Looking for children’s brain-building software replete with state of the art graphics and a surround sound audio track? If so, this impressive program is not for you. Here, the graphics are simple; the sound levels are pleasant. The developers put the razzle-dazzle into the challenges the program offers. In short, nothing distracts a player’s ability to focus on the task at hand.

Understanding that each of us has different strengths and weaknesses, Brainware Safari tasks are designed to work on different cognitive skills—memory, thinking, pattern recognition, etc. So, depending on an individual’s makeup, some challenges will be more difficult than others. If a challenge is relatively easy, the brain won’t work as hard as it will on a difficult task. And that’s the point. Build “muscle” in skill areas that are weak, sharpen and hone skill areas that are strong.

Although the challenges may look like games, they are the antithesis of mind-numbing fun. More a course than a single software program, BrainWare Safari’s developers suggest children work with the program (twenty different “exercises” (Llama Logic, Jungle Labryinth, Volcanic Patterns) and 168 progressively challenging levels across an array of jungle themed exercises) over the course of 8-12 weeks, for 30- 60 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week. And, rather than trying to complete all levels of one exercise, they advise working on a variety of exercises.

Instructions are provided in text for a player read on his own, or click the speaker icon for read-along instructions. An internet connection is required to send, and retrieve a player’s game information. As the player works on the exercises and progresses through the program, his/her data is recorded and saved, allowing a player to pickup where s/he left off. Click here for an online demo. Yes, this is expensive. The fee includes the availability of a tutor who will evaluate your child’s results and answer your questions about her progress. As far as we know, there is no limit for the length or numbers of phone calls. Additionally, a quarterly newsletter “Clicking to the Beat.” is included in the purchase price.