Searching for quality software for children can be tedious. There are many programs claiming many developmental benefits, but few real gems on the market. As a teacher, I am fortunate to have a built-in research lab: my classroom.
Whenever I watch my students use a good piece of software I am reminded just how immersing the experience can be. Primary grade students can become so absorbed that they often call out the answers to the computer characters or jump out of their seats when they finish a level.
For students of any age, it is essential that the software be easy to learn and control. Students should not have to read a manual; they should be able to jump right in and start learning. Help sections, when necessary, should be designed with the target age group in mind, and students should be able to pause or exit when they wish because they can quickly tire of a program if they aren't able to skip over repetitive information or opening sequences.
It is very important that a program automatically save a student's progress from session to session. No one likes having to start from square one each time.
Following are 10 recent programs that reach a balance between education and entertainment. Along with some new arrivals, there are updated versions of old favorites.
STUART LITTLE
"Stuart Little: His adventures in Numberland" -- SuperMentor.com; US$29.99; Windows 95 and higher; for ages 3 to 7 -- has the comfort and appeal of a well-designed kindergarten classroom. There are nine activities to explore, each presenting an opportunity to practice early math skills. The toy store, for example, enlists the children to help customers count their purchases. Stuart is encouraged to gain "brain power" by going back to complete more of the program's sections. This is a unique and magical game for preschool and kindergarten aged children.
RESCUE HEROES
Although somewhat low in pure educational value, "Rescue Heroes: Meteor Madness" -- Fisher Price/ Knowledge Adventure; US$19.99; Windows 95 and higher, Macintosh; for ages 4 to 7 -- is certainly appropriate for the times. This upbeat and empowered game recruits young players to enlist in a variety of rescue missions -- saving people from a storm of falling meteors, for example -- alongside the Rescue Heroes. The missions have three levels of difficulty and the games require some hand-eye coordination. The characters fall, but they get up again unharmed. While there is no real educational curriculum here, the game helps build confidence and puts a value on the kind of heroism not often found in computer games.
KID PIX DELUXE 3
There are other art programs on the shelves, including Jump Start Artist and Disney's Magic Artist, but Kid Pix remains the quintessential children's art software. The latest version, "Kid Pix Deluxe 3" -- Broderbund; US$29.99; Windows 95 and higher, Macintosh; for ages 4 and older -- is perhaps too gimmicky, with flashy icons and excessive special effects, but the heart of a wonderful program remains. Children can choose from tools that include pencils, paintbrushes, chalk or stamps, and colors and patterns to design their own artwork. The improved graphics, and the selection of paper types, evoke a good sense of the different tools and media behavior such as depth and texture. The program still has an easy slide show section to help create a virtual show of their work.
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