A large family, homeschooling, adoption, special needs, whatever strikes my fancy, sort of blog.

A large family, homeschooling, adoption, special needs, whatever strikes my fancy, sort of blog.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Hot Dots GIVEAWAY



I've mentioned before that Jack is a struggling reader.  Anything that makes reading seem more like FUN is worth trying, so I was thrilled to be selected to review Hot Dots!  


What is Hot Dots?  The Hot Dots Let's Master series are interactive books that come with a pen that lights up green when pressed to a correct answer, and lights up red when pressed to a wrong answer.  


Hot Dots are the brainchild of Educational Insights, makers of such cool products as Smencils and GeoSafari, which I was already familiar with, so I had high expectations.  We were given a choice of grade levels K-3, and a choice between subjects, Reading or Math.  



I selected Hot Dots Let's Master Grade 3 Reading for Jack, who is 9 (and in the 4th grade).  The box comes with two lay-flat, spiral bound books and the pen inside, and has a handy carry handle for fun on the go.  The books have 100 questions (altogether), 15 of which are "challenge questions," at the next grade level.  


Initially, he wasn't crazy about reviewing a "reading thing" for me.  But once I convinced him to give it a try, he realized it was painless.  


In fact, it might even be fun!  


As you can see in this picture, when you choose the wrong answer, the red light comes on, and the pen makes noises or says phrases to let him know it's incorrect.  


And when you get it right, it lights up green, and says something positive.  I was pleased with the quality of the materials in the set, and the content was challenging and engaging.  


Since everything turns into a group activity around here, Hannah came over to see what Jack was up to and asked, "Cool!  Can I play, too?"  Fortunately, Hot Dots are available for multiple subjects and grade levels, so I can get her a set that is more appropriate for her first grade skills.   In fact, the Hot Dots Jr. line has sets for kids ages 3 and up, so even Katie could get in on the fun.  

How would you like to WIN one of these great sets?  One lucky winner will get to choose the set that best suits their child, from Reading or Math, grades K-3.  The Kindergarten level sets have the dog pen pictured at the top, while grades 1-3 have the pen like Jack's.  Contest open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Too impatient to wait to see if you win?  If you've gotta have 'em right now, you can purchase Hot Dots Let's Master sets at Educational Insights for $24.99.  You can connect with Educational Insights through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.  You can also sign up for their newsletter!  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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39 comments:

  1. I had those in my classroom when I was a classroom teacher many moons ago. Didn't know they still made them! Fun!

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  2. The Geosafari Mini Ant Factory looks really neat.

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    Replies
    1. We've done ladybugs and butterflies, but I've never been able to bring myself to do ants, LOL.

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  3. I have always wanted the hot dots for my kids.

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    1. Good luck to you! I love your avatar picture! Oreos are my favorite. :D

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  4. This looks like a fun way to re-enforce reading skills!

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    1. Yes! And the topics were pretty diverse, too. Synonyms and antonyms, reading comprehension...

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  5. Looks great. It'd be nice for my young child who is certain she's always right and I'm always far off track to have something else reinforce her reading.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I hate it when they think we don't know anything! }:(

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  6. I like the Fraction Pie Puzzles under manipulatives. I'm going to be an elementary teacher, so these products are really fun for me to check out!!

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    1. When I was a kid, I thought it would be cool to be a teacher. Now that I homeschool, not so much! LOL

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  7. I've got a struggling reader here too. It's not so much struggling as completely disinterested. It's hard for me to relate to!

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    1. It is! One of my big boys struggled with reading early on, and I was surprised, because we, as a household, were constantly reading! He caught on eventually, and is now a voracious reader himself. One of my kids who had no problems learning to read does NOT read for pleasure now. They're all so different.

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  8. This would be a great thing for drew who struggles with reading.

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  9. Colors Beanbags! We need some work on colors and it has not been practical for me to make them safely without a sewing machine.

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    Replies
    1. My kids shred homemade bean bags. I wonder if industrial strength classroom bean bags would hold up to them, lol.

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  10. My daughter will like Nancy B’s Science Club MoonScope!

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  11. My daughter would love the Hot Dots for K, she's learning so much. Great tool for any child.

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  12. I love the moonscape! My daughter would love this. She has become slightly obsessed with the moon and its phases.

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    Replies
    1. It's fun when they follow their own interests, isn't it? We moms get to learn new things, too. :)

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  13. Phonics Pad I think this would help my granddaughter with her learning disability

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  14. I would love the Hot Dots for grade 1. It looks like a fun educational activity for my son!

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  15. Chet the Cat™ and Friends Cooking Set

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  16. Thanks for the great giveaway! I would love the GeoSafari® Laptop - Ages 8 & up Edition for my son :)

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    Replies
    1. I've always drooled over the GeoSafari products. :)

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  17. Juliana would love the hot dot reader!

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  18. This fraction game catches my eye!
    Fraction Matchin'® Equivalent Fractions Game

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    Replies
    1. I'm so over teaching math! I bet a game would perk things up a bit.

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  19. I like the PlayBrix™ Cardboard Building Bricks, Set of 54 .

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  20. I'd love the Hot Dots Math. I may teach high school, but I teach the really low classes and they might enjoy this to help build their basic skills.

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