New LeapPad Phonics Program Ignites Children's Excitement to Read

Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LF), a leading developer of innovative technology-based educational products, encourages parents to celebrate Literacy Month by sharing the adventures and enjoyment of reading with children of all ages. LeapFrog's new LeapPad Phonics Program teaches children to read and engages children to instill a love for reading.

Building on the runaway success of the LeapPad learning system, an interactive educational platform that won the Toy Industry Association's People's Choice Toy of the Year award in 2000, the LeapPad Phonics Program delivers a captivating learning experience for children by incorporating the magic of this popular platform with a systematic approach to phonics. This comprehensive program was developed by LeapFrog's team of educational experts to align with national and state standards for early literacy.

LeapPad Phonics Program
The LeapPad Phonics Program begins by teaching children letter names and sounds, which are the cornerstones of learning how to read. Through a step-by-step series of 10 lesson books and four practice books children will enjoy reading adventures with their favorite cast of characters -- Leap, Lily and Tad.

This graduated program takes a child from letters and sounds and advances through compound words. Parents can purchase the complete set of books for children who are eager to start reading, or buy individual books to help a child with specific reading challenges. Simple for parents and children to follow, each storybook in the LeapPad Phonics Program includes an assessment activity to help determine when a child is ready to move to the next book in the series.

Igniting Children's Excitement About Reading
Dr. Anne Cunningham, an Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, a former classroom teacher and a member of LeapFrog's Educational Advisory Board, suggests the following tips to help raise successful readers and keep children excited about reading.

• Be a role model ... Make sure children see you reading and read with them
• Use rhyme to play with language ... Encourage early readers to rhyme as an effective way to build phonemic awareness
• Help children expand their possibilities ... Renew a commitment to take children to the library regularly and introduce them to the wide selection of books, magazines and newspapers
• Read as a family ... Read a book before bed and create a weekly family reading night
• Go beyond traditional books ... Utilize tools that make reading fun, e.g. interactive platforms, books on tape, etc.
• Spark children's interest ... Look for books and other reading material that incorporate children's specific interests and passions

"LeapFrog has always been committed to literacy and the LeapPad Phonics Program provides a perfect solution for both parents and children," says Dr. Cunningham. "When making recommendations to parents to encourage their children to read, I always include the LeapPad Phonics Program since it is a focused and captivating experience for the child."

Product Availability and Pricing
The new LeapPad Phonics Program will begin hitting the shelves this month at major retailers nationwide, including Target, Toys"R"Us, and Wal-Mart.

• LeapPad Learning System -- 4-8 years -- $49.99
• Phonics Program Storybooks -- 4-7 years -- $14.99 each
  1. Alphabet Adventures
  2. Tad's Good Night
  3. Day At Moss Lake
  4. Day Leap Ate Olives
  5. Lost and Found
  6. Cake and Mice Cream
  7. Mole's Huge Nose
  8. Rainy Day Play
  9. A Bark in the Dark
  10. A Fisherman's Tale
• Phonics Program Activity books -- 4-7 years -- $14.99 each
  1. I Know My Letters and Letter Sounds
  2. I Know My Short Vowels
  3. I Know My Blends and Digraphs
  4. I Know My Long Vowels

Additional information on LeapFrog and its products can be found at http://www.leapfrog.com/.

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Source: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.