Arthur's Preschool
© 2000 The Learning Company
The crux of this two-CD set are the eight enjoyable logic, math and reading activities all set in Arthur's treehouse. Kids use logic skills as they build bridges across puddles for ladybugs. They test their powers of observation as they help Mr. Ratburn match progressively more complex features like puppet hats and heads to put on a puppet show. Children practice their counting skills while they pitch balls to Francine at batting practice and zero in on early reading skills as they dig for letters in the sand. The activities on this CD are a mixed bag, with some stronger than others, the main weaknesses revolving around poorly defined difficulty levels (for some activities) and relatively standard themes. The bulk of the activities are solid, however, and the second CD adds depth to the package with printable activities and an unusually child-friendly card creator. The open-ended music activity is also a strong component, allowing kids to combine the sounds of a piano, clarinet, flute, or drum set to make their own tunes. The program's best features include the automatically adjusting difficulty levels and the printable reward certificates that are decorated with dot-to-dot puzzles. Testers adored the personalization feature in which Arthur calls them by name throughout the program. Children and parents can easily check their progress at any time, viewing which activity was played and the level accomplished. The activities are straightforward, responsive, and kid-oriented, with terrific design features that let children determine the pace and challenge--qualities that are perfectly suited for preschoolers.
$19.99, Win 95, 98, NT; Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: early math, early reading, shapes, letters, counting and music