Action-Packed Kindergarten Prep with the LeapFrog Word Whammer {Review}

Although I may have originally resisted the acceptance of my kids' obsession with technology, I've been able to see firsthand the difference that it has made in their lives and all of the positives that go with it.

Do I want them to sit in front of a screen for 12 hours a day? Of course not. But do I want them to enjoy learning and want to play games that are educational as well as entertaining? Absolutely. 

Therefore, when I'm introduced to a gadget that is safe, entertaining, easy to use, designed with kids in mind, full of learning, and more, there is no doubt that kindergarten prep just got much more fun thanks to the Word Whammer from LeapFrog!

Known as a leader in education innovation throughout the world, LeapFrog's award-winning learning toys, interactive book and map experiences, reading systems, educational gaming handhelds and learning tablets are age-appropriate, trusted by parents, valued by teachers and loved by children.

And the addition of the Word Whammer to their already-impressive line of products is no exception! Instead of repetitive letter recognition, sounds, and early spelling, what child wouldn't rather get ready for kindergarten through action-packed games instead?

Keep an eye out for a review of the LeapPad Platinum and Imagicards coming soon!

It barely took more than removing the Word Whammer from the box before my girls were able to start playing!

The power switch is located conveniently at the top (and also includes two volume levels), while the handle on the right twists up and down for choosing between options and is pressed inwards to select.

I would rather LeapFrog have made a volume dial instead of the two settings, as the quieter option is still a little too loud for my liking.

Containing three games and five learning levels that adapt as children play (love that!), the Word Whammer gets kids excited about phonics skills as they spin, push and twist the handles to identify letters and build 100+ words.

The three learning games include:

Dragon's Rocket Ride — children blast Dragon's rocket into the correct answer.

Panda's Bumper Cars — children bump Panda's car into the correct answer.

Penguin's Tea Cup Twister — children twist Penguin's tea cup to select the correct answer.

The five levels of play on the Word Whammer are:

• Level 1 — Twist and turn the handle to identify letters, match upper and lowercase letters and pair letters with their sounds.

• Level 2 — Build words with spelling support. For example, find the letter "n" to complete the word "net."

• Level 3 — Identify the letter at the beginning, middle or end of a 3-letter word. For example, find the letter that begins the word "hat."

• Level 4 — Fill in the missing letter to complete a 3-letter word.

• Level 5 — Practice spelling more than 100 3-letter words such as "big" or "fox."

While both of my children are past the age that the Word Whammer would teach them any new skills, they have still had plenty of fun playing with it and especially get a kick out of the Super Speller Spin Machine bonus game.

This game appears at the end of the three main games, giving kids the ability to spin (and stop) the three dials to create 3-letter words. After the word and an image of the word is displayed...

...children then proceed to use the "tickets" they earned from the previous game to play the claw game to win their character a prize. My girls have had a great time giggling when they have won things like wigs, roller skates, party horns, and more for Dragon, Panda, and Penguin... and then get to see the animals show off their new items in a cute little parade!

Retailing for $19.99 from LeapFrog, in stores, on Amazon, and more, the LeapFrog Word Whammer is an affordable and innovative way for preschoolers to practice core learning skills in an upbeat, unique way. This device is recommended for children 4 and up, but I would suggest it for 3-5.

We have long loved LeapFrog and the way that their high quality toys and learning solutions provide entertainment as well as educational advancement, and the Word Whammer fits right in with the rest of their collection. Kids are able to gain important knowledge, laugh endlessly, practice their ABCs, improve their fine motor skills and much more!

Find out more about this and all of LeapFrog's great products by visiting LeapFrog.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

As a LeapFrog Mom Ambassador, I receive products, promotional items and educational material to use and share as I see fit. However, any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.