LeapFrog WordLaunch Learn-to-Read-It System

by LeapFrog

Product Features

• WordLaunch system combines tactile play with onscreen learning activities
• Teaches phonics, word building, consonant blends, short vowels, and long vowels
• Carnival-theme game makes learning exciting for ages 4 through 8
• Features thirteen hands-on learning games
• Includes WordLaunch machine, 32 letter tiles, tile storage tray, and TV connector cable

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 11.2 x 16.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000NRRXQY
• Item model number: 21151
• Our recommended age: 4 - 7 years
• Manufacturer recommended age: 4 - 4 years
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required.
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,548 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

What a fun way to read! The LeapFrog WordLaunch system combines tactile play with animated onscreen learning activities in an exciting, carnival-theme game. Recommended for ages four through eight, children build words with the included tiles then watch them come to life on screen.

Plugs into any Television Set
This innovative system plugs right into your television set for easy and convenient viewing. It includes the WordLaunch machine, 32 letter tiles, tile storage tray, and TV connector cable. The WordLaunch measures 7-by-10-by-2-1/2 inches and 4 AA batteries are provided. Thirteen hands-on learning games help kids master language as they progress from sounding out letters to reading three and four-letter words. The WordLaunch is also a self-esteem booster and a great preparation tool for pre-school or kindergarten. It teaches phonics, word building, consonant blends, short vowels, and long vowels.

Kids love learning to read with this delightful sound-it, build-it, read-it system. And the delightful carnival game keeps them busy with many animated, on-screen learning activities. Plus, when the child is finished playing, this system tucks away nicely and has a storage tray for all the letters.

What's in the Box
WordLaunch machine, 32 letter tiles, tile storage tray, and TV connector cable.

This innovative system plugs right into your television set for easy and convenient viewing.

Product Description

Simply plug the Word Launch base into your television to begin this carnival-themed adventure. Children build 600+ three or four-letter words by placing combinations of the 32 included letter tiles into the Word Launch base and watch each letter and word spring to life on the television. Thirteen hands-on learning games help children progress through three learning levels. Children begin with sounding out letters and learning to build simple three letter CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. Children then build four-letter words with beginning and ending consonant blends. In the advanced learning mode, children learn about long and short vowels and how vowel sounds change when a silent "e" is added to a word. Fun and games and rewards encourage children to learn as they build the ultimate roller coaster. Join the fun and launch your child on the path to reading! Introduces: phonics skills, word building, consonant blends, and short/long vowels. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 7" x 10" x 2.5".

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great learning system with a few glitches, September 9, 2007

By 

David Hahn "Funky Penguin" (Guess where) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: LeapFrog WordLaunch Learn-to-Read-It System (Toy)

My son is turning 4 years old this month, and he's been enjoying the Fridge Phonics, Word Whammer, and all the DVD titles from Leap Frog. This 4-letter learing system is a great extension to the Leap Frog's edutainment lineup witha few glitches.

While the machine provides a fun way to master the 'silent E' featured in the Word Factory 2 DVD Title, most parents will be disappointed to learn that thie machine is not compatible with the magnetic alphabets included in the Fridge Phonics and Word Whammer. The Word Launch uses a smaller plastic character set (probably to cut down the cost).

Also, the sound/voice quality is somewhat poor, and you will need to either volume up your TV (or make your kids sit near the TV). This always makes a problem unless you remember to turn the volume down before you switch to other channels after your kids are done with the Word Launch.

Other than that, this provides great learning opportunities to kids over 3. (in my personal opinion, the product description of 4+ is somewhat underestimating kids)

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars So much potential, January 18, 2008

By 

Rose (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: LeapFrog WordLaunch Learn-to-Read-It System (Toy)

We are leapfrog fans, owning items from infant to tween. We found this on super sale and gave it to our 5 year old for Christmas. He has a leap-pad and leapster and no complaints there. This disappointed all around.
It doesn't use the fridge phonic letters, wouldn't you think it should? But the main issue is it's so slow. My son loved the idea of playing a game on the TV, but in less than 2 word assemblies he was done. It takes too long with various screen music and instructions, when he was excited to just get on with it and build words. It also doesn't come with enough letters to build any but the most basic word sets. There are so many great 4 letter words that need more than 1 of each letter!
He actually put it back in the box and said he didn't want it. From the straight forward actions of a child. Back it went.
Great concept- just too much filler.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Toy but expected more from Leap Frog, October 22, 2007

By 

Marisol Rivera (Putnam Valley, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: LeapFrog WordLaunch Learn-to-Read-It System (Toy)

Great concept but I expected more from Leap Frog. I expected the graphic and sound quality to be as good or better than all the previous DVDs but that is not the case. Extremely disapointed that none of my sons magnetic letters from the Word Wammer and Fridge Phonics don't work with this toy.
In my opinion, it was important to hear the familiar voice of Professor Quigly. Maybe the next version will be improved.