Turbo-Twist Spelling, from award-winning toy manufacturer LeapFrog, is yet another wonderful learning aid that will help to teach your children how to spell while having fun and experiencing success. It is approved by educational experts, is easy and fun to use, is interactive, personal to each player (allowing the child to learn at their own pace and learning level--there are 33 levels) and it is small and lightweight and therefore completely portable for a child. Throughout the accent is American, but this in no way detracts from the enjoyment or learning value of the toy, and most pronunciations have been anglicised for UK learners. Also, the names of letters, rather than their phonic sounds, are used.
By following the clear instructions, by twisting and turning the letters and "slamming" (pressing the end to enter the answer and progress) LeapFrog claims children will "learn to spell like a pro!" There are core spelling words, with fundamental spelling rules, accompanied by a musical beat, with sound effects and animations that really appeal to children of all ages. The manufacturers recommend that the game is suitable for children aged six years and over.
The Turbo Twist is programmed to automatically adjust to each player's level of skill, and there are five games to play: "Learn It" simply teaches how to spell the words. "Spell It" asks players to spell a complete word. In "Missing Letter" players fill in missing letters to complete a word. "Secret Word" requires players to guess letters to discover the mystery word. And "Multiplayer" allows players to challenge friends to a spelling competition.
Accompanying the game is an excellent pamphlet for use as a guide, with very good instructions for parents. It is straightforward to use and should be read before commencing play. The game can be used with headphones (not provided) in quiet mode and it also requires four AA batteries (not provided).
What better way could there be to learn apart from having fun while doing do? --Susan Naylor
