TV Learning, errr, Gaming System
My kids, aged 5 and 7, are already computer games addicts. Well, can’t really blame them, when both parents are (amateur) gamers, can you? Still, seeing them spend hours at the computer can be annoying for two reasons:
1. While they develop some motor skills, and eye-hand coordination, they don’t learn a whole lot from those games.
2. They take up one of the computers, often leaving one of the grown-ups with nothing to do but the dishes.
We have considered getting them a Playstation, but it’s not only expensive, but also comes with games which we feel are at best a waste of time, and more often than not, inappropriate for their age group.
If you’re facing similar concerns, I have the perfect solution for you: the VTech TV learning system!
At under $50 (free shipping even, under some conditions), this system tricks your kids into thinking their playing nasty video games, while teaching them language, science and math. It comes equipped with a little joystick, a sing-along mic and a little writing pad stylus, all ready to teach your kids a variety of skills, including writing.
To operate this nifty little gadget, you need the game cartridges, aka “smartridge”. There is a variety of “games” featuring popular super heroes and Disney characters, that are sure to appeal to kids.
However, being at this system is so inexpensive, don’t expect too much when it comes to sound or visuals. Plug it into too wide a screen, and you’ll get a pretty fuzzy pixelized image… It’s a low-priced gadget toy, and goes well with the small TV set in the kids room - no more. Still, for the price, it does provide a great learning and entertainment experience for kids aged 3-8.
