Creativity Express - Let's Start with Art!
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As you know, I am very reluctant to recommend software, but this one has intrigued me. Here is the caveat, I have researched it, but I haven't played it. From what I have learned, if you are homeschooling your kids, you NEED this software. For everyone else, you will need to make your own judgement.
It is made my MadCap Logic and there is a video on their site that shows you more about it. The video looks to me like the product is for littler kids, but it is for second through eighth graders. Below is a review from a high school art teacher. At the bottom of the posting, there is a further description of the company. I like what they say about themselves. However, don't buy it from them, I was able to find it for about 1/2 the price.
Here is what Amazon says about the product. I have also listed the three reviews. It is a brand-new product so I wasn't able to find a lot of user reviews, but these are all very positive.
- Art education so engaging, kids won't even know they're learning!
- 16 animated interactive lessons for hours of fun and learning!
- Creativity Builder projects with hands-on activities.
- Includes starter edition of Art Rage® digital paint software.
- Awarded "Media of the Year 2007" by Creative Child Magazine
(Florida) - See all my reviews "I recently received an interactive educational computer software game called "Creativity Express" by the nice folks at MadCap Logic. It was designed for children ages 7 through 12 and it allows them to view animated movies and games that teach basic principles of art. They can create art projects by using the program, or their own art supplies. And it runs on both Windows and my beloved Mac. My oldest daughter, age 8, who is my budding artist, loves this program. And since she's way more computer savvy than I can ever hope to be, she has negotiated the software with ease. I want to use it as a unit study for my two girls next year. Recently, the website for Creativity Express has offered free downloadable Lesson Plans and a Table of Contents. You can find this by clicking on the "Teachers" tab at the website. I absolutely love the way the lesson plans are set up. You're given an overview of the lesson, the principles, and then which "creativity builder" to use on the computer program. There are 16 lesson plans that incorporate not just how to draw, but how art relates to math, story telling, and much more. "
(USA) - See all my reviews As a homeschooling family of many littles ...and even some bigger littles, this art program was well received! My children fought for turns to "play" when they were actually learning! The reviewer above said it all...this offers a wonderful, unique opportunity to learn art and the children feel like they are playing. I do agree that I prefer programs that do not need the CD in the drive to play, but it's not a big hindrance if you exercise good computer etiquette --another great homeschooling lesson.
(Battle Creek, Mi United States) - See all my reviews As an art teacher (formerly k-8 and now primarily high school) I am always looking for new software for the classroom, my students, or for myself. Creativity Express by Madcap Logic fits into all three of those categories. At first glance it looks like something that would be great for elementary school children. However, the more I played with it the more I saw how it could be used by older students, and by myself. The box says for ages 7 to 97 (why only 97?) and I definitely agree it is not just for kids. Creativity Express is a collection of movies, games, and projects geared around art. Some of these activities occur on the computer (like the games and videos), while others are art activities to create off the computer. Kids (and adults) are guided through the activities by two animated penguins and a polar bear. When you start the game you create a login name that you use each time you play. You are then presented with over 20 options or categories. Each of these options is full of videos, games, and activities. Games can be played for Art Cards (digital cards about art and artists) and pieces to a mystery puzzle. My favorite section is the "Creativity Builder." This section is packed with project ideas that would be made off the computer. The projects are geared towards all different ages, and range from cartoons to realistic projects. There is also a Glossary and a Portfolio section. In the Portfolio tab kids can import images of their artwork created digitally or even from a digital photo. A great place to collect all of that art! As I tested the software, I not only learned a few things I found myself finding starting points for project with my students. If I was learning as an art teacher, imagine how much the young artist in your family would learn. (Okay, I'm sounding like an informercial now, I'll stop). As a bonus, the software comes with the fantastic basic version of Artrage 2.5. This is no freebie extra. The basic version can be freely downloaded from www.artrage.com, but it is nice to have right on the CD and not having to download it. My one and only problem with the software is that you have to have the CD installed to run it. This is really annoying. If a younger user gets a hold of the CD and accidentally damages it the game will not run. I realize the game is full of videos and graphics that would probably take up a lot of hard drive space, but I would like to see the option to install everything from the CD to my hard drive. Other than that, I highly recommend Creativity Express for the home and the Art classroom. It is well worth the price of $29.95. "
From Madcap Logic's website: Madcap Logic LLC is an award winning content and product development studio with superb creative, technical and production capabilities. Founded in 2003 by former animators from The Walt Disney Company, our talented artists and expert production team create software and related products that have a unique blend of animation, storytelling and interactive activities. Continue reading
I am debating buying this for my daughter, if I do, I will let you know if she likes it. I like that part of it is on the computer and part of it is using your own art materials to make things. I like the portfolio feature. She might be able to use it to get into one of the magnet high schools.
If you decide to get it, make sure you report back it and let us know what you think.
Mara