Are the programs you use here at school available for home use?

1. Kid Pix Studio Deluxe and Kid Pix 4
2. Kidstime Storywriter
3. Kidspiration 2.1
4. Orchard Math
5. MaxWrite (Scholastic Keys)
6. Are websites replacing computer software?
7. Type To Learn 3
8. Can you help me find educational software?
9. How can I get Kid Pix 4 for home use?
10. Stickers and animations are not showing up in my copy of Kid Pix 4

Kid Pix Studio Deluxe and Kid Pix 4

Yes.  Broderbund actually makes about 4 different version updates 
of their popular Kid Pix program.  I continue to use the Kid Pix 
Deluxe version for Kindergarten and First Grades because it is so 
basic and allows students to master the tools.  Later on in 
Second Grade, we use Kid Pix 4 and I encourage students to 
transfer tool skills to this newer version.  "If the 
older version did this, see how the newer version compares."  If 
you attempt to purchase Kid Pix for home use, be sure to check 
the system requirements. I do have a few copies of Kid Pix 4 from 
Scholastic available.  Cost is $15 and it will be compatible with 
XP with SP1.

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Kidstime Storywriter

I am sorry to say that this program is not available for home 
use.  However, by second grade, students will be very familiar with the basics 
of word processing and can use WORD to type sentences and word lists.  As 
I teach word processing to all grade levels, students are excited to see 
that they can type words and sentences at home too.

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Kidspiration 2.1

Kidspiration allows a perfect blending of text and graphics. 
Children prepare for writing by finding pictoral representations of the 
ideas they want to include.  This is known as a graphic organizer.  It is 
available for home use through Scholastic Software clubs but comes at a high 
price of $49.95

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Orchard Math

Students may call this program "Fibonacci Bear".  It is 
a wonderful Math program that allows each student to work independently through 
hundreds of age-appropriate Math lessons.  It is highly motivating and they 
do so well!  I am sorry to say that it is not available for home use.  It is 
one of those "school only" applications but Grade 1 and 2 
students will get many turns to use it this year.

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MaxWrite (Scholastic Keys)

From First Grade on we frequently use a word processing program 
called Scholastic Keys.  It actually works as a shell over Microsoft 
WORD, EXCEL and POWERPOINT and shows their options in a more kid-friendly 
screen.  It is an excellent program but you would probably be better off to just 
show your children how to access WORD.

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Are websites replacing computer software?

There are so many rich and appropriate websites available to this 
age student.  I will try to  continue to post those that I feel 
are the best of the best.  If you have any suggestions, please 
send me some suggestions at 
barb.campbell@fsd157c.org

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Type To Learn 3

This typing program has earned several awards for its 
effectiveness in teaching students to touch type.  I take several weeks to 
introduce the basics of finger placement and correct form.  This is the one 
program that I encourage parents to consider buying for home use.  Second 
graders are so highly motivated to learn that they often stick with it and learn 
many letters.  This will save them frustration in later years.  I 
order the program through Scholastic software clubs for $15.  E-mail me 
anytime if you are interested in purchasing as I will be glad to help.  You 
might also find it on store shelves or on Ebay!

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Can you help me find educational software?

Regarding Kid-Friendly and sometimes educational software:
I also have access to Scholastic Software catalogs that will give 
you a pretty good deal on software for both PC and Mac, as well as 
Wii,DS and many other gaming options.  I hate to send these pages home with all 
students as they will surely beg for something, but will gladly send you a  
catalog 
flyer if you request one.  You can simply e-mail me at 
barb.campbell@fsd157c.org and I will see that you get one.

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How can I get Kid Pix 4 for home use?

I am able to order Kid Pix 4 Home Edition through Scholastic Book 
orders.  It is $17.00.  If a student brings me a check made out to 
Scholastic for that amount, I will gladly order the software and get it to you.  
It works on both Win and Mac platforms. See specs below.

Windows Requirements

Windows XP SP3 Vista 
300 MHz processor or faster 
128 MB of RAM 
600 MB Hard Disk space for installation 
DVD-ROM drive 
800 x 600 display 16-bit color 
Windows-compatible printer 
Apple QuickTime player v7.5 
Optional: Microphone (not included) 
Optional: Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing user's guide 

Macintosh Requirements

Macintosh OS X 10.2 - 10.5.5 
Power PC G5 or PowerPC G4 (867 MHz or faster) 
512 MB of RAM 
600 MB Hard Disk space for installation 
DVD-ROM drive or aster 
800 x 600 display thousands of colors 
Macintosh compatible printer 
Apple QuickTime player 
Optional: Microphone (not included) 
Optional: Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing user's guide

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Stickers and animations are not showing up in my copy of Kid Pix 4

Copy and paste this address into your browser.  There is a 
download that will fix this problem.  Please let me know if this 
does not work for you.  It did work for us.

http://support.riverdeep.net/fix.asp?isid=44261&prog=1294820709 

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