Title: Reader Rabbit's Math 1
Overall Rating:
A+
Source: The Learning Company
Playing Time: At least 30 minutes -- up
to an hour!
Date: 1997
Cost: $24.99 for individual software,
$49.95 for the school edition, and $54.95 for the teacher's edition.
Number of Players: 1 per computer
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-ROM
Subject Area: Math (Pre-K - 1st grade
level)
Objectives: To have fun while learning
several elementary math concepts.
Brief Description: This software takes
young children on a "math adventure" at the circus. There are four
different learning activities under the big top, each of which teaching
one of these skills: number recognition, counting, adding and
subtracting,
and equalities and inequalities. When students successfully complete
the activities, they can get prizes with the the tickets they have won!
Entry Capabilities Required: Must know
numbers and some elementary math skills, and how to use a mouse.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: Very relevant
and educational for young children -- 5
Provides practice of relevant skills:
Gives practice in different areas and at 3 or 4 different levels of difficulty
-- 5
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: Kids
could easily play the games for quite a while without getting bored --
5
Likely to be comprehended clearly: Everything
is pretty easy to understand, and younger kids can start at level one if
needed -- 5
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
The
circus theme is creative and very appealing to young students; also the
animation is great -- 5
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): Kids could guess
on a couple of the games, but they're not likely to get it right and win
tickets unless they know their math -- 5
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): Circus theme is pretty
realistic; the only thing that is obviously not real is the talking rabbit,
but kids will think he's cute -- 5
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
Couldn't find anything for this particular game, but The Learning Company
had a lot of great reviews from several other games --N/A
Clear directions for play: The given
directions
spell out everything; there's also an instruction booklette available --
5
Effectiveness of debriefing:
The activities will probably help young students
understand math skills and concepts better. They might even enjoy
math more by relating these topics to the fun-filled circus -- 5
Strong Points: Everything
is great-- especially the animation, creativity, and the children being
rewarded when they win!
Weak Points:
None really; could possibly use a few more learning activities, but it's
sufficient for young children.
Reviewer: Lorie Wert
Position: Under graduate student
Date: September 22,1998
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.