November 15, 2009

Review of JumpStart Virtual World

I was asked to do a review for JumpStart. The official spiel is...
JumpStart is an award-winning adventure-based 3D virtual world that is super-personalized, wildly imaginative and really fun, but don't let that fool you - it also teaches math, reading, and critical thinking skills so kids get a real jump start in life.
In addition to the kids games there is a JumpStart Blog and a Fun For Parents section. I haven't been able to spend as much time as I'd like on the blog but they post everything from holiday crafts and recipes to tips on the games and upcoming "attractions" at JumpStart. Here's a sort of checklist of what you get with and without a membership at JumpStart.Aidan LOVES this thing! Thomas RedDreamer, that's who he is in the JumpStart virtual world. His avatar looks something like this only with dark hair and capri pants which you will soon learn are not his favorite fashion statement.I kinda hate JumpStart because now I gotta fight both the Sexy Beast and the little computer hostage taker for it. I also kinda love it because you can bet your sweet bum I threaten him with losing it and bribe him with extra time to play it. What kind of mother would I be if I didn't take full advantage of this awesomeness?



He seems to spend most of his time in AdventureLand which is the part specifically for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Lately he's been going to FutureLand which is supposed to be for grades 3 through 5. I'm not sure how well he does in FutureLand because I'm scolded each time I try to interfere. He does the GhostTown Grab a lot. It's also possible that I log on at night and play this one, too. There are so many games, lessons, adventures, and fun stuff on this site that I couldn't possibly cover it all but I highly recommend it for preschoolers and grade-schoolers alike. And their parents cuz GhostTown Grab is FUN!


I had a few videos of Aidan playing the game and some of them were quite funny. Somehow I lost them. I tried to force him to recreate them but he got all cranky and uncooperative. You're shocked aren't you? So I decided I'd interview him about his thoughts on the game. I'd like to add that when I brought this idea to him he said Are you going to put this on the computer? Yes, you are, you put everything on the computer! I take offense to that comment.

Do you like JumpStart?
Yeah. Can I play now? Are you done working?

As soon as I'm done. Let's just do this right now. Why do you like JumpStart?
Ugh! Because! Just let me get my work done! Ugh, just ask me and I'll answer while I'm coloring, okay? *multiple eye rolls*

Why'd you dress your person like that?
Because pirate hats are my favorite kind of hats. I don't like his pants. They're girl pants. Are we done yet?

No. What's your favorite game to play on JumpStart?
Rhyme Time. Is that it?

No. What part don't you like on JumpStart?
Number Know It All in Math. *Uh, that's my boy talking. Math is my mortal enemy* Plus, I know it's like school. Games aren't supposed to be school! *Busted!* And this.

What?
You asking me all these questions! Let's just get done so I can play, okay, Mama?

And with that the interview was over. He went on to play JumpStart for an hour until I made him log off for dinner.

Martians opinion on JumpStart - PASS

4 comments:

Debra said...

Hmmm, since my children are beyond this it is hard to comment. My children were at the beginning, the "ping-pong" atari set. However they did have little portable teaching toys, and anything that hold their attention and can somehow subliminally teach can't be all bad can it?

It is kinda nice that Jump-start has provided you with some much needed leverage around the home though.

Diane said...

oooh! i can't wait to have this bribery material!!! lol

love the interview! hahaha!

(why can i never get to the top of the whore list??????? i try and try but i'm always 2nd or 3rd. story of my life!!!)

adrienzgirl said...

I love the Jump Start products. My seven year old thinks they rock too! I haven't tried this one. Thanks for the tip! :)

Bill and Lorie Shewbridge said...

I just LOVE your kid... He is SO smart - knows that the math game is like school, he's got his mama's brains!! I knew you weren't gonna get him to redo the video, DAMN, I wanted to see you try and get him to do it.
I'm glad you have the bribery tool now... it always works really well, but it does take away from YOUR computer time - does that mean less blog posts? I sure hope not!!
I also LOVE the fact that he's starting to watch what he says because he knows that you put EVERYTHING on the computer... sounds like my husband. Too cute!

 
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