Back To School - Tech - HearthSong GeoSafari Laptop {Review & Giveaway}

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I always try to find ways to enhance my children's learning experiences. With the day-to-day craziness, it's sometimes hard to incorporate education into your routine. I have a great fondness for toys that not only entertain my kids, but educate them too. The GeoSafari Laptop from HearthSong does just that and more. (Moreover, it's taught me a thing or two as well!)

About little more about HearthSong

Since its beginning in 1983, HearthSong has been committed to helping parents follow their instincts to provide their children with age-appropriate, wholesome, quality playthings.

The first HearthSong catalog was printed in black and white, with pencil drawings of carefully selected toys and books and mailed from the home of founder Barbara Kane by her family. The name HearthSong was chosen to reflect core family values - the Hearth, a traditional symbol for the center of the home, and Song, a symbol of family spirit and of a special playfulness that parents and children enjoy together.

Over the next 25 years, HearthSong evolved into a nationally known and respected source for quality children's toys, games and crafts. Parents who found unique toys for their children decades ago tell us they're now thrilled to be finding the same kinds of educational, entertaining toys to give to their children's children.

The GeoSafari Laptop Details

Kids have fun and learn at the same time! The GeoSafari Laptop offers Internet-style games that reinforce key topics across four core curricular areas—science, language arts, math, and social studies. Requires 4 AA batteries (included).

• Includes 63 double-sided lesson cards that store inside the unit
• Lights and sounds guide game play, track scores, and provide feedback
• Three modes of play make it easy for kids to play alone, with a partner, or head-to-head
• Compact, durable, and easy to pack up and take along
• Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

 
ace and friends thoughts

When we opened The GeoSafari Laptop, the kids were immediately intrigued by all of the different lesson cards. They quickly started to sort through all of them and put them in an order in which they wanted to quiz themselves or each other. They turned it on and easily figured out how to operate the laptop.

Although it is designed for grades 3 and up, my eldest (who is the appropriate age) read the directions and explained to her younger siblings how to operate the GeoSafari Laptop. After showing all reading the directions and sharing with the other two kids the basics, they could easily play with it.

The game is guided by wild lights and sounds that tracks scored and provides users feedback.  It was a fun and interactive game for all of them. It was not too terribly high-tech, but they (as well as i) learned quite a bit about subjects that they didn't know that much about. Admittedly, some of the cards were a challenge even for me.  (Check it out and you will see what I mean).

To begin, the kids input a number that was printed on the card. The side buttons begin to blink where specific terminology or names/titles are listed. The picture on each card has a number that corresponds with the word titles, term, etc. To let users know if you were right or wrong, it would make distinctively different sounds. This game allows for one or two players and/or head-to head competition.

The GeoSafari Laptop has lessons that teach a world of subjects including 24 lessons on wildlife and animals, 36 lessons on science, language and math, 27 map lessons, 30 history lessons, and 9 trivia games. It also features self-storage for all 63 two-sided cards. It is compact and durably constructed. We will be using the GeoSafari Laptop for years to come!

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Buy It 

Get your own HearthSong GeoSafari Laptop on their site HERE. 

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Win It 

Thanks to HearthSong, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win their very own GeoSafari Laptop (Retail up to $59.98). 

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]