INTERACTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM METHOD FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

Abstract: A learning system method for infants, toddlers and young children which uses selected visuals stored on an audiovisual storage and playback device in conjunction with unique flash cards to provide an enhanced learning experience.

Description: INTERACTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM METHOD FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN Related Applications This application is based on provisional application, Serial No. 60/161 ,342, filed October 25, 1999, Field of the invention This invention relates to an interactive teaching method and, more particularly, to an interactive teaching method which makes use of an electronic medium combined with unique flash cards to provide important and stimulating learning experiences for parents, infants and toddlers in the home and preschool environment. Background of the Invention It is well known that the educational experience is the key to an individual's success, and indeed, in many cases, to the prosperity and success of nations. It is also known that proper educational stimulation at a very early age, i.e., at the infant and toddler stage, will very often lead to enhanced learning ability as the child progresses through the educational system. Interactive educational methods, utilizing a combination of video material and printed material, is also known to be highly effective in conveying information to eager young minds. One such interactive teaching method is described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 120,230, granted to William E. Clark, et al, on June 9, 1992 ("Clark Patent"). The Clark Patent describes an interactive method of effectively and efficiently conveying information which makes use of video disc technology, along with associated printed material, A video disc is provided, on which is stored a video lesson which contains pictures- diagrams, movie clips, etc , to make the topic being taught come to life with the presentation of the visual images Printed lesson matei ials are also provided for m the Clai k Patent which punted matenals when used in combination with the video production allow a teachei to customize lesson plans and have access to narratives and reference mateπal i elated to the video presentation Although the Clark Patent was an acknowledged advance in the area of interactive teaching methods, it was primarily directed to a classroom environment and to children beyond the infant and toddler stage It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive teaching method that is particularly useful in the home and preschool environment It is a further object of the present invention to provide an interactive teaching method that is directed to infants and toddlers It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide an interactive teaching method that uses video information in combination with unique flash cards Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a learning system method foi infants toddlei s and young children, utilizing an audiovisual storage and playback device in conjunction with printed mateπal, such as flash cards It is a feature of the invention that one side of a flash cai d has a pictui e associated with a selected visual stored on the audiovisual storage and playback device along with a woi d in bold type -9. It is another feature of the invention that a second side of the flash card includes questions which can be used by a caregiver to stimulate the infant or toddler as the selected visual is being shown. It is a still further feature of the invention that the flash card may also include foreign language cards and phrases for use by the caregiver in simulating the infant or toddler. It is a general feature of the invention that the use of selected visuals, in conjunction with the unique flash cards, greatly enhances the interest of an infant or toddler when exposed to the educational material being presented. The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings; FIGS, 1A, 2A and 3A illustrate one side of the flash cards used with the present invention; and FIGS. IB, 2B and 3B illustrate the reverse side of the flash cards used with the present inventions, Detailed Description The present invention is directed to a learning system method for infants- toddlers and young children, with the intent to teach vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic concepts. The method utilizes selected visuals stored on an audiovisual storage and playback device in conjunction with flash cards or a book. The audiovisual storage and playback device can consist of videotape, CD technology, DND technology, online, 1 e , Internet access as well as future presentation technologies In one exemplary embodiment, a visual image from the audiovisual stoi ge and playback device such as a picture of a dog, is presented to an infant Simultaneously 01 at a Iatei time a flash card bearing the same image is also presented to the infant The child s caiegivet then stimulates the child by posing imaginative questions to the child based on the flash cards Use of the flash cards, in conjunction with the video image, stimulates the child and leinforces the learning experience The flash cards utilized with the inventive method are advantageously designed to encourage the child to learn and to assist the caregiver For example, refei ring to FIGS 1 A 2 A and 3 A, there is shown a picture, along with a word in bold text In this example, there is shown a dog, a cat and an apple, along with the accompanying word It is known that fi om a very young age, childi en begin to understand that particular combinations of lettei s make up particular words, and that those words have meaning On the back side of the flash card as shown in FIGS IB, 2B and 3B, are teaching tips for the caregiver to use such as the questions to ask the child and the word is also translated into a plurality of foreign languages In a second embodiment of the invention, the caregivei and the child aie assisted in pi onunciation by having the foreign language words stored on an audio storage and pi esentation device so that the word can be readily repeated This embodiment can also include Internet access to a uniquely designed website to again assist the caregiver oi child with pi onunciations or the vocabulary words in the various languages Although specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and desci ibed, it Will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing h orn the spiπt of this invention

Claims: WE CLAIM: 1. A learning system method directed to an infant or toddler, comprising the steps of: presenting to the infant or toddler a selected visual stored on an audiovisual and playback device; providing to an infant or toddler caregiver, one or more flash cards associated with the selected visual; and prompting the caregiver to utilize the flash cards in conjunction with the selected visual in order to stimulate the infant or toddler with questions contained on the flash cards- 2. A learning system method in accordance with Claim 1, wherein a first side of the flash card contains a picture which matches the selected visual. 3. A learning system method in accordance with Claim 2, wherein a second side of the flash card contains questions to be used by the caregiver, 4- A learning system method in accordance with Claim 3, wherein the second side of the flash card contains foreign language words for use by the caregiver. 5. A learning system method in accordance with Claim 1 , wherein said audio visual storage and playback device can include videotapes, CD technology, DVD technology and Internet access.

Inventors: CLARK JULIE, CLARK WILLIAM E, CLARK, JULIE, CLARK, WILLIAM, E.
Applicants: BABY EINSTEIN COMPANY, CLARK JULIE, CLARK WILLIAM E, CLARK, JULIE, CLARK, WILLIAM, E., THE BABY EINSTEIN COMPANY
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G09B
IPC codes: G09B5, G09B7, G09B19, G10L19