CASTLE SOFTWARE ... 48K
DISK/CASSETTE
One or two programs have appeared to
teach pre-school children the alphabet but there have been few (if
any) to cover the next step of word association and spelling SPELL ME
is ideally suited to the slightly older child who has mastered the
alphabet and simple words and needs to practice or recognise longer
words and the association of words with pictures. The program was
conceived by a teacher and programmed by someone obviously familiar
with the Atari.
A series of pictures of everyday
objects are presented on screen together with a word identifying the
picture. The object is to correctly repeat the word using the keyboard
to score points. A successful effort is rewarded with a point and the
playing of one of three nursery rhymes. Failure means another try and
a point lost before the computer repeats the word correctly. A word
that proves too difficult may be changed with the START button.
Initially words are presented in upper case as this matches the
letters on the keyboard and will help the child to associate the keys
with the alphabet but it is recognised that children learn in lower
case and this option may be chosen although the parent may then have
to help in the choice of the correct key.
On the first level the word associated
with the picture is displayed on the screen and it is merely necessary
to copy it. Level 2 shows the word for a short time and the child has
then to remember and type it. The most difficult level teaches word
association by just presenting the picture. There are around 38 words
in all (more on the disk version) each with an excellent illustration
and the screen is laid out to good effect. Sound, although not
complex, is used well.
SPELL ME comes with a brief manual
emphasising the need for parents to take an active part in a child's
education. If your child has reached the age of around four or four
and a half and you want to encourage his or her development then SPELL
ME together with your Atari could well prove to be an excellent
investment.
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