Curious George Learns Phonics

One of the most entertaining activities is Thea's Story Theater. Thea is a redhead in a purple dress with a flair for storytelling. Kids can read along with each of Thea's 10 stories, watch actors perform them, and answer the questions about the text that Thea occasionally asks. This activity shines because it works on so many different levels: kids learn how words behave in context, strengthen reading comprehension skills, and are entertained by some great stories that surpass the generic dross that occasionally gets banged out by software developers. Since this program's only focus is phonics, it isn't as multilayered as some other Curious George titles. And we were curious about what the heck happened to Curious George: We didn't see enough of him under the big top. Also, we think the lower end of the recommended age range is either the product of a delusional parent, or one that has a genius preschooler on his or her hands. (Ages 3 to 7) --Anne Erickson

Amazon.com Product Description
Let children explore with their friend Curious George as he tries joining the circus. They'll enjoy activities that teach the sounds in language (phonemics) and the letter sound associations (phonics). Six games teach children to recognize letters, sounds, and to sound out words as they build basic reading skills. Includes 10 original printable storybooks.

I found Reader Rabbit's Complete Learn to Read System and Curious George Learns Phonics invaluable at teaching her to sound out her words all by herself. One small note on Curious George Learns Phonics, my daughter did not like the software. It actually made her work for once, so I usually had to be nearby to answer any questions. I would recommend using Reader Rabbit for a few days before introducing Curious George.

After about a week or so I began using the flash cards included in Reader Rabbit to have my daughter memorize beginning words. I would also have her write the words in her notebook. I particularly found helpful the list with Reader Rabbit on which order I should have her learn her words.

When I felt she should probably be ready to read very easy sentences I had her start out with Bob Books First! Level A, Set 1, although I would highly, highly recommend the entire set. Bob Books seemed to be the only books easy enough for my daughter to read by herself and progress at a reasonable rate. She loves the books!...

I have some final thoughts. Firstly, the Reader Rabbit and Bob Books are fine quality products but are a bit overpriced in my estimation. They are STILL well worth the investment. Secondly, you would think there would be some product or resource out there to help teach your child to read. I needed not generalities but a highly specific course of actions. I was quite disappointed in that respect, but I would be interested if such a product or resource exists.

Updated 11/28/2002:
It's been two years now and it is time to teach my son to read. Apparently, Reader Rabbit Complete Learn to Read System is no longer in production. That is too bad. It is very good educational software.

Still, Curious George Learns Phonics is the sleeper education software in existence. It's not perfect and the kiddies tend not to like it. However, it is challenging and teaches them phonemic awareness very well.

I have tried "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" due to several recommendations from individuals reading my reviews. I used it with my son and I didn't like it. Subsequently I was informed from first grade teachers (my daughter's included) and my education courses that apparently research shows that coded words (Distar conventions, e.g. e with a line over it, double oo, like the pronunciation key of a dictionary) teaches kiddies to read best. I discovered this first hand when my daughter brought home her homework to code some words. I didn't have a clue how to help her. Maybe it's just a case that daddy isn't smart enough to help his daughter.

I found myself already using some of the techniques from "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" that I had discovered by trial and error worked with my kiddies. In any case, I still haven't used the book.

I have finally found a set of books to use after the Bob Books are all used up. I found the kiddies needed a little more structured practice before they where off reading whatever we have around the house. It is the "Now I'm Reading" series by Nora Gaydos. ...


More 'work' than 'game' -- but still a valuable CD   October 13, 2002
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This CD lacks the color and the adventure of the Reader Rabbit CDs, but it makes up for thru it's phonics drills. It's one after another with little talking which is why my children burn out on it fast. I don't see that as a bad thing, tho, as children learn in quick bursts and then like a break from the drill-like phonic questions. Which is probably why they can play Reader Rabbit games for hours because it's less ceribral and more game-orientated.

I love Reader Rabbit, and thank god for it, but I like this CD, too. I 'make' my 4 and 5 year old play it a little bit every day and it improves their phonics and then they can play Reader Rabbit afterward as a reward. *G*

Worth the money. Helpful. Not a CD you regret buying if better reading and phonics is your goal. But not a CD the kids will be begging to play 24/7.


poorly designed, teaches nothing, difficult to play   April 23, 2004
M. H Shamp (Columbia Falls, MT United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This game is very poor compared to Reader Rabbit's Learn to read with Phonics or I can read with Phonics. I already had those two games but I read the following comments and thought I should get this one too. Not so! The games in here are ridiculous, teach very little phonics or reading, are difficult to master, and are all a waste. For those who like curious George, this game hardly ever shows George at all. I think the Reader Rabbits games are 1000% superior in every area in teaching kids phonics and reading. Skip this product, stick with Reader Rabbit, and you won't be stuck with it like I am.


Very good game, lower case letters and phonics!!   April 1, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

George is great for both boys and girls and the circus is a huge hit so there you have their attention!! The secret is to keep this as your one and only game at least for a good couple of months before you start buying the easy, fun entertainment-only games like Blues Clues etc.. That will give them a chance to love this game because it does make them think and you have to be there to help when they first start off. I don't think it is slow at all, the narration is just right and there is plenty of help from the ringmaster of the circus, kids just need to be told to click on his icon to get clues. Great for my 4 yr old that learns phonics in her Montessori pre-school. Tons of sweet stories about circus animals for them to just listen to when they are tired of the phonics. I love this!!