Reading Blaster for Kindergarten

Reviewed by Carol Welch
Published by Knowledge Adventure

Age Group: Age 4 to 8
Type: Language Arts, Thinking Games
Price: $30

PC version requires:
Windows 95/98, P90+, 16MB RAM (32 recommended), 4x CD-ROM, 256-color Super VGA graphics, Printer recommended

Mac version requires:
Power Mac, system 7.5.3+, 32MB RAM, 4x CD-ROM, 256-color (minimum 640x480), Printer recommended

Description:

Dive into an underwater adventure designed to develop kindergarten phonics and reading skills. Reading Blaster for Kindergarten introduces children to early reading with five fun activities:

  • Clam Shell Scramble - spell 3 or 4 letter words and construct simple sentences.
  • Letter Dive - recognize and match upper and lower case letters; practice ABC order.
  • Sea Horse - match shapes, letters and words; distinguish between same and different.
  • Sand Dollar Matching - match sounds, rhymes and find opposites.
  • Hidden Pictures - group like objects, sounds and rhymes.

Reading Blaster for Kindergarten also provides plenty of creative opportunities with activities like coloring pages, printable pictures, stickers and a message board. Printable word flash cards and progress reports give parents the chance to stay involved in their child's learning experience. Story Corner offers several simple stories that children can read alone or click on the speaker button to have the story read to them.

Features:

  • 5 activities to develop phonics and reading skills
  • 5 levels
  • Progress Tracker
  • Creative activities

Technical Aspects:

This title installed and ran smoothly on a Celeron 400 with 32MB RAM. However, the installation automatically placed a shortcut on my desktop to install AT&T World Net. I don't mind titles that offer to set up these "extras", but when one does so without my consent it tends to irritate me. The last thing I need is more clutter on my hard drive.

Bright colors, sharp graphics and clear audio create an especially appealing title for children. The theme song has such a great beat, I caught myself singing it in the kitchen; but after hearing it several times, it would have been nice to have the option to click through it. Audio instruction and sound recognition play an important role in the featured activities, making this an unsuitable choice for hearing-impaired children.

Report and Conclusion:

My 5-year-old loves this title and seems to benefit from the reading skills practice it provides. Reading Blaster for Kindergarten follows right along with his current kindergarten curriculum. Even my 8-year-old has been caught playing this title. He enjoys the games, but especially likes the creative activities.

I was particularly impressed with the abundance of positive reinforcement. Children are rewarded for correct answers and accomplishments with encouraging words and fun surprises. Wrong answers receive a gentle signal and the opportunity to try again. In Letter Dive, my sons often pop the wrong bubbles on purpose just to hear Blaster hiccup!

Combining crucial phonics and reading skills practice with lively characters and fun activities, Reading Blaster for Kindergarten is a great title for beginning readers!