The second set of six lessons, the second grade section, follows the same format, but is slightly more difficult. And, of course, George s friends are generally the same stereotypical lot. More importantly, the narrator does not give an example of the phonic sound and spelling being taught, and the word is not repeated while the user searches for the letters. Children, eager to play the game, were often unaware of the point of the lesson. Children found the screen inviting and easy to use.
Some games use the arrow keys instead of the mouse without giving instructions.
The teacher s customization and assessment tools are clear and effortless, showing, for instance, that Sally correctly selected five out of six short e words. The User s Guide offers technical support with an 800 number for back-up. The Guide is mainly a Teacher s Guide that correlates the lessons with curriculum needs, gives a Scope and Sequence chart, and provides instruction on the use of the assessment features. Curious George Learns to Spell is a pleasant, easy-going spelling tool for young children. It could be used by individual students in school or at home and is easily adapted to a lab or classroom.