Using Jump Start Advanced Second Grade Software
Review of Updated Computer Learning Program for Primary Students
Mar 14, 2009
This children's software program provides a wide variety of arenas to generate hours of learning play with one or more students. As usual with computer programs for kids, check the operating system numbers carefully to see that your computer will run it. It is important to remember that the specified grade level is advisory only – many older students can fill in gaps and just have fun learning and/or reviewing skills while building confidence with this wonderful program.
Jump Start Advanced Second Grade Disc 1
Entitled Fundamentals, this disc contains an assessment test which can give adults a clear view of skills needed by a particular child. However, the negative part is the words "pop quiz" and the child is told when an item is wrong. Here's hoping next time the developers find a more graceful way to handle this.
Adults are advised to stay close by when the child is taking this quiz, assuring them that no one is supposed to know everything. (Tell the child that it's just like a picture, a chance to show what you know this particular day.) A great feature is the opportunity to save test results or not. At first, it may pay off to not save, play a while to become used to it, and then retake the test and save the results. Parents and teachers can take a cue from the child. If adjustments are needed it is usually obvious.
A wide variety of skills are checked out here, moving to another section when child misses one. There is also background music which works for some and not for others. A strategy here is to plug in the earphones (but not put them on) if your child is responding negatively to the background.
Another way to use the game is to work on weak areas, then if more is needed, re-enter the game under a different name. Some like to use initials.
Jump Start Advanced Second Grade Software Disc 2
Entitled Field Trip Adventure, this is a powerhouse of learning opportunities. The Pause feature is quite helpful. While roaming the world, children perform math and reading curriculum skills while they earn tokens to play reward games. Incidentally, they learn about customs and features of places around the world. Adult support may be needed for the grid train game, as it makes them start over with one error.
Jump Start Advanced Second Grade Program Disc 3
This Mystery Club Vol. 1 is fine for Windows users, but more limited in options for Mac users. The activities are both inviting and learning-oriented.
Jump Start Advanced Second Grade Learning Game Disc 4
Pet Playground is a Windows only CD, thus is unavailable to Mac families. However, this is the disc to take to a friend's house to play if you are a Mac family. If not, invite a Mac neighbor to have fun with it!
Overall, Jump Start Advanced Second Grade is a game worth owning. Like all computer learning, adult guidance is helpful to assure getting the most for your money.
Disclaimer: Just because a student can succeed in an educational software program at one's enrolled grade level does not mean that grade level's curriculum has been fully mastered – especially writing skills and longer term attention to reading and problem-solving skills
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