The Leapfrog Word Whammer is a great accompaniment to the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set. This is the next step up from that (we aren’t quite up to having to worry about the best acne treatment yet, but we are slowly getting there). Instead of just working with single letters, your child starts working with words. The words can only be three letters, so it is truly for beginner reader. There are three settings on it: Letter Hunt, Word Builder & Word Hunt. Letter Hunt allows the them to learn letter names and sounds through fun songs. The Word Builder setting lets them play with letter combinations, and you are able to create over 325 words. The Word Hunt setting allows them to spell three-letter words and then replace letters to make rhyming words. This toy has really gotten Madison interested in reading and spelling. It has really perked her interest up into reading books again. You don’t have to have the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set to enjoy the Word Whammer either! This toy is definitely on my must buy list.

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set is another LeapFrog product that is a huge hit in this house. This was a toy we got when Madison was little and now Will plays with it. They both love it. When you put the letters in it, they tell you the letter name and sound. It also sing a song for each letter: “The A says Aaah, the A says Aaah, every letter makes a sound, the A says Aaah.” This entire set (base and letters) can all be conveniently housed on your refrigerator. It isn’t as exciting as getting a set of Callaway irons, but this is a great toy to pick up for your house. It will give your kids hours of fun!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is one of my daughters favorite books. It is an easy read for both adults and children. The story is about how all of the letters climb up the coconut tree. It is a great introduction to the alphabet. Even though Madison knows her alphabet (and how the story ends), she still goes around singing: “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room?” After a couple of times reading the book, you will know it by heart. However, it is still a great book for everyone.

This is another awesome DVD we got Madison. Leap Frog - Letter Factory has to be one of my favorite Leap Frog videos. It is geared towards ages 2 - 5. The learning goals for this video are letter, phonics, and listening skills. Since we have watched this, Madison goes around singing: “A says ahhh, A says ahhh, Every letter makes a sound, A says ahhh.” This is a song right from the video. She does not know what a lot of letter sounds are yet. She’ll sing the song, and Bill and I will fill in the sound for her. If she has learned that already (we only got the video at the end of last week), I cannot wait to see how much more she absorbs in the coming multiple viewing sessions. I also like this, because even though it is in cartoon format, it does have a story and plot line. I give this video 2 thumbs up!