Dora the Explorer: Fairytale Adventure
© 2004 Atari
Looking for a near perfect software program for your preschooler? The fifth (and best so far) Dora CD, this adventure features Dora and friends as they attempt to save Boots from a sleeping spell by finding hidden rings in nine activities. The game starts as children are asked to sign in by decorating their own name-labeled key. Once this is done, the program can keep records for up to four children, which limits use to home rather than preschool settings. Next, children can choose to play the program in fairy tale adventure, or just play one of the nine games. Activities include "help the snowman", where children transform a winter scene into a spring day by moving the mouse, as they listen to catchy tunes that mix English and Spanish. Next, they may be asked to "find a small, orange hat" for the snowman. Other games include a set of mazes, a shape creation/matching game, a music recording activity, an addicting, "bejeweled"-type logic puzzle, and a music box featuring 14 sing-a-long songs from the show. Children can exit an activity at any time (they're never trapped), and the difficulty level can be changed on the fly. Progress is saved automatically, which is nice. About the only drawback is the limitation in number of children than can save games. The bottom line? The variety of games, strong storyline, and depth of well-designed early childhood content make this an ideal program for use with young children. For preschoolers, the content is perfectly matched with the television audience. Created for Atari by Imaginengine.
$19.99, Windows XP
Teaches: early math and logic, singing, Spanish/English, counting, shapes, music