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Kidspiration
Inspiration Software, Inc.
What
its predecessor, Inspiration, did for introducing a new approach to tackling
projects and ideas, Kidspiration now does for the younger set.
Breaking the mold of linear thinking, start to finish, beginning to end,
Kidspiration, invites exploration from a central idea with limitless branches of
thought. Our testers, even those as
young as five years old, grasped the concept with gusto.
The project called All About Me, allows them to think about the things in
their lives that matter to them. From
family and friends, to school, hobbies, and other interests it was a fascinating
exercise for both parent and child watching them fill and expand their ideas,
not along a line but scattered with arrows connecting thoughts and ideas.
The option to add pictures to the diagram really helped reinforce the
connections. This is a unique
system that requires an openness to new ideas, but our testers were quite
enthusiastic.
Recommended
Age: K thru 3rd Grades
Price: $69.00
Magic
School Bus in Concert
Microsoft
The
Magic School Bus has proven itself to be an enduring children's series that has
found success in a variety of venues. The
Magic School Bus software series has chalked up Seal of Approval recognition in
past years and this year is no exception. This
time the lucky student's of Miss Frizzle class invite your child to explore and
discover the magic of music. There
are games and activities, all of which offer players some wonderful insights
that many of our testers told us they weren't aware of.
In particular they enjoyed the lessons about soundwaves and how noises
sound different in a variety of locations.
The concept of having the School Bus Gang thrust into performing on stage
really struck a chord with our testers.
Recommended
Age: 6 to 10
Price: $19.99
Lego
Alpha Team
LEGO Media International, Inc.
The
Lego people have been creating history's best-known building blocks for decades.
Now as they branch off into software they bring with it an established
brand name, one that our testers were very familiar with.
Don't let the cute Lego pieces on the box cover fool you, this software
title is a challenging and often difficult title to master. Loaded with rich 3D graphics and impressive sound effects
players are invited to join a crime fighting unit and thwart evil.
Kids and parents alike told us that they were surprised how captivating
the experience was. With a broad assortment of puzzles and challenges to work
through testers never got enough of this stimulating game.
Recommended
Age: 8 and Up
Price: $29.95
Microsoft
Encarta Reference Suite 2001
Microsoft
Encarta,
one of the world's most recognized CD based encyclopedia's just keeps getting
better. By never resting on their
considerable laurels, the folks at Microsoft are continually striving to cram
more media, more facts, more maps, more Internet links and more tools into their
award winning software. The
interface is not only easy to use it is exciting.
From the moment you open it you are drawn into the world of information.
Our testers eagerly explored, delving into subjects, clicking on links
and viewing multimedia content that broadens their understanding of a subject
like no textbook or hardbound encyclopedia ever could.
This is what sets Encarta apart and what makes it a perennial winner.
Or, for more information about The Seal of Approval or The National Parenting Center call: 1-800-753-6667
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Last Update: April 12, 2001
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