Review: True Learning Curriculum CD

Several months ago, Anastasia drew a man in her 2-year-old-room: like the arms, face, hair- the works. When I found out, I was first proud, and then a little sad that as a working mom, I missed a big deal in her development. This brought into focus for me why a pre-compiled curriculum might be a good thing for my family.

I've tested the early levels of the True Learning Curriculum CD. This curriculum is broken down into 6 categories (Math, Literacy, Motor Skills, Thinking, Art, and World (HUGE bonus for me, it includes French!)) and each category has 4 learning levels. As it is targeted at 3-6 year olds, we've only touched on the first level, but throughout the summer, I've seen marked improvement in Anastasia's motor skills and counting skills. To use, you just pop your CD in your computer, open the file to select your preferred category and print off all the pages you need. The True-Learning folks claim there are over 3,000 pages to use (I sure didn't count but trust that that is correct).

Click read more below to see my full review.


I definitely see a better target audience with a stay-at-home-parent situation since daycare kids get plenty of curriculum during their days anyway. I would not want to burn my child out. However, I let these be "coloring" sheets and let the learning happen on its own. Anastasia's favorite is the connect-the-dots sheets that prepare for letter writing. The series of dots are connected in straight, angle and zig-zag lines, with matching items at each end (like french fries and catsup, etc.). Once that is done, I just let her color un-directed. At first, Anastasia would just draw as she wished but now, she asks for zig-zag lines and connects them making either a curvy or angled line from one end to the other.

Math is made fun by using pictures and figures instead of just numbers (like counting pineapples), Thinking encourages finding same/different/grouping, Art and Literacy parallel each other because, obviously, drawing and writing are much the same at this age. I mentioned above that there is a foreign language component. The options are Spanish, Japanese, French, and English (Hawai'ian, Brittish). Some of what is shown is a bit stereotypical, but not in a bad way. The Frech are in Paris, Eiffel Tower and baguette at the ready, you know?

My formal review follows, each category of four stars.

Functionality: ***- I think this would be a particularly good product for stay-at-home-parents to give guidance to a pre-school education. It's fun, and, like the True-Learning A-Z iPhone application, has endearing (not freaky-looking) animated children for your kid to get to know. All you need is a computer, a printer, and drawing implements to make this work. A good point is that you can continually print and re-print any and all the sheets your child likes or needs more work with- you own it, after all! This CD/program is compatible with both PC and MAC.

Price: ***- $19.99 plus shipping. Not bad, I'd say- especially if you can keep re-printing your sheets.

Overall Score: ***- I like these True-Learning products. They treat children like people. These activities are not dumbed down, they challenge appropriately, and have for me engaged Anastasia well over several months. She does not bore of them, which is great. If you are a stay-at-home parent, or want an extra outlet to teach your child, then I think you will like this product.