Learning Resources Hot Dots Reading And Maths Set 1 Review

Reviewed by Deborah Banasko

I have an almost 4-year old who will start school this September. He is a Summer born baby so I really want to support him at home with his learning, but it needs to be fun and something that his siblings can also help him with.

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review the Learning Resources Hot Dots Reading and Maths Set 1 as this is just our sort of thing, and perfectly timed for me to use it now and over the summer in preparation for school.

The box manages to look fun and inviting as it shows the Hot Dots Pen and some of the animal pictures from the books. Inside you will find the blue and white pen, the green Reading Set 1 book with a smiling crocodile on the front as well as the accompanying Maths set 1 book featuring a cute octopus. The instructions are included in the inside back page, and are really simple to follow so we knew how to use the book almost right away.
You will need two AAA batteries before you start. Once these are in the pen you are ready to go.
Inside the books are various multiple-choice questions with lovely pictures to accompany them. You select your response by pressing the black dot beside the answer using the pen. A correct answer will trigger a green light on the pen, and an incorrect will be red. If you would like some audio you can add this feature and increase the volume setting by pressing the audio button, so that various positive and silly negative noises (coupled with the colours) will let you know if the answer you gave is correct. This is great that you have the option, as some children will love the noises whilst others may find them upsetting if the answer is wrong. My son loved them!

My son loved these books instantly and felt a real sense of achievement. On the first run-through you will probably need someone to sit with your child as they won’t be able to read the questions. As the books become more familiar, they can work towards independent learning. I love the instant feedback that you don’t get with a writing book. The box is compact and could be useful on a car journey, in a restaurant or simply at home.

The target age is 4+ which is perfect. I am basing this purely on my own son, but he has been introduced to many of these topics in nursery at a basic level as he attends a school-based setting. I also know from my other children that the themes covered in both Maths and English are typical for early years. For example in the Maths book, there is basic finger counting relating to the numeric value, finding the missing number in a sequence or the next picture in a pattern. You will look at shapes, size and weight.

The reading book looks at matching letters, the missing letter in a sequence, choosing the picture which starts with a specific letter and colour-matching. You will also look at upper and lower-case letters, words that rhyme and choosing the letter that a word (picture) ends with.

Both books present challenge so that your little one won’t get everything right instantly, but can re-visit, practice and learn. It really helps to support what they learn in class.

There are 50 pages in each spiral-bound book, and reward stickers at the back which you can add to the sticker spot on each page. I absolutely love these books! I do wish there were other singular books to add to my set, perhaps more examples of the same themes?

The price point of £35 is really good, as you can use this product again and again to secure the learning, or to pass onto siblings. I often buy learning books for my children, but you can spend between £5 and £10 often on these items for a single use. The Hot Dots set are much more of a value for money investment, and great for young children to help them engage with learning using a magic pen that knows the answers! It is something that they can do with a family member or alone for short or longer periods. I would imagine we will keep re-visiting the books as he learns more at school, then spend time over the holidays revising the topics.

I am a huge fan of Learning Resources, and this is yet another winner in our house. I love the feedback system, and that this is a stepping stone to learning independently. There is a second set for age 5+ which follows the same principals, so I am really keen to try this too. I would award this product an easy 5 stars out of 5.

Rating: 5/5 stars

RRP: £35

You can purchase Learning Resources Hot Dots Reading and Maths Set 1 here. 

You can also purchase Set 2 in the series here.