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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Reader Rabbit 1 Deluxe |
| Version: | 1.0 |
| Manufacturer: | The Learning Company |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic Pentium 75 |
| Operating System: | Windows 95 |
| Recommended Age: | 3-6 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | April-98 |
| Rating | 
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OVERVIEW
Reader Rabbit 1 is a program designed to teach children the basic word letter sounds. The theme of the program is a "Word Factory" and many of the activities take place in a cyber-industrial setting. The software consists of four different activities to start youngsters on the road to reading simple words.
The four activities focus on different reading comprehension skills. The activities in Reader Rabbit become progressively more difficult as the child graduates to higher levels.
A matching game is the first activity. Pictures and words are hidden behind boxes. The child has to select pairs of boxes until either matching words or pictures are selected.
Another activity is a "Word Train" that builds skills in identifying words that have similar spelling and sounds.
The "Sorter" activity reinforces the skills learned in "Word Train" by highlighting words with similar spelling patterns.
The final activity builds skills in relating three letter words to their picture.
The program has attractive graphics and a delightful soundtrack. It is easy for children as young as three to grasp the way everything works. The activities are entertaining and keep the child focused for extended periods of time.
A well written and indexed manual is included that explains the installation and operation of the program.
STRONG POINTS
Attractive and easily understood user interface - Children just point and click to navigate. Reader Rabbit explains how to use each activity and feature.
Variety - Over 200 three letter words are covered, many of them with associated pictures.
WEAK POINTS
None - Program operation and content are outstanding.
COMMENTS
If I had to choose only three programs for my young child to use, this would definitely be one of them. The program is both entertaining and educational.
