EdAlive - Every chance for every child

Father of three writes enthusiastically about Numbers Up!1 Volcanic Panic.

“The strongest thing I can say about Numbers Up! Volcanic Panic is that it has hardly been out of the PC since we got it ... It is terrific – thank you!”
John Smith - Father of three - Buckinghamshire.

Dear Graham,

Following are some thoughts as to why Volcanic Panic is such a fantastic piece of software. As you will see from the note, it is head and shoulders above anything else we have tried - brilliant! Feel free to use my comments and if you need more, give me a shout. By the way, Rupert is a real credit to your business. Totally professional, and very pleasant. He couldn't have been more helpful.

The most effective program we have discovered
I bought Volcanic Panic around 9 months ago to use with my three children, who are 11, 9 and 6. I have seen and used a great deal of software to help them with their maths, and I can honestly say this is by far and away the most effective program we have discovered.

It’s great fun for all ages!
Basing the maths around a game is terrific, and it is not a silly, made-up game. My 9 year old enjoyed it so much he made a cardboard version of Volcanic Panic, questions and all!

The idea of different ages playing against each other each at their own level other is brilliant! As a result, the game is about turn taking etc. as well as Maths. My kids play each other (and the computer) which makes it a great, social, family game. All my children’s friends want to play too and have their names in the directory ready to go.

The kids have to think about the maths
Volcanic Panic is very varied and is not about learning by rote. The kids have to think about the maths - hence it is about problem solving, not just number bonds. This is marked contrast to many other pieces of software. A game can be structured to fill the time available, which is a nice touch. Being able to set it up by number of turns or by time is great.

Depth and variety of questions impressive
The depth and variety of the questions are very impressive and again very different to other games where they ‘learn’ the answers after a while. A particular favourite here is the ‘quiz’ space which is very motivational. It was very easy to set up and intuitive to use, which is vital for children.

Identifies where kids need to consolidate
Looking over their shoulders, it is very obvious which bits of maths they are struggling with and vice versa. This is so helpful in filling in the gaps. One of the problems of the national Curriculum is that they don’t get the opportunity to go back and consolidate. Volcanic Panic identifies where they need to do so.

Teaches the language of Maths ... not just number bonds
My 6 year old has autism, and my full time job now is as a therapist to help him. His key issue is language. What is brilliant about Volcanic Panic is that it teaches the language of Maths - less than, more than, before, after etc., rather than just the number bonds. He is very able on the latter, but struggles with the language. Hence the programme has been invaluable in helping him make progress. For my 6 year old, as with other kids with autism, getting him motivated is a key task. He absolutely loves this game and is learning without realising it.

It is terrific!
The strongest thing I can say about the program is that it has hardly been out of the PC since we got it. These are well-balanced kids who wouldn’t use it if they didn’t enjoy it. It is terrific! Thank you.

Regards,
John Smith - Father of three
Buckinghamshire UK