Clifford Software

Software Title and Publisher (provide vendor information, URL link): Clifford:Phonics

http://www.tomsnyder.com/products/product.asp?SKU=CLIPHO

Price: individual or volume licensing information: The individual price is $39.  Each additional is at discount. Volume cost is $28 for 100-249 copies but you get the whole series which includes: 

Clifford Series*, Community Construction Kit, Diorama Designer, The Graph Club+, I Spy Series, Math Missions*, Neighborhood MapMachine+, Rainforest Designer, Reading for Meaning, Timeliner XE.

Note the type of software: Virtual Learning

Note the target content area: Phonics (Reading)

Note any learning standards alignment: None mentioned, but it aligns with NETS 1-Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

What kind of documentation or online help (tutorial) is available? How user friendly is the software for the target audience?  I did not find any online help.  The software is very user friendly for the targeted audience.  I have seen kids use this program and they love it.  However, I think the targets age is a little off.  This program was used in a Pre-K classroom and Kindergarten.  If it were used in 1st grade I believe the child would have to have significant delays in phonics.  The game has rewards and students love playing so they can try to get the rewards.

Note computer requirements and the Operating System compatibility:

PC: Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, Pentium II 266 MHz or faster CPU, 80 MB hard drive space, 64 MB RAM, 16-bit color display, 8X or faster CD-ROM, Windows-compatible sound card, .

Mac: System 8.6 or later, OS X, iMac/G3 233 MHz or faster CPU, 80 MB hard drive space, 64 MB RAM, 16-bit color display, 24X or faster CD-ROM, .

Look for additional available resources that might supplement the software. Does it come packaged with lesson ideas? Are online resources available?  They have a fun pack that goes with the CD but it cost $9.99.  This fun pack includes books and "adventures" for students to go. There is a lesson plan on phonics which includes Clifford books but you have to search it on the scholastic site.   There are also interactive games online but they are not as in-depth as the software.

Share an idea or two about how you might use the software in your classroom. How might you integrate the software application? I would use this software to build on phonetic awareness with students.  I would purchase the extra fun pack to use in the classroom so when the students had computer time they would know what to do.  The fun pack is a way to reinforce what they are learning with the software.  I would first use the fun pack and integrate the software once I thought the students understood what the lesson was asking for.