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               JumpStart
              Phonics is a busy program with plenty of things to do. Phonics
              activities for children ages 3 to 6 or 7 are the focus, and a speech
              recognition feature is available if parents want to turn it on. 
               The
              program combines instructed activities and free-play, exploration
              activities, which is helpful for children just learning to read.
              The setting is Camp Readalot, and JumpStart characters host the
              activities.  
              Activities are multi-level,
              ranging from letter recognition and basic letter sounds on
              difficulty level one, to word building and sentences on level
              three. 
               Children
              can play the game using a traditional mouse interface or they can
              use a microphone to call out the answers. This is a good concept,
              but unfortunately voice recognition is an inconsistent technology,
              and it really isn't appropriate for children just learning to
              read. Kids might be calling out a correct answer, but the program
              may not be recognizing their responses. Fortunately, the game can
              be played in a traditional manner, and it works well without the
              voice recognition feature. 
              Our complaint with most JumpStart
              programs is that the focus is far too heavy on rewards, which
              serves as a distraction from learning. JumpStart Phonics is not as
              bad in this respect. Yes, there are plenty of rewards (kids earn
              merit badges), but they don't come too easily and they don't
              interrupt activities. 
              This program is strong because it
              features activities that both drill facts and allow kids to
              explore letters, words, and letter sounds. 
               Rating:  
              A-  
                
               [For more information, user
              reviews, or to buy: Jumpstart Phonics
              at Amazon.com] 
                Jumpstart Phonics
              
               
              
   
              
                
                  | For Win 95/98/Me. Mac | 
                  By: Knowledge Adventure | 
                  Ages 3-7 | 
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