JumpStart Spanish

JumpStart Spanish is easy to install, and it installs Apple QuickTime for the animation features of the program. As JumpStart Spanish can also be used for learning English, learners choose the language they want to learn and the language in which they want their lessons conducted. Once finished, JumpStart Spanish starts itself and students are introduced to the spunky animated rabbit who serves as guide through the lessons.

The main page of this program is a "clubhouse" that includes doorways into the fun, colorful, and musical lessons contained in the program. Kids can click on different rooms in a dollhouse, for example, and then learn the words for all the articles inside. Children can also click on the television and watch different conversational videotapes that teach them how to say "What time is it?" and other useful phrases.

JumpStart Spanish will teach this vocabulary and these phrases in both English and Spanish, helping children recognize words they already know and what they sound like in this new language. Children can learn at their own pace and, when ready, increase the difficulty level of the lessons.

JumpStart Spanish uses music, friendly cartoon characters, and familiar items and situations to relate to small children and teach them a new language. Moreover, if you're not happy with JumpStart Spanish, Knowledge Adventure offers a 90-day 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. So, if you're looking to turn your child on to foreign language and make it fun and alive, JumpStart Spanish is an excellent choice. --Kendra Hayden

Amazon.com Product Description
In JumpStart Spanish, children, ages 3-6, join Mr. Hopsalot from JumpStart Kindergarten on a special visit to his clubhouse, high atop a large oak tree. When kids arrive in the tree house, they realize Mr. Hopsalot's affinity for the Spanish language and its cultures. As they explore the many items Mr. Hopsalot has in his hangout, children are exposed to Spanish and English translations of common words and phrases and learn about Spanish culture in a fun and educational way. The product also includes a toggle that allows Spanish-speaking families to use JumpStart Spanish to introduce their child to the English language.

Jumpstart Spanish is bright and lively. The best thing about it is its continual rewards. Kids get immediate rewards for correct choices in the form of cute actions on screen. They are rewarded again with stars for completing sections, and are motivated to keep collecting stars because they can use them to put fish in an aquarium. If they don't get the right answer, the program is very gentle in telling them, and if they miss repeatedly it lights up the correct choice for them to pick. [...,] I see it as a great feature. It lets kids jump in and play without undue frustration or negativity, and lets them learn as they go. Yes, they can guess their way to a star, but I think being shown the answer lets them learn that answer better than it would to let them get more confused with endless wrong choices. This is after all software for young children!

The main drawback to this program is that it really only teaches nouns. Kids learn colors, days of the week, household items, articles of clothing, body parts, and things around the neighborhood. They may pick up some phrases from the directions and praises given, but they really don't learn and grammar or sentences (hence my search for more programs). Here's hoping Jumpstart is working on "Spanish 2"...


My kids love it!   March 20, 2000
31 out of 31 found this review helpful

I read one review from Oakland and she said the sound was muffled. Well it must be your hardware because my kids who are 3, 5, and 7ys old can understand and repeat everything. They just love it. They spend hours on the computer listening to Spanish. I really like the vocabulary as well as the fact that they ask questions in spanish so they can also learn how to ask a question as well as answer it. It is great. I've tried many spanish tapes and software and this is the only one that they were really interested in using.


My kids love it!   October 3, 2002
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I have three kids, ages 2,3 and 8 that literally fight over who gets to play this game. My 2 year old boy would sit and play this game for hours if I would let him, it really captures his attention with the bright, colorful graphics, and catchy songs. My daughter who is 8, gets ready for school extra early just so she and her 3 year old sister will have time to play this game. Not only is it fun for them, they have really picked up alot of Spanish words from playing it. I only wish they would make a Spanish 2!


Great Product   May 20, 2000
John Garavaglia (St. Louis)
23 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is an excellent product for my 4 year old girl and I highly recommend it for any beginner. It offers several areas of study (colors, numbers, days of the week, and many household items). It's easy to change from one subject to another when my child becomes bored. The screens are filled with a variety of color. Additionally, it allows you to earn "stars" as you learn. Five stars allows your child to add an item to the aquarium (fish & other moving objects). My four year old loves this feature. I can't say enough about this product. I only wish JumpStart would make the next edition!


Awesome Learning Tool   July 7, 2000
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Not only do the children enjoy learning but the adults as well. It holds a child's interest based on the creativity of the CD as well as the educational factors. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning Spanish as a starting point.