That's a Fact, Jack! Read (Disc 18: Mystery & Adventure)

Reviewed by Carma Stewart
Published by Tom Snyder Productions

Age Group: Age 8 and Up
Type: Language Arts
Price: $80

PC version requires:
Windows 95+, P166, 125MB HD, 2xCD-ROM, 32MB RAM, 640x480 1000's colors, Large screen display optional

Mac version requires:
Power Mac 601+, 105MB HD, 2xCD-ROM, System 8.1 (G3s/8.5.1), 32MB RAM, 640x480 1000's colors, Large screen display optional

Description:

That's a Fact, Jack! Read (Disc 18: Mystery & Adventure) is a hip, interactive game show that can be used to motivate children to read books they might not read otherwise. The program has slick graphics and high quality sound effects and interaction, but if you have not read any of the books reviewed, you can't get a very high score because you would have to guess, and the answers are based on details in the book. The program verbally asks which mode you want to play in and displays two options: individual/small group or classroom mode. In the individual/small group mode, up to 3 people can compete. The program also allows you to set the amount of time for the game, so that the game comes to a logical conclusion when your time is up. Players enter their names and are assigned a letter key to use to "buzz in" to answer multiple choice questions.

Points are earned for right answers. In the bonus round, players are given a set time to earn points based on how many right answers they can get in that time, they are then presented with an option to hear how the bonus round works or to start playing the bonus round. The bonus round gives a premise and then presents a series of statements; the player determines which of the statements supports the premise. This involves both a knowledge of the book chosen by the player for review, and logic. There are 10 books reviewed on disc 18, and the user guide includes a brief summary of each the following:

  • Bunnicula by Deborah & James Howe
  • The Celery Stalks at Midnight by James Howe
  • The Dark Stairs by Betsy Byars
  • Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
  • The Ghosts of Mercy Manor by Betty Ren Wright
  • Stuart Little by E.B. White
  • Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
  • Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
  • The Warm Place by Nancy Farmer
  • The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman

Features:

  • Reading comprehension in quiz show format
  • Factual recall and inferential questions
  • Whole class, team or single player modes
  • 10 books covered (in #9, fantasy and adventure selections)
  • Supplemental classroom activities
  • Books with possible mature content marked
  • Free catalog can be ordered to preview all 450 books offered

Technical Aspects:

Put the CD-ROM into the drive and follow the setup instructions. The host is a real person who stands at the podium and reads the questions and answers. No silly animations, but the host is funny. When questions are answered wrongly, the correct answer is then revealed and explained. Every question is timed, and you lose points if you answer incorrectly. Hearing impaired students can play easily, although they'll miss out on the host's comments during play.

This software has top quality animation and sound effects. It is very entertaining, but you must be familiar with the books featured to enjoy playing it. The game show host is a slick guy who has a variety of entertaining gestures, costumes and informative, witty commentary. TFJ Read is a fun game that could help to increase a child's reading comprehension skills, and maybe spark a love for reading chapter books.




Warning: main(kidsdomain.inc) [function.main]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /data/sites/network/public_html/omniture/omnitureTag.inc on line 20

Warning: main() [function.include]: Failed opening 'kidsdomain.inc' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/www/sites/kaboose/php:/www/sites/kaboose/php/include') in /data/sites/network/public_html/omniture/omnitureTag.inc on line 20