Learning A to Z with Big Steps Play
Now that I officially have a pre-schooler and the Bear has now started nursery class, I’ve been on the lookout for educational toys that could help her in developing all the knowledge and skills I know she will discover over the coming months. So, when the opportunity came up to review the Write ‘N Learn Drawing Board from Big Steps Play, I was keen to take a closer look.
WHAT IS THE WRITE ‘N LEARN DRAWING BOARD?
Not only is this a magnetic board which allows children to practice penmanship and explore their creativity, but there are also 6 interactive modes to the Write ‘N Learn Drawing Board which guides children through a series of activities:
- Two writing modes which allows children to view and repeat how to write the letters of the alphabet. One mode is in uppercase and a second mode to explore the same activities in lowercase letters (as well as numbers 1 to 1o).
- Next there is a drawing mode which when you press a letter, it not only gives you a word but also guidance on how to draw it. For example, b for ball and f for fish etc.
- You then have a word mode when a letter is pressed, is tells you a word and shows you how to spell it.
- Next is a question game which asks children to find the upper- and lower-case letter of a pair. For example, is shows an ‘A’ and asks you to find the button for the lower-case ‘a’.
- Finally, there is a fun music mode which sings the alphabet when you press the buttons.
WHAT MUMMY THOUGHT OF THE WRITE ‘N LEARN DRAWING BOARD
I love the fact that this writing pad works on so many levels. First of all, there is creative play where children can simply explore and create their own masterpieces. Then there is sensory development through exploring different shapes and sounds and then of course motor skills. Allowing children to develop their hand-eye coordination but also practice those writing skills!
WHAT THE BEAR THOUGHT OF THE WRITE ‘N LEARN DRAWING BOARD
Darcie already has a magnetic writing board so immediately got on board with the creative play and started creating artistic masterpieces. However, she was ecstatic when she found the interactive elements to this. She’s already working hard to duplicate the numbers and letters shown on the screen and it’s amazing to see her concentration.
I won’t lie, at 4 she does get frustrated with this as a lot of what the drawing pad asks her to do it a little beyond her at the moment. However, I see that as a good thing. She needs to be challenged and if she could already explore each mode with ease, then I could see her getting bored with this pretty quickly. As it is, I know that the Write ‘N Learn Drawing Board will grow with her, and hopefully provide a place to practice everything that she is starting to learn in school.
In the meantime, she has some of the basic shapes, letters and words nailed and is having great fun with the music mode and generally using it to create fabulous works of art.
THE VERDICT
If you are looking for a writing pad that is a good mix of education and fun, then this is a great choice. With a wide range of modes, the Write ‘N Learn Drawing Board gives children a wide range of options of play while practicing development, motor and sensory skills. That’s all at the same time as learning which is a pretty good achievement for a writing pad!
Bright and fun, this would make a great gift for toddlers to introduce them to the world of letters and numbers, and for nursery / reception class children as a great tool to practice their letters and newly found writing skills.
The Big Steps Play Write ‘N Learn Drawing Board is currently available on the Smyths Toys website.
If you enjoyed this review, then why not check out our review section for more.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with this item in return for my honest review. As always though, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.
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