Kids will jump at the chance to join Frankie the dog for a treasure hunt (even if the final object is to learn basic math and spelling skills). But it's clear thatJumpStart 1st Gradeisn't the "play-for-play's-sake" type of game by the academic style of the questions kids are asked to answer. In addition, parents can view reports to track their child's progress.

We advise that adults initially play this gamewithkids, since it's not always clear where to click next to keep the story moving. It can take a little while for kids to get oriented with what they are supposed to do in the game's activities. Also, the content in the games can lead to questions: synonym matching and fractions, for example, might be puzzling even with the cartoon teacher's explanations. For more difficult quizzes, we recommend using the option of turning on a tutor.

The best part of theJumpStartseries is the wide range of topics that children are exposed to: science, art, mathematics, and grammar basics.JumpStart: 1st Gradeadheres to this pattern. The software also provides great positive reinforcement as kids get the right answers, both visually (in the form of treasure pieces) and audibly (with the feedback of Frankie).JumpStartexists to reinforce lessons taught in school and is a colorful way for kids to practice their newly learned skills.