PowerMac 6100/60 with 24MB and 2XCD
Content
The grandaddy of reading software, Reader Rabbit 1 is still
a winning choice for pre- and early readers. The Learning Company,
which originally introduced the program in 1984, has recently
released an upgraded new version, which includes all new graphics
and animation as well as an updated story line. It focuses on
basic reading skills, with activities that stress phonics, vocabulary
building, spelling, letter recognition and memory. Reader Rabbit
1 uses more than 200 three-letter words, emphasizing the
individual sounds made by each of the letters. Instructional
feedback is provided by the Master of Ceremonies—Reader Rabbit
himself.
Reader Rabbit 1 is set in the 'Word Factory', where the player helps Reader Rabbit make words to load on Ernest the Engine and his word train. Each correct response is rewarded with a word of encouragement and an amusing stunt, or a choreographed dance performed by Reader Rabbit and Mat, his sidekick. Without exception our child-reviewers delighted in Reader Rabbit and Mat's dance sequences. When the train is filled with words it chugs off to Wordville and the player is moved up to the next level of play.
Ease of Install / Use
Reader Rabbit 1 installed without any reported difficulty on our reviewers' PCs and Macs.
Methodology
Our teacher reviewers report continuing satisfaction with this
program as an educational supplement. It stresses phonics instruction,
encouraging the child to associate letters and groups of letters
with the sounds that they make. It also exposes the player to
common spelling patterns and develops word recognition skills.
Other benefits of this program include vocabulary enhancement,
and an introduction to critical thinking.
Proxy Parent Value
The motivated user will enjoy and learn from this title with
little or no supervision. Reader Rabbit explains each activity in
detail and leads the child to the correct response in each instance.
Because of this there is little or no frustration involved, even
for the youngest of players. Although this program targets children
with some knowledge of letters and letter sounds, those
who don't yet know them can play and benefit from
it as well.
Best for...
This software appeals most to children who enjoy learning and
practicing their new-found reading readiness. The featured activities
are great skill builders, but they are repetitious. Children
who resist the tedium of reading drills may not be able to sustain
enthusiasm for this program as their familiarity with it increases.
Bottom-Line
Although it is not the most engaging reading software currently
available, this time-tested winner is a good bet for any family
with young readers.
PC |
Macintosh |
|
| Operating System | Windows 3.1, Win95 | System 7 or higher |
| CPU Type and Speed | 486DX/66 or faster | 68040/33 or faster |
| Hard Drive Space | 10 MB | 10 MB |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Graphics | 256 color SVGA | 256 color |
| CD-ROM Speed | 2X | 2X |
| Audio | Windows-compatible sound card | n/a |
| Other Needs | mouse | mouse |
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