What exactly is the learning tower, what benefit can be expected from this toy for the child?
1869150
Apart from the obvious uses, we use this as a kitchen island too. We pop a piece of plywood (actually a Waldorf painting board) on it and it doubles the utility of the piece. Super helpful in our small kitchen.
1869151
It's a safer way for your child to be up at the counter without standing on a chair. Our little guy loves to be in it and help us with meals. They can also use it for a fort, but we mainly use it for a place for him to stand.
1869152
We use it by our kitchen counter so our kids can play with puzzles & toys on the same surface we use to prepare breakfast/lunch/dinner. We also use it to keep the kids entertained with the kitchen sink; they love water. We noticed our kids were really curious about what was going on while we were preparing meals - usually asking to be picked up. Not any more, they climb up on their own and stay busy and feel involved.
1869153
This is not a toy. It is a safe way for toddlers and children to stand when they need to be at a higher level (cooking with mom or dad, washing hands, playing the computer, etc.). There is a wonderful video on the learning tower website that shows the many usages. I believe you can buy accessories to turn it into a toy (puppet theater) but we use it just for a stool. We actually love this product. No more falling from chairs. It also holds two kids at once if need be.
1869154
My daughter loves being able to "help mommy" by standing on the tower and being kitchen counter height. She has helped me make brownies, salads etc. before learning tower, she was below counter height and still whined about wanting to see or to help me do whatever it was I was doing.
1869155
It allows your child to safety stand at counter level for any number of activities. We like to make bread together (as well as various dinner items) and when we were using a step stool her movements constantly had me catching her from falling backwards, I could never have two hands to work on a project. She can climb into the tower without help and usually I have an activity set up for her on the counter every morning so she can work on it while I prepare breakfast or do dishes and she can feel like a part of the morning routine. She also likes to do water play in the sink so I just push the tower over and fill up the sink and she'll play in it for an hour sometimes! It really is great to have! Does this help at all?
1869156
It's basically a semi-enclosed, raised platform. Our son uses his daily to watch and to help in the kitchen. While it says 18 months and up, we started using it at 15 months with close supervision. He loves being part of the action and has many fewer tantrums now, because he can be part of what's going on, even if all that's going on is making a sandwich. It's safer for him to stand on than a chair.
1869157
It's great for helping kids safely participate in things like cooking, hand washing, etc. My 2 and 5 year old both use it to help me cook/prepare food frequently.
332224
My opinion? No. It is not worth it, unless you have a 1 yr old who likes to destroy things. It literally has the entertainment value of a calculator.
1567037
It comes with games already installed, and you can download games as well, and even track your child's learning progress online. But you can and will probably want to buy some cartridges as well :-)
1351486
I agree that the InnoTab is going to be a little too easy for her. My son is six and it's not as fun/challenging for him. My four year old loves it. The games for this machine top out at age 8, and especially if she's bright I think she'd be easily bored by the games you can buy for this. Leap Pad2 I think is a little more appropriate for that age, but also she's going to top out pretty quickly. DS is probably a good option for her, though the games are not always geared towards learning if that is a concern. Good luck!
1507700
It's just a novelty toy. As a science teacher I can use it to demonstrate certain concepts in my lessons but I've also seen them used on office desks if they've found one that's capable of freely and securely standing up (like how ppl have drinking birds on their desks just because they're fun)
2000746
If you are asking whether there are any instructions for building- only the examples on the box illustration are shown. However, this is by no means a deterrent. The children I work with create all kinds of things, no two alike, and they do this by exploration- the best learning tool there is. There are no shortages of creative possibilities that arise out of just playing with the magnetic edges and seeing how things work. The children have even solved problems like sagging roofs on a large structure by seeing that they need to build a column or supports to hold it up. They are the most in-demand toy in my play therapy room. I had to get another set for the waiting room! If you are asking whether there are any instructions for building- only the examples on the box illustration are shown. However, this is by no means a deterrent. The children I work with create all kinds of things, no two alike, and they do this by exploration- the best learning tool there is. There are no shortages of creative possibilities that arise out of just playing with the magnetic edges and seeing how things work. The children have even solved problems like sagging roofs on a large structure by seeing that they need to build a column or supports to hold it up. They are the... » Read More If you are asking whether there are any instructions for building- only the examples on the box illustration are shown. However, this is by no means a deterrent. The children I work with create all kinds of things, no two alike, and they do this by exploration- the best learning tool there is. There are no shortages of creative possibilities that arise out of just playing with the magnetic edges and seeing how things work. The children have even solved problems like sagging roofs on a large structure by seeing that they need to build a column or supports to hold it up. They are the most in-demand toy in my play therapy room. I had to get another set for the waiting room! « Show Less
2025433
yes.. and the Mindscope cars seems to be better... trouble with the elevator so dont buy that set.. the tracks are great..including the "turn around" and the cross track joiners. I might buy the tower for grandson's bday.. the kids are 3 1/2 and just under 2.. they love it.. both sets
1860474
The Nabi xD has educational games but it has to be connected to da internet to work;). It well worth it. I have children for age 4-14 n they all use it they love it.
1498751
I totally agree with girard's response. You might want to look at this item too ...http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000P1PVMQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_55?qid=1381330005&sr;=8-55π=AC_SX110_SY165My 2 and a half year old really enjoyed playing this. Kids can make thier own shapes and towers as per their imagination.
484699
There might be some activities that the child might be able to partake in.You would have go through the box & see what activity (s) would be the least complicated.
2026224
Yes, this is a great learning "toy"! Kids have fun building projects while learning about electricity. Our son is younger, but gifted. For safety reasons, he could only build projects with our supervision and he was constantly asking us to watch him build. I asked him if he thought a bright 11 year old girl who has interested in science would like this and he thought she definitely would. Excellent gift!!
34289
Absolutely, if your child is inquisitive and finds learning fun. I have ordered it for three of our grandchildren, and they have enjoyed it.
575952
I think it's a great ideas for boys that age. Especially if play time is indoors. I would buy the large sets though. Like with the helicopter attachments etc. And be sure to order enough because it takes many peices to build certain structures. This could lead to fighting if there aren't enough peices for individual projects. For example if one wants to build a castle and the other a helicopter. More is better in this case from my experience.
568501
My 4 and 6 year old grandsons play with it. The two year old is not as interested. It is pretty big...look at thedimensions under details. They have the Imaginex castle and he was a nice addition.
1448068
Nancy, my grand child is only a yearOld. I bought it in hopes of her enjoyingMusic time and eventually learning piano. I can teach her since I know how to play myself. But it's just for her entertainment!
1589310
No not at all! He will enjoy it for a long time my almost three year old is three feet tall has always been really tall for her age. She won't be three till sept. She plays on this daily. Hourly. It's in our living room in the winter and spring and outside for summer and fall here in virginia. We got it when she was one. She's not bored of it yet. She sits up there n looks at books and plays with toys. She uses it as a stage to sing songs from. And still climbs under it, through it, and on it and enjoys the slide very much. Depending on the clothing the slide maybe faster. She goes down fast and loves it! Seriously one of our best purchases. Hope this helped :) No not at all! He will enjoy it for a long time my almost three year old is three feet tall has always been really tall for her age. She won't be three till sept. She plays on this daily. Hourly. It's in our living room in the winter and spring and outside for summer and fall here in virginia. We got it when she was one. She's not bored of it yet. She sits up there n looks at books and plays with toys. She uses it as a stage to sing songs from. And still climbs under it, through it, and on it and enjoys the slide very much. Depending on the clothing the slide maybe faster. She goes down... » Read More No not at all! He will enjoy it for a long time my almost three year old is three feet tall has always been really tall for her age. She won't be three till sept. She plays on this daily. Hourly. It's in our living room in the winter and spring and outside for summer and fall here in virginia. We got it when she was one. She's not bored of it yet. She sits up there n looks at books and plays with toys. She uses it as a stage to sing songs from. And still climbs under it, through it, and on it and enjoys the slide very much. Depending on the clothing the slide maybe faster. She goes down fast and loves it! Seriously one of our best purchases. Hope this helped :) « Show Less
22006
My son is 3 years old and has played with it every day since Christmas day. He thinks he is a chef. I had bought pots, fake foods, plates and utensils for him to get the full use out of the kitchen. He seems to like it enough to play with it. He is tall and I thought this would be an issue but it's pretty perfect for him, no complaints at all. Good luck.