Jump Start Math for Kindergartners
Linda J. Skinner · T.H.E. Journal Technological Horizons in Education · 2000
As a kindergarten teacher, I am most impressed with Jump Start Math for Kindergartners. The program comes on a hybrid CD and will run on Windows 95+ or a Macintosh Power PC. The program uses a birthday theme, inviting children to help the people of Cloud Town prepare a birthday party surprise for Guthry the Giant. When magic beans are planted, a giant beanstalk grows and takes the classroom to Cloud Town, reminding one of Jack and the Beanstalk. However, Guthry the Giant is a very gentle and benevolent fellow, not the bloodthirsty type of fairy-tale fame. The guide throughout the program, as in all of the Jump Start series, is Hopsalot the Rabbit. This is a plus with small children, as a familiar character can ease their transition into a new program. The program covers important and essential kindergarten math skills: * Writing Numbers: The child flies a plane to sky-write numbers and shapes. Children can also hear songs about shapes and numbers after they finish skywriting. * Sorting: The graphic organizer, Venn Diagram, is used most effectively in this part of the program as the child must help the Popsalot family blow up and sort balloons for Guthry's party. * Problem Solving/Following Directions: Snow cones must be prepared by following the recipes. Also comprehensively covered are skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, sequences and patterns, and measurement. The program is easy for young children to navigate and operate. Audible directions and a vivid graphical interface help the children through the program. The software allows children to make decisions as they explore and complete activities according to their own desires. However, in order to attend the giant's birthday party, they must earn 100 candles for the birthday cake. The program allows them to work any activity at any time, but in order to earn the 100 candles they must complete activities throughout the program, and are only allowed to earn a certain number of candles for each activity. The activities increase in difficulty as the child shows skill mastery. Kindergartners will find this program very engaging and entertaining. They will have fun while learning essential math skills. The animation is colorful and very well done, sing-along songs are incorporated throughout the program, and the characters will keep the child's interest. This program does a good job of incorporating all of the Multiple Intelligences: verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, musical, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intra-personal, and naturalist. …