I read this blog about using mp3 players for homeschool and was really intrested http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bowofbronze/IPOD%2BSchool we have been looking into more gadgets that would aid in homeschooling I found fly pens by leapfrog, they have quite a few applications that I think would be helpful for my kids, they translate to spanish help in math, spelling, and writing we are buying a few for the kids I always wanted the kids to have fun learning so we are constantly exploring new ways to learn the basics.

angel

We've used the MP3 players some by downloading certain books, or music (music appreciation stuff) for the kids when we travel not just on trips but even runnning errands.  But I haven't looked into the fly pen, I have heard of them but I haven't seen them anywhere.  Where did you find yours?

I also love the Leap Pad for my youngest he will keep himself amused for hours playing with that thing (if only the volume would really turn down when I tell it to)  LOL

I actually got mine on ebay because I couldn't find them in stores around here. There are 2 kinds of Fly pens a 1.0 that uses cartriges like the leap pad and a Fly fusion that depends on a computer to charge and for software downloads. I did find some Fly 1.0 stuff on clearance in our local stores and you can also find some on the leap pad site on sale. we are getting 2 fly 1.0 and 1 fly fusion pen.

Angel, I'd be interested in your opinion of the Fly Fusion once you get it and use it. MY dd wants one and I'm not sure it will do all the things for her that she thinks it will. So, please be sure a post a review as one coming form a homeschooler would be more useful for us than anyone else.  ~~Thanks, Nina

I will post my opinion in a few days. we just got it in the mail today and i'm sure the kids are going to be testing it out over the next few days. I know they are really excited to have it I just hope they will use it.

angel

I would love to hear about it also.  I have looked for flypens in my area to no luck.  Big chain store got the stuff to go with them but not the pens themselves???  Thanks for any info!

you can order them online from leap frog and they seem to be having a sale on all the software right now.

I have seen them at our KMart, of all places.  I would be very interested to know if it's as cool as it sounds.  I'll be watching for an update!

Gina

ok here is my first update on the fly pens so far we are learning how to use them and it's not for young kids. My 11 year old got frustrated with the math so we had to take a break until i had a min to sit down and work with it myself. My advice work with all the programs first that way you know how it works then give it to the kids. My kids got so excited about something new they tried to dig right in and it takes a little reading and getting used to it time. We worked with the Spanish translator today and it's nice but it only does one word at the time translations so no phrases ( little dissapointed but there may be an upgrade avaliable for the fly fusion I'm looking into it). We also got each Girl a journal and if you have a creative writer they might enjoy it, it provides topics when you choose it gives you a question to answer or statement to finish. So there is our progress so far

angel

Ok we got a big upset a few days ago the fly fusion can only be used on one computer and if that computer just happens to crash you have no flypen. We downloaded the pen software on our older computer because the new one was acting strange and hubby had to do some work on it  when he finished we loaded the software on the new computer and it wouldn't let us log in we called customer service and they told us it only works with one computer we asked if there was a way to reset it so we could use it on our new and more reliable computer they said no and if the old computer quits working the pen is useless. so hubby sent an email to leap frog explaining the situation so we wait to hear what they say.

bummer

angel

what  a bummer! Let us know what they decide. This would definitely be a strike against getting one.