Title:   Madeline:  European Adventure
Content Type: Art, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies
Rating:  8
Low Grade:  Kindergarten
High Grade:  3
Publisher:  Creative Wonders
Date Published: 1996
Platform:  Windows or Mac
Price:   $29.95

Content Description: This software integrates numerous subjects into one game.  Madeline, the main character, speaks in French and then repeats what she said in English. Social Studies is also incorporated through Madeline’s visits in France, Switzerland, Italy and Turkey.  At each stop, Madeline interacts with the culture specific to that country.  On a couple of occasions, geography is used to help the player navigate to the next destination.  Language arts are used in making a postcard and a story order chart.  In addition, math is used through the incorporation of patterns and counting activities in the software.  Madeline:  European Adventure is relatively flexible.  The player has the opportunity to problem solve by trial and error at his/her own pace.  The game would be best suited for individuals or pairs and requires approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Installation: Requires 486 processor or better, 4 megabytes hard drive, and Windows 3.1 or higher
Strengths/Weaknesses:  This software is very colorful, had clear vivid image quality, combines numerous topics in a short amount of time and has very good illustrations.  Students would enjoy being read to at the beginning and then having the chance to continue the story.  Students probably would relate well as students to Madeline and therefore perform better in the game. However, this game is a little difficult to play without some explanation of how the game flows and what the final goal is.  The navigation from one stop to the next is complicated by the poor print on the directional signs, storefronts and train station.  Madeline speaks quickly, therefore, it takes a couple of times to understand what she says in French and repeats in English.  It would be necessary to introduce this game in detail to students before allowing them time to play it individually.

User comments: Kelsey is a very active and easily distracted first grader who loved playing Madeline.  Being able to put the stories together and hearing Madeline speak in French in addition to the other characters maintained Kelsey’s interest in the game.  (Stacey Hembree worked with Kelsey in 5th Dimension, Appalachian State University.)
Links:

    The software we evaluated is Madeline:  European Adventure.  This software is geared toward a first or second grader.  The students explore and travel around Europe by train.  Over the course of the game, the player has to complete various tasks to move on to the next destination.  Through the individual tasks, the student uses Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, Geography, Spelling and problem solving skills.
    This game would be useful in the classroom for a couple of reasons.  First, the software introduces cultural differences in a positive way.  Secondly, the software incorporates several different subjects in one game and uses the game as a review of what the students already know as well as expand the students’ current knowledge.  Madeline:  European Adventure could be used as an activity for center time.  Since the game is fairly long, the students would be more successful in completing the tasks in center time, where they can have ample time for the game.  The software would also be useful as a review tool throughout the year to keep children thinking about what they have previously learned.