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The Learning Company Completes its Reader Rabbit Grade-Based
Series with Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade
Exploratory, Arcade-Style Adventure Equals Fun While Learning
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Learning Company, Inc. (NYSE: TLC - news), a leading
provider of educational software, today announced the release of Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade, the latest title in the
best-selling Reader Rabbit Grade-Based Series of early learning, educational software programs. The new title
joins Reader Rabbit's Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st Grade and opens the world of Reader Rabbit's
grade-based learning to second graders. Designed for children ages six to eight, Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade is
now available on CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh for an approximate street price of $29.95. A school
version will also be available later this year.
''We're excited to now offer a complete Reader Rabbit series of grade- based, early learning software for
children from ages 18 months to eight years old,'' said Kathy Quinby-Johnson, executive vice president of
marketing for The Learning Company, Inc. ''Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade has a fun and exploratory format that is
sure to delight children while complementing the skills they learn in second grade. In addition, the program
provides a natural transition as kids 'graduate' up to The ClueFinders, our series of grade-based titles for upper
elementary kids.''
Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade integrates learning and fun in a multidisciplinary, interactive game that complements a
second grader's school experience. It covers essential second grade skills including reading, writing, math, science
and thinking.
Cooperatively designed by highly-trained educational specialists and creative designers, the program packs solid
educational activities with tons of adventure in an arcade-like setting, so that even energetic second graders will
enjoy scoring points and exploring while learning.
Second graders will find many exciting features that will enhance their game experience. Three levels of
progressive challenge will keep kids motivated. To add to the fun, printable pages allow children to see their own
work -- and they can even ''publish'' their own stories. Using the record-and- playback feature, children can
record their ideas -- unencumbered by the mechanics of writing -- and then replay them before they begin to
write. Finally, state-of-the-art graphics and catchy songs will keep kids playing for hours and hours.
The program design has a special, interactive format that allows children to always be in control as they ''do''
things to reinforce their knowledge and skills. As they explore the castle, kids surmount the numerous educational
challenges scattered throughout. According to today's learning theories, motivation is enhanced when children
have multiple reasons to complete an activity. Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade offers both multiple game goals (to
explore, to master, to create) and tangible rewards (points and frequent progress checks) to help kids stay
motivated throughout the game. With this special design, Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade appeals to the diverse
abilities, preferences and learning styles of second graders, and presents information to kids in multiple modes --
including written text, dialogue and illustrations.
There are 60 activities in the program -- including many exploratory and arcade-style activities that allow children
to roam and have fun while learning. There are six overall types of activities which approach learning from different
ways and cover the topics of reading and math skills, beginning grammar and writing skills, reading
comprehension, science skills, and geometrical shapes and spatial sense.
Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade also has an engaging storyline that offers an exciting way for children to become
immersed in the game. At the start of the program, kids meet Reader Rabbit's friend, Sam the Lion. Sam has just
received an urgent note from Reader Rabbit, and he needs Sam's help at the Dragon's castle. Sam thinks there
may be trouble! Children will be thrilled to join Sam on his quest, to solve many challenging puzzles and unravel
the mysteries of the castle.
System Requirements
Reader Rabbit's 2nd Grade requires an IBM computer or compatible or a Macintosh computer, 20 MB available
on hard drive, 8 MB RAM, double-speed CD-ROM drive (quad-speed recommended) and a mouse. The
Windows version requires a 486/ 66 MHz or higher (Pentium recommended); Windows 3.1 or higher (including
Windows 95); 256-color SVGA display; and a Windows-compatible sound card. The Macintosh version
requires a PowerPC; System 7.1 or higher; and a 13'' monitor with a 256-color display.
The Learning Company, Inc. develops, publishes and markets a family of consumer software brands that educate
across every age, from young children to adults. The company's products are sold in more than 23,000 retail
stores in North America and through multiple distribution channels including school sales, online, direct marketing
and OEM. The company also develops, publishes and distributes products internationally through subsidiaries in
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Holland and Japan, and with distributors throughout Europe, Latin
America and the Pacific Rim. The company's headquarters are located at One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge,
Mass. 02142; telephone (617) 494-1200; fax (617) 494-1219. The corporate Web site is located at
www.learningco.com, and Customer Service can be reached at (617) 494-5700. For information about school
versions of The Learning Company products, call (800) 685-6322, ext. 1788.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective holders.
SOURCE: The Learning Company, Inc. |
