 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Top-Secret Personal Beeswax
Common Sense Media says
Share secrets with Junie B. Jones, learn to write!
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this software cartridge for the Leapster is special because it creates an interactive environment that encourages kids to write.
What's it about?
Young kids can share secrets with Junie B. Jones, the hilarious lead character in a series of books written by Barbara Park, in an interactive journal called TOP-SECRET PERSONAL BEESWAX. Junie B. asks the player to share a special two-person journal with her. She reveals her "personal beeswax" to the player, including information about herself and her feelings. Thereafter, Junie B. encourages players to contribute their own "personal beeswax."
Most pages offer a writing prompt, and then simplify the writing process by providing a list of words from which to choose. Occasionally, players will be asked to spell words using an onscreen alphabet and the Leapster stylus. In addition to writing about themselves, players will also write poetry, create art, and play word games.
Is it any good?
Writing is difficult for beginning readers because they don't know how to spell many words. This software's format of encouraging self-expression by selecting from word lists instead of making children spell, empowers youngsters to "write." It also helps them read difficult words because each word can be read aloud by touching it with the Leapster stylus.
Junie B. Jones is a very expressive little girl. Her openness and excitement in sharing is so contagious that kids want to share their "personal beeswax" with Junie B. Because this writing environment is so interactive and encouraging, even reluctant writers are willing to join in the fun.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about keeping journals. Do you keep a journal? Kids who don't may want to start their own after playing this game. What do you think of the idea of sharing a journal?
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