Customer Reviews
Achieve! Math and Science Grades 3-6 
2005-09-05
My kids really love the game style of learning.
Good theme, low quality software 
2005-05-08
The goal behind this software is great. We bought this to give our computer savvy child some practice on writing and language art. The software is not of good quality. It has hard to use user interface. Especially compared to other educational software, this lacks the finish. My son soon got bored and has never used this.
Our kids favorite software -- my favorite too 
2004-07-16
We purchased Achieve Math and Science grades 1-3 for my two children, 5 and 6 years old. We purchased Reader Rabbit 1st grade at the same time. My children choose to use the Achieve software -- Reader Rabbit is almost untouched.
The activities progress in difficulty for each user from level A to level Z. Each user moves through the levels automatically. Level A is very easy with things like counting and sorting by color, identifying shapes. These beginning level activities were suitable for my 5 year old, and might be suitable for a 4 year old, but they were too easy for my 6 year old. However, just change the level manually, and the activities are challenging -- my 6 year old started with the intermediate activities and finds the activities challenging. Neither child wants to stop playing.
The activities are obviously educational. Fractions, sorting by multiple characteristics, adding, subtraction, etc. There is very little downtime like with most other kids software. It is just one activity after another. Rewards are not long winded. There is some variety within each type of activity to make it interesting.
So, I would disagree with many of the low reviews given by other reviewers. That said, I would not recommend this software if you're child is already in grade 3 -- most of the activities would be too easy.
Wonderful resource for the serious homeschooler!! 2004-06-15
We have been proud owners of this package for two years and have used it diligently to supplement skills and concepts introduced throughout the year for first and second grade. It has been a WONDERFUL supplemental resource. Unlike a lot other educational software packages that claim to cover a wide range of ages, this one means it when they say "First through Third grade". It is simple to use: After a concept (example: 2 digit addition) has been introduced to the student, you specifically set up games to reinforce those particular skills. After those skills have been mastered you then go back in (with a simple click of the mouse and check-mark skills you want to reinforce from a large pre-set list) It is honestly very simple to do. Explaining the process actually takes far more time that it does to actually do it. Although the games are very "friendly", with engaging characters and settings, the software is not meant to "entertain" as much as it is to teach. I would not at all be surprised to find this package in a lot of school computer rooms for kids to reinforce their skills on. If you are looking for a true educational software package that would be appropriate for (no younger than)first through third grade, this would be perfect for you and your child.
I would give it ZERO stars if I could! 
2004-03-21
I completely agree with what everyone else has said. This was a total waste of money. The other reviewer was right when he said the extra software included (for us it was Star Flyers) was the ONLY good thing!
How can they market programs that were designed for 3-5 year olds for Grades 1-3? Its ludicrous!
DO NOT waste your money! The whole thing is unprofessional. There are no guides and even the paper inside the CD looks like it was BADLY photocopied.
Again, if I could give it ZERO stars I would!
This is going back 2004-02-11
Super Value - 4 full version titles in 1 collection! Master phonics, spelling, grammar, vocabulary - even strategic thinking skills! Includes: Word Munchers Deluxe, Schoolhouse Rock, Grammar Rock, The Writing Trek, and Strategy Challenges Collection 2: In the Wild.
This is being returned to The Learning Company 2004-02-11
I just purchased this today, and it is extremely disappointing. I was looking for a software package that would help my 2nd grader learn his math facts, and this certainly isn't it, as far as I can tell. There is zero documentation included, so there is no way to steer your child towards games that would help his or her weak areas. I couldn't find a game that drilled them on anything, just a lot of pointless point and click activities.
Product is not very good 2004-02-01
I got this product for my 5 year old, and it is about right,
any 3-6th grade would not like it at all. The best thing in the game is the free cluefinders monkey adventure in my costco box.
Most of the games look like they were designed for windows 95.
I liked the clips from grammar rock, I remember these as a kid, but you could by the DVD of Schoolhouse rock and get better versions of those.
Achieve! Phonics for Grade 1-3 or Pre Kindergarden?? 2004-01-04
We recently bought the software. My daughter is in Grade 2. I figured since it says grades 1 to 3 it should be somewhat challenging. Like the previous reviewers wrote it's a waste of time for seven year olds. Great if your kid is three or four.
I wasted my money on this one. Shame on you Broderbund! If you're going to write software for three year olds write it on the box.
Not age appropriate - best for grades 1-4 (5 at most) 2003-05-30
I purchased this product for a couple of reasons. The first is because of the good reputation of The Learning Company (I have several of their products) and "Schoolhouse Rock". Also, my child is completing 3rd grade this month. Software that reviewed third grade and went on into the next three years of school seemed perfect.
Unfortunately, after I installed and started one of the four CDs, "Schoolhouse Rock", the program stated that it was for ages 6-10 (corresponding to grades 1-5). Another program, "Word Munchers Deluxe", also said it was for grades 1-5 after installing and running the program. This difference in age ranges is not stated anywhere in the discription or on the packaging of the software. The front of all of the CDs says "Ages 8-12", but this is not the case. These two programs look like my childs kindergarten and first grade level programs that he grew out of a couple of years ago. They focused on that level of computer experience as well. I would have been ok with grades 3-5 (ages 8-11) but the characters, graphics, and instructions were for a younger age group. It was too slow.
"The Writing Trek" was very boring - maybe a good curriculum guide for elementary school teachers. The last program, "Strategy Challanges" wouldn't run at all, but I didn't care to find out why. I just uninstalled everything, and I hope to exchange it for something else. My child will not use these - they are not appropriate for his age.
Another problem was found upon installing "The Writing Trek" CD - it says it is for ages 4-6. This must be an error.
