Reviews (1)

Soooooooo much fun .Your play it for hours
This game is worth savcing your owance for.The games are great.Theres so many games .It will take a long time to play them all.I like the cave game.You get to explore a creepy cave.My other fave game is like simon says.You play the drums just like the character and theres traps the bad guys fall it too.I hope you go buy iot.You wont be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The six activities in Arthur's Thinking Games encourage critical thinking and logic, and we had our problem-solving skills further tested by an inadvertent bonus activity: troubleshooting an audio problem that had characters dropping the ends of their sentences. Fortunately, this problem only occurred with one of the computers we tested on. The program's help function suggested making an adjustment to a default setting. We did that, yet the usually consistent Arthur characters still coyly refused to complete their sentences on a Pentium III system with an up-to-date sound card and more than the required 8 MB of RAM and 20 MB of hard disk space.

When we explored this CD-ROM on an older system that for some inexplicable reason gave us good audio, we found an affable little program. In one activity, kids use a catapult to launch water balloons at a castle in order to drench a dragon. As the dragon moves around, kids adjust the catapult's distance and angle of attack to hit their target and put out his fire. Another task involves helping a mummy work his way through a maze-like pyramid. In another deductive game, Arthur's dog Pal gets lost in what looks like the Roman Coliseum, and players can decipher Pal's whereabouts by clicking on windows and listening to hints. A musical jungle allows kids to compose then play short tunes with the help of some musically gifted animals. A game that's structured like a quiz show gives kids an opportunity to listen to clues and pick the correct answer from three choices. Finally, Arthur leads kids to a stage activity where they can use stamps and paints to customize a backdrop, then program Arthur to do a series of dance moves up in the footlights. Each of these activities, with the exception of the Dance Theater, can be adjusted to five different levels.

There are no strokes of genius in Arthur's Thinking Games, nor is anything particularly awful. We do think that the box is claiming a bit much by saying kids learn "history" and "geography" with this program. Apart from the game settings (a pyramid, a coliseum, a castle), we didn't find a scrap of history or geography unless those elements were lost in some of that missing audio. (Ages 3 to 7) --Anne Erickson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Not for MacOS
We just purchased this and recived a version that is NOT compatible with the MacOS. Perhaps there are newer versions that work with the Mac, but be aware that some of the used ones may NOT be Mac compatible.

Extremely Disappointing from an Arthur Fan
Like other reviewers, I find this game to have very little educational content..or content period. My sons (2 and 3) tire quickly of its few games, and really just enjoy the regurgitating sound the garbage can makes in the painting section.

Save your money for better quality games.

Fun. My three year old likes it!
Two things are wrong with this CD which is why I gave it four stars instead of five.

1- There are only five activities on this CD. This is a problem when many of the other CD's you can buy have many more activities. I was a little bit dissapointed by this aspect.
2- The games a little too arcady for my taste. However having said that- I'm not the one playing it and my three year old son enjoys this CD.

I think that this would be too easy for a child that was five or six. I think this is really directed towards three to five year olds. For my three year old the games develop skills like problem solving, understanding directions and more. I was amazed at how quickly he caught on to the game of hot and cold to find something in one of the games on this CD. Now we play it around the house.

This is a fun CD that does develop thinking skills in younger kids. Be warned though that although the games can be leveled to higher and higher levels, there are only five games. That gets kind of old after a while, even if the level gets harder.

My Daughter loves this Game!
My Daughter is 4 and she loves this game! While there are only 5 different activities (the reason for only 4 stars), each does have 5 different levels of difficulty, unlike Reader Rabbit, which only has 3. As an Added bonus this box included another CD, Arther's Reading Race. These CDs combined are comparable to Clifford Reading and Clifford Thinking Games. (Sold seperately and thus twice the price.)

Another bonus is that this CD will run on a windows NT platform (normally used for business purposes) While some games will also run on this platform, most don't list the NT platform as being compatable. It was wonderful to have peace of mind when purchasing this game, I KNEW this game would run rather than having to guess that it might. I'm really impressed with the value this game provided.

A Little Thin on Content
Normally, the Arthur series of educational CDs for children are enjoyable, educational and engaging. It was for this reason that I purchased this CD for my 6 year old child. However, when we recived it, the "Thinking Games" turns out to have only 5 or 6 activities, and no automatic leveling (where the CD challenges the child when the child correctly completes an activity. Further, the games that are used seem more like arcade activities, with very little actual "thinking" necessary on the part of the child. While my child enjoys it, I would much rather have them playing with Arthur's First or Second Grade CDs which are challenging, interesting and multifacited. As both the "grade" CDs and the "Thinking Games" CDs are the same price, go for the grade ones -- you will get a lot more for your money! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With brain-teasing graphics and puzzling riddles to solve, this spooky addition to the I Spy series will keep elementary-agestudents occupied for hours at a time. A skeleton host rewards players with a secret message puzzle piece upon successful completion of each riddle. Those clever enough to collect all the pieces can solve the bigger fun house mystery.

With ten different rooms ranging from an inventor's laboratory to a library--and text that is written entirely in rhyme--the world created here is utterly absorbing. No matter how many times you explore a room, there's always new details and creepy clickables you hadn't seen before. Particularly well done is the attic, where you can explore in the dark with only a flashlight to light your way.In the study, you can even create your own riddles to send to your printer!

This software concentrates on critical-thinking skills,problem-solving abilities, and acute observational techniques that are centered around a mansion. This software takes a well-loved series to a whole new level--it's perfect for the die-hard fan or as the first member of what we're sure will become a large I Spy collection. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (33)

A Family Favorite
My son is only three and a half, so my husband bought the game with the intention of saving it until our son was older. I got it out for him, and even though it is rated for ages 6-10, it is one of our son's favorites. Given that he can't read, I had to help him at first, but once I showed him where to click to get the riddles read to him, he could play independently (for hours on end). I keep two different user files -- one of a completed game so that he can make all seven ghosts (which requires completing the game); and one uncompleted, so when he completes puzzles the skeleton gives him new puzzle pieces. Other reviewers said that the game was not interesting once played through, but we have not found that to be the case. Our son was _more_ interested in the repetition once he'd got the hang of it. Also, of all the games we have, this is the most pleasant and interesting for the adult helping the child.

Great education and entertainment value
My son had loved the "I Spy Junior" game so I thought he might enjoy trying this challenge, recommended for ages 6-10. He's 5 but a very strong visual learner with great memory skills. The beauty of this game is it not only plays to his strengths but encourages building lesser skills with words on many levels. My favorite aspects: beautifully detailed graphics, a fun laboratory animation with 7 ghost experiments, and the concentration games which are a challenge at many levels. You get the sense that the creators enjoyed making this product. I find the best children's computer games (eg. Learning Company's Cat in the Hat series) reach parents as well making shared learning opportunities a joy!

My students enjoy it!
I am a pediatric occupational therapist who used this game as a fun way to develop eye-hand coordination, visual perception, thinking, and reading skills. They were so motivated! Unfortunately after you "win" the game that is all there is; not another more challenging level to explore.

Spooky Mansion...unrevisited!
Santa brought this game for my 6 yr. old for Christmas. She and I and her 3 1/2yr. old brother opened it the day after Christmas. It is very interesting with 10 rooms to explore and 26 riddles to decipher. After completing each riddle, you're given a piece to the final puzzle which in turn instructs you how to finally get out of the mansion. My daughter stuck with it for the first 13 riddles, and suprisingly my 3yr. old wanted to keep playing until the end. We received the "certificate of completion" that very day. When we signed back on to play a "new game", we were soooo disappointed - there isn't any new game. Same 26 riddles to solve. We'll have to wait a year or so, in the hopes that we'll forget where everything is. (Or just give it to all our neighbors, family, shool chums etc.). Obviously, the I Spy books have limitations, but the software could and should give many additional games/levels.

Very clever
Purchased for my grandson's 5th birthday. Incredibly clever, well designed, plays without a hitch on iMac. He played for over 2 hours the first time out of the box and is still loving it. The adults are fighting over a turn. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Your child will laugh and play with Kermit, Piggy, and all the Muppet Kids while learning critical thinking skills in this three-volume collection. The Thinking Skills software was designed by educators to teach as well as entertain. The set features more than 60 games and activities so your child can learn important skills through exploration. Feedback, which is such an important part of learning, is even more exciting with 3-D animated clips of the "grown-up" Kermit and Gonzo commenting on your child's progress. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Thinkin' Things: Toony the Loon's Lagoon is filled with dozens of characters and activities that help kids learn how to be better thinkers. Toony, Oranga, and other jungle friends guide children toward success in six unique locations. Follow Toony's lead or create your own melodies on the xylophones. Investigate 3-D illusions by tossing colorful spheres that grow and shrink as they react to a variety of backgrounds. Create your own moving art by applying creativity to scientific exploration as you plan, predict behavior, and put shapes into flight. This adventure safari is loaded with colors, patterns, puzzles, and games designed to build creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills that will last a lifetime. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Five activities and hundreds of animated puzzles to solve, paint, and print provide hours of fun for your child. Solve jigsaw puzzles, build animated characters, connect the dots, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great, but less than I expected
My 3 year old loves the puzzles games, and has them down pat. And that's the problem. He has gone over the same things so much, that there is no more challenge to the game. I wish someone would put out a children's game that evolved enough to keep their attention. Maybe we will have to wait for DVD games before so much can be put on one disk. ... Read more

Features

• IncludesI SPY Spooky Mansion and I SPY School Days
• Brain-building picture riddles, puzzles, and multi-leveled games
• 26 picture riddles; 9 play areas; 600 object-and-word searches
• Multi-leveled games for replayability; personalized scenes
• For kids ages five to 10

Features

• Creative thinking skills can be taught--unlock your creative potential
• A powerful, user-friendly software program
• Learn with numerous, interactive, simulation games
• Teaches the tools and techniques of ASIT
• Detailed, HTML learning guide; in-depth guidebook

Reviews (1)

"Invention Highway " is really enjoyable.
This software is really enjoyable. My two daughters- nine and twelve - were totally absorbed and have solved all problems in a few days during new year's holiday. The nine-year-old needed help to solve about half of the problems, but the twelve-year-old could solve most of the problems without help. Some problems are quite straightforward, but a few problems appear desperately insolvable, and even adults can enjoy. I would like to purchase its adult version also, but have to wait for my next visit to US, for I am not a US resident. ... Read more

Features

• In this bundle, children will explore the Animal Kingdom and Prehistoric paleoworlds
• I Can Be A Dinosaur Finder provides hours of engaging discovery and stimulating investigation into the world of paleontology
• Kids solve math, science and geography puzzles while digging for dinosaur bones and fossils
• There is also an online feature
• Dig for over 50 fossils in 6 locations around the world

Reviews (1)

Wish there were more programs like these!
As a teacher of second grade gifted children, I can recommend this software enthusiastically. It is both entertaining and educational and never seems to grow old or fail to capture my students' rapt attention. My students select this software more often than any other that I have. If only there were other titles in this series! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Join Max in this intergalactic adventure with weightlessness, the Milky Way, moon chickens, and the man in the moon. Build a rocket and travel with Max to the moon. The man in the moon has taken the ignition key for little astronaut Mona's rocket and won't give it back until she brings him eight moon chickens. Only Max, with your help, can come to her rescue in an adventure that's out of this world. Meet strange aliens and fly around the Milky Way, learning about the moon and space, and collecting lots of moon chickens along the way. Players learn orientation skills, color perception, numeracy, reading, and logic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Creative problem solving techniques and examples
The Creative Thinking CDROM teaches what I would call "creative problem solving in a structured way". Their concept, Advanced Systematic Inventive Thinking (ASIT), describes a few specific new ways at looking at problems to identify solutions. Lots of good examples. It does not, however, address creativity in an artistic sense. The enclosed book and introductory lessons are very illustrative, although the two repeat essentially the same information. There are 12 "games" (situational puzzles/problems) to solve. Although this is billed as the professional edition the selection of problems and use of cartoons makes this suitable for older children (teenagers). Humor is used to urge you to try again when you do not get the problems right. The problems are somewhat challenging, the solutions are not obvious. Consider this an investment to add some new "tools to your toolbox" for the next time a problem stumps you. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Too bad these aren't being published anymore......
I own all three levels of this: Primary (for grades K-3), Intermediate (for grades 4-6), and Advanced (for grades 7-9).

These are standardized tests which parents administer at home on the computer. They will measure your child's aptitude and performance in math, language arts, science, and social studies. They will also measure your child's IQ.

These tests are not boring fill-in-the-bubble types of answer sheets. They have colorful graphics, unique characters which introduce each test, and music.

You may use these with *all* your children, giving these cd-roms multiplied value; a one-time purchase of each level is all you need for all your kids.

Please understand that, if you get test results you are unhappy with or don't agree with, there are many variables which could have contributed to those results. I've used these for several years; most years produce accurate results, but a couple of times the results were definitely *not* accurate. For example, one year my middle child's IQ tested at 79! This is slightly above retarted! I *knew* this was wrong. The instructions clearly state that this type of thing can happen; because of this, test results are best guaged over a couple of years (you may test your child every six months if you choose, except the IQ portion, which is tested only once per year).

Your child needs to be able to use a mouse to use these tests properly. Mental illness or other states of mental or emotional disturbance will *not* be diagnosed with these tests.

The cd-rom comes with a handbook for parents. It gives instructions for loading the program, using the program, how to read test results, description of the different tests, description of how the publisher developed the tests, FAQ, and troubleshooting. Please read the handbook thoroughly before administering the tests.

I have been extremely pleased with these tests. You can choose to print a shortened version of the results, or a *very* detailed analysis of them. This feature is extremely helpful, especially the first few times you use them. I am surprised they aren't being published anymore, because they are well worth the retail price of ....

These will operate on both the Windows and Mac platforms.

Know your child's strength and weaknesses!
This program is a great way of testing a child's performance in all the essential subjects in school. The test results provide a detailed analysis of your child's progress with grade equlvalents, with percentiles and standard scores. This testing is done through a multimedia game approach and in which your child is actually having fun playing while being tested. I highly recommend this program Skills test (K-3) and the Skills test (4-6). The assessment portion is informative and fairly accurate. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Dr. Gee needs help matching 3-D solids to their unfolded 2-D versions. Rotate and view solids from any angle to see how they're made. Decorate 2-D objects and predict how they'll look as three-dimensional objects. An inquisitive mind is a must. ... Read more