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2Simple
2Simple Infant Video Toolkit 2
The first four programs in this toolkit are ideal for the Foundation Stage. 2Paint is a simple art package. 2Publish is a child friendly first word processor with templates. 2Count allows the making of pictograms and 2Go is an early control program that works well in conjunction with programmable toys away from the computer. The toolkit also contains over 60 short videos, which give real examples of how the programs can be used with young children.
2Create a Story
2Create a story enables children to make talking stories. They can combine words, pictures, sounds and animation in a storybook format. Again the software contains short videos, which give real examples of how the programs can be used with young children.
Granada Learning
At the… series
This includes At the Post Office, At the Vets, At the Café etc. This software is designed to support role play. Children can take the part of vet, doctor or waiter; taking patient details, diagnosing problems, prescribing treatment and taking orders. It works particularly well when role play is designed around the computer or a laptop where the software can be added to role play.
Leaps and Bounds 3 and Musical Leaps and Bounds
Leaps and Bounds are thoroughly engaging and enjoyable CD-ROMs. They encourage language and exploration. Often their use results in sudden giggles and pleasure from children discovering together as they collaborate over the software.
Sherston
Tizzy’s First Tools
This is a toolkit similar to the 2Simple Infant Video Toolkit (see above). It also has a paint program, early word processor, simple control and pictogram software. What it also has is a ‘presenter’, which is a little like PowerPoint for very young children. With a little research (Sherston will help) you can add photographs to the images that children can select from and add a microphone so that children can add their own voice overs to their ‘shows’.
Logotron
Revelation Natural Art
Revelation Natural Art is an art program with plenty of tools. It offers more for developing children’s art works than the more fundamental paint programs (Tizzy’s First Tools and 2Simple Infant Video Toolkit). One of its features is the paint brush running out of paint as you use it.
Resource Education
Albert’s House
Albert’s House is a simulation that involves exploration of a home. Children can explore at different levels and it makes an excellent resource for shared discussion.
Riverdeep
Millie’s Maths House
With this software children are able to explore mathematical concepts in a
playful way. An old favourite is the ‘bug maker’ which can be
successfully combined as a design program for printing out and making bugs out
of play dough or other materials available in the setting.
