That's a Fact, Jack! Read #9: Fantasy and Adventure

Reviewed by Anise Hollingshead
Published by Tom Snyder Productions

Age Group: Age 8 and Up, Adults
Type: Language Arts
Price: $60

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 is a series of programs that quiz students on their comprehension of various well-known books. Each program has 10 books, for a total of 450. Questions cover direct recall, inference, thinking ahead and also has students decide if certain quotes support statements or not. Additional ideas and exercises are included in the Teacher's Material provided.

Features:

  • Reading comprehension in quiz show format
  • 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:

Installation was simple and everything went well. I didn't see an autoplay feature, but used the Program Manager to begin the game. 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.

Report and Conclusions:

I love quiz shows that test knowledge, and enjoyed this one! I'm actually unfamiliar with the titles featured in this particular category, fantasy and adventure for grades 8+, but that's because most of these were written after I became an adult, and my oldest is just now becoming interested in fantasy. On the whole, I found the questions thought provoking and well-done. The best use for this program is in the classroom with teams competing for optimum fun and excitement, but this only works for class-assigned books. For individual reading, use the individual or small team mode.

The additional classroom activities are essential to a thorough treatment of these books, and I suggest that teachers plan accordingly. As some of these books do have some mature content, I also suggest that teachers read all the books themselves first, and send a list home for parents to look over, as well, to avoid possible problems later. Since this is a fantasy selection, some magical elements may bother parents, too, so teachers should be aware of that and have alternate plans in place, like having one of the other genres for this grade range available, Sports and Life and The Way Families Work for a wider choice of reading material.

A great addition to any language arts program!





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