Jumpstart Typing (PC & Mac)

I'm StoryMaker, & I've been enjoying JumpStart products since I was in Kindergarten. When I saw JumpStart Typing (which I had already researched plenty about) at the library, I got it - mostly not 4 me, but 4 one of my sisters, Chocolate Dog, who, no offence meant, isn't exactly the world's most utterly & overly fantastic typist. I didn't think this would benefit me a lick 'cause, no bragging meant, I'm a pretty speedy, pretty accurate typist. Because C-Dog didn't show much interest in it at first, I played it. It's great!

The Basic Storyline
Because it's a bit more fun 2 hear about the storyline once you play, I'll just say it involves the characters in JumpStart (Advanced) 3rd Grade & using Power Cards 2 unlock Coach Qwerty. If you want more info, then look 4 it on the net & you'll find it.

The Game's Basic Structure
The completion of the game revolves around Timed Typing Tests, which are where you try 2 write as much as you can in a nonsense story about khaki kids & dead sidekicks. The first one determines your typing skill & sets the WPM goals you have 2 reach in TTT thereafter in order 2 charge up Power Cards. Every Power Card opens up one lock & brings you a step closer 2 freeing the coach. There are also 5 fast-paced, arcade-style typing games that give your fingers a workout! Playing the games (except Fans Go Wild) will earn you medals. Your medals will determine which trophy you win at the closing ceremony, which starts once you unlock the trophy room. Thus, you have 2 do both the TTT & the games 4 best results. Oh, and, doing TTT also charges a meter at the screen's bottom. It needs 2 have enough power in it in order 2 play games. Oh, and, there are also lessons 2 help teach typing skills.

Opinions
Because of the assessment test-like nature of the first TTT, this game is customized 4 you & is therefore good 4 beginning kid typists & more advanced ones like me. The gameplay of the games is very fast, fun & arcade-styled. There are only 5, which may seem shrimpy 4 a JumpStart, but due 2 the nature of the games, 5 is really all you need 2 have a blast. This game is pretty good at teaching & reinforcing good hand positions (something that I needed 2 work on a bit). Plus, the games, by nature, encourage you 2 look at the screen as you type. The lessons are pretty good 4 earlier typists. I found the game 2 be pretty short 4 a JumpStart, though, & the graphics are a bit bad, but actually nice when you consider that this game is over 10 years old. Oh, and, by the way, I got a gold trophy. :) Overall, JumpStart Typing is a good typing workout 4 all sorts of kid typists! Check out other JumpStart products, & ClueFinders too! Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"

We had a previous version of this product 4 the Mac O.S. 9 which worked well. Somehow, we lost it & ordered this version which does not appear 2 work on Mac O.S. 9 or Mac O.S. 10. I could not even install it.

Was very disappointed 2 have the person I gave this 2 come back 2 me with the news that it does not work on the Mac. Even thought the description above has "(PC & Mac)" in it. Not worth returning.

Great beginning typing program 4 kids. Good graphics, entertaining "storyline", small goals along the way & "prizes" 2 be won. The progression of key introduction is slow & doable, as opposed 2 other programs out there.

I have three boys ages 10, 8 & 6. All three have enjoyed the Jumpstart typing. I have purchased other typing programs that are labeled age appropriate 4 kids but find that the games that are offered are not 4 very beginning typists. Jumpstart Typing has been a great start 4 even my youngest son as it matches the level of the typist & grows more challenging as they become better at typing.

Designed specifically 4 kids, JumpStart Typing gives children a critical technological edge with a product that's fun 2 play & easy 2 use.