Super Duper Following Directions Review

Following Directions

It was really awesome to get this review because, honestly, this is not a product I would typically buy for the kids. And they’ve had so much fun with it!

Following Directions game Hear Builders Following Directions is produced by Super Duper Publications, which specializes in making products for kids with special needs. However, the products work well for any learner. This particular computer game is aimed at improving a young child’s skills at following directions. What child doesn’t need that, right?

Children are challenged in a total of 40 different concepts in 5 areas: basic directions, sequential directions, quantitative and spatial directions, temporal directions, and conditional directions. Which means this is a product your child can grow into. I was really impressed with what my kids were asked to do and how well they responded to the challenges.

Hear Builder directions

The skills are presented in the context of training the child to be a master toymaker and eventually build their own toy-making factory. My kids have a ways to go before they get their own factory, but they love the game and so do I.

Hear Builder toyfactory

 

Super Duper Hear Builder

I was able to set up an account for each child, and the game automatically remembered where each of the kids left off. Each session they were able to log in and build on the skills they had already mastered. Though I had originally thought that Oldest would benefit most from this game, I’ve really liked using it with Middlest. For one, she’s my child that likes to do things her own way; following directions cramps her style. Too, it keeps her occupied and gives me a chance to work with Oldest.

The product is intended for children PreK through 3rd grade and meets several state standards. (There is a link on the product page where you can check the standards for your state.) The home edition is available on CD-rom for $69.95. But you can save 30% by using the code BLGFD30 at check-out before August 31, 2012.

Visit the site to play the demo with your child, or check out reviews of other great Super Duper products at the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

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Disclaimer:  As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine.

What if I get into legal trouble?

I’m blogging all week about our fears and how to fight them. From my own fears as a homeschool mom and my experience as a homeschool graduate, I’ll be sharing insights and reflections on these tough questions. It’s going to be a great week of getting vulnerable and gaining victory. 

Honestly, this is probably my top fear—a confrontation with the state authorities about something we are doing. But really, this fear is the easiest to address. State requirements are easy to find, and local homeschool groups are more than willing to help you meet all of the requirements. Nevertheless, after all the i‘s are dotted and the t‘s crossed, sometimes there is still that lingering doubt that can make you absolutely miserable.

What if it’s not enough? What if someone asks for more than the requirements?

I’m not a good impromptu person (which is one reason I love writing. I can preview and edit my words a million times if I want to and get them just the way I want before anyone else sees them. Not having a chance to think about and edit my response can leave me in a cold sweat.) I take GREAT comfort in having already thought through a response to situations. So when I read a post about the “Show-me” letter, I felt relief washing away that awkward, clammy sensation.

In essence, this homeschool mom’s response was to politely ask to be shown the passage of law that indicated that a particular action was necessary: “show me where it says that in the law.” Of course, before she had written the letter, she took it upon herself to be familiar with what her state did require. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are following the law; but in the case that more might be asked for, we don’t have to live in fear.

Equipped with a knowledge of my state’s standards, the support of local homeschoolers, and the knowledge that I could politely stand behind my rights has made a huge difference in my personal fear factor. I can’t say that I never stand in a cold sweat at the end of the year wondering if I did all I ought to do; but at least I have the facts before me to settle my doubts and fears.

 

Be sure to check out all of the other great blog posts at the Homeschool Crew.

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