SuperKids' reviewers compared multisubject software programs for first graders, evaluating their content and design, as well as their kid appeal and ease of use. Several are especially well-suited for pre-1st grade preparation:
Transition Math ,
Jump Start 1st Grade, Reader Rabbit's 1st Grade, and Fisher-Price Ready for School 1st Grade. The other s provide more in-depth treatment of subjects, and could be used to sharpen and enhance the skills of students already in first or second grade.
Which is best for your child? Click on the titles to see SuperKids' complete reviews.
JumpStart Advanced 1st Grade [for ages 5 to 7] from Knowledge Adventure addresses many skills covered in the first grade curriculum, with an emphasis on math and language arts.
Transition Math [for ages 4 to 6] from School Zone Publishing, is appropriate for accelerated Kindergarten and/or First Grade students. It succinctly covers a variety of necessary math skills.
Grade 1 Math [for ages 6 to 7] from School Zone Publishing, like its sibling product above, is a math reinforcement and acceleration program. It doesn't waste a lot of time with fancy introductions. Nonetheless, it provides sufficient rewards and study breaks to appeal to kids.
Jump Start 1st Grade [for ages 5 to 7] from Knowledge Adventure, is a multi-subject learning program that is best suited for early 1st or pre-1st graders who enjoy simple learning and skill building activities, and who do not become easily bored with repetitive activities.
Reader Rabbit's 1st Grade [for ages 5 to 7] from The Learning Company, is lively and entertaining, with a nice mix of grade-appropriate skill-building activities. Because of the simplicity of this program's activities, it works best with young students at the pre- or early 1st-Grade level.
Reader Rabbit 1st Grade Capers on Cloud Nine [for ages 5 to 7] from The Learning Company, was totally rewritten in 2001. Reviews and drills beginning phonics, spelling, math, and science. Unfortunately, more difficult navigation.
Fisher-Price Ready for School 1st Grade [for ages 5 to 7] from Davidson, provides a good, solid, early-learning program. This program is best suited for a motivated 1st grader.
Big Thinkers 1st Grade [for ages 5 to 8] from Humongous Entertainment, is fun for all and contains plenty to stimulate both the struggling student, as a skill strengthening tool, and the successful 1st grader, for advanced learning and enjoyment.
Madeline Classroom Companion 1st and 2nd Grade [for ages 6 to 8] from Creative Wonders, is a two disk set designed to cover the basic skills required to master the nationally recommended 1st and 2nd grade curriculum guidelines, with the help of a familar character.
School House Rock! 1st & 2nd Grade Essentials [for ages 6 to 8] from Creative Wonders, includes more language arts and less creative arts than the other multisubject programs covered in this review. It is well suited to the serious student, and is especially recommended for budding young scientists.
Can't find one that meets your needs? Check out
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