1. The Numbers Game (the current module) - a fun way to learn counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages. There is a wide range of available difficulty levels and a Bonus Game when you win the Numbers Game with no errors.
2. Tell the Time - an on screen speaking clock which will teach your child to tell the time. Learning and game options are available as well as a range of clock faces.
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System Requirements/Uninstall
The program should work on any computer running Windows 95, 98, NT4 or above. 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 Kids Tables and Time icon (in the 'Kids Tables and Time v 1.1' 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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THE NUMBERS 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.
There are also 4 symbol previews available, indicated by stars (at intermediate and higher levels). When it is your turn, right click a number to preview the underlying symbol. These previews need to be used carefully to give you the best chance of winning a game.
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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 Addition: 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.
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.
There is now an option to play without the timer, which younger or less confident users will find useful.
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Options
Timer Sound - use to switch off the timer sound only.
Sound - use to switch off all sound effects.
Certificate - 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).
Spelling/Uninstall Password - allows you to select your spelling preference (UK or US) and choose an uninstall password to prevent accidental uninstall (this can only be done once).
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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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TELL THE TIME
If you click on the green 'clock' icon at the bottom of the main screen, or select 'Tell the Time' from the menu bar, 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
This software and the accompanying files are provided "as is" and without warranties of any kind whether expressed or implied. The user must assume the entire risk of using this software. Under no circumstances will the author be liable for any damages, direct or consequential, arising from the use of, or inability to use, this software.
