LEAPSTER 1ST GRADE incorporates an earn-tokens-so-you-can-race theme into a carnival setting. Kids earn tokens by constructing sentences on the side of log flume boats and solving math equations while riding in bumper cars.

More tokens are earned by popping bubbles to create compound words, spelling words in a side-scrolling game, and catching special "fraction" fish. The tokens earn racing time on a track. The software offers three levels of play to span the material covered in first grade.

Leapster 1st Grade is a title with no famous branded character to encourage children to play, and subject matter that is obviously educational. But testers loved this program.

First grade is a challenging academic year during which most children learn to read and do math. Leapster 1st Grade is a first-rate choice to supplement this rigorous curriculum, because it cocoons children while helping them to learn. Edison, an adorable little firefly, pops up to explain educational concepts whenever children make repeated mistakes. But Leapster 1st Grade won't seem like school to your children, because they will be having too much fun earning tokens to notice that they are learning as they play.