November 2007 New Toys — Software

Computer Game Maker-Lite by WINDMILL WORKS

This program allows students or teachers to create games by inputting questions and answers, importing graphics — even importing voice — and then letting the software create the ever-popular memory square game with content of the user's own choice: ESL language learning, math, science, social studies and more. It’s an “amazingly simple interface that allows text, picture and sound customization of the classic memory game in minutes,” Billie Pagliolo, president of Windmill Works, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 1, 2007. 11/9/2007 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THAT: Teaching History and Things – Lights, Camera, Answer! Black American History by WINDMILL WORKS

This program helps students learn about well-known African American authors and founders of organizations, significant court decisions and more. It features “a game format that reinforces classroom presentation of significant facts in Black American History,” Billie Pagliolo, president of Windmill Works, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 9, 2002. 11/9/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THAT: Teaching History and Things – Multiplication Shape-Up by WINDMILL WORKS

With 15 lessons, this software offers study of basic multiplication facts through such games as Match-mate, Paired-Squares, Pop Quiz and Spinmesiter. “It’s a drill, but doesn't seem like it,” Billie Pagliolo, president of Windmill Works, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 12, 2001. 11/9/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THAT: Teaching History and Things – Presidents Volumes 1-5 by WINDMILL WORKS

This software covers Presidents George Washington through George W. Bush through 15 categories, including First Ladies, Out in Space and Little Known Facts, and games that help educate. “Different than ‘fill in the blank’ trivia games, this program provides the ability to interact with important presidential facts along with fun information in four separate games, according to preference,” President Billie Pagliolo of Windmill Works told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 8, 2004. 11/9/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THAT: Teaching History and Things – Irish Facts and Fun by WINDMILL WORKS

Featuring 15 categories, this program gives students a chance to play four different games and learn about history, politics and even Irish musical artists. “Windmill Works' software provides teacher-designed learning through common, well-loved computer games that focus on uncommon content and topics with a unique twist,” Billie Pagliolo, president of Windmill Works, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 9, 2005. 11/9/2007 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Computer Game Maker by WINDMILL WORKS

Touching on subjects of language arts, math, science, art and more, this program allows students or teachers to create games by inputting eight questions and answers, importing graphics, and then letting the software do the rest. President Billie Pagliolo of Windmill Works told TDmonthly is provides “the ability to customize classic computer games to content relevant to every classroom topic and specific to a student or students' IEP or individual needs.” 11/9/2007 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Black Cats and Witches' Hats by WINDMILL WORKS

This Halloween-themed software is designed to enhance vocabulary and word recognition skills, especially benefiting deaf students or those learning English as a second language. It includes four games and a colorful photo gallery. There’s a “total focus on motivating vocabulary centered around Halloween, but with language structures that transfer to total language development needs,” Billie Pagliolo, president of Windmill Works, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 1998; updated: February 17, 2007. 11/9/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THAT: Teaching History and Things – Vocabulary Game Show by WINDMILL WORKS

Older deaf and hard-of-hearing students can especially benefit from this program designed to reinforce word recognition and build vocabulary. It “provides reinforcement of written vocabulary specific to the interests and needs of deaf children,” President Billie Pagliolo of Windmill Works told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 4, 2003. 11/9/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vegetable Friends and Nutra Fruit Heroes present … Reading Vocabulary Volumes 1-3 by WINDMILL WORKS

Created especially for deaf or hearing-impaired students, this volume of matching games helps develop vocabulary, word recognition, word structure and sentence structure. The product “contains language structures specific to the needs of non-auditory students or English as a Second Language students,” President Billie Pagliolo of Windmill Works told TDmonthly. Launch date: original release: August 19, 1999; updated March 6, 2000. 11/9/2007 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Game and Guitar Controller by ACTIVISION

This edition of the Guitar Hero game plugs the player into the middle of a rock concert and challenges him or her to keep up with fast-paced tracks by famous artists. The soundtrack includes renowned artists such as Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Beastie Boys, Muse, Pearl Jam, Kiss and an exclusive track from Slash. Launch date: October 28, 2007. 10/11/2007 (Price: $99.99)

U.B. Funkeys™ Starter Kit by RADICA GAMES

This interactive game combines vinyl collectible toys with computer games to create a virtual world that kids control. There are over 40 different characters, each with his or her own look, personality, zones and games. Players can earn points and win prizes to customize and decorate their “crib” within the game. The set comes with a hub (to connect the character to the computer, two U.B. Funkeys character figures and PC software. The characters are also available individually for $4.99. 10/11/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creativity Express by MADCAP LOGIC LLC

Creativity Express is interactive educational software for children ages 7 to 12. The program is a blend of animated storytelling and interactive activities that teach the principles of art and provide the tools for creative self expression. It contains 16 modules that explore the elements of art and creativity, plus projects that allow children to put these concepts to use in artwork that they can create on the computer with the digital paint software included or with their own traditional art supplies. “Created by former Disney animators, the feature-film-quality 3-D animation and storytelling guides kids to develop advanced creativity and visualization skills,” Inside Sales Manager Lera Haines of Madcap Logic told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 1, 2007. 10/4/2007 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roll-Up Drum Kit by DREAM CHEEKY

The drum kit can be easily rolled up stored. It features an innovative interface that allows all programming and sound to be activated from a computer, and it allows users to email their beats to a friend. The sets can be personalized or chosen from pre-selected sets. No batteries are required; simply connect the USB drum kit to a computer. Launch date: March 2007. 10/2/2007 (Price: $34.99)

JumpStart World 1st Grade by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

The first grade level software provides children with a revolutionary 3D world of learning that progresses in response to each child’s pace. Kids are introduced to puzzle play and problem solving as they build essential first grade level skills and explore a vast world of learning. This product is a 2007 iParenting Media Award winner. 9/26/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Digital Photo Activity Kit by APTE INC

Give your kids the joy and pleasure of their very own digital camera. With this loveable, squeezable camera, taking a picture is a snap. Get teacher-designed photo-project software just for kids. Digital Photo Activity Kit is packed with photo projects to energize the creative and writing skills of every kid. In minutes your kids will be creating storybooks, newsletters, journals, and stationery. Click on the Game Center to play five challenging games with your photos. Or create fun stuff in the Craft Corner or Movie Maker. Your kids will have endless hours of fun with this loveable camera and Digital Photo Activity Kit software. Software includes both an English and Spanish version. 8/29/2007 (Price: $38.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RocketReader Kids Version 3 by ROCKETREADER PTY. LTD.

RocketReader Kids improves reading fluency by training children to instantly recognize common words. It combines phonic and whole word recognition instruction with training and assessment methods that adapt to suit each child’s needs. There are more than 80 graded lessons on the 1,000 most popular words, with picture and sound rewards. Parents can create lessons, and the program includes informative reports and flashcards, so they can see their child’s progress and continue learning off-screen. “RocketReader Kids uses a revolutionary approach to develop sight word reading ability at the earliest possible stage,” a company representative told TDmonthly. The downloadable version is $99. Launch date: July 27, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $119.00)

KaleidoDraw by PROTOZONE

KaleidoDraw introduces kids to the art and science of symmetry patterns. This fun program is simple enough for a 3 year old and complex enough with infinite possibilities to fascinate all ages. In minutes, users will be making Magical Masterpieces that explode with a kaleidoscope of color. KaleidoDraw is running in Museums, hospitals and schools all around the world. Designs can be saved and printed for use in scrapbooks, pictures, cards and more. This product was a Children’s Software Review All Star award winner in 2003. “ProtoZone software is unique. It is intuitive, easy, complex and completely open ended; the only limits are the user’s imagination,” CEO Jim Metcalfe of ProtoZone told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003. 8/9/2007 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]