Leapfrog Fridge Phonics – Fridge Phonic or magnetic word builder?

[LondonSuperTrooper]

Just as the title above really. Does anyone recommend getting either of them? Which is best to get? I'm hoping that Mnetters with more experience can give their recommendations

Thanks!

We have the fridge phonics but I wouldn't bother to be honest. It's an ok toy, but not really any educational value and other toys are more fun.

If you're getting one of these to teach the alphabet, really really don't bother. The age of child it appeals to isn't really interested in letters anyway and it teaches both the letter name and sound, both in a song, which will totally confuse your child.

Agree with sockonmyhead. Wasn't there some research done a couple of years ago which found that electronic learning toys eg. Leapfrog/Leappad don't help a child to learn, or did I imagine it?

How old is your child? I'm guessing 2 1/2 - 3ish. In my experience you would be much better spending your money on a tub of lower case letters from the ELC and a magnetic board, and just having fun with them. HTH.

Lovecheese - would be really like to see that research, actually. Sounds interesting! i always thought they would be good!

I agree that a basic set of alphabet magnets would be better as well.

Many thanks for your replies. I will take your advice and not bother buying this then.

My DS is 3.4 and is tri-lingual and have only just started teaching him the English alphabet.

I will invest in a tub of lower case letters. But where can I get a magnetic board from?

Loads of places, Rymans stationers, WHSmith's, catalogues such as "Brightminds" (www.brightminds.co.uk). Only a few pounds.

We have both. DC love them. The song hasn't seemed to confuse them either...

don't bother with either - use jolly phonics from ELC. Not cheap but the music CD is fab and better than the dated DVD. All letters have actions, sounds and songs.

We have them and I think they are good ds has been singing 'every letter makes a sound b says buh' its encouraging him to sing his alphabet song more so im going to disagree with previous posters and say go for it, its a more fun way to learn how to pronounce the letters :)

The3Bears - but be careful with the sounds, b is not pronounced "buh", it is just "b" - there is no "uh" sound in good phonic teaching.