LeapFrog Twist & Shout Subtraction

The game helps children to develop reasoning skills and it also allows them to practice logic and problem-solving skills, both of which are important aspects of everyday life. It is widely accepted that learning mathematical facts and numbers comes about most easily when they are presented in order, one number set at a time. Twist & Shout Subtraction uses this concept and by adding catchy music to the games, it reinforces memorisation by making the learning fun.

There are four game modes included, all of which are ready to play after twisting the game dials and selecting the appropriate mode. "Math Master" mode for example--a simple, straightforward game--invites players to twist the two number dials and select one number on each side of the equals sign, then hit the activator button, when the first part of the sum appears on the screen. Twist & Shout speaks the equation and its answer, and the whole is accompanied by catchy music.

A volume control is included on the learning aid, including low, medium and high. There is also the option to use headphones (not included) for quiet learning play. There is an inbuilt safety device that automatically switches Twist & Shout off after 18 seconds if it hasn't been used or switched off. Accompanying the learning aid is an excellent pamphlet explaining all aspects of the games, and this should be read before beginning, especially the section related to the use and removal of batteries. As this game is produced in the USA, certain spellings and pronunciations are Americanised, and care should be taken when listening to instructions. However, this in no way detracts from the enjoyment and learning potential as this is another excellent game from LeapFrog which will provide hours of fun and stimulation. Adults also might learn from playing the games! Recommended for ages 7 years and older. Twist & Shout Subtraction also makes a great learning aid for Key Stage Two maths students.--Susan Naylor

Also available: Twist & Shout Addition, Twist & Shout Division and Twist & Shout Multiplication.

My five-year-old loved this toy. The American accent was easy to understand and the dials were very easy for him to twist. There is a nice musical beat included and he played it for ages. I found in quiz time there wasn't much time given to work out the answer, but my son is improving! Highly recommended to get your children learning their sums in a fun way. --Hayley Pink

Twist and Shout is a brightly coloured, educational, interactive learning toy aimed at children aged seven and up. There are four different games that can be played, all which involve subtraction sums. This is a way of making maths fun for even the most reluctant child. A game is selected by twisting the dials, the questions are then read out, accompanied by a catchy tune, and then the request to "hit it" requests an answer. There is an automatic cut-off button if the unit isn't used for 18 seconds, in order to save batteries. There is also a volume control, or the option to use it with headphones. This has been a popular game with the children, and seems to have helped with their maths, not only because of the repetition involved, but also because they've been playing a game, they didn't realise they were learning. The only down side, is the American accent which can be quite hard to understand and, after a while, slightly annoying. Overall, this is a good game, ideal for in the car or travelling, as it is quite compact. I would definitely consider this as a gift, especially for a reluctant learner. --Jane Tari

This is a hand-held, brightly coloured tube which makes learning maths exciting. There are four types of puzzle. First of all the Math Master, where the player twists the dials, hits the activator button, and listens to the calculation and the answer. Subtraction can be learnt in easy sequence, one number at a time. The second puzzle is Quiz Mode. The Tube gives the player a sum and provides three answers, only one of which is correct. When the player hears what they believe is the right answer, they must hit the activator button. If the wrong answer is activated, then the question is repeated. The Super Solver puzzle encourages problem solving, as the tube sets a sum, and the player must dial the correct answer before hitting the activator button. Last of all is Time Bender, the most exciting of them all. The player is given 90 seconds in which to answer as many equations as possible. The score is announced at the end of the minute-and-a-half. This is a good puzzle to play with a friend. This educational toy is fun to use, and easy to hold. It is ideal for travelling and will delight children from the age of 7 and over. Because it teaches subtraction, it will please Mum and Dad, too! --Charmaine Brown