Product Overview
Through the Woods allows kids to explore a musical forest. Kids can click on the picture of the month of their choice, and have that page either read or sung to them. Although each month starts with the line "Over the river and through the woods...", each song features a different style and the lyrics correspond with the characteristics of the featured month of the year. There are 4 options available: Sing & Play, Sing to Me, Read & Play, and Read to Me. In the "Play" modes, children can click on various hotspots after the page has been read or sung to them.
Kids can also select "Activities", which brings them to an activities screen with the following options:
- In Create-a-Calendar, kids can use stickers and make notes to set up their very own calendars.
- Calendar Line-up is a fast-paced game in which the sequence of the months of the year are reinforced. Kids try to get Farley the frog to eat the fireflies by selecting the correct months in order.
- Color 'n Motion (pictured at right) is a fun coloring/painting activity in which kids can view their pictures (12 altogether) as animations while they add the colors.
- In Sing Along, kids select a picture of the month, then listen to songs as they see the lyrics scroll across the screen.
- Dot to Dot is a fun way to reinforce number and letter sequencing. These dot-to-dots can be printed and completed away from the computer as well, and there are 12 pictures to choose from.
The setting is superb, with adorable animal characters and pleasant scenes. This program can be played in either English or Chinese. The songs can be played in an audio CD player as well.
There is a lot to do in this program — it features a 12-page interactive storybook/songbook based on the months of the year, sing alongs, a calendar with sticker options, and various creativity activities. The Color 'n Motion activity is most notable and unique. Kid testers didn't want to stop playing it, and were fascinated by watching their coloring masterpiece literally come to life while it was still a work-in-progress.
Technically Speaking
Minimum requirements are Windows 3.1, a 486 processor, 8 Mb RAM, and 2X CD ROM. Mac users require a Macintosh Quadra, Performa, Power Mac or higher with 8 Mb RAM, System 7.1 or higher, and at least 2X CD ROM.
Skills Covered
spelling, word recognition, memory, recall, number association, calendars, animal facts, seasonal facts, music awareness, sequencing of months, number and letter sequencing
Educational Value
One of its best features is the fact that it focuses on one specific topic of a subject — multiplication — and does a good job of it.
Entertainment Value
Children will be drawn to the adorable graphics and bright, playful screens.
Design
The program is generally well-designed with straightforward navigation.
Replayability
There is enough content and fun activities that kids will want to return to the game.
Dollar Value
The suggested retail price is $19.95 US, which is appropriate.
Released: 1998
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