Is your child’s math homework getting you down? Trust me, you are not alone. Just when we lost hope that our daughter would ever learn her multiplication tables, she got a cute little gift that turned mundane multiplication table learning into a fun game. I am talking about the Girlz Connect Locket Pal by Bandai, the makers of Tamagotchi — and let me assure you that this is a far superior product to the Tamagotchi, with actual educational value.
This electronic toy is built to go — attaching to a backpack or belt loop with the built-in hook and chain. It has fun ‘girly’ activities like a mood sensor, crystal stickers to dress it up, and a variety of games that you play on the touch screen with a stylus. You can play tic-tac-toe, unlock secret codes (builds logical thinking skills), practice math, test your reading skills and improve spelling.
We are definitely impressed with the multiplication tables game — our daughter loves playing this one, and we found that this game has given her a definite confidence boost in her math skills. She no longer freezes up when you give her a math problem.
The toy is rated 5+, but probably more suitable for the 8 to 12 year old group, especially if they are to make use of the clock, alarm clock, calculator, phone book and calendar features.
The ‘Girlz Connect Locket Pal’ is available at Toys’R Us and other retailers. Cost: $10-15.