Homefires Product Reviews
Creativity Express
Homefires' Product Review Team consists of homeschool families who sort
through a variety of products sent to us by companies for consideration.
Then, the families provide feedback on the product. If they like it, we
publish their review here. We publish the reviews with the hope that it may
save you some time in finding useful products for your family with the
caveat that what works for one family, may not work all.
Creativity ExpressReviewed By the Cashmore Family
2/15/08
Creativity Express is an introductory art theory presentation for kids
"ages 7 to 97;" it does contain something for everyone, although
those at the under-twelve end of the spectrum with little or no previous
formal art theory instruction might stand to gain the most from it.
This CD contains a small art museum (with a representative work of art or
two for each artist), a glossary of art terms, and a "portfolio"
area for kids to file their artwork (which can be created elsewhere), but the
main attraction is the video art lessons section, featuring a wide range of
art concepts clearly and humorously presented by three loveable cartoon
characters: Furnace the good-naturedly bungling polar bear, an art-savvy
penguin named Ruby, and her inquisitive little sister Tickle (who, as it
turns out, is a budding mathematician).
Kids giggle their way through such topics as Fibonacci numbers in art, the
distinction between shape and form, and how a curator preserves paintings.
The cartoons are very short and can be viewed in any order; children will
want to watch some of them again and again; because of this voluntary
repetition, the concepts have a better chance of being learned.
Each group of cartoons is accompanied by a short quiz (four to seven questions,
which can be repeated if missed) and an opportunity to apply what they have
learned in an interactivity. For example, in one cartoon, one of Leonardo da
Vinci's famous works, a painting called The Last Supper, is shown losing paint
chips the moment it begins to dry, and the narrator (one of the penguins)
cheerfully explains the lesson that was learned from this experience. One of
the related activities is to virtually apply various chemical processes to raw
materials to produce various pigments, then bind them with oil or egg and see
the resultant paint as it appears in an actual famous work of art.
As this interactivity progresses, the narrator discusses the value and durability
of the various paints. As each combination is created, it takes its place in a table;
this visual aid serves as a motivator for the child to make sure that every possible
combination has been tried. In other activities, children create artwork online or
are inspired to get out some art supplies and make something the old-fashioned way.
The presentation of a museum as a "time machine" is particularly delightful.
Ruby tricks the others into thinking that they have actually traveled backwards in time;
this cartoon also helps kindle the young viewers' interest in visiting a museum for
themselves.
Navigation through this game is entirely intuitive; completion can take several hours.
After it has been completed, children will want to play some parts of it again a few
more times.
This charming, wholesome game has been given an ESRB rating of E for Everyone. As
always, parents are encouraged to preview it and sit down with their children while
playing this game to determine its suitability for their own family. Personally, I
think this would be great in small doses as an introductory art program, maybe a
little bit per day or every few days over the span of a year or two.
Overall, Creativity Express offers exceptional educational value, entertaining
children, while boosting their knowledge of art theory. (Price: $29.95, Available from
MadCapLogic.com)
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