Children have the opportunity to learn about the world beyond
their neighborhood through software programs and toys. Little
globetrotters have a few options that allow them to expand their
horizons through play.
Geography
Software For Kids Ages 5-8
JumpStart
Explorers primarily introduces children to history facts,
though they'll pick up some basic geography facts too. It's a
playful exploration of the world, and has questionable educational
value in a concrete sense--kids will more likely come away from it
with an interest in geography and history, rather than having
absorbed many academic facts. Best for children ages 5-8. [Buy JumpStart Explorers
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US -- Better choice:
JumpStart 1st-3rd Grade Learning..., which includes JumpStart
Explorers and two other full programs (JumpStart Math and
JumpStart Reading]
World Explorer
Deluxe contains 2 older DK Interactive titles, My
First Amazing World Explorer and History Explorer designed
for kids ages 6 to 9. These titles are meaty, packed with facts
about the world. Kids travel from country to country, following
clues, and in the history title, they travel back in time. Though
these titles are colorful, they contain quite a bit of educational
content and are self-directed. Thus, kids will need to possess a
genuine interest in the subjects in order to stick with the games.
Those that do will pick up a wealth of information about the
world--cultures, flags, landmarks, etc. [Buy a bundle that
includes World Explorer Deluxe: My First Amazing World Explorer/History Explorer Bundle
at Amazon.com]
Geography
Software For Kids Ages 9 & Up
 Top
Pick Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Treasures of Knowledge
is best for kids ages 9-10 and up. This title is a totally updated
version and is absolutely fantastic, earning a rating of A+ from
EdutainingKids.com. Players go globetrotting in pursuit of Carmen
Sandiego and her henchmen, who steal various "treasures of
knowledge"--rare and expensive books. Kids learn an enormous
amount of facts about geographical locations and world cultures as
they solve mini-missions. [Buy a bundle that includes Where in the
World is Carmen Sandiego: Carmen Sandiego Mini 2 Pack
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Microsoft
Encarta Reference Library 2004 contains an Interactive
World Atlas CD-ROM that is excellent. It allows users to
explore maps, read up on countries and their cultures, and go on
multimedia tours of various world locations. There are interactive
games that test geography knowledge as well. Excellent reference!
[See our full review.
Buy Encarta Reference Library 2004 (Small Box) at Amazon.com]
GeoSafari
Knowledge Pad: The Plato Collection presents a diverse mix of
questions and quizzes on a variety of subjects, including
geography. [See Educational Insights web
site]
 National
Geographic Trivia Trek 2002 is a trivia game show-style game
that contains challenging geography content from the annual,
national National Geographic contest. Though its trivia questions
can be rather challenging, the game's presentation is so much fun,
kids will want to play. [Buy National Geographic Trivia Trek 2002 Geo...
at Amazon.com for approximately $19.99 US]
Geography
Games & Toys
Educational
Insights' GeoSafari electronic pads provide opportunities
for kids to learn about the world while playing with fun
interactive toys. A new unit, GeoSafari Laptop, is designed
for younger kids to explore the world around them. [See
Educational Insights web
site]
 Top
Pick LeapFrog's Explorer
II Globe is an exciting, sophisticated, and fun
interactive globe. Children use the touch-sensitive pen to explore
the globe, picking up geography facts as they do. Kids can listen
to musical samples, learn facts about population, discover the
time in different parts of the world, and more. Fun games allow
kids to test their knowledge--in fact, the games reinforce
geography in a powerful manner. This is a fantastic tool for
learning--it's responsive and fun for kids, and sophisticated
enough to impress adults as well. [Buy Explorer
Globe II Amazon.com for approximately $99 US]
 Families who
enjoy board games might want to consider Name That Country!,
a board game designed to help kids learn the names and locations
of the countries of the world. It does the job well, for as long
as it lasts. However, once kids have learned the facts--and it
shouldn't take too long for children ages 7 and up--the game
becomes tiresomely easy. [Buy Geo Bee Challenge Board Game
Amazon.com for approximately $20 US]
Families who
enjoy board games might want to consider Name That Country!,
a board game designed to help kids learn the names and locations
of the countries of the world. It does the job well, for as long
as it lasts. However, once kids have learned the facts--and it
shouldn't take too long for children ages 7 and up--the game
becomes tiresomely easy. [Buy Name That Country Game
Amazon.com for approximately $20 US]
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