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Ages 4 to 8
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Price: FREE
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Tonka Construction takes the user to "Tonkaland",
where trucks reign supreme and there is plenty of 'real'
construction work to be done. The user can choose to learn
about each of the 14 trucks used in Tonkaland, or complete
one of the many projects included in the program. In each
section of the program, animated workers are available to
entertain, guide and inform.
Projects range from Truck Maintenance, where three
trucks are assembled and customized using a mini paint
program, to City Construction where a building site
is chosen and a construction effort undertaken. This section
requires the worker to demolish, excavate and survey one of
three sites, and culminates in the completion of a building
or park. The Desert Road section requires the
clearing of rocks, grading of the ground, laying of asphalt,
and painting of lines on the newly paved road. Snowy
Mountain Rescue asks the user to clear an avalanche,
rescue snow laden vehicles and position new ski equipment;
and Quarry Exploration allows free play with the
front loader and bulldozer and challenges the user to search
for buried gold.
Tonka Construction
provides an informative introduction to the world of
construction through a glossary section, called "Info
Alley", which details 14 'rigs' and their uses; a
puzzle/paint section that allows the user to study 3 of the
trucks in depth by repairing and painting them, and hands-on
experience with such basics as demolition, survey,
excavation and building, It provides valuable computer
practice for a group of children that may find sitting at
the computer an unappealing and difficult chore. It
furthermore drills necessary school-related skills such as
following directions, and fine motor manipulation. Mouse
clicking and dragging initiates and completes most actions,
spatial information is observed and processed, and trucks
are carefully and precisely maneuvered.
There is plenty to do in Tonkaland, for
male and female builders alike. Although the program
initially appeals most to truck and construction
enthusiasts, the work to be accomplished is interesting, fun
and creative, and rewards the user with a great sense of
satisfaction upon completion.
Featuring the simplest
installation yet on Windows 95, the user inserts the CD and,
when the Tonka Construction screen appears, clicks
on "Play". The mini User's Manual included with the program
is detailed and informative, and can reduce frustration with
learning to manipulate the trucks in their various
locations.
Best for... /
Bottom-Line
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Tonka Construction
is clearly geared to those children with a passion for
trucks. Because of the precise mouse manipulation needed to
complete included tasks, it is best for children with good
fine-motor coordination. It requires patience and
perseverance to succeed, and therefore favors the
goal-oriented child. Although the above traits are not often
associated with the typical rough and tumble truck fanatic,
use of this product can help develop these school-readiness
skills. |
