James Discovers Math
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Broderbund

Age Group: Age 2 to 5 Type: Math Price: 34.95

Description:

James became very bored when his parents had some friends over, so he wandered into the kitchen - that's where you'll find him. And pretty soon, you'll see why he likes that room so much, there's lots to do!

BRAINS and Broderbund have put a lot of care into this product. James Discovers Math handles the introduction of math gently as opposed to some of the programs available today. James illustrates basic math concepts in a way even toddlers can appreciate and this program was developed for ages 3-6.

Here's what you'll find...

Click on the television to go to 10 different counting songs, all in various styles. The refrigerator goes to a virtual puzzle - you put the missing pieces in their places (shape sorting.) The clock helps children learn to tell time when a robot asks "Where is the little hand when it is 4:00?" Children can move the hands of the clock to the correct number.

The boat heads out for "All About Shapes," which illustrates shapes with animation and also features "Load the Boats," a shape matching game. James' cat likes to play "Make my Face," and a child matches the sizes of facial features as directed.

"Learn How to Measure" is a fun way to measure length with various objects. Next, "Go Shopping" by clicking on the bowl of fruit - you'll be filling the customer's orders for different numbers of fruits. Clicking on the blocks will bring up an addition/subtraction game that illustrates, step-by-step, in very clear animation, how these basic math functions work.

The Magic Carpet allows kids to make colorful geometric patterns. Just click, drag and click again! James will also read a story called, "James Makes a Salad" when you click on him.

Technical Notes: Installation and Run-time

Installation was smooth using the shell developed for the software. The animations run smoothly and the music was not choppy; however, the load times were a bit long.

Sound and Graphics

The music on James Discovers Math is delightful. Parents won't get sick of this program because of the obnoxious sound effects, either. The graphics are nicely done throughout this title. This program is very visually oriented throughout, and provides excellent focus points for the child.

The BIG Question...

James Discovers Math easily outshines Creative Wonders' Get Set To Learn math and shapes games. It beats out Peter Rabbit's Math Garden, as well. The only real competition for this title isn't on the shelves yet - Headbone Interactive's Infinity City. It's quite likely that James Discovers Math is the only math program your preschooler needs!

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