World Famous Comics: Reader Rabbit Learn to Read With Phonics
Reader Rabbit Learn to Read With Phonics
From: The Learning Company Average Rating: Binding: CD-ROM ESRB Age Rating: Everyone Format: CD-ROM Label: The Learning Company Model: 380848 Release Date: June 25, 2001
Amazon.com Review: A diaper-clad rhinoceros, a troupe of Incredible Performing Hamsters, and a mambo-dancing moose are just a handful of the many light-hearted elements that make Reader Rabbit: Learn to Read with Phonics an engrossing early-reading program that puts some much needed fun in phonics.
The program starts with Mat the Mouse singing a complaining song because she can't read well enough to take full advantage of the carnival she wants to attend. This alone is a stroke of genius: it's easier for kids to relate to poor confused Mat than some know-it-all character who already knows how to read (that would be Reader Rabbit, but he serves a purpose as Mat's guide). When her wish for "no more words to read" comes true, Mat realizes a world with no words simply won't work, and sets out on a journey to decode a message that will allow her to make a counterwish and get words back.
The occasionally flat animation is remedied by the volume and variety of early-reading activities. Two approaches to the program help customize it to your child's learning style: Road to Reading is the more structured approach, where kids lead Mat on a path to 26 different lands associated with each letter of the alphabet, and help decode her counterwish. Pick and Play is a nonstructured method of exploring the program that allows kids to directly access the various activities found along the alphabet path. Word Factory is another program element that has nothing to do with Mat's quest, but introduces four more word-building and memorization activities to an already brimming program.
Designers paid attention to details that are important for learning: characters meticulously pronounce words and sound out letters in clear children's voices. Each activity can be played on five different levels, and kids can check their progress and print study words. The program introduces sight words for memorization as well as words that must be constructed by sounding out. Some of the virtual books in this program are more entertaining and engaging than actual phonics texts we've seen. Even the Parent's Guide information was useful, and taught us a thing or two about how kids learn to read. Perhaps most importantly, this CD-ROM's clever wordplay and constant comedic surprises will keep kids interested as they develop the nuts-and-bolts skills that will lead to a lifetime of enthusiastic reading. (Ages 3 to 6) --Anne Erickson
Amazon.com Product Description: Your child is invited to go on a learning journey with Reader Rabbit. Learn to Read with Phonics is designed to teach reading one step at a time, from letters and sounds, to words and spelling, and, eventually, to reading simple stories. This reading program is designed to help children build skills, confidence, and a solid foundation for success in reading. Come along and discover the joy of reading with Reader Rabbit.
Product Description: Join Reader Rabbit on a joyful journey to build reading confidence and success! Develop essential reading skills while exploring 26 Letter Lands filled with fun phonics activities and engaging storybooks. Practice language arts skills while playing with four fabulous word-making machines at the Word Factory. From letters and sounds, to words, and spelling, and on to reading comprehension.
4 year old loves it! My four YO grandson tried this out for the first time last night. His words "I LOVE my new game!" I was impressed with how easy he was pulled into the activities and the sense of acomplishment he had when matching sounds to letters and listening to the sounds and matching to words. The L sound is weird though. Doesnt sound right but for everything else it is great.
Not supported on Mac OS X This product is not supported on Mac OS X as indicated in the product description. The product says it works with Mac OS 7.5 or greater. To me, 10 is greater then 7.5 so I assumed it worked. It didn't and when I contacted the company (I purchased it from EducationMax) they told me that my Operating System was to new. I've had the same Mac for 10 years and my Operating System is at least 2-3 years old. I'm in the process of returning the product. I'm rating EducationMax 1 Star, not Reader Rabbit.
Avoid - Bug in CD teaches kids how to spell incorrectly The Piano portion of this game has a bug that teaches you how to spell incorrectly. There are no updates to fix this problem, and the manufacturer no longer supports the game.
Very Loud My 5 year old loves this, however I find it loud and a bit to "young" for her. It does not offer anything for her to learn. It just goes over what she knows.
Buggy Software! Excellent game, but I've got v1.3 (under XP, and tried on two PCs) and it has a bad software bug with the piano game, as other reviewers have stated. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars.
This is what I got back from customer support regarding the bug:
"Thank you for your inquiry and for choosing Riverdeep, Broderbund, The Learning Company, and Edmark for your software needs.
Unfortunately, this issue does not have a resolution. I want to apologize for this inconvenience."
It's still well worth the purchase if you're willing to sit with your child during the piano game to try to prevent any confusion and frustration.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
