Ooka Island – {A Review}

Ooka Island gave me a trial of their software in order to write the review below.
Ooka Island is a reading program aimed at Preschool-2nd graders (ages 3-7).  This reading program follows the Common Core standards.  I’m not saying that to start a debate on Common Core but just stating the fact because it does make a difference to some.  Ooka Island is offering up to 30% off to all of you reading this review.

I have reviewed this software before.  The last time, I was instructed to download the software from the website.  This time, it was sent to me on a disc.  I highly recommend the second method.  It all seemed to go a lot smoother with the software on a disc because of the size of the file.  Since my son has been using Ooka Island, we have only had a couple of random issues with the game freezing up.  For the most part, things have gone well.

Ooka Island is a reading program that is definitely appealing to the younger set and at times appears like a video game, even though learning is still happening.  Ooka Island is built on a scientific foundation, and you can read more about the foundation and benefits here.  My son was able to choose the physical features and clothing to personalize his avatar.  Early on, it was a boy, but he was able to upgrade it to a robot later.

I highly recommend headphones because after time, the program does tend to grate on adult ears.  Kids really like it, though.  Also, when DS10 was using headphones, DD13 and I could continue our lessons together while DS10 worked on Ooka Island.  You can take a video tour of Ooka Island here.

DS10 really enjoys Ooka Island.  While it is for kids age 3-7, DS10 enjoys the games and is still learning at the same time.  I like how Ooka Island provides progress reports as DS10 progresses.  I even gotten a couple of emails when he completed a book.

I think that Ooka Island can be a huge help with teaching kids to read in a fun way, either at school or at home.  It is a little pricey at $124.95 per year for one child, or $149.95 per year for a family.  That’s where this 30% discount comes into play.  Make sure you use this discount if you would like to sign up for Ooka Island.

Disclosure:  I received a free trial membership in exchange for this review.  I received no other compensation, nor was I required to give a positive review.