Educational Insights: Hot Dots Jr. Card Set Patterns & Sequencing & Ace the Talking Teaching Dog Review (& Giveaway Ends 9/28)

ABOUT:

Educational Insights is a manufacturer of kids products that have an educational value to them. Their products include classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. All the products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that learning needs to be fun to keep kids engaged.

MY THOUGHTS:

My boys love flash cards and technology, so Hot Dots really are the perfect toy for them.  Well they think it’s a toy but it is really an educational tool!

Hot Dots® Jr. “Ace” – the Talking, Teaching Dog

All the fun of Hot Dots®, now available for younger children! Part learning companion, part magic wand, the Hot Dots Jr. Pen talks, laughs, lights up and even buzzes with excitement as children explore. Designed for little hands, this electronic pen cheers for correct answers and gently redirects children when they answer incorrectly, allowing for independent discovery.

• Engages your youngest learners with easy–to–use technology—simply press the pen down on the cards to answer and receive feedback
• Allows independent, self–paced reinforcement and review of key early learning topics
• Provides opportunity for students to prepare for school, or catch up where they need support
• Ace unit requires 2 AAA batteries (not included) and measures 6″L
• Grades PreK+

Hot Dots® Jr. Card Set Patterns & Sequencing

Getting ready for school has never been this fun! Set of 72 patterns and sequencing activities on 36 double-sided cards teach children all they need for success including cause & effect and life skills. For use with Hot Dots® Jr. Ace the Talking, Teaching Dog, available separately. Grades PreK+.

First off the Hot Dots Jr. Ace Talking Teaching Dog is an adorable pen for young kids.  My boys actually fight over who uses it.  The pen takes 2 AAA batteries which are not included but otherwise it is ready to use.  All you do is dab it on the black dot for whichever is the correct answer.  It can be used on any of the Hot Dots products and there are tons of sets available from Pre-K and up.  The pen also has volume control and can says encouraging phrases.  His eyes also lights up red or green.  The pen is quite as durable too which my boys have put it to the test!

The cards are both simple and complex so they can grow with your child.  For example there are cards where you have to complete the sequence of a boy dropping a plate, seeing it in two pieces and then gluing it back together – the first spot is blank and you have to choose the boy dropping a plate out of the three choices.  It is relatively easy from the choices but it does make kids think.  Then there are shapes and patterns to complete.  My boys are 3 and 4 and while many of the cards are a little hard for them they are picking up quickly.

The whole patterns and sequencing set great though for Pre-K as my boys are just learning that in preschool now.  So I am hoping they will be ahead if not at least in line with the rest of the class.  Hot Dots really are a fun yet educational product for kids.  I also love how the Patterns and Sequencing set comes in a nice cardboard box with handle to take with you on the go!  You can then fill it with other Hot Dot card sets or stick the Hot Dot pen in it!  Overall, I really like the Hot Dots concept and will be adding to our collection!

BUY IT:  Hot Dots Jr. Card Set Patterns & Sequencing ($14.99) and Ace the Talking Teaching Dog ($12.99) can be purchased  from Educational Insights or check out the Store Locator for a store that carries Educational Insights products near you!

WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive both Hot Dots Jr. Card Set Patterns & Sequencing and Ace the Talking Teaching Dog from Educational Insights

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on another Educational Insights product you’d like!

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Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this product to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.