Madeline Classroom Companion Preschool and Kindergarten

Any parent familiar with Madeline knows their children are in for a wonderful experience visiting with this precocious child. Madeline has entertained readers for generations. Her new found popularity has catapulted here on to your computer screens and in to your homes. The latest addition to the Madeline software line is a series of grade specific programs meant to supplement both Preschool/Kindergarten children and First/Second Grade children.

The Madeline programs are much more mellow and peaceful than other programs on the market. Although Madeline manages to have a lot of fun, she is dainty, kind and feminine. This program is appropriate for both boys and girls, but may appeal to girls a bit more due to the character. My five year old son like Madeline, but only in small doses. He has to return to something more 'masculine' from time to time for some reason. This is not a bad thing however. There are few decent programs on the market which cater to girls in a way which is not stereotypical. As with many of these programs, there are no real teaching opportunities. The program basically drills and quizzes your child on information it is assumed he or she already knows. From there it is a matter of guessing. Madeline is kind when your child gets a wrong answer, but she really only tells your child to keep trying.

Madeline introduces your child to basic kindergarten subjects through her village shops. She will show your child through nine different buildings, each containing a different activity. In the bakery, she will help your child learn concepts of more and less. Three levels extend the play of this program. By level three your child must distinguish 'more or less' with distractions such as objects which do not need to be counted. Each of the activities has three levels of play. The skills taught are appropriate for most kindergarten children, however I would not purchase this program for an older kindergarten child, or one ready to advance to first grade. They will find the activities too easy.

In the candy shop Madeline must choose which candies she wants. While doing this, your child will be helping her using addition and subtraction. Level one concentrates on addition skills only. The math problems are all very visual and can be handled by most kindergarten children. Follow Madeline to the jewelry shop and help her create necklaces. This activity is similar to one used in many classrooms. The beads form the beginnings of a pattern which your child must complete. Simple spelling activities are found in the General Store. The words your child must spell are written lightly and your child must simply find the correct letters on a keyboard. There are no difficult spelling activities here. This is simply introducing your child to words. There are really no phonics skills taught in this program. The spelling activity as well as all others using words and letters deal more with sight words and whole word recognition.

In Madeline's playroom, she will introduce your child to basic English, French and Spanish words. Your child must choose the correct label in the given language for items flashed on the screen. There are no 'lessons' included. It will be more trial and error learning than anything else. The Magic Show will require your child to answer simple questions like "Who is the king of the jungle?" "What vegetable is yellow and has many layers of skin?" etc. Pictures are shown at the bottom of the screen from which your child must choose the correct answer. These are very easy questions which will not push most kindergarten children. At level three the questions become a bit more difficult and at a better level for most kindergarten children.

Every program must have it's art area. This program is no different. Your child can create his or her own picture, or color an existing picture. Paints can be mixed on the palette, but no more than two colors mix accurately. Stamps of animals, toys and Madeline and friends can be placed on each picture. Last but not least you will find an area full of printable activities. These are typical workbook activities, but they are fun because Madeline is on many of them. There is also a theater containing three music videos. This is hardly worth mentioning as I have not figured out the purpose of these videos other than entertainment. One of the songs has a good message about your child's individuality, but these are strictly for fun.

The preschool CD included is very similar. The scene is almost the same, Madeline shows your preschooler around her village shops. The games and activities concentrate on letter recognition, number recognition and counting, colors and shapes etc. Most preschoolers would really enjoy this program. I would especially recommend Madeline to a preschooler who was quiet and not looking for a lot of flashy action. Madeline will feel like a friend to preschoolers like this and is not the least bit threatening. Madeline will appeal to both boys and girls, but again, the preschool program will be a bit more popular with girls. Three skills levels allow your child to progress at his or her own rate. A smooth transition could be made from the preschool disk to the kindergarten disk when your child is ready.

Madeline Classroom Companion Preschool and Kindergarten is a good program for early kindergarten children and those not ready to move on to first grade specific software. This program is also good for the more quiet child as it is slower paced than some more 'raucous' programs.

Grading:

Educational value- 3
Entertainment value- 3
Use of medium- 21/2
Age- 3-6

While not readily available, you can find this program direct from the manufacturer at: http://www.creativewonders.com/cwonders/f_prod.html