JumpStart Advanced Preschool (Windows/Macintosh)

At the start of each set of games, an animal 'pet'(rabbit, cat, lizard, etc.)is selected. With the successful completion of each game,the player is given a reward (some food, a toy, a brush...) for the pet to eat or play with. Kids love this. They giggle as they watch the dog chew his snacks and smile, or the cat play with his flashlight. After 4 reward items are acquired, the player is then encouraged to find the pet a loving home (they take off in a hot-air balloon and fly over potential new homes).

It's amazing to see how this simple reward system can motivate a child! My 3 year old son has been using this software for the past month and he never gets tired of it. He's excited every time he wins a new reward. Parents can customize the level of difficulty for each subject area, so the games should never get too easy or too difficult. Keeping the games at the appropriate level ensures that your child never gets bored or frustrated.

I haven't experienced any of the problems that some other reviewers have complained about. The sound and visuals all work perfectly. What's more, this software is very user-friendly. My 3 year old doesn't even need my help with it. He just sits at the computer and starts playing on his own (but it's fun to play with him, so I'm usually right by his side).

One piece of advice: I strongly recommend that participants listen to the spoken instructions before playing each game. If you begin clicking your mouse before the instructions have finished, you will immediately jump to the game before you know what you're doing. But, even if this happens, don't worry. Just click the "back arrow" button, and the instructions will repeat. Other than that, this is as easy as 1..2..3.


Great even for 1-year olds!   August 15, 2004
J. Brady (Falls Church, VA United States)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

This software (Jumpstart Advanced - Toddlers) is very easy to install and simple to use. My 17-month old can't yet use a mouse, but Jumpstart allows her to punch the keys and make things happen. She LOVES to sit in my lap and follow along as I play through all the games and activities. Her favorite part is the learning CD where she can explore colors, shapes, numbers, and other activities with a cute little duck named Dee-Dee. My daughter loves the animation and lively songs. When she's cranky and all else fails, I will say "Is it time for Dee-Dee?" and my little girl's eyes light up and she toddles into the computer room to wait for me to start her CD. I love this product and will likely order more from Jumpstart as she grows older.


Jumpstart is great as always!   January 22, 2007
Jodi Perko (Springfield,, IL United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

My 3-yr-old daughter loves this game. She had grown past the Jumpstart Toddlers, so was ready to advance, and this was perfect. My older daughter (now 12) had gone through many of Jumpstart Program, and she always loved them, too. The games are very fun for the kids, and yet while they're playing the various games, they are learning and preparing for school, too. I highly recommend Jumpstart products!


great games   October 26, 2004
toyaholic
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

My three year old loves this cd. She constantly played it for the first year we had it. It's got games that are harder and games that are easy for her so she always has something to do. Her favourite game was the balloon pop which teaches number recognition and additon.