JumpStart Preschool Deluxe

Amazon.com Product Description:
Double the learning power and fun with a new deluxe two-CD-ROM software set from JumpStart. Kids learn essential preschool skills and then take off to faraway worlds of fun in an adventure around the world. AdJust-For-You Learning Technology adjusts automatically to your child's pace. Kids learn colors, shapes, letters, numbers, quantities, counting, prereading, songs, sequencing, spatial relationships, listening skills, similarities and differences, world geography, and cultures of the world. On disc one, join Pierre Polar Bear and his animated friends as you explore a colorful classroom packed with fun-filled games and sing-along songs. With disc two, climb aboard the next boat, plane, train, or zeppelin and take off to faraway worlds of fun on the all-new Around the World CD-ROM. Kids can play 4 different games and visit 12 different cities where they'll learn phrases in different languages, hear music of other lands, and collect souvenirs.

Great Intro to computer games for young kids:
I don't understand the complaints voiced by other reviewers. This is a great first intro to computer games for young kids. It has games that focus on very elementary skills, such as moving the mouse around--one game involves moving a wagon side to side with the mouse to catch balls that are rolled very slowly down an alley (you are instructed to catch only balls of a certain color). Other games involve counting or recognizing shapes and colors: one game involves cleaning up blocks by, e.g., putting the blue square blocks in one container and the green triangles in another; another game involves counting out a specified number of food items in response to a chef's request for "five bananas", and so forth. My daughter loved this CD when she first experienced it at 2 and 1/2. Within 3 months of playing with our assistance, she can play all the games by herself, and she loves the reward of a train ride after completing four games successfully. There are very few games out there that a 2-year-old can master, and this was a very good investment for us. I agree, however, that the added "travel agency" disc is a throwaway.

My daughter's view:
I purchased this for my 3 year old daughter and she absolutely loves it. The skill level automatically upgrades (and downgrades) as they do very well... or poorly. There is also the opportunity to 'test' your child's knowledge level and set the skill level according to the results. My daughter has learned sequences of the alphabet - at any given point and her hand-eye coordination has greatly improved!

Best young kids' software I have found:
My 4 year old starting playing this when he was 2 1/2 and still plays it. It is easy to understand and has areas that even the youngest beginners can understand, and as the game get more difficult it is great for older players as well. It has consistent instructions and buttons, so he could play independently without constantly calling me over to help him as he does with other software. It has grown with him and now his 2 1/2 year old brother is starting to play it and loves it. I recommend this package to any parent who is looking to start their child on computer software. In fact, I am writing this review because I am in the process of buying Jumpstart Preschool for my niece who is about to turn two.

Disagree with "Lost It!":
I completely disagree with the "Lost It" review. Yes, rewards are given on this game... but, they are not the main focus. Don't let the one star review from this shopper discourage you. The skills covered in this game are extensive and age-appropriate. As a first grade teacher, my students use the Jumpstart First Grade program weekly (lines up perfectly with the first grade curriculum/standards). And, my two-year-old LOVES the Jumpstart Preschool cd-rom. The rewards are simply a tool used to help parents and teachers assess what skills have been mastered and where there are weaknesses. Five stars all the way...

Great for younger kids:
My daughters (2+9mos and 3+9mos years old) play these games for hours on end. The littler one has now developed the fine motor control needed to use the mouse so it's perfect for her. The 3+ year-old loves it but even on the highest level all of the games are much too easy. I am surprised how the girls both love the reward system in the game- 4 correct games gets you 4 train tickets and a ride on the train, and a stamp in your "passport". The kids both try hard to win train rides.