V-tech Math Lab Guide

A Guide to Using
Math Lab™

1
Dear Parent:Dear Parent:
Dear Parent:Dear Parent:
Dear Parent:
You know how important learning is to your child’s future. No matter what path
your child chooses in life, learning fundamental skills provides the building blocks
for future success. solid foundation is absolutely essential.
That is why VTech® designed the FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™ system. This integrated
line of learning products focus on one of three key subject areas - Reading, Math
or Language. VTech®’s multi-sensory approach to diverse learning styles
(incorporating auditory, visual and tactile stimulation) reinforces and complements
the subject matter your child is learning, or will learn, in school. The FUNdamentalsFUNdamentals
FUNdamentalsFUNdamentals
FUNdamentals
of Learning™of Learning™
of Learning™of Learning™
of Learning™ system provides your child with interactive toys that stimulate, engage,
and reward your child in productive play.
bove all, VTech® puts FUN into fundamentals! Children think they’re playing, but
they’re actually learning. So their confidence grows, their self-esteem grows and
their appetite for learning grows, too.
s a parent, you take the most critical role in establishing an active learning
environment. We encourage you to participate in the FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™
system together with your child. You’ll see first hand the progress your child is
making. Have fun!
For 25 years, millions of parents, just like you, have trusted VTech® with the most
important job in the world, helping their children learn and grow. s your child
grows, count on VTech® to be there with fun, innovative, learning toys to help your
child do his or her best every step of the way.
We thank you for entrusting us with the responsibility of helping prepare your
child for his or her future successes. We look forward to developing your child’s
fundamental skills further while encouraging a lifelong love of learning.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech®
To learn more about the FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™FUNdamentals of Learning™
FUNdamentals of Learning™ system and other VTech®
toys, visit www.vtechkids.com.
A10/8/01, 2:01 PM1

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Math Lab™
TO BEGIN PLAY
1. To begin play, press the ON/OFFON/OFF
ON/OFFON/OFF
ON/OFF button to turn the unit on.
You will hear a short tune followed by “Gear up!”
2. Slide the activity selector left or right to select one of the
ten activities. friendly voice will guide you through each
of the following activities:
1. Counting1. Counting
1. Counting1. Counting
1. Counting
2. Number Patterns2. Number Patterns
2. Number Patterns2. Number Patterns
2. Number Patterns
3. ddition3. ddition
3. ddition3. ddition
3. ddition
4. Subtraction4. Subtraction
4. Subtraction4. Subtraction
4. Subtraction
5. Multiplication5. Multiplication
5. Multiplication5. Multiplication
5. Multiplication
6. Missing Sign6. Missing Sign
6. Missing Sign6. Missing Sign
6. Missing Sign
7. Target Number7. Target Number
7. Target Number7. Target Number
7. Target Number
8. Fractions8. Fractions
8. Fractions8. Fractions
8. Fractions
9. Time9. Time
9. Time9. Time
9. Time
10. Memory Challenge10. Memory Challenge
10. Memory Challenge10. Memory Challenge
10. Memory Challenge
LCD SCREEN
TURN KNOB
DDITION
SIGN
PUSH KNOB
SUBTR CTION
SIGN
PULL KNOB
TIMER BUTTON
CTIVITY
SELECTOR
MULTIPLIC TION
BUTTON
4 FR CTION
BUTTONS
ENTER BUTTON
ER SE BUTTON NUMBER BUTTON
“Gear up!”
ON/OFF BUTTON
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3
“Bye - bye.”
“Pick a level!”
3. To turn the unit OFF, press the ON/OFFON/OFF
ON/OFFON/OFF
ON/OFF button again. You
will hear a short tune followed by “Bye-bye.”
4. Use the ER SEER SE
ER SEER SE
ER SE button to delete any answers inputted
before the ENTERENTER
ENTERENTER
ENTER button has been pressed. Use the ENTERENTER
ENTERENTER
ENTER
button to confirm all answers.
5. In each activity, you will be asked to pick a level. You can
enter the numbers 1, 2 or 3 to choose the level. You can
also use the twisting knob. Once the level you want is
highlighted, press the ENTERENTER
ENTERENTER
ENTER button to select it.
6. The unit will automatically go into Normal Mode. In this
mode, once you have successfully answered 10 questions
in a round, you will advance to the next level.
7. If you wish to enter the Timer Mode, press the TIMERTIMER
TIMERTIMER
TIMER button
at any time. While in the Timer Mode, you will hear “4,3,2,1,
Ready, go!” There are 3 different grades in the TIMER mode
and you will advance to the next grade after you complete
a round. Each round consists of 10 questions. Your time to
complete each round will be recorded and displayed. If a
round is completed faster than the previous one, you have
made a new record and this time will be displayed. You
will advance to the next grade once you answer all the
questions in the round correctly. The higher the grade
and the faster you complete a round, the shorter your
time will be to complete the next round. Once you have
completed the third grade, you may choose to play again.
While in TIMER Mode, you may choose to play different
activities but in order to return into Normal Mode, you
must press the TIMERTIMER
TIMERTIMER
TIMER button.
8. Each of the knobs located on the right-hand side of the
unit perform a specific mathematical function. The count
knob represents “counting”, the push knob represents
“addition (+)”, the pull knob represents “subtraction (-)”
and the push button represents “multiplication (x).”
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1 - COUNTING
This activity develops your child’s understanding of numbers, and by adding more
objects, these numbers represent the concept of counting. Your child will be
asked to count the number of objects he or she sees on the LCD screen.
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - Counting helps to show your child the basic
concept of adding one by one in order to find the total number in a collection. This
foundation allows children to begin the basic understanding of number usage in
addition and subtraction.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “Counting.” You will hear a
short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a level.”
2. fter selecting a level, you will hear the level repeated
followed by “Count the dots.” In this activity, all answers
need to be inputted from left to right.
3. In Level 1, the square animations on the LCD screen will
flash and the unit will repeat the number of squares
displayed. You will hear “Input your answer.” If you
answer correctly, you will hear “You’ve got it!” You will
then advance to the next question. You have three chances
to answer each question, but if you answer incorrectly on
your third try, you will hear an incorrect sound effect
and the answer will be shown.
4. In Level 2, count and enter the number of dots arranged
in a shape shown on the LCD screen.
5. In Level 3, count and enter the number of dots arranged
as an object shown on the LCD screen.
6. If you answer correctly in Levels 2 and 3, you will hear
“You’ve got it!” If you answer incorrectly, you will hear
“Oops, try again” and you will be able to answer again. If
you answer incorrectly on your third try, you will hear an
incorrect sound effect and the unit will count the dots.
You will hear “This is the answer” and the answer will be
shown on the LCD screen.
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 2 - NUMBER PATTERNS
This activity develops your child’s number patterning skills. It will present your
child with number patterns and ask your child to find the next number within the
pattern presented.
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - Number Patterns helps to show your child that
numbers follow a certain pattern. It allows him or her to identify and work with
patterns in the number system. Number patterns serve as the basis for
multiplication and division.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “Number Patterns.” You will
hear a short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a
level.” In this activity, all answers need to be inputted
from left to right.
2. You will be shown a set of numbers and you must figure
out what the number pattern is between the three
numbers.
3. You will need to input the missing number from the pattern.
Your answer will be repeated and if you answer correctly,
you will hear “You’ve got it!” You will then advance to the
next question. If you answer incorrectly, you will hear
“Oops, try again” and you will be able to enter your answer
again. If you answer incorrectly on your third try, you
will hear an incorrect sound effect followed by “This is
the answer.” The answer will be shown on the LCD screen
and it will also be repeated.
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 3 - ADDITION
This activity will allow your child to demonstrate his or her knowledge of addition
skills. Your child will have a chance to add objects together through the display
of square animations and to add by viewing a numeric equation.
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - ddition helps your child understand the concept
of adding numbers to obtain a sum, or the whole amount. By understanding this
concept, your child will begin to apply his or her knowledge by solving problems.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “ ddition.” You will hear a
short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a level.” In
this activity, all answers need to be inputted from right
to left.
2. In Level 1, the LCD screen will display square animations to
represent an equation.
3. Next, a numeric equation that represents the squares
previously shown will be displayed. The unit will say “Input
your answer.”
4. If you answer correctly, you will hear “You’ve got it!” You
will then advance to the next question. If you answer
incorrectly, you will hear “Oops, try again!” The square
animations will be shown on the LCD screen and you will
be able to enter your answer again. If you answer
incorrectly on your third try, you will hear an incorrect
sound effect followed by “This is the answer.” The answer
will also be repeated.
5. In Levels 2 and 3, you will not be given the square
animations, only the numeric equations to solve.
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 4 - SUBTRACTION
This activity will allow your child to demonstrate his or her knowledge of subtraction
skills. Your child will have a chance to subtract objects from a total through the
display of square animations and to subtract by viewing a numeric equation.
Learning Benefits for Your ChildLearning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your ChildLearning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - Subtraction helps your child understand that to
take away a number or deduct, he or she is subtracting. By understanding this
concept, your child will begin to apply his or her knowledge by solving problems.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “Subtraction.” You will hear
a short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a level.” In
this activity, all answers need to be inputted from right
to left.
2. In Level 1, the LCD screen will display square animations to
represent a numeric equation. The squares that are not
completely filled in are what are being taken away. The
solid squares are what you have remaining.
3. Next, a numeric equation that represents the squares
previously shown will be displayed. The unit will say “Input
your answer.”
4. If you answer correctly, you will hear “You’ve got it!” You
will then advance to the next question. If you answer
incorrectly, you will hear “Oops, try again!” The image
will be shown on the LCD screen and you will be able to
enter your answer again. If you answer incorrectly on
your third try, you will hear an incorrect sound effect
followed by “This is the answer.” The correct answer will
then be shown on the LCD screen.
5. In Levels 2 and 3, you will not be given the square
animations, only the numeric equations to solve.
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 5 - MULTIPLICATION
This activity asks your child to solve a variety of multiplication questions by entering
answers using the number buttons.
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - Multiplication allows your child to begin
understanding a short way of finding out what would be the result of adding a
figure the numbers of times indicated by another figure. It provides an opportunity
for your child to solve problems and advance their math knowledge.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “Multiplication.” You will hear
a short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a level.” In
this activity, all answers need to be inputted from left to
right.
2. In Level 1, the LCD screen will display square animations to
represent an equation.
3. Next, a numeric equation that represents the squares
previously shown will be displayed. The unit will say “Input
your answer.”
4. If you answer correctly, you will hear “You’ve got it!” You
will then advance to the next question. If you answer
incorrectly, you will hear “Oops, try again!” and you will
be able to enter your answer again. If you answer
incorrectly on your third try, you will hear “This is the
answer” and the answer will be repeated.
5. In Level 2, you will be given a series of numeric equations
to solve.
6. In Level 3, you will be given a numeric equation with a
denominator missing. You must determine and enter what
the missing number is so it equals the answer given.
7. If you answer correctly, you will hear “You’ve got it!” You
will then advance to the next question. If you answer
incorrectly, you will hear “Oops, try again!” and you will
be able to enter your answer again. If you answer
incorrectly on your third try, you will hear “This is the
answer” and the answer will be repeated.
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MATH LAB™ ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 6 - MISSING SIGN
This activity asks your child to solve various numeric equations by selecting the
correct operation sign. Your child will be asked to find the missing sign to make
the equation correct.
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child Learning Benefits for Your Child
Learning Benefits for Your Child - Missing Sign allows your child to connect the
symbols of + (plus), - (minus) and x (times) with the operations of addition,
subtraction and multiplication. This activity provides an opportunity for your child
to solve problems using mathematical input devices by connecting a physical motion
with a conceptual idea.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slide the activity selector to “Missing Sign.” You will hear
a short tune and a friendly voice will say “Pick a level.” In
this activity, all answers must be entered through the
mathematical input devices.
2. In all three levels, you will see a numeric equation
displayed on the LCD screen. You will hear “What’s the
missing?” You will need to determine what operation sign
makes the equation correct and enter the sign with the
input devices. If you are correct, you will hear “You’ve
got it!” You will then advance to the next question. If you
are incorrect, you will hear “Oops, try again!” and you will
be able to enter your answer again. If you answer
incorrectly on your third try, you will hear an incorrect
sound effect followed by “This is the answer” and the
operation sign will be shown with the equation.
3. If by accident you select the wrong sign, you may enter
an additional sign instead of using the ER SE button.
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