Tuesday, February 26, 2013

AppStart Learning's iLearn ‘N’ Play Collection Combines Technology, Education and Fun! {Review & Giveaway}

iLearn logo
I've come to suspect that if my kids could do everything through an iPad or iPhone, they would. More than just playing games or reading books, if there was a way to eat, sleep and get dressed by tapping, swiping and tilting, they would. Is there an app for that yet?

Fortunately, as companies have realized the high level of interest that children everywhere have with iOS devices, they have found ways to take that love and turn it into an opportunity for education. Instead of assuming that all kids are going to want to do is use a slingshot to send birds flying across the screen, it is time to introduce them to ways that they can stay fully entertained... while learning at the same time.

Thanks to AppStart Learning, that dream is a reality in the form of their innovative and fun iLearn ‘N’ Play toys, apps and curriculum.

iLearn N Play

By taking a variety of early learning concepts and making them the basis of their iLearn ‘N’ Play Apps, AppStart Learning has combined technology and play into a revolutionary experience that excites kids as well as adults.

Letter Explorer app
As opposed to some toys that function as accessories to an app, iLearn ‘N’ Play has integrated iPads, iPhones and iPods right into the function of the app itself. Simply download onto the device of your choice, pair with Bluetooth to your iLearn product, safely lock your Apple gadget right into the toy, and let the educational entertainment begin!

As I looked over the iLearn ‘N’ Play toys — the Learning Tablet, Adventure Explorer and Robbi — I was immediately intrigued with the thought and work that AppStart Learning had put into each one. Have your children practice their letter forms and penmanship on the Learning Tablet, practice letter recognition and motor control by driving with the Adventure Explorer or reinforce numbers and counting with Robbi!

While I had no doubt that my kids would be thrilled with any of the three options, when the Adventure Explorer arrived, the repetitive When can we open this? Can we open this now? Is it time to play with this? was only the first indication that they were happy with the choice.

Adventure Explorer toy

Before I even opened the box, I was liking the features of the Adventure Explorer.

AppStart Learning

Of course I appreciate all of the educational aspects (what mom wouldn't?) but the fact that AppStart Learning took their curriculum even further and integrated it with a toy that would protect my devices, have the ability to be played on the go, and works with all versions of iOS devices? Bring on the learning and fun!

AppStart Learning Adventure Explorer

There was a split second after I removed the pieces from the box when I assumed that the setup for this toy couldn't be this easy... could it?

After popping a few batteries (not included) into the bottom of the Adventure Explorer, I went to my iPad's Settings and was pleased to see that the two immediately paired through Bluetooth. It only took another minute or so to download the Letter Explorer app and we were nearly ready to go.

Thanks to the stand that snugly fits into the base of the Adventure Explorer...

AppStart Learning Adventure Explorer stand

...placing my iPad in and knowing it was secure was a snap. All that was left was to launch Letter Explorer and my kids were driving their way through letter recognition, blending and reading.

AppStart Learning Adventure Explorer game

While there are times when I have had to walk Big Sister E and Little Sister B through the directions and use of games or apps, they both were using the Adventure Explorer's steering wheel, sound effects and controls to interact with the app nearly immediately.

By simply turning the steering wheel and using the accelerator and direction controls, the girls have had a great time driving left, right, forwards and backwards to collect the letters indicated on the screen. Although Big Sister E is already fully proficient in knowing the alphabet, I love the way that this game has been reinforcing them with Little Sister B!

She just loves to drive through the various levels and see what surprises (vehicle, background location, etc) will change. As for me, I'm thrilled that every day since the Adventure Explorer arrived she has been so happy to recognize letters, sounds and spell simple high frequency words.

This really is a seamless combination of education and entertainment, and, as there is no time limit or pressure (if you miss a letter, simply back up and try again!), I'm thrilled that there is no frustration or stress that comes from it — just fun!

AppStart Learning Adventure Explorer review

Along with popping the iPad into place to play Letter Explorer, the Adventure Explorer is also compatible with an iPhone or iPod — any version, so no worrying if you don't have the latest iPhone, your iPhone 3 or 4S will work just as well!

Simply lock your smaller iOS device into the upper casing and place the entire thing securely onto the stand (or take it to go) and your child is set to drive their way through this curriculum once again.

Adventure Explorer iPhone

With plans to roll out new apps for each of their toys throughout the year, we can't wait to see what AppStart Learning comes up with to further increase my kids' love of the Adventure Explorer! This innovative device retails for $39.99 (as does Robbi; the Learning Tablet has a $19.99 price tag) and can be found in Target stores near you.

Just be sure to pick up the correct toy (and app) to coincide with the Apple device that you own:
  • Learning Tablet: compatible only with the iPad, utilizes the Letterbox app.
  • Adventure Explorer: compatible with the iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod touch, utilizes the Letter Explorer app.
  • Robbi: compatible only with the iPhone and iPod touch, utilizes the Numberbots app.
To find out more about this and all of AppStart Learning's toys, apps and curriculum, visit their website. You'll also want to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube so that you never miss their latest and greatest happenings.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be combining technology, learning and fun as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of any one of the iLearn ‘N’ Play toys from AppStart Learning!

iLearn N Play giveaway


A big thank you to AppStart Learning for providing an Adventure Explorer for me to review as well as the choice of iLearn 'N' Play toy for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

128 comments:

notlikeacat said...

Adventure Explorer

Anonymous said...

the adventure explorer would be great for my son
tcogbill at live dot com

abfantom said...

I'd like to get my daughter the iLearn 'N' Play Learning Tablet

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

GFC & Google+ id: abfantom fantom

abfantom at yahoo dot com

kellythom747 said...

would love the counting tool

Unknown said...

Adventure Explorer would be great

steve weber said...

the adventure explorer.

wigget said...

i think we'd like the adventure explorer most

candykitn said...

Id like to win the adventure explorer for my grandaughter~

Tamar said...

I also like the adventure explorer.

kim burnett said...

the adventure explorer

Mayla Moore said...

I think my son would like the Adventure Explorer.

Jen lleras said...

the learning tablet

john said...

ROBBI

Anonymous said...

The Learning Tablet

Mammamayor said...

Adventure explorer

trisha said...

we would love the Adventure Explore

Robin A said...

I would love the Learning Tablet

Nancy P said...

The Learning Tablet!

Colleen Maurina said...

I would love to win the Adventure Explorer!

Unknown said...

Learning Tablet

ken ohl said...

adventure explorer. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net

Unknown said...

the driving one

Carrie Phelps said...

The Learning Tablet would be perfect for my grandson.

Bethany C. said...

I'd like the adventure explorer.

Unknown said...

i would love the adventure explorer

Cserafini said...

Adventure explorer

Cserafini said...

Adventure explorer

sherylssg said...

The Adventure Explorer would be great.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'd like to get my son the iLearn 'N' Play Learning Tablet. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Reneewalters3 at yahoo dot com

Brooke T said...

Adventure Explorer:

Patricia Wojnar Crowley said...

I'd like the Adventure Explorer!

latanya t said...

adventure explorer

Sandra VanHoey said...

I like Robbi the robot

ShellyH said...

the learning tablet for sure!

Mijal Photography said...

The Learning Tablet!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i really like the learning tablet. they are all great, though.

Sarah said...

Love the adventure explorer!!!

Jennifer T. said...

I'd love to win the Adventure Explorer.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

my daughter would luv the LEARNING TABLET:)

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

K.Pugh said...

I'd like to win the Learning Tablet.
Thanks for the chance.

Gina F. said...

I would like the Adventure Explorer if I win.

ginaferrell26 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I would like the Adventure Explorer for my little one. She wants to use my iphone all day anyways, this way she'd be learning even more!

Unknown said...

that is so cool, I would like to win the learning tablet for my grandson.

Nknouse22 said...

The learning tablet

MommyMandi said...

Adventure Explorer would be great for my daughter!
Mandinav(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Robbi

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

THE LETTER EXPLORER

Reagan and Trevor's Mommy said...

Adventure Explorer!

Unknown said...

Adventure Explorer

Knickgirl_3 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

my son wants robbie the most :)

Anonymous said...

Probably the adventure explorer because it is compatible with more devices.

Unknown said...

I'd love to win the Adventure explorer

Bo said...

I would love the Robbi!

Jennifer said...

Learning tablet

Amy C said...

Letter Explorer
amyc

- Epic Fail said...

The Adventure Explorer!

ijessica_r at yahoo dot com

KellBee8 said...

Robbi

Unknown said...

I'd like to win Robbi the Robot

♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ said...

the one with the steering wheel
Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

Traci said...

Adventure Explorer

Dave said...

the learning tablet

Jessica said...

I would love Robbi for my daughter
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Allison Downes said...

I would love to win the Learning Tablet

Thank you for the chance to win!

Ciara B. said...

the tablet

cb_shorty2003@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

I'd choose the Adventure Explorer.

Unknown said...

I like Adventure Explorer.

Unknown said...

Id Chose Robbi

Susan Johnson said...

I would choose the Robbi, he needs to practice his counting and numbers.

Angela said...

My kids would love the Adventure Explorer
veniceangel@hotmail.com

mecarolks said...

I'd like the Learning Tablet

AngelWinner said...

The learning tablet!

Anonymous said...

Comment for RC Name : Andrew L.

I like the Learning Tablet.

Unknown said...

Adventure Explorer

Unknown said...

I would love for my daughter to try the adventure explorer.

Renee Griffin said...

The learning Tablet.

karenb834 said...

I would definitely choose Robbi the Robot, he would be my choice, thanks

karenb834

walk9 said...

Adventure explorer

Paol Trenny said...

Robbi the Robot ----- Pauline aka Paol Trenny ….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com

Marysa said...

Learning Tablet or Robbi!

Growl Tiger said...

I like the learning tablet.

Unknown said...

My nephew would like the learning tablet. He is 3 & it will help him with his letters.

Lena said...

I would love to win Robbi!

Unknown said...

The Learning Tablet

Leanne Hill said...

Id love to get robbi!

Unknown said...

Adventure Explorer

Pinky Sade said...

The Adventure Explorer!

Mikaela said...

I would love to win Robbi the Robot!

Unknown said...

I think Adventure Explorer will give us more flexibility asto which device to use.

Jen said...

My daughter would love the Robbi!

daivabaum said...

Learning Tablet

lisa_s said...

I would choose the Adventure Explorer

McKim said...

I'd choose the Learning Tablet for my grandson.

Unknown said...

robbi crystlemtellerday@yahoo.com

Erin Rok said...

The iLearn explorer would be nice to have :)
Urbancwgrl84@yahoo.com

Ruby said...

I would choose the Robbi

Unknown said...

I would pick the Learning Tablet

Unknown said...

the learning tablet

bbrittbrat1398 said...

Adventure Explorer
Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

The Adventure Explorer :) It looks awesome!

Lina said...

I'd like the Adventure Explorer

Anonymous said...

I like Robbi the Robot.

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

the learning tablet
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Becca Ann said...

I like the learning tablet

Anonymous said...

Adventure Explorer please!

Unknown said...

I like the Learning Tablet

cman said...

Adventure Explorer.

ltlbitone said...

Adventure Explorer

ltlbitone@yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I'dlike to get my granddaughter the iLearn 'N' Play Learning Tablet

peppersalt said...

The Adventure explorer would be our pick. saltpepper1_2000@yahoo.com

Jenny Q. said...

I like the adventure explorer

jackiekatie1105 said...

adventure explorer

Jackiekatie1105@yahoo.ca

susansmoaks said...

i would like the learning tablet
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Kathy P said...

i like the Adventure Explorer

Mary Gardner said...

robby robot

jagar0047 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

The Adventure Explorer or the robot, both very cool proudcts!

Priscilla Benavides said...

I would love the learning tablet! With a kindergartner and two preschoolers I sure would put this to use in our home!
priscillavbenavides at yahoo dotcom

buzzd said...

the adventure explorer

garygreen said...

I would love to win this prize.

blew415 said...

Robbi

Anonymous said...

Counting tool

cassandra marquez said...

I like Robbi Robot!
fb: rab pom

daveshir2005 said...

I like the learning tablet

email/ daveshir2005@yahoo.com
fb/ shirley greenawalt zolenski

Jules525 said...

I like Adventure Explorer

Ashley Morrissey said...

The Adventure Explorer!

-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashummz05(at)yahoo(dot)com

mamalama82 said...

Robbi the Robot!

corey1971 said...

My son really wants Robbi the Robot. (Corey Olomon)

lilyk said...

I would choose Robbi the Robot.