Today I'd like to introduce you to Core Learning, an excellent resource for homeschool products.  As crew members we given a copy of Crayola Art Studio from Core Learning, as well as three CD-ROMS with samples from many of their other products.  First I'll tell you a bit about the Crayola Art Studio.

Crayola Art Studio is a totally cool product.  I decided that Baber, my 5-year-old, would be my product tester for this software.  He has totally LOVED it!

This product is a lot like Paint that you get with Microsoft, but it is just so much cooler.  I just love the way it works. For example, when you are using yellow paint and then you go over it with red, it turns orange.  Now, when I say it turns orange, I mean it turns orange in the way that it would if you were using real paint.  I can't really describe it, it just looks totally real.  Like it kinda has a streaky effect or something.  I guess you'll just have to buy it and try it!  You can also use crayons, color pencils, markers, stickers and more. 

My dear son is constantly sneaking off downstairs to our printer to take (OK, steal) our printer paper.  He then makes tons and tons of drawings and wants to save every one.  Now (when the computer is free) I can sit him down and he can be creative all day and there is no waste of paper or mess!  He also can't break the crayons or lose the marker caps which is a plus! 

What are the pros of this product?

It's just plain fun!  It was easy enough for my five-year-old, but my older kids still enjoyed it.  I think anyone could have fun with this product.

What's not to like?

The only problem my kids had was that it took a while for them to figure out how to erase.

What's the bottom line?  $24.95

I really like this product.  Since I have the full version I am going to give it a smiley rating seperate from the company rating.  I am giving is 5 out of 5 smileys!!! *

Like I said, Core Learning also sent three demo disks so we could check out their other products.  The have four main subjects that they specialize in.  They are math, language arts, health and art & creativity.

I checked out the math and language.  These are not games, but serious reviews of all the basics you learn in elementary school.  When I checked out the math, I saw that they reviewed an area, had you print out practice worksheets to do on your own, and then had you come back to the computer to do a quiz that was immediately corrected.  I have to say, it's nice to get instant feedback.  Around here sometimes the teacher gets busy with life and it can be a while before theings get corrected! 

My son checked out the Health for Kids Series demo.  It was colorful and fun and he was learning all about his body.  There is also the Family Health Series that deals with things like illnesses and injuries, staying healthy and emotional health. 

The art tools are great from what I can see.  For example, with Corefx you can draw, paint, animate and even edit photos.  As I said before, I can't say enough about the Crayola Art Studio.

I also saw that they had products for older kids that stressed critical thinking skills.  It seems like they have something for everyone! 

What are the pros of this company?

From what I can see this company is trying to produce software that will help you teach the basics to your kids in a simple, yet effective way.  If you like to try before you buy, you can check out the software FREE for three days before buying.

What's not to like?

This does appear to be a secular company, so if you prefer to weave a Christian message into every subject, this may not be for you.

The Crazy Mom take: 

Based on my experience with the Crayola Art Studio and what I saw on the demos, I will be checking out Core Learning again when I am looking for software to supplement my kids' education.

What's the bottom line?  The cost of the software is $16.95 and up.

I am going to give Core Learning 4 out of 5 smileys!!!  *

Check it out!  http://www.core-learning.com

Check out what my fellow TOS Crew mates have to say @  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/620165/

 

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!