Getting Tech-y

For any Friends of Benmakesten who have children of several age groups in their families, I'm sure you can relate, when I say that it never ceases to amaze me; how technologically advanced my youngest children are.

Our dentist has taken to having his receptionist handing out iPads to keep kids busy and content while awaiting their turns in "the Chair" and last time we were in, she passed out several of them.

Now, my children have SEEN an iPad because one of my dear friends has one and takes it everywhere with her. So, the children have seen hers at various gatherings and events that we've attended together.

However, both my husband and I were a little shocked, when, as soon as the receptionist handed them this new-fangled-tech-y toy/tool/appliance (?) they proceeded to open it up and USE it!

How did they know how to open it? How did they know what to do once they DID open it?

We laughed, my husband and I, as they played "Angry Birds" and this and that, switched back and forth from screen to screen as though they'd owned a iPad all of their lives.

It really seems to be an innate/natural ability with children of the 21st century, doesn't it?

This brings me to sweet, darling Benjamin; who turns 5 in February!

He knows how to log on and off a computer, play Wii games, and computer games, etc...he can even access the "Paint" program on my laptop, unassisted, and enjoy drawing and creating artwork; even editing and "un-doing" when necessary...without help!

There are many times during our school day, when Benny is asked to play quietly, and, although he is capable of playing these basic style games and using programs as I've described, I don't like to let him go upstairs (to the Wii) without a companion...and I'm not really crazy about the idea of turning a 4 year old loose on the computer without someone older to watch over him, either.

Thus, the idea came to me, recently, that perhaps the time has come to invest in a few leapfrog learning supplies.  We have never really owned a lot of these types of things...we are more of the "pull n play" type people...you know the old toys I'm talking about...you point the arrow at an animal and pull the lever and you hear that animal's sound. LOL That's about as tech-y as we've ever gotten with someone Benny's age.

However, when we visit friends or family whose children of the same age have some of the leapfrog toys, he always enjoys watching and playing with whatever it might be.

The trouble is, when I go into a store, I have no idea what a good deal as far as these things are concerned, is...or which toys are easiest (user-friendly) educational, and fun for kids who are almost 5.

That's why I'm asking the Friends of Benmakesten! Leave a comment and tell me all about your favorite "leapfrog" toys. Is there a particular one that's great for boys Benny's age? Are there any I should steer clear of for some reason? What do I look for? What are they called? What price range is good?

Give me your best advice!

I sure do appreciate your help!