Back to school means back to the books, but what can you offer your kids as a reward for doing their homework? Whether it’s a virtual pet or an electronic game, kids will learn – and have fun -- by playing with many of these new products.

For kids who like to play games…
VTech’s V-Motion allows children to exercise their bodies and their minds. 
V-Motion is an educational gaming system that plugs right into the TV and utilizes a wireless, motion-activated controller for action-packed play.  The active gaming system teaches lessons in basic math, reading, science and spelling and the motion-activated controller is adaptable to both right- and left-handed play.  V-Motion Smartridges are especially fun because they allow kids to incorporate their favorite characters like WALL-E and Kung Fu Panda into their play.  The Smartridges focus on age-appropriate skill levels and developmental activities.  The system includes V.Link which allows kids to access VTech’s secure online site to track their scores and unlock different games.  It’s perfect for ages 3-7.  Prices: V-Motion $69.99, Smartridges $24.99 www.vtech.com

Kids need to learn how to nurture and care for others….
Tamagotchi Connection V5 Familitchi allows children to learn responsibility because they can make and care for many different virtual characters at the same time. Familitchi has new celebrity characters for even more fun.  Kids can raise the many virtual families all in the same toy.  Children raise and care for characters with different personalities, tastes and hobbies.  Depending on how they are raised the characters can grow into athletes, models or even royal family.  The fun doesn’t stop after the characters are grown; then they connect with other characters to create new generations for more play.  Kids can even connect with other Tamagotchi Familitchi users around the world and play together making more family more fun. It’s great for ages 8 and up. Price: $14.99.  www.tamagotchi.com

Kids can imagine and learn with this play set…

Both kids and parents can stay in touch with family with this…
Everyone can stay connected with Samsung’s BlackJack II.  The smart phone comes in pink and blue and has decorative designs on the back. The phone can receive email as well as phone calls.  In fact, the BlackJack II can be set up to access several e-mail accounts.  The phone will keep kids entertained with its AT&T Video Share and music playing capabilities.  The BlackJack II has a 2.0 megapixel camera and can even record video.  The phone has increased memory and battery power.  It also comes in red and black and it’s also great for on-the-go parents with its Bluetooth wireless technology and built-in GPS system. Price:  $99.99.  www.att.com

Why share the computer….
Everyone in the family loves to use the computer, so why not get the kids their very own, with a price tag any parent would love?  Just two pounds but tons of fun! It comes pre-loaded with programs for the classroom and getting online quickly and easily. Affordable and stylish, the SYLVANIA g netbook MESO comes in yellow, black, white and pink.  It uses Intel's new powerful and energy efficient Atom Processor.  It offers high performance and low power consumption. Do homework, talk with friends, share photos, stay connected at school, at home, on the go. No more fighting about who gets to use the computer. Starting at $399 www.sylvaniacomputers.com   

Mead Writing Fundamentals is a fun and innovative early writing program that allows kids to be creative while developing and mastering handwriting skills. The program is composed of 15 multisensory products within four progressive stages, which makes teaching and learning handwriting simple and enjoyable. Developed and tested by an occupational therapist, Mead Writing Fundamentals provide parents with powerful tools to teach fine motor and eye-coordination with Snip It, ColorBound and ShapeBuilders. Teaching proper letter formation is a breeze with the fun stories and specialized paper found in Capital and lowercase Letter Stories. Finally, the children are ready to use their new skills as they transition into writing words, sentences and paragraphs with Learn to Letter with Raised Ruling and RediSpace Transitional Notebook paper.  Perfect for kids Pre-K – 3rd grade.  $2.99 - $7.99 www.mead.com 

Discovery Kids by JAKKS Pacific Smart Animals and Scanopedia are a great way for children to learn about their favorite animals.  The Scanopedia is a cool handheld talking encyclopedia that scans the Smart Animals to unlock over 2,500 sound effects, fun facts and quiz questions about 200 animals.  The Discovery Kids by JAKKS Pacific Smart Animals come with a bonus poster full of scan able images, maps and games.  Kids can also play with their Smart Animals in their natural habitats with Smart Animal Green Scenes.  These play sets mimic the animal’s real living conditions and even come with seeds and soil so kids can grow real grass and plants. Just add water, and the plants start growing in three days.  It’s great for ages 3 and up. Prices:  Scanopedia $29.99, Animals $4.99-$12.99, Green Scenes $17.99 www.jakks.com