Title: I Spy Junior

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Intended Grade Levels: Ages 3-5, or Kindergarten, first grade

Subject Areas: Early reading, early math, thinking skills, creativity

Description of teaching methodology: This program uses a variety of methodologies. There is some drill and kill but there is also some outlet for creativity. There is no simulation in this particular program. All of the modules in this program use sounds, text and shapes to accomplish their goals.

Does the program deliver the content in an effective way?

There were six modules in place in this program. Three of them focused on object identification in conjunction with text. One of the modules introduced patterns and asked the participant to continue the patterns. This was accomplished through recognition of both shapes and sounds. Another module focused on separating various objects into their different groups. For example, bugs in one circle, and different leaves in the other circle. The sixth module allowed the participant to create their own page of shapes, letters, symbols, and backgrounds. Although there was some sound associated with this exercise, there was no text, only objects. As far as the effectiveness of these six modules is concerned, I considered them to be very effective at object identification and pattern recognition.

Is the program engaging?

The sounds, shapes and colors of text being lit up could be very engaging to a child that is familiar with audio/visual stimulation. Any child that is not familiar with television, computers, or even reading and playing with toys could have a very difficult time with this program. The music, voices and shapes will most likely grab the attention of virtually and three to five year old and perhaps even some first graders.

Is the program user friendly?

Yes, the program is very user friendly with lots of simple symbols to lead the participant in the right direction. The program would have to be installed initially by someone with some understanding of computers, but as soon as it was ready to go, virtually any child could use this program. The use of universal symbols like arrows, stop sins, green and red for stop and go as well as other easy to recognize symbols make this program very simple to operate.

Would you use this program in your classroom?

This program would be very useful for its intended age group of three to five. As students in the first grade progress in their reading and ability to recognize and complete patterns, this program would become too slow and unchallenging. For students that are struggling learning to read or are having difficulty associating text and objects, or even just grouping same type objects, then this program could offer some engaging manipulative representations. I would definitely have this program available in a first grade or kindergarten classroom but feel it would be best used in a home environment.