½ Counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and in the registered version, division, fractions, decimals and percentages as well. Plus a speaking clock to teach your child to tell the time.
½ A wide range of difficulty levels.
½ Highly motivating game format.
½ Work is timed to encourage quick thinking (3 speeds available).
½ Entertaining graphics and sounds.
½ Built in tutorials.
½ Bonus game of 'Matching Pairs'.
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System Requirements/Uninstall
The program should work on any computer running Windows 95 or 98. A soundcard is recommended, but not essential.
The program can be removed from your computer by clicking on the uninstall icon in the programs menu. The uninstall can be password protected to prevent accidental uninstall by children. See the manual for details.
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Running the Program
Simply double click on Ray's Numbers Game icon (in the 'Ray's Numbers Game v3.0' folder in your programs menu) to begin, and follow on-screen instructions. Choose 'help' for further information.
There are 3 skill levels: Lower, Intermediate and Higher (registered version only).
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Playing the Game
The game is very simple. Each player has a playing grid with a variety of possible answers. Click on the correct answer and one of four symbols (heart, face, umbrella, magnet) will appear. The first player with 5 identical symbols wins. However, if you fail to click the correct answer within the time limit, or click 2 wrong answers in succession, the correct answer will be shown and you will have missed your turn.
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Lower Level
At the Lower Level, you can choose 'counting', 'simple addition' or 'simple subtraction'. At this level only, the answers are spoken out loud.
Counting: This option teaches children to count with the aid of pictures. The highest number to count can be set anywhere in the range 3-14.
Simple Adition: Teaches children to add with the aid of pictures. The highest number to add can be in the range 3-7.
Simple Subtraction: Teaches children to subtract with the aid of pictures. The highest number to subtract can be in the range 3-7.
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Intermediate Level
The full range of options is only available with registration.
At the Intermediate Level you can choose 'addition', 'subtraction' , 'multiplication' or 'division':
Addition/Subtraction: Teaches addition or subtraction with the highest number in the range 4-100.
Multiplication/Division: Teaches multiplication or division with the highest number in the range 3-12. In the case of division, the highest number refers to the divisor and answer. 'Multiplication' has an option to test particular times tables only.
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Higher Level
This Level is only available in the registered version.
You can choose 'Recognising Fractions', 'Working with Fractions', 'Fractions to Decimals' or 'Fractions to Percentages'. Each has 3 difficulty levels.
Recognising Fractions: Identifying fractions from segments of a circle.
Working with Fractions: Calculation of fractions of whole numbers.
Fractions to Decimals: Conversion of fractions to decimals.
Fractions to Percentages: Conversion of fractions to percentages.
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Times Tables
If you select 'Multiplication', you can then click the 'multiplication table' button to test a times table of your choice.
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Timer
The timer encourages quick thinking. If you run out of time (or get the answer wrong twice) the correct answer will appear on screen and you will miss your turn.
You can choose a speed suited to your child; probably best to begin slowly and later speed up.
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Options
There are three 'Options' : 'Timer sound' - use to switch off the timer sound only; 'Sound' - use to switch off all sound effects; and 'Certificate' which allows the printing of a simple certificate when a game is won. If the day or date on the certificate is wrong, then this is due to a wrong date setting in Windows: this can be corrected via the control panel (from the start menu, select settings > control panel > date/time).
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Bonus Game
If a player (other than the computer) wins a game with no errors and without being 'timed out', then you can play a bonus game, 'Matching Pairs'; by default, at the lower level, you simply match up pairs of pictures, while at the intermediate and higher levels you have to match up sums and their answers. However, if you wish, you can select to use the simpler game at any level.
Note: The 'Recognising Fractions' section always uses the simpler, picture matching game.
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Game Options
Select 'Game Options' from the menu bar, to view your current game options (type of sum, level, speed etc), change these game options or begin a new game (of the same type).
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? and X icons
These two icons, which appear at the bottom of the screen at intermediate and higher levels, give children access to a simple calculator ('?' icon) and an interactive set of multiplication tables ('x' icon). These will allow your child to find out answers he or she missed, but ONLY before or after a game. Neither is available during a game.
Note: the calculator is intended to be very simple (to make it easy to use and understand) - for example, the maximum number input is 9999, and answers are given to different numbers of decimal places, depending on the size of the answer.
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Telling the Time
If you click on the green 'clock' icon at the bottom of the main screen, your child can learn to tell the time from a speaking clock. There are learning and game options, 3 levels of difficulty (in the registered version) and a range of clock faces to choose from. More details are available in the clock section of the program.
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Tutorials
In the registered version there are hints and tutorials on multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages which will make learning the basics easier.
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WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
These programs and documentation are provided "as is" and without any express or implied warranties. I have run the programs on a number of machines but cannot possibly anticipate all possible variations of software and hardware that the programs may be run under. Therefore, the user must assume the entire risk of using these programs. Under no circumstances will I be liable for any damages arising from the use of, or inabilty to use, these programs.
