Lowey Hija & Friends (Book One, Ages 2-6)
© 2007 Piano Play Music Systems
Designed to introduce musical terminology to young children, this is a cartoonish collection of seven activities that vary in quality, but are generally poorly designed -- too much narration and not enough feedback. Children can choose a game using a menu that requires reading, which is unfortunate given the target age range for this title (ages two to six). In the first game, children are supposed to sort sounds by loud (Forte) or soft (Piano); the sounds are represented by various farm animals. But the goal isn't clear, and mistakes can be confused with correct answers. Much of the content is delivered by way of short, narrated episodes. To learn about instruments, children are supposed to select one, but it won't stop playing until the animation finishes, reducing feelings of control. If you make it to the end, you can print out a certificate. There are better music software packages.
$40, Windows XP, Windows 98, Mac OSX
Teaches: music appreciation, musical terminology
CTR Rating: 32%