Creative Writer 2 (Jewel Case)

Rating:
Summary: Good starter for writing!
Review: I have been analyzing different educational softwares with an emphasis in writing for a class that I am taking. I have looked at a number of writing softwares and found Creative Writer 2 to be one of the best ones. I do think that they could have done better in the writing prompts and explaining the menu- it is a little hard to get started. Overall, children will really enjoy this software and be able to use their creativity when writing.

Rating:
Summary: Good starter for writing!
Review: I have been analyzing different educational softwares with an emphasis in writing for a class that I am taking. I have looked at a number of writing softwares and found Creative Writer 2 to be one of the best ones. I do think that they could have done better in the writing prompts and explaining the menu- it is a little hard to get started. Overall, children will really enjoy this software and be able to use their creativity when writing.

Rating:
Summary: Maybe I was expecting too much...
Review: The description of this product talked about step-by-step templates, book reports, essays, etc. It also talked about the decorative features of this product, which ARE very good. My kids and I, however, couldn't find anything we'd call step-by-step instructions. The projects are rather frivolous: banners, ribbons, flyers, newsletters (incl. 'Tabloid Gossip!'- yuck), room signs, etc. The more serious writing ideas (scripts, stories, editorial, report, etc.) simply give a definition of the term and an example with hints pertaining only to that example. -Then a suggested assignment is given. Not much better in that way than the average text. The examples serve as the template, with the student having to replace the example words with their own. I was hoping for prompts, suggestions, and/or reminders on blank templates. There is only one example of a report compared to several kinds of scripts...Which is more important? The 'speech' idea is for an acceptance speech...How many kids need that! I was planning to use this to supplement our homeschool writing curriculum; to make it more fun and provide information in a different, but still constructive way. The manufacturer's description specifically mentioned book reports & essays...Neither are mentioned on the software at all. The 'fun' features are great, the educational value is just average.