While software manufactures have largely stopped making new consumer educational software, there are some notable exceptions (including makers of hi-tech toys). Be sure to see our new reviews of Jumpstart World and Disney's Playschool for computer users. In addition, here is a sampling of games and gear that help develop kids instead of turning them into video game junkies.
Pre-school & Early School Years Games and Gadgets
You don't need a computer to bring learning games into the home. A simple DVD player can also be a platform that helps review colors recognition and other skills. Two top-picks for pre-schoolers and early school years students are:
Candy Land DVD Game ( Milton Bradley $ $29.99 ) The original Candy Land game was anything but hi-tech, but the latest version is an action game that builds listening skills and color identification. Instead of using a board, 24 colored mats are put on the floor and your kids become living pieces. (A grown up will probably be needed to supervise for younger players). The DVD player controls the action. 2-4 players. Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Phone: 888-836-7025.
Read with Me DVD (Fisher-Price $34.99) One of the biggest problems with children's reading software is that it has tended to put technology over artistry, animation over great writing and illustrations. Fisher-Price gets the priorities in order with Read with Me DVD, a wireless controller that controls video versions of classic children's literature. Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, and favorites like the Little Engine that Could are among the first in what I hope will be an expanding series. 3-7. Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Phone: 800-432-5437.
L-Max (LeapFrog $79.99) Leapfrog continues to jump over the competition by blending amazing technology, learning, and fun in new and amazing ways. Last year's Leapfrog launched Leapster, a portable learning/gaming platform. It was like a Nintendo Gameboy with a prep-school education! At last, a game platform that kids would willing play that actually promoted knowledge, skills and literacy. This year's substantially upgraded system, the L-Max, continues to work as a portable system, but now (with selected titles) can work in tandem with a TV. When used in this dual screen mode, the instructional information is given on the tv, and then kids "work" on their L-Max's touch sensitive screen. Unlike virtually any other learning toy, the L-Max can display digital "lined paper" on its screen and then monitor whether the child has drawn the letters or numbers correctly.
A platform is only as good as its software, and here the L-Max excels. There have been many "video games" based on Batman, but Leapfrog is the first to take Batman back to its roots as a detective, a crime solver as well as a slugger. I also liked the Spiderman cart. Software cartridges are available for pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade. 4-8 Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Phone: 800 701 5327.
Educational PC Software
Jumpstart Reading with Karaoke (Knowledge Adventure $29.95) This program actually listens to kids as they read and sing (A microphone is supplied in the package). One of the best features of the program is that the music is really good - not too sweet. Skills are practiced in a manner that doesn't seem too "workbooky". Another excellent use of technology in the name of literacy.
An electronic encyclopedia is a great starting point where kids get an overview of a topic and sources to track down for further reading. Over the years my pick has gone to Encarta Reference Suite (Microsoft). This year they've added some additional tools (like a phenomenal graphing calculator) to the mix, taken out some of the gee-whiz graphics, and given the set the new name " Microsoft Student 2006". (Encarta 2006 is still sold without the additional tools for .) While this program still has a lot to commend, my initial tests yielded some surprising omissions and anomalies. For instance, when searching for "Waiting for Godot" the program found references to a host of internet sites about abstinence. It also suggested a number of entries in the Internet Film Database. However, it didn't suggest any of the eleven films titled "Waiting for Godot". Instead, it incorrectly found a listing for "Heaven Can Wait".
I was also unimpressed with the project starters that provide outlines of how to approach projects from science fairs to writing poetry. They tend to be very dry and unvaried in tone and presentation. Much of the time they sound like they have been cribbed from class assignment sheets, lacking enthusiasm and focus. Even the layout of these pages suggests bad web circa 1999, and not the attention to detail that had typified the Encarta approach.
So, this year my pick for best Encyclopedia goes to Britannica 2006 Reference Suite (Britannica $49.95) . It's reference suite contains three encyclopedias, each designed for different age groups.
One money-saving tip is to look on-line and at your child's school for student edition pricing. Some companies sell the student editions on their web sites, but it may be easier to try authorized resellers such as Academic Superstore or Educational Resources.
The discounts can be huge! For example, on one website Macromedia's Studio 8 sells for $999, but the student price is $299! Corel WordPerfect ordinarily goes for $299, but can be had for $49 including a messenger bag. (www.academicsuperstore.com). I found that sometimes even better deals can be had at college bookstores. For instance, the student edition of Microsoft Office is $159, but at my daughter's school it could be had for around $40. (By the way, student editions are generally the same as the retail product, but generally can not be upgraded. On the other hand the cost of most upgrades is generally similar to the price of the student edition, so it washes out.)
