Kids Math Syvum Book /Kids English Syvum Book

4/18/00

The world of shareware often brings you gems. Sharing links to good shareware programs is a passion for some. The Syvum books may contain a fair amount of educational content, but they are not what I would consider "gems." Perhaps more fun than your grocery store workbook? Yes. Up to par with the rest of the educational software world? No. At $14.99 per level, you will save a bit of money over other educational programs, but only if your kids are not too picky about the presentation.

Each level of Syvum book is presented in a familiar browser mode. Most kids are familiar enough with the Internet, that this makes the layout easy to use. Parents will also be able to find their way around fairly easily. The program keeps track of your children's progress, and can be used for multiple children. Each level covers approximately 1-2 grade levels, with the emphasis being on the elementary school age group.

The ten areas covered in the Math Series are:

• Minimum/Maximum (number sequencing and understanding)
• Place Value
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Arithmetic
• Fractions
• Algebra (beginning level only)
• Mixed Bag (review, and includes word problems)

The English Series includes the following skills:

• Swap & Spell
• Delete & Spell
• Insert & See
• Arrange & See
• Seek & See
• One & Many
• Now & Then
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Just 1 Word

Most of these are the same type of activities you would see in simple grocery store workbooks, or basic elementary school worksheets. Lots of fill-in-the-blank, rearrange letters, and proofreading.

The 'hosts' are two characters named Nottie and Webbie. To say they have odd voices, and that the sound is sub-par is a slight understatement. Kids came running from every direction when I started this program saying, "What in the world is THAT?" Sorry, but the sound here was just truly annoying.

Syvum claims on it's web site that, "it assists parents and teachers in teaching. Moreover, the children get familiar with the use of computer hardware (e.g., the keyboard and mouse). As a bonus, an appreciation develops for concepts in computer software (e.g., menus for providing choices, and various types of boxes for providing inputs). " Kids are just too computer savvy for this any longer. Unless they have been on Mars, they will pick up computer usage within minutes. They are almost BORN with these skills it seems! An entire program certainly does not need to be molded around this concern. Even kids who have not had the opportunity to use a computer or gaming system of any kind, will learn very very quickly.

Granted, there are some parents who are strongly opposed to today's 'edutainment' titles. If you fit that description, this one is for you. For anyone who has kids who have used the computer much, this one will just not keep them glued to the screen. Those with very old systems who have not been exposed to today's technology might fare a bit better here. There is a good amount of educational content, I just did not like the presentation. One reason I began homeschooling in the FIRST place was to get away from brain-dead, fill-in-the-blank worksheets. This one should definitely be downloaded as a demo first before purchasing.

Grading for Syvum Math and English Books Educational Value: 3 Entertainment Value: 1 1/2 Replay Value: 1 1/2 Available from Syvum at http://www.syvum.com