| | |  | | Home » Creativity Express - Let's Start with Art | | | | | | | Features: | |
• For ages 7-97!
• Interactive activities, animated movies
• Projects that develop creative kids!
• Plus - cool new game that lets kids use the characters to make funny emails
• For Windows or Macintosh
| | | Product Details: | | | Package Length:
| 5.4 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.0 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.0 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.25 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 5 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 5 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Donny Yankellow's MyMac.com ReviewMay 08, 2008
By Tim E Robertson
"Publisher MyMac"
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.
MyMac.com Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Originally Published at: [...]
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Love this as a teaching tool!Jul 03, 2008
By Homeschooling Mom
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.
6 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 This is not a computer creativity tool, it is a tutorialDec 28, 2008
By txtxyeha
Sorry to drag this rating down a bit, but we bought this under the impression that it would be a tool our child can use to create art projects using the computer and our color printer. As some other reviewers have stated, this is a classroom teaching module about art - more power to the home-schoolers. It basically gives tutorials about art and art history, then suggests that the user get some paper out and go make art.
Love it! Love it! Love it!Dec 31, 2008
By K. Carone
"KC"
I am an educator myself, but purchased Creativity Express for my 7-year old son. I thought it might be a little too advanced for him, but it wasn't. He absolutetly loves it! The program not only engages him, but me also. I have to admit that I have sat with him on many occasions to view the lessons together and have been thoroughly entertained and educated!
The program uses great and engaging animated characters to present lessons on art--history, methods, techniques, etc. The lessons utilize real-life examples of art to illustrate the principles it teaches. It includes great activities and games that are fun for my son and reinforce the concepts learned. My son has even commented to me, "Mom, this is awesome! It's like a video game where I learn things." And, it has been fun to see him apply the principles he has learned from the program in other areas of our life. ("Mom, this is just like the art game when they talk about using the same colors. . . ")
I can't say enough good about this program. I have recommended it to my son's elementary school and others, and would truly recommend it for anyone--any age.
10 Thumbs Up!Jul 01, 2008
By Tammi
"Training Hearts"
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.
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