LeapPad Learning System thumbnail 1
On display

This object consists of 4 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

LeapPad Learning System

Educational Toy
2003 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (manufacturer)
Place of origin
China (manufactured)

The Leapfrog Learning System is a interactive educational device, which is similar to a talking book. It teaches reading, vocabulary, science and even foreign languages. It was hugely successful on release and the British Association of Toy Retailers awarded it Preschool Toy of the Year in 2001.

Object details

Categories
Children & Childhood
Education & Learning
Learning (Development) Toys
Books
Object type
Educational toy
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Books
  • Boxes (Containers)
  • Leaflet
  • Card
TitleLeapPad Learning System (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Injection-moulded plastic, electronic components, printed card
Plastic
Paper
Metal
Cardboard
Electronic Components
Brief description
Educational toy, electronic book, LeapPad Learning System, made by LeapFrog Enterprises Inc, China, 2003.
Physical description
Green and blue plastic electronic book. The top folds outwards to reveal the book inside and an electronic pen. There is a green speaker on the front and a battery compartment in the back.

Cardboard box for the Learning System. It is printed with colourful text and images describing the functions of the object. There are also details of the other models in the series, and the manufacture and copyright details.
Dimensions
  • Leap pad height: 315mm
  • Leap pad width: 290mm
  • Leap pad depth: 40mm
Box dims: 405x350x70mm Leaflet dims: 230x160x15mm
Production typeMass produced
Gallery label
(01/07/2023)
Words

Children learn how to communicate by engaging with people around them. But learning to read means making sense of symbols on a page and understanding the sounds they represent.

Toys to help children with reading have evolved over the years from printed letter cards to more interactive electronic devices.

3 Alphabet Box
Designer: Unknown
Date: About 1845
Location: Wales
Materials: Wood, printed paper
Museum no. MISC.21-1967

4 Speak & Spell
Designer: Texas Instruments
Date: 1978
Location: USA
Materials: Plastic, electronics
Museum no. B.20-2022

5 LeapPad
Designer: LeapFrog Enterprises Inc
Date: 2001
Location: Designed USA, manufactured China
Materials: Plastic, paper, electronics
Museum no. B.121-2004

6 De Luxe Typewriter
Designer: Louis Marx & Co. Ltd
Date: 1965–69
Location: Wales
Materials: Metal, plastic, textile
Given by Nicola Gale
Museum no. B.93-1998
Object history
Purchased in preparation for the Must Have Toys exhibition.
Subject depicted
Books
Summary
The Leapfrog Learning System is a interactive educational device, which is similar to a talking book. It teaches reading, vocabulary, science and even foreign languages. It was hugely successful on release and the British Association of Toy Retailers awarded it Preschool Toy of the Year in 2001.
Collection
Young V&A Collection
Accession number
B.121:1, 2-2004

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Record createdAugust 14, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O166029/leappad-learning-system-educational-toy-leapfrog-enterprises-inc/
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