Jumpstart Review and Giveaway!

I remember being young and hearing from all the adults how computers were going to be the demise of their young children, because it sucked all of us in, and wasted our brains. Yet the world became a computer filled world, with technology continually building and growing to points in which my elders never dreamed of. That is the beauty of technology.

I will admit it- I'm a mom who's ok with computer or video games for their kids. We started Alex on PBS when he was about 18 months old. He wanted to play on the computer so bad, so one day we signed on, and instantaneously, he we were hooked. We would joke that he was able to navigate and work on the computer better than my father in law, but honestly- it was the truth! He was given the JumpStart Toddlers program and a Jay Jay game the next Christmas and he played them both until the CD's themselves died. He grew into programs like JumpStart Preschool, (and other online games), and now both of the kids own their own hand held learning systems. They both love it, they're both learning, and I am proud that they are as advanced as they are.

During the summer in our home, we struggle with keeping the kids occupied, as they're constantly bored. They've read all the books, played all the games and nothing seems to work anymore. Alex loves educational toys and games, as long as they "grow with him". If he thinks it's 'too babyish' for him, he will not even look at it anymore. Striving to keep him entertained and aiding to avoid summer burn out, I'm very grateful we were given the opportunity to review JumpStart 3D Virtual World.

This Virtual world is geared towards ages 3-10, JumpStart provides an interesting, exciting and educational experience no matter what age child is at the controls! This program is great for families with multiple children as you can create several profiles and Jumpee's (children's avatars) that you can totally customize their look, their clothing and their accessories. Your child will explore lands loaded with fun stuff like art centers, a pet grooming site, slides and hang gliders but continue to learn with numbers, shapes, colors, reading, patterns and more- all age appropriate! The program itself is made up of the perfect combination of character, story and game play which keeps the kids engaged for hours!

At first we created just a profile for Alex. He started playing immediately, and within minutes knew how to control everything. It wasn't long before Abbie realized what Alex was doing was super cool, and Alex ended up setting her profile up! The most difficult thing I've had to deal with since signing up for the JumpStart 3D Virtual World is "taking turns".

Both of the kids have dalmatians as pets, Alex's wears a pirate hat, and Abbie's wears a bow. They groom it, and play with it, without the mess and responsibility of a real pet. The two of them compare stars they've earned for completing games and tasks, and congratulate each other for passing a level, earning a new star or for excelling in the program. I was listening to Alex add and subtract as his jet-packed Jumpee flew through arithmetic problems today.

It's delightful! Both of the kids ask if they can go on JumpStart every day. I love watching them discover new games and boards, and finishing tasks to complete new storybooks to read at the library. Abbie gets so proud matching the colors and shapes and letter orders! Nothing's more rewarding than watching them both laugh and giggle while playing and learning.

JumpStart also offers parents valuable resources, ideas and tips on how to keep your child learning, active and engaged over the summer, long vacations, and any time you're together on their blog. Teach your children about money, science and nature, or how to create fun projects together with the ideas on the JumpStart Blog.


Want it?
Head over to JumpStart and check out the video intro to the new 3D Virtual World. *Disclaimer- if you watch it with your child, they will continually ask you for it, until you sign up!* Signing up is quick and simple!


Win It!
Our friends at JumpStart have offered one lucky reader a 3 Month membership at the Jumpstart 3D Virtual World!

Here's how:
Visit JumpStart and tell me one fun or interesting thing you learned that was not mentioned in this review and why you want to win! You must complete this entry before you can submit additional entries.

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This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ only and will end on July 20th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to JumpStart for sponsoring this review & giveaway!