Puzzle Play Software: Dot-to-Dots - E

Kids design their own dot-to-dot puzzles to share.

Publisher: School Zone Category/Genre: Computer Software - Puzzle Platform: Mac/Windows Price: $7.99 Online Enabled: No Graphics: Simple. Playability: Confusing at first, but once you learn, then easy. Reading Level: Light Release Date: 03/08/2007 ESRB Rating: E

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this software comes with a 64-page workbook. The software puts kids in the driver's seat to create their own dot-to-dot puzzles. The puzzles can then be printed and shared with others or played on the computer. This software is perfect for 6- to 8-year-olds, but can be used by younger children if someone helps them.

Families can talk about how it's harder to create a dot-to-dot than it is to draw a picture. Because you have to place dots on the outside of the object, does it make you rethink how you depict an object? How do you feel about sharing a puzzle you have created? Do you like playing the puzzles on the computer or on paper printed from the computer?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jinny Gudmundsen

PUZZLE PLAY SOFTWARE: DOT-TO-DOTS comes as a package of software accompanied by a 64-page workbook of dot-to-dot puzzles.

The software provides you with a set of tools to create your own dot-to-dot puzzles, but it's a little tricky to navigate. The easiest way to do this is to use one of the 15 pictures as a guide, placing dots around the edges of objects. The tools allow you to draw curves, zigzags, and squiggles in between the dots. The dots can be labeled with numbers or letters of the alphabet. After you have placed the dots on the puzzle, you can decorate the objects you have created by using a paint program and stickers. What is fun about this is that when you have someone play your puzzle on the computer, all your art disappears until the person connects all the dots. And then, voila! -- there's your artwork.

The puzzles you design can also be printed for completion away from the computer. This is empowering for children because it allows them to hand out dot-to-dot puzzles that they created.

This software is one of three titles that make up School Zone's Puzzle Play Software & Workbook series. The other two in the series are easier to play: Puzzle Play Software: Mazes and Puzzle Play Software: Hidden Pictures.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence
Language
Message
	Social Behavior Lets kids create their own puzzles to share with others.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Teaches logic in the process of constructing dot-to-dot puzzles.