Home Library Product Reviews

For PC Compatible and Apple Macintosh Computers

A Day at Play and Out and About are Don Johnston "UkanDu" little books. These delightful books are available for both Apple Macintosh and PC Compatible computers running MS Windows. They are elementary literacy programs, in the form of animated books. Children reading at a Grade 1-2 level can operate these programs using their keyboard, mouse, Touch Window or single switch. The programs each contain three simple stories, with human-quality female voice, engaging music and sound effects. The characters are appealing and colourful, ideally suited to young readers and children who have special learning needs.

Every page features a clearly drawn, large picture, a sentence with a word left out and two word choices for filling in the blank. The sentence is read out, with each word highlighted as it is voiced. Once the word is selected by the user, it completes the sentence. The sentence is voiced again, and the page animated. The picture ground has been carefully designed so that the screen is not overly "busy". The clever use of colour enhances the characters and backgrounds. Children choose the words on each page in order to write their own story. There are 16 possible variations for each story. On completion, the story can be read back to the child or a group. The storybook can also be printed. A design feature provides for the pages to be folded to into a little paper book that children can colour, share with others or put into a class library. A book can also be photocopied and taken home.

Children interact with the story and characters, focussing on the language and the captivating animations. All auditory cues, speech and sounds have a direct connection an element onscreen. For switch users, built-in scanning assures them of inclusion in mainstream classrooms. Appropriate access is provided for children who have a physical and/or learning disability in their required setting, at home or at a special school. Children can work in a small group, with a partner or by themselves. The software has been designed to promote language skills in reading, listening and story completion.

Teacher options include setting the voice to Don't Read, Voice Only or Voice - Highlight mode, Scanning (with Extra Slow, Slow, Medium and Fast scanning speeds), Direct Selection (Mouse, Touch Window or Keyboard) and Scan Speech turned On or Off.

This book features three fun stories: In a Day at Play, Clark at the Park, and While We Play. They explore different domains with children playing with friends, outdoor activities and playing games. The reading age caters to Grade 2, with a 60-word vocabulary. It is ideal for young readers and pre-readers alike as all sections are voiced in a clear, well-spoken female voice. Reluctant readers are supported as the story unfolds sentence by sentence in four easy steps. The story is written in a rhyming format. Music teachers or music therapists could compose music and children could sing the words as well.

This story caters to very young children at about Grade 1 level. It has a 63-word vocabulary. The three stories include; Mary gets dressed to go to town, Bill the Duck swims and Eesny Spider's simple adventures. It is ideal for students who are visually impaired as the whole text can be voiced, with all of the high quality graphics designed to be easy to see and distinguish from a clear background. Kindergartens to early primary students will thoroughly enjoy this beautifully designed multimedia storybook, on or off the computer.

Humpty Dumpty, Hey Diddle Diddle and the Mouse that Ran Up the Clock are included in this title. The stories will amuse and delight young children. Colourful animation, sound and music are included in this appealing package. This is the third title in this wonderful series of switch software.