Reader Rabbit's Math Ages 6-9 covers the major math concepts traditionally taught in grades one through three and outlined in the NCTM Curriculum Standards for grades K-4. The following curriculum areas are covered: basic computation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), place value, counting with money, measuring and telling time, solving inequalities, recognizing geometric shapes, understanding fractions, recognizing number patterns, and using a number line.

There are 10 different sections in Reader Rabbit's Math. Each section is a different math game and involves one or more math skills. Each problem solved correctly helps Reader Rabbit and his friends to build a boat to escape Pirate Island. The difficulty of each activity automatically adjusts to challenge students as they progress through them. Additionally, the choice of activities available to the students changes as they progress through the program. The software can be customized to override the automatic progression level allowing the teacher to begin at a more advanced level in the later grades or for above-average learners.

The content of Reader Rabbit's Math is accurate and well sequenced. It is developmentally appropriate for children in grades one through three. The entire content of the program is accessible through the main menu. Reader Rabbit's Math is free of gender and ethnic stereotypes.

Reader Rabbit's Math was easy to install and use. Students chose the math activity that they want to work on from the Pirate Island Map. One shortcoming of the program is that there is no key provided on the map. It is unclear which game each of the icons represents. The teacher would need to provide a key to explain what game each icon represents. Some of the games within Reader Rabbit's Math involve a number of steps. The Reader Rabbit character orally reviews the directions and the help function is easy to use if anything needs to be repeated. An automated demonstration of each game would be helpful for students who are visual learners as opposed to auditory learners. The software's graphics, sound, and animation are state-of-the-art. These features will keep students involved and interested. The music during the various games could be a distraction to learning, but it can easily be turned off.

Reader Rabbit's Math makes good use of the computer. Teachers have a lot of flexibility in how to use the software. The speed of the games as well as the level of difficulty can be adjusted. A progress report is available to students and teachers. Certificates of achievement can be printed as students reach certain milestones within the software. The teacher can also set the software to the practice mode. In the practice mode, students can work for extended periods without being involved in game play.

Reader Rabbit's Math empowers students. It can be used effectively with individual students or in a small group. Students have a lot of control over their own learning. The program (if set to the default) does have some safeguards to ensure that the activities are developmentally appropriate. Students have the long-term goal of constructing a boat on which Reader Rabbit can escape Treasure Island. This is a terrific motivator and serves as one means of assessment for the teacher.

The teacher will need to demonstrate Reader Rabbit's Math to the whole class through a series of mini-lessons. A high quality five minute introductory video is included that sets the premise for the software. The video could be watched one time as a whole class and then could be bypassed. Students in the early grades may need some initial guidance as they come to new games. A key to the icons should be posted in a visible place as a reference. The software provides a monitoring tool that both students and teachers can utilize. Additionally, the software includes a math workbook that supplements the on-screen activities.

This program is an excellent supplement to the regular math curriculum. It covers the major math concepts traditionally taught in grades one through three and outlined in the NCTM Curriculum Standards for grades K-4. Reader Rabbit's Math can be used by pairs of students, by individual students, or as a means of whole group instruction.

This program is an excellent addition to an elementary school's software collection. It covers all the basic mathematical concepts and progresses through them in a well-sequenced manner. It is motivating and extremely flexible. The main shortcoming of the program is its lack of an automated demonstration feature, which would be helpful for students who are visual learners.

Overall Rating (based on a scale of 1 to 10) 9

Reader Rabbit's Math is a comprehensive math program that will motivate and excite students. The software is a wonderful means for students to practice math and problem-solving skills. The flexibility inherent to the program is outstanding and the animation will be particularly appealing to its target audience.