It is rather hard to get a child to sit down and concentrate especially when it comes to keep them still for educational matters. They already have a certain expectation that it is boring and uninteresting or repetitive. Incorporating work and play, or in this case learn and play, usually works. It might be the perfect combination to educate your kid and even for them to learn by themselves.
I received Educational Insights Hot Dots Jr. Beginning Phonics Card Set and Beginning Problem Solving Card Set together with “Ace”—the Talking, Teaching Dog. The interactive cards set can be used with “Ace” or his male counterpart, “Kat” but it can also be used just like our old-fashioned flashcards. The cards look a lot like multiple test questionnaires used in school, with black dots beside the choices wherein the pen will be used—hence the name Hot Dots.
My 4-year old daughter got excited with the 6-inch pen and even refers to it as her very own pet. Aside from being cute, this specialized pen serves as a friend and at the same time teacher to children. Use the pen to tap on the answer of your choice and it will immediately tell you if your answer is right or wrong. Just make sure that you have enough pressure and to touch the center of the circle so “Ace” or “Kat” responds correctly. Their eyes light up and give a red or green color — red for a wrong answer and green for a right one. In addition to this, the pens have more than 10 sound effects and they shake too. You also have the option to choose what you want to hear. Choose if you want to hear speech only or sound effects only or both. Adjust the volume by choosing between low and high or put it on mute. “Kat” or “Ace” needs 2 AAA batteries that are not included. The compartment has a screw but adults can easily install the batteries.
We have the Beginning Phonics and the Beginning Problem Solving Card Set and my daughter is great with the latter. The problems are leaning a bit more in Math but also have other areas of learning, like logic. She enjoys scanning through the cards because of the vivid illustrations and colors. I noticed that she is starting to be more independent because her “pet” gives her instant feedback after answering a question.
Kids can also share the cards while using different pens. Maybe I can try and encourage them to have a kind of a game or contest and the one with most correct answers win. There is an answer key provided for easy reference. There are other card sets available like shapes and the alphabet. They usually go for $14.99 per set and $12.99 for the interactive pen. This is quite a small amount considering what it can do and the excitement it brings to children. The card sets come in a box with a handle, which makes it very convenient. It is handy for travel, especially when the kids tag along with on-the-go moms.
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