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 Reviewed By:
Jackie Igafo-Te'o
Review Date: June 16, 2005
Publisher: Launch Into Learning,
2004
Description: Max and Friends is a multimedia educational
program for children. Max and Friends is a fun, easy to use program that
will help your child develop the critical skills that are the foundation
for all learning. The program is arranged in a series of seven volumes,
aligned with a curriculum that has proven effective in helping children
with special needs. Though the program is primarily designed for children
with autism and related developmental disabilities, all children can
benefit from its interactive, entertaining exercises. Max and Friends® is
recommended for children under 6, but can be used for children and adults
with developmental delays at any age. Volume 1 covers the most fundamental
skills, so children of all skill levels – from children who require
significant educational intervention to their non disabled peers – can
benefit from and enjoy its use. Max and Friends® combines classic
children’s television principles with the rigor of Applied Behavioral
Analysis (ABA) – a proven methodology that has helped numerous children
with autism to master the basic skills that are the cornerstone for early
learning. One component of the ABA learning process is discrete trial
instruction. Discrete trial instruction (DTT) involves breaking down basic
linguistic, cognitive and social skills into small, separate tasks and
teaching these tasks in structured sequences using systematic
reinforcement. You'll facilitate your child's progress by giving him more
and more opportunities for practice. Max and Friends distills DTT
exercises that your child would practice in ABA therapy into a simple,
entertaining program that you can use at home. The program was designed
with built in reinforcements to encourage your child. The more
opportunities your child has to practice these skills, the greater his or
her chances of improvement. The program is intended to complement not
replace therapy and is best used as part of a comprehensive program of
activities, supervised by a licensed therapist or practitioner.
 Jackie's
Review: Max & Friends uses the child's environment to teach
lessons which are vital to early development. While created with children
who have developmental disabilities (such as Autism) in mind, this program
has also been effective in teaching children who are typically developing.
The program uses a component of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) called
"Discrete Trial Instruction" which involves breaking tasks down into
smaller, individual components taught using structured sequences. This
method, used throughout this program, involves demonstrating the desired
task for the child, asking the child to perform the task with you, then
allowing the child the chance to master the task until they're able to do
it on their own. Positive reinforcement throughout the program is
essential. I watched the program once alone and then again with my son,
Michael, who has Autism. Michael soon became an active participant in the
sequences contained on the DVDs. It was delightful to watch him interact
with Max & Friends. Volume 1 of the Max & Friends series includes 3 DVDs,
3 books, an accompanying parent guide complete with data tracking sheets,
and a music cd. At first glance, I was impressed at the sturdiness and
physical quality of the series. After further review, I found the entire
series to be superbly crafted - to the point of perfection. The DVDs are
expertly done and are of the highest quality. Characters stand out from
the background in the videos and are not lost amidst an overwhelming set.
This ensures that the child's focus remains on the intended task without
wandering to the left or the right of the screen to see what may be
detracting from the lesson. Max the Meerkat is a lovable character who is
sure to encourage your child to learn with Launch Into Learning. Join Max
and his friends, Annie, Casey and Harry, for hours of fun and learning.
Your child will increase their ability to follow auditory cues, improve
auditory memory and processing skills, improve receptive language skills,
sharpen gross motor skills, and increase fine motor skills.
 Module
#1: Imitation
A broad mix of language, communication and motor skills are used.
Repetition of all video activities give the child ample opportunity to
"catch on" to the sequence shown. This DVD consists of a variety of short,
simple sequences that are easy to follow. The activity sequences are not
over-done or repeated to the point of boredom; each activity is carefully
timed in order to keep the child's attention. Each section ensures a
smooth transition into the next activity, with the option to repeat or
move on. Activities such as bubble blowing and bunny hopping, along with
songs including Where is Thumbkin? and The Incy-Wincy Spider will
captivate nearly any child's interest. Songs are a little slower in tempo
allowing the child extra time to learn, master, then transition into the
next movement.
 Module
#2: Commands
This module demonstrates how to follow simple commands without
always being shown or always watching/imitating someone else. The child is
shown the movement and is instructed to perform the movement while the
character stands still. Children then repeat the action or sequence. The
activity sequences are not over-done or repeated to the point of boredom;
each activity is carefully timed in order to keep the child's attention.
Each section ensures a smooth transition into the next activity, with the
option to repeat or move on.
 Module
#3: Matching
This module teaches children how to match colors, identify and
match letters, and how to match photos-to-objects (2D/3D), all while
noticing and pointing out differences. Sections are a little longer in
this module. Max makes many errors while trying to match but is not
reprimanded or shamed. Instead, he is simply told what he has identified
and is given an opportunity to try again. Praise is given when he chooses
correctly. Each section ensures a smooth transition into the next
activity, with the option to repeat or move on.
For More Information: For more information or to order,
visit
www.launchintolearning.com. Additional volumes in this series are
under development. These additional units will give children the
opportunity to learn new skills and build upon previously acquired skills.
For more information on these planned volumes, visit
http://www.launchintolearning.org/plannedvolumes.htm.
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