Smart Cycle.’ Obviously, since the new toy was just unveiled at CES, it isn’t available on he market just yet, but it’s already making the rounds on online parenting forums and newsreels alike. Why? We finally have an interactive toy that allows a child to learn using a Tablet, as well as satisfying the parent by encouraging the child to exercise.
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Think & Learn Smart Cycle
Not trying to knock other interactive learning toys that are already on the market, but the ‘Think & Learn Smart Cycle’ is about to put them to shame. Unlike video games where kids are learning dance moves and interacting with their friends, the kids on the Smart Cycle are pretty much doing what so many kids do: sitting and playing hours of video games, or watching videos, or watching videos of people playing video games. And sure, it’s great that if they’re doing it anyway, they’ll be burning some energy while they do it.
The Smart Cycle is essentially a stationary bicycle for kids, but has a place to hold a tablet for them to interact with while they are exercising. The tablet comes with one free app that targets age-appropriate STEM exposure — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, as well as social studies. There are also currently four more paid apps available, and even more apps are expected in 2018. The point of this toy is to integrate exercise and learning in a way that the child is simultaneously having fun, which then encourages them to want to learn more.
The Controversy
Final Thoughts
Every child is different, as is every parent. Inventions like the Smart Cycle are essential to trying to conquer education and exercise for essentially every child. Although there is a fear of possibly adding screen time to your child’s day, look at the reasons. Many parents may find that it’s actually beneficial to allow their child more screen time if they’re constantly learning and exercising while they are interacting with a tablet. Maybe cutting back other screen time from their everyday lives would make a difference as well. It all comes down to one question: “What is a parent willing to do to ensure their child is learning as effectively as possible?”
