Elf Tales from Sherston (priced 44.95) - I could not wait to get my hands on the newest version of this much loved classic. The original adventures have been updated to fit today's curriculum requirements, while the latest animation techniques bring the puzzles to life. There are eight activities set in the context of two interactive adventures. The 'friendly Bookworm' guides children on their journey as they solve simple mathematical problems.
Elf Tales transports children to a delightful fairy tale world in which they become totally absorbed. This was described by my class as a 'seriously cool' program.
Telephone 01666 843200
Number Train from Sherston Software (priced 44.95). The program opens outside the station as you join the passengers arriving to take the number train.
Murphy Mouse accompanies you throughout the program as you travel to various destinations, meeting such characters as The Beach Bunnies and Poppy Penguin.
The activities cover the following numeracy objectives: place value, ordering numbers, odds and evens, counting in twos and addition and subtraction.
This is an ideal program to support numeracy lessons and can be used effectively by small groups and individuals. The resource sheets also provide a valuable stimulus for group work. Ideal for early Key Stage 1.
Telephone as before
Plumo from The Production Play Company (priced 19.99 inc VAT) was easy to load and the instructions were clear. The program contains a set of 13 educational activities designed for Key Stage 1. The multi-media approach helps develop cognitive skills, such as observation, discrimination, counting and logic.
Plumo is a charming and attractive parrot who accompanies children on their visit to the zoo. He reads out instructions for them and encourages them to learn by playing games. The animation is bright and attractive - children learn to recognise geometrical shapes, classify objects and solve simple puzzles.
Telephone 02920 550600
Ace Monkeys - Our Bodies from Birchfield Interactive plc, (priced 59.95) is a fun way to learn about the body, incorporating colourful animations and a range of interactive activities. Pupils select different parts of Ace's body to find out about their body parts.
One of the special features of this program is the video footage. Children watch a short video clip and then answer questions to test their knowledge.
The program would make a valuable contribution to Science lessons in Key Stage 1.
Telephone 02920 597000
The Learner's Library - 'Minibeasts' from Neptune Computer Technology (priced 26) is designed especially for Key Stage 1, and presents information on a wide selection of minibeasts.
Within the program there are three ways of locating information about minibeasts, using the following options: Minibeasts Menu, Minibeast Index and Minibeast Search. At the side of every screen the link buttons provide easy access to the extra tools within the program, for example, Print Scrapbook and Glossary.
These two functions are very useful. The glossary provides a comprehensive listing of topic-related words used throughout the program. The user can scroll through the list and read the description that appears when any entry is clicked on.
Telephone 01935 891892
Star rating
Elf Tales *****
Number Train ****
Ace Monkeys ****
Plumo *****
The Learner's Library **
