It is Half-Term for many kids in the UK this week, and whilst many will be happy to have a break from the daily routine of schoolwork and timetables, it is not usually long before boredom sets in.
However, if you, or your family are the lucky owner(s) of a
Nintendo DS, then
Mini Gamers may just have the solution. We take a look at Nintendo's range of fun, educational gaming software, which is sure to keep the kids happy, entertained and educated during the half-term break.
A Little Half-Term Reading:
What is it?
Produced by
EA Games, the
Flips videogame series turns the DS/DSi console into an
E-reader. Each standard game cartridge contains
between 6-8 unabridged novels from several popular children's authors like
Eoin Colfer,
Enid Blyton and
Rick Riordan.
The books are completely interactive. As well as using the stylus to turn each page, the stories contain
sound effects and
animations,
hidden items to collect, (such as coins or codes,) simple explanations about various characters, and the chance to unlock
bonus content such as interviews with the author or further short stories.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Boys and Girls aged between 6-12 years of age. Obviously,
basic reading ability is necessary for this product.
Where Can I Find It?
Most Video Game stores have various Flips titles in stock. Some Waterstones stores also feature limited stocks. Online retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk do feature New and Used copies for as little as £8.00.
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Time To Get Those Brains In Gear:
Although videogames often get bad press for rotting children's brains and turning them into media zombies, the Nintendo DS also features a range of junior titles devoted to Brain Training and Problem Solving. The new Junior Brain Trainer 1, 2 and 3 (Maths Edition) are perfect for getting young children's brains into shape before school starts again.
What is it?
Junior Brain Trainer is based on the successful Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training, but it has a big advantage over the adult version in that is closely linked to the current National Curriculum Key Stages 1 & 2 to help develop reading, writing, spelling, maths, geometry, logic and problem solving skills, alongside what children are already being taught in the classroom.
Junior Brain Trainer utilises daily mini-games, which children can play to unlock various bonus content including quizzes and stories and other games.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Boys and girls aged between 5-11 years of age.
Where Can I Find It?
Most Video Game stores have the three Junior Brain Trainer titles in stock. Online retailers such as Play.com and Amazon.co.uk also feature New and Used copies for as little as £10.99.
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Find The Inner Artist:
Their are currently a few titles on the Nintendo DS which deal with the subject of Art, but Let's Draw has an uncomplicated style of teaching, which makes it the perfect tutor for young budding Picassos.
What Is It?
Let's Draw turns the DS into a portable
Artists' easel. Children can
use the stylus as a crayon or paintbrush and create a whole host of fun characters and designs.
However, the fun doesn't end there - once the art has been created, it can then be brought to life with full motion and sound effects in the Animation Studio mode. Children can also play a range of ten mini-games featuring their own creations.
This title also has spoken instructions, which means that it will be easy for even very young children to learn the various drawing techniques featured in the game.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Girls and Boys aged between 5-12 years of age with an interest in drawing.
Where Can I Find It?
This retails in most Video Game stores for around £14.99, but can be cheaper online. Retailers such as
Play.com and
Amazon.co.uk also feature
New and Used copies for as little as £9.99.
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Unlock The Hidden Chopin:
Every fancied having a full music tutor that could fit inside your pocket? Easy Piano covers basic music theory and practical lessons within a fun and uncomplicated interactive framework.
What Is It?
Easy Piano is a virtual piano tutor for children. It comes with its own Piano Keyboard attachment and colour-coded stickers for the keys, which slots into the bottom of any DS or DS lite console.
Unfortunately, the Easy Piano game and its attachable device is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH NINTENDO DSi CONSOLES as they do not have a Game Boy Advance slot at the bottom.
Easy Piano teaches children how to read and understand written music, as well as teaching basic lessons on pitch and timing. It features several music-related mini-games and even allows children to compose their own tunes.
Who Does It Appeal To?
Girls and Boys aged between 7-14 years of age with an interest in piano music.
Where Can I Find It?
This retails in most Video Game stores for around £24.99, but can be cheaper online. Retailers such as
Play.com and
Amazon.co.uk also feature
New and Used copies for as little as £9.95.
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So, that completes the Mini Gamers recommendation list for some educational and interactive Half-Term fun. We hope that you found it useful.
One final tip however, The Nintendo DS also features many other educational titles that we haven't had time to mention. Why not spend some time browsing the Internet to see what other titles are currently on offer.
Please note, the New and Used prices quoted in this blog post were correct at the time of publication, but they are subject to change, thus it might be worth shopping around to find some good bargains.
