Arthur's Preschool 2002 Edition
© 2001 The Learning Company
This two-CD set offers eight enjoyable logic, math and reading activities all set in Arthur's tree house. Kids use logic skills as they build bridges across puddles for ladybugs. They test their powers of observation as they help put on a puppet show by matching progressively more complex features like puppet hats to heads. 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 software's best features include the automatically adjusting difficulty levels and the printable reward certificates that are decorated with dot-to-dot puzzles. Testers loved the personalization feature in which Arthur calls them by name throughout the program. Children and parents can easily check progress at any time, viewing which activity was played and the level accomplished. This 2002 version contains arcade games that kids can play after all of the other games have been completed. In sum, the program's activities are straightforward, responsive, and kid-oriented, with terrific design features that let children determine the pace and challenge.
$19.99, Win, Mac
Teaches: early math, early reading, shapes, letters, counting and music