Title:  Leap Ahead 3rd Grade

Publisher: The Learning Company, Inc.

Date Published: 2001

Platform: Windows

Content Area: Enhanced reading, language arts, math, and problem-solving skills for lower elementary.

Range of Grade Levels: 2nd-4th grades

Content Description: This particular software is an animated game for language arts or mathematics.  The students guide a robot to collect clues to solve problems dealing with math.  The students will use writing skills to collect data as well as math skills to solve the problems.  This software includes opportunities for collective note taking, application, analyzing, and comprehension of various word problems.  This software is very useful for building students’ problem-solving skills while making it fun and interesting for a group.

Instructional Type:

___ Drill and Practice   ___ Tutorial

___ Simulation   ___ Game

___ Problem Solving   ___ Tool
 

Strengths/Weaknesses:

Strengths would include opportunities to enhance writing and mathematical skills. Collection of data and application to solving the word problems for the robot will display helpful tactics to learning the best ways to efficiently complete the problem-solving process for mathematics. The students’ will also build excellent writing skills by putting thoughts, clues, and observations into correct sentence structure.
Weaknesses would include a tough navigation system.  The students’ should be led through this software with a teacher first. It contains many navigation tactics throughout the activity to gain the right answers.  Students’ should be taught the complete directions and should be feel comfortable in knowing them in order to work the software individually.
This software would be very helpful as an addition to a classroom lecture on problem-solving strategies.  It will give the students’ a hands-on activity to comply with the teacher’s lesson.  The students’ will be more interested in math, problem solving, and writing if they are encouraged and given the opportunity to play a “game” on the computer. It doesn’t seem too intense or boring to them if a computer game is applied. They would be excited and willing to work on this software to help them gain more knowledge in this area.

Yes, I would use this software with my students, but I believe that I would use it only with my advanced students.  It is very direction-oriented and knowledgeable navigation is a necessity for this activity.  I feel that lower-level math students would be discouraged by the intense activity that the software portrays.

Rating:

8- I rated this software an eight because I feel that it is very helpful and useful for students when learning the proper problem-solving skills with appropriate data collection.  It does possess a difficulty that would discourage some students, but is excellent for its intended purpose in the classroom for students that are able to master it.

Links:

http://www.col-ed.org/cur/math/math25.txt
This link will lead to a lesson plan that exhibits another excellent way to encourage and promote problem-solving skills.  It is intended to help children develop strategies to become better independent problem solvers.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MathProblemSolvingCowsChickens12.htm
This lesson plan is great for lower-level elementary students.  It includes a great story that incorporates math and problem solving.  The lesson plan includes a story, group work, and writing skills for students.

Reviews:

Math Munchers Deluxe

Author: Tina Velgos

Source of Review: www.worldvillage.com

I would be interested in trying this software because in addition to building confidence in mathematics, it polishes math problem skills with great graphics, characters, and scenarios on a 3-D game board.  It will be fun, interesting, and helpful for students.
 
 

Mongro’s Monstrous Money Math

Author: not shown

Source of Review: www.superkids.com

I would be interested in using this software in math class because it clearly explains and applies learning about money.  The objectives include “to recognize American coins and bills and practice mathematical arithmetic”.  It does state that it is an effective arithmetic drill activity, but does not effectively aid players in identifying currency.  I would use this software only after I have discussed and learned the various types of money in my class.

JumpStart Typing

Author: not shown

Source of Review: www.superkids.com

Typing is a very important skill that every student must learn. This software is appealing to the typing teacher. It is an easy learn-to-type program with appeal. It offers attractive graphics and lessons especially for the novice typist.  It includes drill games that track performance strengths and weaknesses.  I would definitely use this software in my classroom as an effective way to teach the basics of typing to my students.