Leap Frog - "Talking Words Factory 2: The Code Word Caper "

Leap Frog - "Talking Words Factory 2: The Code Word Caper " Overview

“Code Word Caper” teaches children lessons in advanced phonics through an animated story and songs about the rules for word building. In the story Leap, Lilly and Tad are visiting the Complex Word Complex when Mr. Websley is accidentally silenced by the “Silent E Machine.” Guided by the “Absent Professor Device,” the kids must learn how to build complex words and solve the code needed to return Mr. Websley’s voice. Through the story, children will learn about the following word concepts:

• Silent E
• Long Vowel Sounds
• Consonant Blends
• Vowel Blends
• Word Building

Guide Review of Leap Frog's "Talking Words Factory 2: The Code Word Caper "

“Code Word Caper” clearly and simply teaches kids about the concepts listed above. The DVD states the phonetic rules, and it also contains songs about the rules to help kids remember the rule and how it is used. The concepts are illustrated in brightly colored words with big letters which are animated to correspond with the songs and the character’s learning of the rules.

One great example from the DVD is the lessons about silent “e.” As the characters learn the rule for silent “e,” words that children recognize pass by on a conveyor belt and an “e” is added to the end of each one. The story then explains the effect of adding “e” such as in the case of the word “tap” turning into the word “tape.” The characters point out and say several examples of each concept.

Hearing all of the concepts at once may confuse early readers, so parents may want to watch the video with their kids and then focus on one specific concept at a time for additional learning and practice. Also, the DVD does not point out any exceptions to the rules. Keeping these issues in mind, though, the DVD is an excellent supplement for children who are at the stage of learning these concepts in the reading process.

Leap Frog's "Talking Words Factory 2: The Code Word Caper " DVD Special Features

• Learning Game
• Trailers

Expand Upon the "Code Word Caper" Curriculum

• Read, read, read! The more kids get real world experience reading, the more the rules will make sense. After watching the video, kids will probably have fun picking out words in stories that have "ch" or "sh" or follow other rules from the DVD.