Leapster L-Max Parent Manual & Instructions - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

Kindergarten

Welcome to Carnival Marvel!
Step right up to play 6 learning
games that teach over 45
essential reading and math
skills for kindergarten.

1st Grade

Join Leap, Lily and Tad at the
Beach Boardwalk, and play 6
learning games that teach over
70 essential reading and math
skills for 1st grade.

Finding Nemo

Enter tropical waters to
experience love, laughter, fear
and friendship in Disney/Pixar’s

Finding Nemo

. This electronic

book teaches pre-K and
kindergarten skills including
science, phonics, reading
and math.

The Incredibles

Meet the Incredibles and engage
in an extraordinary battle of
wits and superpowers. This
educational game teaches 2nd
and 3rd grade skills including
spelling, grammar, math and
problem solving.

© Disney/Pixar

Actual package art may vary. All titles may not be available in all markets.

Images are representative of gameplay and do not reﬂ ect actual screenshot pixelation.

The Leapster L-Max Recharging System
is the fast, kid-friendly way to recharge
the Leapster L-Max learning game
system! It’s easy! Just insert the included
rechargeable battery packs, and then
dock Leapster L-Max handheld to
recharge the batteries. In about 4
hours, you’re ready for more action-
packed learning fun! An AC adapter is
also included, so you can power the
Leapster L-Max handheld directly
from an AC outlet!

Includes:

• Recharging dock
• AC adapter
• Rechargeable battery pack

These protective
backpacks hold all
of your Leapster
L-Max gaming gear,
including the Leapster
L-Max handheld,
AC adapter, TV cables
and 10 cartridges!

Leapster Games also work with the

Leapster L-Max

™

Handheld for learning on the go.

This guide contains
important information.
Please keep it for
future reference.

www.leapfrog.com

TV jack

Dora the Explorer:

Wildlife Rescue

Hola! Play 5 fun-ﬁ lled games

with Dora and Boots and learn

45 pre-K and kindergarten

skills! Connect to the TV and go

on an adventure to help Dora

rescue lost animals and unlock

more than 20 animal facts.

Attaching Protective LCD Screen Cover

1. Snap the cover fastening tabs into the slots on the

top edge of the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld as shown

(Figure 1). Make sure the tabs are fully inserted.

2. Flip back the screen cover.

3. Secure the cover to the back of the

LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld as shown

(Figure 2).

AC adapter jack

(AC adapter sold separately)

Get a hint

Home

Brightness

control

D-pad

multi-directional

game control

Pen: Use to draw,

select & drag objects

Protective ﬂ ip-back

LCD screen cover

Headphone jack

Volume controls

Battery compartment (back)

“A” & “B”

buttons for

game play

Cartridge slot

Pause game

Alphabet Adventures:

Letters on the Loose

The letters are loose all over

the Letter Factory and Professor

Quigley needs help to ﬁ nd them.

Learn letter names and sounds

during your adventure! When

you connect to the TV, you can

practice your writing skills and

see the letters you write star in

the animated story.

Spider-Man: The Case of

the Sinister Speller

Swing into action with Spider-

Man and experience classic

intrigue and suspense. This

electronic book tells the comic

adventure frame by frame, while

teaching 1st and 2nd grade

reading skills. Connect to the

TV and unlock the Green Goblin

Super Challenge.

Contrast control

Flip-out legs

(back)

(Figure 2)

On/Off

SpongeBob SquarePants:

Saves the Day

Help SpongeBob save the

Krusty Krab and play 5 action-

packed learning games that

teach 40+ kindergarten and

1st grade skills. Connect

to the TV and unlock the

Musical Garden where you

can compose your own Bikini

Bottom musical masterpieces!

Reading Adventures:

Rock the World

It’s the Battle of the Bands and

the Algorithmics star player is

monkey-napped! Play arcade-

style spelling games to collect

words. Connect to the TV to

go on an adventure where

you use those words and your

critical thinking to save Turbo

Monkey and win the game.

Madagascar

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the

Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and

Gloria the Hippo on the island of

Madagascar and experience the

true meaning of the saying: “It’s

a jungle out there.” Play 5 games

that teach 1st and 2nd grade

skills, plus unlock bonus game

rounds and expand the learning

even more with the TV.

Actual package art may vary. All titles may not be available in all markets.

Images are representative of gameplay and do not reﬂ ect actual screenshot pixelation.

Animation L.L.C. Published under

license from Activision Publishing Inc.

Welcome to the Leapster L-Max

Handheld!

The Leapster L-Max learning game system combines learning

skills for preschool through 4th grade with the best of video

game play. Children become engaged in the games and want to

play them again and again! Best of all, with the Leapster L-Max

handheld, children can learn anytime, anywhere—on the go

and with the TV.

(Figure 1)

This Leapster software is

produced under MARVEL license.

Created by Stephen Hillenburg

Available Fall 2005

Pen Button: for TV play

Battery Installation:

• Locate the battery compartment on the back of

the handheld.

• Loosen the screw on the battery compartment with

either a screwdriver or a coin.

• Slide out the battery tray.
• Insert 4 AA (called LR6 in some countries)

alkaline batteries.

• Slide the tray back in with the batteries

facing down.

• Tighten the screw.

Ready for On-the-Go Learning

1. Press the on/off button to begin.
2. When prompted, select your country (required the first time only).

Game Selection Screen

The LEAPSTER L-MAX™ handheld includes an educational game and a built-in digital
art studio. To start, touch an activity icon with the pen, or use the arrow pad to scroll
through and highlight games, then press the “A” button.
To turn off the background music, touch the music note tab. Select “music on” or
“music off,” and then “OK” to confirm. The setting will return to “music on” each time
the unit is turned on.

Play the Rabbit

River game

Create digital art

Tour the Leapster

learning game library

Getting Started:

All images in this Parent Guide are representative only of gameplay and do not reflect actual screenshot pixelation.

Getting Started:

Connecting the LEAPSTER L-MAX™ handheld to a TV:

1. Make sure both the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld and

the TV are turned OFF before attaching the cable.

2. Locate the TV cable included in the package.
3. Plug the single yellow plug into the TV output jack
on the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV.

◆

Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video input jack on the TV.

◆

Connect the white and red plugs to the white and red audio

input jacks on the TV.
5. For best performance, plug the LEAPSTER L-MAX directly into the TV input jack.
6. Older TVs without video/audio inputs require an additional adapter.

For TVs with a single audio input:

◆

Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video input jack on the TV.

◆

Connect either the white or red plug to the audio input jack on the TV.

Ready for TV Learning:

1. Turn on the TV and the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld.
2. If you don’t see the L-Max game appear on your TV, make sure to select the correct
video input on your TV, by using your TV’s menu feature.
3. When prompted, select your country (required the first time only).
4. See page 1 for information about the game selection screen.

WARNING:

It is rare but possible for seizures to be triggered by light flashes or

patterns such as those on TV or computers. To reduce exposure to such potential,
play/watch TV in a well lit room, sit an appropriate distance from the screen and take 10
to 15 minute breaks every hour.
Any frame left on the television for an extended period may cause images to be burned
into the screen. To avoid this occurrence, it is recommended to turn the unit off, instead
of using pause, during extended breaks.

Using the Pen Button:

Some LEAPSTER L-MAX games have an arrow that appears on the TV screen when
the pen is moved on the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld screen. This is similar to a
cursor on a computer screen that moves when the computer mouse is moved. To
select an object, move the arrow on top if it, and press the button on the pen.

Note:

The pen button is not used when the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld is not connected to the TV.

Table of Contents

Getting Started with the LEAPSTER L-MAX™ handheld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The LEAPSTER L-MAX Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Included Activities

Rabbit River Math Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rabbit River Reading Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Color/Colour Corral Art Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Touch Screen Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Country Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Safety, Troubleshooting and Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The Leapster L-Max™

handheld Advantage

Introduction

The LEAPSTER L-MAX learning game system combines preschool through 4th grade
learning with the best of video game play. Children become so engaged in the games that
they want to play them again and again—and the more they play, the more they learn!
Best of all, with the LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld, children can learn anytime, anywhere—
on the go or with the TV. The LEAPSTER L-MAX handheld literally puts the power of
learning in the palm of your child’s hand.

A Multisensory Approach to Learning

The LEAPSTER L-MAX learning game system pioneers a new way for children to
learn—through an animated, multisensory learning environment.

◆

Animated sequences visually model the skills and concepts being taught. Correct

answers are greeted by rewards, while incorrect answers are supported by animations
that guide players toward the right answer. When needed, game play will slow down
and allow more time for a child to comprehend the skill or concept being introduced.

◆

The audio component provides additional support as players listen to the sounds

associated with on-screen visuals. Spoken directions help guide the game play and
numerous audio hints help players better understand each concept or skill.

◆

Manipulating the game input controls, the pen (used to select and drag items) and the

directional arrow buttons (used to move characters around the screen) facilitate game
play and help develop fine motor skills.

Learning at All Levels

The Rabbit River Math and Reading Games advance through four levels of difficulty, adjusting
the challenge from preschool through 4th grade. Each level increases the complexity
of both the skills being taught and the dexterity needed to play the games. Players can
select or change the level of difficulty at the start of each game or after each round.

Secret Codes and www.leapsterworld.com

The Web site

www.leapsterworld.com

is the place to go to learn fun game tips or to

unlock special surprises with secret codes earned while playing the games. Secret
codes are built into many LEAPSTER L-MAX™ games that appear as a player uses the
LEAPSTER L-MAX. These codes earn players a special downloadable surprise when
they log on to

www.leapsterworld.com.

To view a code in the included game, players simply touch the

located on the

game selection screen at any time. The child can then log on to

www.leapsterworld.com

and get started.

How Tutorials Work

The goal of a tutorial is to provide a strategy for
breaking down complex skills into smaller parts.
A tutorial is activated when the player either
presses the

Hint

button or selects a number of

incorrect answers. For example, at the third level
of the Rabbit River game, if a player has answered
the math equation incorrectly several times in a
row, Edison will visually show the equation, then
prompt the child to count both groups of carrots
to determine the total. Edison prompts the player to try again. If the player succeeds,
then game play continues. If not, then another tutorial is provided.

Try This at Home:

◆

Look for numbers everywhere you go: on buildings and

street signs, or at the grocery store. Ask your child
to identify the numbers in his or her age, address and
telephone number.

◆

Use snacks, such as nuts or raisins, to practice counting,

adding and subtracting from 1 to 10, and skip counting by 2s,
5s, or 10s to 50.

Rabbit River-Math

HOW TO PLAY

The hungry rabbits want to cross the river to eat
Leap’s harvest of vegetables. Players use arrow
buttons to help the rabbits hop onto logs with shapes,
numbers and mathematical equations! The object of
the game is to get all the rabbits across the river by
responding to the questions.

Scoring:

Players collect

bonus carrots.

WHAT’S BEING TAUGHT?

Numeration:

Recognizing numerals, making the connection between numerals and

values, comparing and ordering numbers, counting, recognizing basic math operators
and functions, and solving math equations.

Level 1:

Players identify numbers and distinguish numerals from letters and shapes;

count in sequence from 1 to 10.

Level 2:

Players count in sequence from 1 to 99; skip count by 2s, 5s, and 10s; and count

backward from 10.

Level 3:

Players identify addition and subtraction symbols and use them to create and

solve addition and subtraction problems.

Level 4:

Players identify the symbol for multiplication and use it to create and solve

multiplication problems.

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?

It may take some time for children to understand that numbers are symbols for amounts.
Once they do, they can begin to compare and order numbers. Sequential counting further
reinforces the progression of numbers from fewer to many, while skip counting helps
children recognize number patterns, a prerequisite to all future work in mathematics.

Rabbit River-Reading

HOW TO PLAY

The hungry rabbits want to cross the river to eat
Leap’s harvest of vegetables. Players use arrow buttons
to help the rabbits hop onto logs with letters. The
object of the game is to get all the rabbits across the
river by responding to the questions.

Scoring:

Players

collect bonus carrots.

WHAT’S BEING TAUGHT?

Letters, Sounds, Spelling:

Learning the letters of

the alphabet and what sounds they represent, as well as spelling 3- to 5-letter words.

Level 1:

Players must identify letters by name and match letters with sounds.

Level 2:

Players must build 3- and 4-letter words with the silent

rule. Visual clues are

provided.

Level 3:

Players must spell 3- and 4-letter words with the silent

rule. Visual clues are

not provided.

Level 4:

Players must spell 4- and 5-letter words with consonant blend and complex

vowel rules. Visual clues are not provided.

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?

Once children associate printed letters to sounds, they can begin to sound out words
for reading and spelling. Reading blends letters and sounds together. Spelling breaks
these sounds down to letters. Phonetic spelling begins with

regular

patterns, such as

a-p

, in which each letter stands for its own sound. Rules are then applied. For example,

silent

signals that a preceding vowel has its long-vowel sound. A child learns how

cap

becomes

cape

pin

becomes

pine

, and so on.

Try This at Home:

◆

Build word families by changing the first letter or sound in

words with magnetic letters or letter cards, for example,

Ben, den, hen, men, pen

and

ten.

◆

Write the consonant blends

bl, cl, fl, pl; br, cr, dr, gr, pr, tr;

sm, sp, sn, sw,

and

on individual paper plates. Spread them

across the floor and play a game of “Penny Toss.” Take turns with your child,
tossing a penny into one of the plates. Once the penny lands in a plate, the player
who tossed it must think of a word that begins with that blend, or say it, spell it,
and use it in a sentence.

The Color/Colour

Corral Art Studio

HOW TO PLAY

Players create their own pictures—paint, draw, add
animated stamps and even weather effects.

Touch to select a background, including a
blank canvas.
Touch to add weather options—day and night,
snow and rain.

Add stamps to a child’s pictures. Many animate!

Touch to use a paintbrush, a paint
bucket, a crayon, a magic wand or an eraser.

Touch to select a color/colour or pattern.

Touch to undo the last action.

WHAT’S BEING TAUGHT?

Creativity:

Children use their imaginations and explore new ways of seeing things.

They can create a farm scene with a polka-dot barn and plaid grass. With so many
options (and none of them wrong!) your child is free to explore.

Science and Nature:

Players can put animals in their natural habitats: on the farm

and on the pond. By adding weather and time of day to scenes, players can also consider
the effects of atmosphere on the environment.

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?

Imagination and creativity are important qualities that can be encouraged and enhanced
during early childhood. By allowing your child to put “a round peg in a square hole,” he
or she is given “permission” to investigate all sorts of possibilities and develop creative
problem-solving strategies.

Try This at Home:

◆

Make a mural of another habitat: the ocean, the rainforest,

the North or South Pole. Explore the real-life plants and
animals that live there, as well as the climate in that place.

TOUCH SCREEN CALIBRATION

Your LEAPSTER L-MAX™ handheld touch screen has already been calibrated for use,
but if you should see either example below, you may adjust this calibration yourself.
• Lines drawn with the pen appear to be offset from the location of the pen tip.
• Objects you are trying to select are not being chosen.
Should this happen, follow these steps to calibrate the touch screen on your LEAPSTER
L-MAX handheld:
1) Ensure that a cartridge is NOT inserted.
2) Press the power button to turn on your system.
3) When the “game selection screen” appears, press these buttons all at the same time:
      • the “B” button
      • the “Hint” button
      • the “Home” button
4) You’ll see a message that says “Press the “A” button to begin.”
5) Follow the on-screen instructions.

COUNTRY SELECTION

Selecting your country of residence adjusts the phonetic pronunciation of some letters
to better match the country’s language.
If you need to change your country selection, follow these steps:
1) Ensure that a cartridge is not inserted.
2) Press the power button to turn on your system.
3) When the “game selection screen” appears, press these buttons all at the same time:
      • the “Home” button
      • the “D-pad right arrow” button
      • the “B” button
4) Follow the on-screen instructions.

Care and Maintenance:

•  Keep unit away from foods and beverages.
•  Clean with a slightly damp cloth (cold water).
•  Do not use soap or detergent.
•  Never submerge the unit in water.
•  Remove batteries during prolonged storage.
•  Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

Battery Information:

Requires 4 AA (called LR6 in some countries) alkaline batteries, not included.

Battery Safety:

Batteries are small objects. Replacement of batteries must be done by adults.
Follow the polarity (+/-) diagram in the battery compartment.
Promptly remove dead batteries from the unit.
Dispose of used batteries properly.
Remove batteries for prolonged storage.
Only recommended batteries of the same type are to be used.
DO NOT incinerate used batteries.
DO NOT dispose of batteries in fire, as batteries may explode or leak.
DO NOT mix old and new batteries or types of batteries (i.e. alkaline/standard).
DO NOT recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
DO NOT short-circuit the supply terminals.

Sécurité relative aux piles

Les piles sont des objets de petite taille. Le remplacement des piles doit être effectué
par un adulte.
Respectez le schéma de polarité (+/-) reproduit dans le compartiment des piles.
Enlevez rapidement les piles usagées du produit.
Suivez les procédures adéquates pour vous débarrasser des piles usagées.
Retirez les piles en cas de non-usage prolongé.
Utilisez uniquement des piles du type recommandé.
NE PAS incinérer les piles usagées.
NE PAS jeter les piles au feu, car elles peuvent exploser ou fuir.
NE PAS mélanger piles usagées et piles neuves, ni différents types de piles (c’est-à-dire
alcalines/standard).
NE PAS recharger des piles non rechargeables.
NE PAS court-circuiter les terminaux d’alimentation.

AC Adapter:

1. Use only a 9V D.C. 700mA AC adapter.
2. Note: The transformer is not a toy. Disconnect the toy from the transformer before

cleaning, or performing any kind of maintenance procedures.

U.S. Consumer Service Contact:

Please visit our U.S. Consumer Support Web site at:

http://www.leapfrog.com/support

, or

our Canada Consumer Support Web site at:

http://lfcanada.custhelp.com

, 24 hours a day.

You can search for frequently asked questions, review previous questions, or submit a

question to our support staff via e-mail.

U.S./Canada Office:

Telephone: (800) 701-LEAP (5327)

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Pacific time.

U.K. Consumer Service Contact:

Please visit our U.K. Consumer Support Web site at

http://leapfroguk.custhelp.com

, 24

hours a day. You can search for frequently asked questions, or submit a question to our

support staff via e-mail.

U.K. Office:

Tel: 0800 169 5435

Eire: 00 44 1702 200244

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

IMPORTANT:

If you have a problem with this product, return it to the retailer where the

product was purchased for exchange. If the retailer is unable to assist you for any reason, contact

LeapFrog Consumer Services. If our service representative is unable to help you resolve the

problem, you will be given instructions on how to replace the product and an authorization number.

Returns must have a return authorization number (RMA) to be accepted at our warehouse. If you

need replacement parts for this product, please contact LeapFrog Consumer Services.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Toy does not turn on
or does not respond

Try this:

•  Make sure batteries are correctly installed
•  Make sure battery cover is securely attached
•  Remove batteries and put them back in
•  Clean battery contacts with pencil eraser
•  Install new batteries

Toy makes strange sounds or
behaves erratically

Toy makes improper responses

• Clean battery contacts with pencil eraser
• Install new batteries

Symptom:

Display stops working

• Adjust brightness/contrast controls
• Install new batteries

No image on TV, colors are
distorted on TV, or TV image
is ﬂickering

Colors do not appear accurate

Images on the TV appear stretched or cut off
at the top and bottom

•  Make sure the yellow video connector is fully
  inserted in the correct input jack on the TV
•  Make sure you have selected the correct video
input on your TV to display the L-MAX image

•  Make sure the TV is set to display at the standard
  4:3 aspect ratio; Leapster L-Max games are not
  designed to be displayed in wide screen mode

• Adjust the color settings on the TV

If Pen button is not functioning

• Call consumer support at (800)701-LEAP (5327)
for instructions on how to detach the stylus
from the L-MAX unit

WARNING:

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

AVERTISSEMENT :

Tout changement ou modification de cette unité n’ayant pas été

expressément approuvé par les parties responsables de la conformité entraîne l’annulation du droit

de l’utilisateur à exploiter l’équipement.

Note:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions:

1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection

against harmful interference to radio communications. Because this toy generates, uses, and can

radiate radio frequency energy, there can be no guarantee that interference will not occur. If this toy

does cause interference to radio or television reception (you can check this by turning the toy off

and on while listening for the interference), one or more of the following measures may be useful:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the toy and the radio or the TV

• Consult the dealer or an experienced TV-radio technician for help

Warranty Information

This LeapFrog product is warranted only to the original purchaser for a period of 3 months from

the original purchase date, under normal use and service, against defective workmanship and

material. This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use,

immersion in water, neglect, abuse, battery leakage or improper installation, improper service,

or other causes not arising out of defects in workmanship or materials. Repair or replacement as

provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy of the purchaser. LeapFrog shall not be liable

for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any express warranty on this product.

Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose on this product is

limited to the duration of this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of

incidental or consequential damages, or limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the

above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights

and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
During the warranty period, your product will either be repaired or replaced at LeapFrog’s option,

when returned, shipping prepaid and with proof of purchase date as instructed by a LeapFrog

service representative. In the event that your product is replaced, the replacement will be covered

under the original warranty or for 30 days, whichever is longer.

Canada:

In addition to the above-referenced warranty, the hardware component shall be free

from defects in material and workmanship for 12 months. The above express warranty and any

applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the warranty periods described above.

Some provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion

of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations do not apply to you. You may also

have other rights, which vary from province to province.

U.K.:

In addition to the above-referenced warranty, this LeapFrog product shall be free from

defects in material and workmanship for 12 months where the 3-month warranty period is not

valid. The above express warranty and any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration

to the warranty periods described above. Some provinces do not allow limitations on how long

an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above

limitations do not apply to you. You may also have other rights under U.K. law, which this warranty

does not limit.
LEAPFROG, the LeapFrog Logo, LEAPSTER, Leapster L-MAX, TALKING WORDS FACTORY

and LETTER FACTORY are registered trademarks or trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

www.leapfrog.com

For ages 4-10 years.

Convient aux enfants de 4 ans à 10 ans.

605-10491-A