In order to get the most out of using a LeapPad try some of the suggestions below, and let us know how Leap Pad works for your child in the comment field at the bottom of the page.

Flexibility Activity

As your child's collection of apps grows, be sure that he is experimenting with each one. Of course, he will have favorite apps or games that he will play more than others. But it is important that he splits his time among gaming, educational, and reading apps. While there are certainly games that require your child to shift his gameplay strategy (usually following a failed attempt or low score), alternating between different types of games also exercise your child's flexibility skills. It could be useful to allow your child to use his LeapPad for an hour and a half per day. 30 minutes should be spent playing educational games, another 30 for more interactive and less directly educational games, and 30 minutes for reading an e-book. Rules as simple as this, can keep your child from the monotony involved in extended play of one game, and introduce a "freshness" with each new use of the LeapPad.

Self-Awareness Activity

Have your child think critically about his own strengths and weaknesses. He should be honest with himself, and determine a goal content area to work on. Then, you should both work together to select games and activities that target those weaknesses. For every few academic games and activities, leave room for one entertainment-only game, for when your child just needs a break.

With the "share" feature, you can monitor your child's progress, making note of areas where your child excels, or falls short. You can set up your e-mail account to receive notifications that include helpful tips for guiding your child's use of the Leap Pad. Once you feel as though you have a grasp of your child's learning progress, be sure to use positive reinforcement to keep him from a plateaued or stagnated progression. Explain to you child how he can monitor his own progress, and implement Leap Pad's helpful tips by himself.

Reading Activity

LeapPad is essentially a child friendly tablet. While it may be limiting as the child gets older, it lack of internet access, helps to block out distractions that otherwise might interfere with your child's ability to learn. It is important to encourage your child to explore the various downloadable children's books, and set aside time each day for silent reading. Whether your child likes dinosaurs, cars, or mystery stories, LeapPad's library of e-books will have something that will spark your child's interest. On car rides, or bus rides home from school, your child might find reading an enjoyable pastime - and develop an interest in literature that will make him a better, more informed student.

Mathematics Activity

When downloading games and apps with your child, make an attempt to make a choice that mirrors what your child is learning in class. For example, if he is learning about multiplication, or even simple addition and subtraction, be sure to search though LeapPad's library of applicable educational games, paying close attention each game's description, in an attempt to choose an appropriate app that reinforces classroom content.

LeapPad 2 & ADHD

For elementary school-aged children with ADHD who struggle to thrive in the traditional classroom environment, LeapPad makes for a great learning alternative. Children with ADHD sometimes find it hard to remain mentally involved in a lecture or classroom discussion, as their hyperactivity makes it difficult for them to maintain focus. Because LeapPad makes learning interactive, children with ADHD will find themselves absorbed in the various educational games and apps, helping to keep them engaged.  For parents who are wary of buying an iPad for their young children, the LeapPad is substitute geared towards a younger audience, and serves as a great option for children with ADHD.

How to Use LeapPad 2 for Children with ADHD

• Purchase content specific games to help your child feel more excited about subject areas in which he has difficulty. Although some of these games will have to be purchased separately like, Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, there will be a significant change in your child's attitude towards reading, writing, and math. Leap Pad combines, familiar characters and stories with problem solving and critical thinking, to bring out the academic, in even the most unsuspecting children.

• Children with ADHD should think about subjects and classes they find difficult. They should search the LeapPad app store for games that help to bolster thinking in a particular subject. But what makes LeapPad especially helpful for children with ADHD, is its multi-faceted, multi-purposed functionality. Because apps range in content, from educational to "gamey," and even as a medium for reading books, children with ADHD will engage their flexibility skills by shifting between different types of games. Be wary of children who become overly involved in one particular game - even though they may be absorbed in a great educational game - the passion for the game will interfere with their ability to think flexibly, a skill rooted in shifting behavior and thinking strategies.

• LeapPad 2 also functions as an e-reader. Children with ADHD tend to shy away from text heavy books, novels and stories written in that format just do not engage alternative learners. E-readers, by nature are colorful, technological  "novel," and absorbing. Young Ccildren with ADHD will be more apt to become voracious readers (or at least less reluctant) if they use the Leap Pad as an e-reader too.

The Leap Pad is an excellent education tablet for children, but there are similar technological tools that may be better suited for other users. Try out the resources below, and let us know which one works for your child in the comment box at the bottom of the page.

iPad

The iPad is a great tablet tool for users of all ages. The enormous collection of apps makes it easy to customize the device to suit the age and ability of each user. Find out more on our iPad Beyond Games page, or check out the Apple website.

InnoTab Touchscreen from VTech

This tablet is very similar to the Leap Pad, and also offers downloadable apps as well as cartridges for games and activities. Find out more here.