Normally I prefer Reader Rabbit software over the JumpStart programs. However, Toys R Us had JumpStart software on sale at their "Early Bird" after Thanksgiving sale; they were Buy 1 Get 1 Free. I saw someone with this Spanish program in their hand, so I looked for one, but didn't have any luck. My luck, however, changed while standing in line and the people in front of me, whom also had the JumpStart Spanish program in hand, decided they didn't want it and offered it to me. WHAT LUCK!!

When I installed JumpStart Spanish, I was anxious to learn how to play it so teaching my daughter would be a little easier. The program is designed to teach by listening to the vocabulary in Spanish, then in English (the word, in Spanish, is also flashed on the screen). (We then repeat what the computer says.) I was dismayed when the program did not work properly. My program didn't talk, it only showed the word of the item. Frustrated, I deleted the program and re-installed it to see if that would solve the problem. Guess what?! It didn't solve anything. Consequently my daughter was disappointed the next day because she didn't get to play her new game.

I decided to call the customer support before returning the software to Toys R Us, because I was almost positive that they wouldn't have another one. The girl at customer support stepped me through the program, game by game... my answer was always, "NOPE, NO SOUND!"
She had me delete the program, and install it again. Still didn't work. She had me reset my settings for the color on my monitor to a lower setting. That didn't make it work either. It did however screw up the color on my monitor. Took me forever to get it back the way I had it!
She finally told me to click on the "A+" report card button. There is a place in this section to turn off the background music. So we turned the music off, and wow, the program worked. In other words, you can't have the background music on and be able to hear the computer voices at the same time.

Now that the voice problem is fixed I must say that this program is "Fun and Educational". There are 10 activities to choose from:

1) Learn the numbers 1-10 with the Sketch Pad.

2) There's a Doll House, which has 4 rooms to choose from (bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen). This activity teaches the names of household items and food.

3) The Wall Poster, which looks like Frankenstein, teaches the names of body parts.

4) A Palette which teaches colors.

5) The names of clothing and accessories can be learned in the Closet.

6) The Game Box is a place to review the vocabulary from other activities, and learn a few more, like animals and toys.

7) Boom Box which has traditional folk songs in Spanish and in English if you have it turned on the learn English instead of Spanish. My kids love this because there is a mouse that dances as each song is played. My daughter likes to dance and sing along.

8) Television that has different characters that say phrases and conversations in Spanish then in English.

9)Toy Town is where your child will learn the names of buildings, vehicles, and other things in the neighborhood.

10) Calendar which teaches the days of the week and the names of the months in both Spanish and English.

Typically, each of the games have 2 levels. The first level is simply for play and learning of a new language. Level 2 in each category is a game in which the child will find specific objects and receive gold stars for successful attempts.

There is also a toolbar at the bottom of the screen. The toolbar includes:

1) Back Arrow which you click to go back one screen, or from the main menu you click it to exit the program.
2) Question Mark when clicked will tell you the directions for the current activity.
3) Levels (shaped like books) allows you to switch from level 1 to level 2.
4) Report Card allows you to access and track your child's learning progress in the Progress Report. Also, you can customize the program for your child by clicking the options button at the lower right corner on the Progress screen. **Remember, this is where I had to go to turn off the background music so that the voice action would work.

5) Gold Star; this is kind of an incentive while playing. When playing certain games, only in level 2, you can earn gold stars. After you earn 5 gold stars you get to choose a fish to put in your aquarium, which is on the main screen.

Jump Start Spanish is a great way to introduce your family (not just kids) to a new language. The recommended age is 3-6. However, if one can tolerate the childish games, it is educational for anyone, even us adults that would like to learn a little Spanish. The software is very user friendly (once you get the kinks worked out). As far as a 3 year old using the program alone, I must say that I can't even imagine my 3 year old son even attempting to use it. But, with parental supervision and me pushing all the buttons he will sit and watch for a little while.

JumpStart is by no means a full blown learn Spanish program. It teaches basic vocabulary that is essential to learning Spanish in more detail. JumpStart software does just what it says; it JumpStarts you into Spanish. Or in other words, it gets your foot in the door and prepares you to learn more.

***About the Title***
Alright, I know this is a silly title. But while writing this epinion I was taken down a path in Memory Lane. Thinking of all the little sayings we learn as kids. This was one of them; "Si Senior your pants are tore, you better go home and get some more!"


Recommended: Yes