Disclosure: This post is brought to you by VTech. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

When I am working with my students, I try to remind them that the decisions of the future will be made by them. They scoff at me sometimes, but it’s true! The jobs, healthcare, and economy will depend on the success of our children. We are so fortunate to live in a country where children of all abilities and backgrounds can receive an education. It’s also important to remember that education starts in the home. Taking the time to help our children learn is critical to their development. Technology is a huge advantage in providing a scaffold for success. One of the ways that we can prepare our children for the future job market is to help them become comfortable with technology. Yes, those apps have a place with our children!  Innovation starts with the kids; a great way to introduce it is through VTech toys.

If you’ve ever worked with kids while they’re navigating a device, you might think that the skill is innate. Children take to a tablet with the skill of a practiced surgeon. Introducing the type of games that engage a child’s brain is the gift of a lifetime. When my kids have to incorporate strategy and critical thinking to defeat the computer, they are learning important problem-solving skills. One of the products that my kids really love is the InnoTab 3 from VTech. We’ve always purchased VTech toys for our children because they are so educational.  The InnoTab highlights academic areas such as math and science concepts, while also introducing abstract ideas like patterns and creativity.  The bright colors and fun activities stimulate curiosity and inquiry, too.

The next thing I loved about the VTech InnoTab is the variety of games available.  Their games feature my kids’ favorite characters in a fresh, fun way.  It also grows with my child since I can provide the right challenge at the right time.  If you’re hesitant to purchase the InnoTab because of the cost of the games, keep in mind that you could pass the games on when your child outgrows the device. You might even recoup much of your money by listing it in a consignment sale.  There’s also the whole issue with age-appropriate activity.  Yes, other devices may provide more free items; however, you also get what you pay for.  In the case of the InnoTab 3, I can trust that my children won’t encounter an inappropriate video or image.  That is worth a lot to me.  Some of the features, like the e-reader, foster independence.  The sound-activated games encourage my kids to engage with each other as they play.  It’s really fun for them to interact with the InnoTab 3 while they play with each other, too.  Yeah, I said it.  My kids play with each other if they’re playing with the InnoTab 3.  Is this thing magical or something?!

We saw the InnoTab at Sam’s Club prior to reviewing the toy. My little ones were instantly drawn to it. The kid-friendly colors and graphics are much easier on the eyes than some of the more violent apps I’ve come across on other devices geared toward adults.   Overall, this is  a toy that won’t be tossed aside on Christmas Day.  Its interest will hold because it can be adapted to your child’s specific needs.  Who doesn’t love that!?!

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What do you think about the InnoTab? Would it be a good holiday gift for a child in your life?
(Watch for a giveaway — to be posted soon!)