Friday, September 16, 2011

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.]
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32 comments:

Katrina said...

love the Round-and-Round Outdoor Swing

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Tracey said...

I like the Incred-a-Ball.
traymona(at)aol.com

karenmed409 said...

I like the Dump Truck and Front-End Loader Eco-Truck Special
karenmed409 at comcast dot net

Gina M (crave to save) said...

My nephew would love this! http://www.hearthsong.com/Buddy-Bumper-Ball_p406217.html

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Lagean Ellis said...

The Enchanted Garden Manor is really neat!

ubrewme@yahoo.com

cloud10277 said...

I like the Educational Insights GeoSafari Sea-Scope.
cloud10277@Hotmail.com

Maria T said...

i'd like the eco-truck

Teh Doll said...

Halloween Wall Stickers

dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com

BethElderton said...

We'd have fun with the Mini Cup Cake Maker
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

http://www.hearthsong.com/Rocking-Seesaw_p1896_S2003_D1102_C2201.html

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Ashley H said...

Rock Beat Rhythm Sticks
my son would love those!!
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

Steph said...

I like the Botanicals Enchanted Fairy Garden.

athompson said...

i would love the rocking seesaw.
edgesmama@yahoo.com

Maude Lynn said...

My daughter would get a huge kick out of the finger flashlights!

kelli at pfrog dot net

Anonymous said...

i love so much ! but i'll pick the Connectagons® Creative Building Sets for my Jamison.
came here from Prizey :)

Rose said...

My son would love the Primary Science Set
ourtipsforsaving at gmx dot com

Nicole B said...

I'd love to get a Y Bike for my little one.
nicolebang@gmail.com

Nicole said...

The indoor/outdoor Hugglepod is cool!

kelley wood said...

i like the zip line

Unknown said...

I love hearthsong - this would be perfect for my niece

Unknown said...

also - I love the bank box :)

misaacmom at gmail dot com

Kimberly said...

Love the Tree Trunk Fairy House
Kims2312@verizon.net

Leigh Owens said...

I love the Beeswax Candle Rolling Kit. Really unique craft.
leigh4thewin at gmail dot com

Teresa Moore said...

Lighted Metal Detector would be neat for my daughter.

Kristen said...

I'd get the Gingerbread Birdhouse Kit.

Anonymous said...

We would also like the Fast Track Game

Jennifer Marie

lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the Quadrilla Special.

Unknown said...

I love the Gator Morphibian remote control car for my boys.

Heidi said...

I also like the Geo Safari Talking Microscope!
textbookmommy at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

My daughter would love the Quadrilla Special.
lanaleebradstream(at)yahoo(dot)com

cloud10277 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/cloud10277/status/122299180596211712
cloud10277@Hotmail.com

furygirl3132 said...

I really love the Pumpkin Decorating Kit, it sure would make it easier for us instead of trying to carve them! Thanks so much for hosting this great giveaway!

Eloise
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net