES it!) but it is the perfect game for teaching a child with autism to follow directions. We started out just having him do one thing at a time, quickly moved to using 2 cards, and are now on using 3. It has been such a wonderful addition to our therapies that we do with him and he has so much fun playing it. My only complaint is that my two year old easily ripped the foam thing-a-ma-stick (I think that's what it's called) but the toy is recommend for 4 and up anyway. If you are considering this game for your typical child or your child with special needs I would say go for it. I mentioned the game to both his speech therapist and occupational therapist and they have both gone out and bought it to use with kids they see for therapy with rave reviews. A++++

"Super fun!"

I bought this game for my niece (age 6) and nephew (4) and we had a blast playing it over the weekend. The game is infused with Seuss silliness and lots of fun physical activity. What I loved most was that it gives each child their little moment in the spotlight as they act out the activities on the cards and show everyone what they can do. I also loved the reinforcement of numbers, colors, counting, and puzzle solving. I highly recommend this game!

"Great for getting kids with speech disorders to talk"

We love this game. We play it with our 2.5 yo who has apraxia, a speech disorder. We also play it with our 5.5 yo to help him learn how to read.

Playhut Magic Ball Zone

Magic Ball Zone. All the fun and excitement of a real ball pit... right in your room! Included 100 3"-diameter plastic Magic Balls in bright primary colors. Features a hexagonal base, roll-up flap door, sunroof for ventilation and 2 tunnel ports to hook up to other Play Hut structures.

The Magic World Ball Zone is the perfect play environment for young children providing them with hours of interactive fun alone or with friends. Featuring a roll-up flap door for crawl through fun, mesh panels for ventilation, 50 colorful PVC balls and a ball toss game. Patented Twist N Fold technology also allows for instant set-up and quick fold-down for convenient storage. 

Playhut Magic Ball Zone Reviews

"Great toy!!"

The Playhut Magic Ball Zone is a fantastic toy. I bought this as a birthday gift for my two year old nephew and he absolutely loves it. My nephew has autism and like those who have children that they love with autism, it has been incredibly hard for us to find toys that he cares about much less enjoys playing with. My niece who is four has also enjoyed playing with it very much. We have only owned the product for a week, but so far it is appearing to be very durable and the balls that come with it are great. The only downside is that the balls that come with it are not enough to cover the floor of the Ball Zone, it took another package of 100 balls to do this.

"Appeals to kids of different ages"

Small children will love the tactile experience of crawling in the balls. Older children can use their imagination and enjoy the playhut as a tent, cave, castle or nest!

"Fantastic"

Hours of fun. Durable. Easy to fold and put away. Pit balls sold separately. This is a fantastic product and will keep children busy for hours.

"Tons of fun!!"

Logan loves his ball pit. When it got quiet this morning that is where I found him! Be sure to buy the additional 100ct balls. The only downside is having to pick up all the balls from around the house, but it is totally worth it being how much fun he is having in it.

"Huge Ball Pit"

I was so excited when we opened this up. It's huge! I can easily fit in with my four kids and have fun with them. I wasn't expecting it to be so big. Of course, like everyone says there's never enough balls, but we still have some more coming as another Christmas gift. Great Buy!

Choosing Toys for a Child with Autism

Have you considered a toy for autistic child? Regardless if a child has autism, another disability or not, all children love toys. Of course, no child is alike. Therefore, what may be enjoyed by one child may not hold the interest of another. Thus, the trick is to figure out which toys your autistic child will enjoy playing with, and will help them develop skills.

Ages 3-7

Paints and/or coloring pencils with large paper

This is a great way for an autistic child to express him/herself in color. Knowing what colors your child responds to may be helpful when it comes to learning.

Building blocks

Any toy for autistic child that can be stacked helps them improve their motor skills. Great toys to consider include “Lego”, alphabet blocks, colored shapes, etc.

Stories with Repetition and/or Rhyme

These books help in the development of speech skills. Good book examples you can consider include “Dr. Seuss” and “Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes”.

Mix and Match toys

Toys that involve sorting and grouping together matching numbers, colors, shapes, etc. help improve cognitive skills. One interesting toy for autistic child is “Match & Spell 3 – Letter Word”. This game teaches a child how to spell basic words by putting together matching colored cards that create a picture.

Toys that light up

Toys such as the “flashing ball” are good for visual stimulation. When the ball is bounced, the colorful balls light up and flash.

Ages 8 – 12

Calculator Cash Register

Calculator Cash Register, this is a perfect pretend toy for autistic child. This particular toy comes with a working calculator, pretend money (bills, coins and credit cards). This toy encourages creativity and math skills.

Musical toy instrument

If your child has an interest in music, consider getting a toy instrument such as drums, guitar, recorder or piano with sheet music. These toys teach cognitive, motor, creative and sensory skills.

Picture books

Picture books such as “I Spy” are great ways to engage your child’s imagination. “I Spy” has a collection of picture riddle books based on different themes.

Classic board games

There are many classic board games to choose from including “KerPlunk”, “Scrabble Jr.”, “Monopoly Jr.”, “Trouble”, “Yahtzee”, etc. Board games can be a toy for autistic child that helps to improve social skills, and depending on the game, may help to develop cognitive and motor skills.

Stretch-Eze

This is a unique sensory toy that is ideal for stretching, exercise, and making creative movements. The “Stretch-Eze” is a stretchy circular band that comes in different sizes and colors.

Keep in mind that the toys listed above are only toy for autistic child suggestions. You don’t need to base the toys you give your child on their age. In fact, many parents of autistic children find that any toy is acceptable if their child responds to it regardless of the age specifications on the box. Note: The only exception is choking hazard age warning.

Design and Drill Activity Center

Children love using the Design & Drill Activity Center to create their own designs, or following the set's activity cards to make pictures and patterns, from trains and boats to flowers and fish. Just snap any one of the drill bits into the power drill or the screwdriver handle, grab a handful of big bolts, and turn on the learning fun. Twenty activity cards (10 make-a-picture cards, 9 follow-the-pattern cards, and one make-your-own card) provide young learners with tasks from simple to challenging. Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included).

Children love using the Design and Drill Activity Center to create their own designs, or following the set's activity cards to make pictures and patterns, from trains and boats to flowers and fish. Just snap any one of the drill bits into the power drill or the screwdriver handle, grab a handful of big bolts, and turn on the learning fun. Twenty activity cards (10 make-a-picture cards, 9 follow-the-pattern cards, and 1 make-your-own card) provide young learners with tasks from simple to challenging. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). 

Design and Drill Activity Center Reviews

"Great toy for many ages!"

I bought this toy for my 5-year-old. He has autism and loves tool type of toys. As soon as we opened this he got a HUGE grin on his face. Totally a hit with him! My 3-year-old daughter was DYING for a turn, and she loves to use it as well. Surprisingly, even my 19-month-old daughter can join in with her older siblings...she puts the pegs into the holes for them. It's great for their fine motor skills...getting the drill bit in the right spot is a little tricky for small hands. There are also hand tools which are good practice for the little ones, too. I also use it to practice turn-taking with the 3 and 5 year olds...each gets to drill a certain number of pegs and then has to trade the drill with their sibling.

And it is FUN! My kids like just filling up the whole board, but I think after we've had it for awhile (it's only been 2 weeks) we can start using some of the patterns. Great idea to extend the life of the toy. This toy seems really durable, has lots of play options (pattern or freestyle, different drill bits, power tool or hand tool), is educational AND fun. And rarely do I find a toy that all three of my kids can sit around at the same time and play with...but they do with this one! Highly recommended!

"Keeps the kids engaged"

Gave it as a gift to a 3yr old and have heard nothing but raves about it. Keeps the child busy and is no longer asking his dad for the real power drill!!! I need to buy one for my kid now!

"Mom of 3"

Love this toy, probably the best of the year. It is well made and sturdy. The drill fascinates my 4 year old, and even the 8 yr old and 11 yr old enjoy matching the pattern cards (and they are all girls...). A toy my children will play with for at least 30 mins straight(quite a feat in the video age!!!) If you are considering it, try it...I would bet that you will be impressed.

LeapFrog: Phonics Writing Desk

Learn to write your ABCs on an electronic lap-sized desk. Featuring six innovative games that make learning interactive and fun for your child, the Phonics Writing desk helps kids practice their writing, phonics and spelling skills, including how to spell 

This electronic writing desk teaches kids the alphabet, letter sounds, letter formation, spelling, and word creation in a fun, interactive format. Kids can choose from six games: letters, a letters quiz, phonics, a phonics quiz, spelling, and "create-a-word." In the letters game, children push a letter to hear its name and see how it is formed on the LCD screen; players can also write their own letters on the "magic" writing screen. In the spelling game, children learn to spell simple words. In the phonics game, children first hear a letter and then are given a short word as an example. Along the way, the always-helpful LeapFrog "coach" offers lots of cheerful hints so children won't get stuck in any of the exercises. Additional features include an automatic shut-off, an oversize pullout handle, a variety of comical sounds for incorrect answers, and a two-position volume control.

LeapFrog: Phonics Writing Desk Reviews

"If I could give this toy Ten stars I would!"

This toy has been a true miracle for my five year old son.He has been diagnosed with autism and extreme ADHD and I was told by many professionals he'd never learn to read/write. This toy has taught him the beginnings of both. Being able to spell his name and other words has given him an interest in learning thats increasing day by day. I appreciate all the research and development the makers of this toy have utilized. I would recommend this toy for any child.

"Learning to write!"

If you want to teach your kid how to write the letters and don't know where or how to start, this toy is your answer. It not only holds their interest, it makes learning fun too. It teaches both uppercase and lower case letters. Most toys teach kids how to reconize letters but this one is step ahead and also teaches them their phonics so it's definately a must have!

"Great learning tool!"

Excellent toy! Letter sounds and voice are extremely clear. There are a variety of phonics games for a variety of learning levels. The writing strip is a plus, too, as is the digital demonstration of how to write the letters. My 4 year old loves it! It has definitely taught her to begin to read. She is already spelling 3 letter words on her own and beginning to read simple books thanks to the help of this toy. It's proven durable, as well, surviving several falls down the stairs and drops off the couch without any problems.

"A-M-A-Z-I-N-G"

This is an excellent educational toy. My daughter who just turned 2 spends long hours with this and takes this with her during car rides too. She can even write some of the letters. This is a must for those little tots who needs to learn in a fun sort of way. The toy teaches how to write upper and lower case letters. In addition teaches phonics and making three letter words. Really cool toy. It even has 2 adjustable volume settings...so parents are not always annoyed with letters repeating all over and over again in the background.

LEGO® Road Construction Set

Little construction workers can dig up all sorts of fun with this set. They can build a truck, a front loader, a steamroller and much more. Includes one minifigure. 300 pieces. Everything you need for fun road building! Build a truck, a front loader, a steamroller and much more with this exciting construction set! Includes 1 minifigure! 

LEGO® Road Construction Set Reviews

"Lego"

This toy was for my nephew who has autism. Lego was one of the toys that autism kids are interested in. I bought this toy for him and he loves it

 "Great toy for girl and boy!"

I got this set for my son who was just over 4.5. We go to Legoland in Orlando and he loves building cars so I've been looking for a set that has wheels. This is by far a favorite toy. My daughter is almost 3.5 and she loves it as well. They have trouble taking apart the thin ones but otherwise can put them together and take them apart. He built the construction vehicles only the first few times but now builds cars, trucks, planes, and UFOs!

"A Great Value for this Much Lego Fun"

Legos are a wonderful toy for kids to develop their imagination while also working on fine motor skills. Plus, they're just plain a lot of fun. This set includes enough bricks to make three different construction vehicles - a bulldozer, a road grader and a dump truck - at once and still have a handful left over. When I saw the low price for this set, I was concerned that the vehicles were going to be tiny, but each is about the size of a softball (instead of a Hot Wheels) when assembled. The box itself is about 10"x10"x"3", so it's also nicely-sized for gifting. Every child is different, but our five-year-old had next to no problems with the parts in this set, i.e. while there is a good variety of brick sizes, but nothing overly complex. The instructions are typical Lego picture-based and lend themselves toward teaching kids the basics of following a plan, looking for visible patterns, and counting dimensions of Lego bricks. Of course, making the vehicles on the box is enjoyable, but the real fun begins when your child begins creating new ones right from his/her own mind. If your 4+ year-old enjoys building blocks, creative play, and/or especially construction vehicles, then this is a can't-miss. The only downside is that you'll probably soon find your child's room taken over by more and more Lego sets

"You can't go wrong with lego"

Lego stuff is always great for kids to play with. I bought this for a friend's son and he just loves it. He's 5, and he really seems to enjoy building the things that are pictured on the box. He also likes trying to put together his own creations, and that's what I love the most about lego. A kid can learn how to follow instructions and how to be creative all with the same toy.

Choiceworks Visual Support System

Choiceworks is a learning tool that uses a combination of 3 structured boards, visual images and built in choice making opportunities to effectively help children complete daily routines (morning, day & night), understand & control their feelings and improve their waiting skills (taking turns, not interrupting). 

The included companion books help teach your child about their daily schedule, dealing with transitions and managing their feelings. "The ChoiceworksTM Visual Support System provides exactly the kind of communication support that enables children to follow routines, make choices and demonstrate appropriate behavior. This system is a fabulous tool to help children participate more effectively with greater independence." Linda Hodgdon, M. ED, CCC-SLP Author of Visual Strategies for Improving Communication 

"So many children are challenged on a daily basis in participating in and understanding social situations, and in regulating and expressing their emotions. The ChoiceworksTM Visual Support System is a well designed, high quality system for supporting children, their parents and professionals in daily routines and activities. It is an essential "transactional support" that is consistent with practices we have developed in the SCERTS Model." Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP 

"While designed with families in mind, the ChoiceworksTM Visual Support System would also be a wonderful addition to a child's school program, since it serves to remind parents and educators alike that we shouldn't just react to difficult situations- we should respect, teach, and support the child through them. The Choiceworks Visual Support System provides an ideal way to do just that!" Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly, M.S., CCC-SLP

Choiceworks Visual Support System Reviews

"Excellent aid for children with communication and behavioral challenges"

For those with children experiencing communication and behavioral challenges (for example, autism, PDD, etc.), this product is a great, engaging way to help provide visual queues throughout the day. The customizable picture schedule reduces tantrums and anxiety by showing the child what they can expect next during the course of a day. The other two boards teach patience/waiting and choices. The workmanship is unbeatable--everything fits tight and snug with super high quality plastic parts. The dry erase boards and marker add even more flexibility. Most of all, the graphic images and colors are FUN and hopeful looking--not dry like the institutional feeling PECS cards you might get from a speech therapist or the like. I highly recommend this product.

"Outstanding visual tool for my 6 yr old son with ADHD-C"

My son's feels that he has control of his mornings and evenings by easily setting up the wonderfully designed pictures for his daily schedule of activities. Gone are the tantrums because we no longer have transition issues because he follows the visual queues that he set up. LOVE IT! Let us not forget the other boards that help kids learn patience/waiting and choices. Again, we seem to have reduced the tantrums and outbursts because he is the one in control using the boards. The product is very sturdy, colorful and everything fits together for easy travel or just for storing. Overall, excellent product!! Why did it take so long for something to be developed to help our kids with ADHD, ADHD-C, autism, PDD, etc.. Thank you BeeVisual!

"Great pre-made solution"

My customers like this product because it's pre-made and portable. BeeVisual has put much thought into it's design and implementation. Parents of children with Asperger's, PDD, and autism will appreciate NOT having to purchase, print and laminate symbols for home routines - it's already done for them in Choiceworks! It works great with ALL children to help them learn to independently complete familiar morning and evening routines.

"Excellent product & superior customer service"

We have been extremely satisfied with this product & the benefits. Not only did it exceed or expectations, but the supplier was a great resource and very responsive to our followup questions. I would highly recommend both the product and the company.