EASY AS A,B,C & 1,2,3 
 
Review by Brad Raspet, Puget Sound ADAM Network
 
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 
"Easy as A,B,C & 1,2,3" is an educational program for children.  There are actually 
two different programs, (1) a spelling tutor and (2) exercises doing cognitive thinking 
comparisons. 
 
(1) The Spell Program.  You are shown a picture of an object and the spelling for that 
object.  You are then prompted to spell the item.  If the spelling is wrong, you can try again 
or move on.  If the spelling is correct, you are prompted to spell the item again but this time 
without the correct spelling being displayed on the screen.  Again, if you miss, you can try 
again or proceed to the next picture.  This program increases spelling skills, keyboard 
familiarization and builds "hunt & peck" typing skills. 
 
(2) The Compare Program.  You practice cognitive thinking by comparing the three 
pictures shown and choosing the one that doesn't belong. All input for this program is 
through the joystick.  You have to think a bit before deciding which picture does not 
belong, as the relationships may be more subtle than you think.  After making a choice you 
are told if you were correct and a running score is kept for you on the bottom of the screen.  
At the end of the exercise or if you choose to quit early, then the total score is displayed 
with your percentage and final grade. 
 
The "Easy as A,B,C & 1,2,3" program is by Wizard's Lair Software and available 
through NIAD for $11.95 (2 disk set). 
 
EASE OF USE AND PLAY: 
 
The program itself is self-loading and the joystick controller is used to select from the 
menu.  The instructions are well written and accessible for printing through your word 
processor from disk 1.  One note:  if you don't read the instructions you won't know that 
to quit the Spell program you must type "end" when it's your turn.  Otherwise the program 
cycles forever.  While in the Compare program, you are prompted at each turn and asked if 
you'd like to continue or quit. 
 
PROGRAM VALUE: 
 
These programs have GREAT graphics, the instructions are simple and well written; 
and both programs are easy to follow or play. 
 
(1) Spell program:Here are quotations from my children.  First, my 8-year old:  "It's 
fun typing." Now, my 10-year old:  "It's stupid.  The only thing I like are the pictures." 
As you can see, just a couple of years difference in the age of the user makes a difference.  
The Spell program is too easy for children 10 years or older.  It doesnot have the challenge 
to hold their interest.  Yet, those kids that are 8 or younger enjoy the spelling drills and 
keyboard typing very much. 
 
(2) Compare program:The percentage and final grading system add to the kid's 
enjoyment of this program.  Here are quotations from my children.  My 8-year old:  "It's 
fun and interesting." My 10-year old:  "This is fun!  I like it; I want to keep playing!" The 
Compare program is more challenging for older children than the Spell program.  Some of 
the comparisons are even a challenge for adults.  Both tutorials could be improved slightly 
if a series of 10 turns took place, with a program "que" asking if the player would like to 
continue or quit.  The Spell program has no "ques" at all.  You have to remember to type 
"end" to quit.  The Compare program has a "que" at each and every turn, slowing down the 
exercise. 
 
All and all, it's a good educational software set with excellent graphics.  I would 
recommend the Spell program for use by children 8 years or younger, and the Compare 
program for children 6 years and older. 
 
RATING: 
 
The Spell program gets a "B-" and the Compare program gets a "B+".  This software is 
a bargain, priced at only $11.95.  The disk set would be a worthwhile addition to your 
family's software library.

 
 

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