Best Toys

1 – 2 – 3 Stomp is yet another game on the market that challenges kids’ minds while keeping them engaged in active play. It is based on a ‘listen – think – move’ concept that a lot of newer, more educational games are being based around, making it not only an activity, but also a way to exercise the brain.

The concept of 1 – 2 – 3 Stomp is simple and easy to understand. Kids stomp their feet to send the ten numbered balls flying, then they have to run as quickly as they can to retrieve the pieces. The game comes equipped with a speaker, which is embedded in the central launch pad. The speaker tells kids which numbers to run and pick up, and they must find those numbers and replace them in the proper slots as quickly as possible, while being timed by the built in clock. Once kids replace the numbers in their proper slots in the launch pad, the speaker reads out the next command. The next commands consist of math problems, such as “what is seven plus three?” and “what is nine plus one?” The answer to both questions is ten, so the children playing the game would run and retrieve the number ten, then place it in the correct slot when they are prompted to do so. Additional games that come programmed in the system include ‘1 – 2 – 3 Count With Me’, in which the children playing must hurry to replace the scattered numbers in ascending or descending order, whichever the speaker may command.

One more fantastic feature of the game is that it has varying levels of difficulty. In its first levels, it starts out with basic color and number recognition. As children move on to the age of understanding numbers and basic math, the game can grow with them.

This is a great game because it not only keeps your kids moving, but also focuses on early math skills. It is aimed at preschool aged children, but can be used by older kids as well. The game can be played alone or in teams, indoors or outside. Up to four players can play at any given point in time, making it the ideal purchase for a family or a play date. Also, because it requires three double ‘A’ batteries and no wires or cords, it is completely portable and can be taken from one place to another with your child. Most parents really enjoy watching their little ones play 1 – 2 – 3 Stomp. After all, it is one of the best games on the market for teaching early math, number, and color recognition skills while keeping kids active. This is one many educators and health experts alike recommend.

1-2-3 Stomp is Available from Amazon for $29.99