Interactive Math Journey-

Following on the heels of the extremely popular "Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey," The Learning Company recently released "Interactive Math Journey." There is some confusion as to the targeted audience. Depending on which chart you look at, you will see ages 5-9, 6-9 and 6-8. I have my opinions on where this program should be used, but there was obviously a bit of confusion at TLC as well!

"Interactive Math Journey" takes your child on an adventure through Mathland. Tally the Cat, Math Cat and Pop the Math Explorer lead your child on a search for the Math Magician. This magician supposedly has magical math powers. Once your child has progressed through the entire program, he will discover that HE is the Math Magician. Twenty five activities in ten different "land" introduce your child to math skills in the areas of geometry, addition and subtraction, fractions and multiplication. If you do not allow your child access to the entire program and require him to progress sequentially, each activity will take quite some time. I did not feel that the actual "teaching" was well done. This program is NOT for the typical five year old. I would not recommend purchasing this program as a means of "teaching" the skills mentioned. As an extension activity, or added practice it is fine. For this reason I would recommend this program for children no younger than six and even then with some parental involvement. If your child does not understand the concepts of addition and subtraction or is a "beginner" in the math world, I would save this program for later.

Each land contains an interactive story which is meant to build your child's confidence. Some of these contained good activities where real learning was going on. In others I saw a lot of guess work from kids who did not understand the concepts to begin with. The same holds true for the activity areas. The activities are worthwhile, but not for the true beginner. The measurement and fraction areas were the most valuable in my opinion. These allowed hands-on activities which my own kids found fun and wanted to repeat. The program includes an activity book with manipulatives. Pattern blocks and counting cubes allow your child a bit of extra practice away from the computer.

I have mixed feelings regarding this program. The progressive levels are helpful, and the program as a whole is well presented. It is rather expensive. At an estimated street price of between $75-90, I would think seriously before purchasing this program, or at least wait for a good sale. There is nothing inherently WRONG with this program, but I don't feel that it did is as thorough as "Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey" was on the reading side. I would not have hesitated spending the higher price for the reading program, but the math version leaves me wondering. I do like this program much more than the latest Math Blaster program, but not as well as the latest Edmark Mighty Math programs.

Grading:

Educational value- 3
Entertainment value- 3
Use of medium- 4
Dollar value- 2
Age- 6-9

Sorry, but this program is no longer available. Watch for it on Ebay.com