Chandler is definitely at that preschool age. He’s in need of lots of stimulation! Although he will be 4 in a few months, he doesn’t go to kindergarten for a few years. I’ve been desperately trying to find activities to encourage and stimulate his development but I only have so many ideas. That’s where JumpStart comes in.
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.
Pros: We were given a 3 month trial for Chandler. When we went to register, we had to install a plugin that took a few minutes to download. You only have to download it once, and it was simple. When you first get into the game, you get to create a Jumpee that looks like you child. Chandler had a lot of fun, and was so happy that it looked like him in the end. The game was easy for him to navigate. Jump Start is geared for kids 3-10, so you know if a 3 year old can navigate on the site, it will be a piece of cake for older kids. Story land is Chan’s favorite place and he almost always goes to the Art House. The Art House allows him to be creative with colors, numbers, stickers and more. He also loves The Learning House and has a matching ladybug game he likes to play that helps him with numbers:
Jump Start is divided up into age groups, so while playing, we watch for places that are appropriate for 3-5 year olds. While playing, there is a map you can pull up that tells you where you can go to play different games. 
The site also includes downloadable games, discussion boards for parents, a blog, and more. You can register at Jump Start for a free and have limited access to games and activities. If you are left wanting more, you can upgrade to a membership for $7.99 a month or $74.99 a year.
I’ve only touched on a small part of Jump Start, but I am so impressed with it’s capabilities, and am excited for Chandler to continue to explore and learn.
I noticed that Jump Start is coming out with a Wii game soon, and I’d love for Chan to try it when it comes out.
Cons: We had a hard time trying to figure out the controls on the laptop at first. Because we use our laptop without a mouse, we had to use the track pad and arrow keys to navigate Chan’s Jumpee. It was much easier for him to play while using a mouse on the desktop, so I would suggest to use a mouse if your child is planning on playing, although he has gotten much better at playing without a mouse. Other than that, I don’t see any cons with Jump Start. From what I’ve seen, it’s a great interactive learning experience.
The Bottom Line:Interactive learning games for kids ages 3-10
Price: Free Registration for limited access, or $7.99 for a monthly membership, $74.99 for a yearly membership.
Where to Buy: Jump Start
Win It
One reader will win a 3 month membership to JumpStart! (A $24 value)
Here’s How to Enter:
- Visit JumpStart and tell me why you think it would be beneficial to your child.
Additional Entries
- Follow This Blog – 2 entries
- Tweet about this giveaway.
- Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries.
Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest will end at 11:59 MST on July 31st. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.
Popularity: 1% [?]
I subscribed to your email feed.
[Reply]
I think it would be beneficial because it sounds very fun and educational!
[Reply]
It looks like a lot of fun for my kids to play with.
[Reply]
I think my friend’s daughter would enjoy this because the games look neat! Thank you for the giveaway!
[Reply]
I follow your blog (2)
[Reply]
I follow your blog (1)
[Reply]
My 4 year old would love this she is always on her netbook so this would be great for her and help her learn instead of those silly games that she is playing lol
[Reply]
I subscribe via email. #2
[Reply]
I subscribe via email. #1
[Reply]
I tweeted.
[Reply]
I follow. #2
[Reply]
I follow. #1
[Reply]
Jordan is a very busy boy. It’s hard to keep him entertained ALL day EVERY day. He loves computers and if he could play a game that helps teach him important skills then that sounds great!
[Reply]
One of my brothers has severe ADHD so it’s hard to get him to work on school stuff. This would be great to reward him while reinforcing skills he needs work on.
[Reply]
a great way to introduce my grandson to the computer and he can have fun learning
[Reply]
I think this would be great for my daughter because she can be incredibly stubborn about reviewing her schoolwork – but she loves to play on the computer, so this might be an ideal way for her to learn!
[Reply]
This would be great for my son
[Reply]
I think it would be beneficial because it would teach a child how to use a computer, while teaching educational things via fun games. Thanks.
kport207 at gmail dot com
[Reply]
is there any queation it would be helpful come on now get real its a great product geez! mverno@roadrunner.com
[Reply]
I subscribe via email#2
[Reply]
I subscribe via email #1
[Reply]
I follow #2
[Reply]
I follow #1
[Reply]
This would be beneficial to my son because he would learn developmental skills. He would also learn educational information including how to maneuver on a computer.
[Reply]
I have a 3 year old who loves to play on the computer. It would be nice to know he’s learning at the same time!
[Reply]