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I was hoping it would be more educational, but found it to be just "ok". He played all the games, but didn't find this very fun or exciting. My 5-year old couldn't wait to play with this software (game). He got bored very quickly, so I went to a different game, but he wasn't real impressed there either.
Installation was pretty standard, so we were able to figure it out. The game is set up so that the child has to finish one area before moving on to the next. First, it did not come with installation or use instructions. Next, there is a character that has a foreign accent. After reading many good reviews, I purchased this software for my 4yo who is just starting to read.
I would not recommend this software. This might work for a child that likes to watch TV and hates phonics, but my daughter really wants to learn to read, so this did not work for her at all. My daughter started to say the words just like that character, like "bed" instead of "bad." I thought this was a really bad idea for children that are learning how to sound out words.Lastly, I thought the program moved really slowly. It was interesting for her the first time around, but after that, my daughter was getting bored with seeing the same animation over and over after each problem. It took perhaps a half hour or so, but having the instructions would have been very helpful.Second, the software contains books for the child to read, but they are automatically read to the child. So it may take 2 seconds for a child to get a question right, but then she has to watch 10-15 seconds of animation before even seeing the next problem. We had to figure it out through trial and error. There is no way to bypass the animation.
I am very disappointed in the product. There is so much animation mixed in with the games that it takes so long to finish one area so you can move on. How to use the game, however, was not so standard. There is no way to turn off the feature so the child can read it herself (unless I just have not found the means to do it without the instructions).
What a total waste of money BAD NEWS There is no tech support for these products. We were unable to install this on any of 3 computers. The installer has major errors.
Theycan learn through playing repeatly until they master onit. One of the best things is that children are more willingto participate to play and learn at the same time.
Also be with child when using programs. The Learning company puts out a fine product. If there is trouble in one area, stop what they are doing and go onto one of the many other fun games that are provided. Use constant encouragement to arise their little minds in a job that is well done. As a reminder these programs are not meant for long periods of time to spend on the computer. As a suggestion do not allow children to spend no more than a half hours time.
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