Adventures and Simulations can effectively support literacy and numeracy and encourage young children to ask questions of the nature: "What would happen if…?"

Task:

Decide which adventure or simulation package to use.

Evaluate the adventure or simulation thoroughly. Does the adventure or simulation offer:

• effective and stimulating graphics or animations which would be appealing to Early Years?
• speech facilities?
• appropriate tasks provided within the package?

Introduce the adventure or simulation to the pupils.

Ensure that pupils know how to navigate through the adventure or simulation such as clicking the mouse button at appropriate places.

Provide assistance for pupils when navigating through the program.

Ensure that pupils have ample opportunities to navigate through the program themselves.

Discuss the problems or tasks with pupil groups.

Encourage pupils to solve problems and complete tasks.

Provide opportunities for pupils to solve problems and complete tasks themselves.

Learning Outcomes for the Teacher

Using an adventure or simulation package, know how to:

• load software
• assess an adventure or simulation package for use with Early Years
• use an adventure or simulation package with the children

Resources

• An adventure or simulation
• computer
• printer

Teaching Strategies