What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this software requires the
VSmile TV Learning System to play. Using the stylus can
be difficult: Kids have to push down on the stylus to make the
head retract, and then they must continue to hold it down while
drawing. This can be very challenging for kids younger than 5,
and difficult for those ages 5 to 8. At times, the stylus is
unresponsive and requires multiple attempts to make it react
correctly. Also, testers were frustrated by the unit's
inconsistent acceptance of their tracing. It does teach kids a
wide variety of skills, from tracing and color mixing to some
animation basics.
Families can talk about how different it is to draw on the Art Studio instead of a piece of paper. They might want to discuss what it's like to see your artwork up on the TV screen. Parents may want to ask kids what they learned from this software. Which activity did you find the most educational -- or fun?
Common Sense Media Review
VSmile is expanding its audience from young gamers into
budding Picassos. With VSMILE ART STUDIO, kids can draw on a
touch-sensitive surface to create artwork that's displayed on
the television screen.
Here's how it works: The VSmile Art Studio is an add-on to the VSmile TV Learning System and comes with a rectangular art surface. Kids use the Art Studio's attached stylus to draw on the touch-sensitive surface and to open menus for access to the digital art tools.
With the VSmile Art Studio, kids can use their imaginations to free-draw pictures that appear on the television screen. The digital art tools available to young artists include various-sized colored pencils, pre-made geometric shapes, stamps, animated objects, backdrops, and color-filling tools. Kids can save up to five pictures and showcase them in a slideshow.
In addition to open-ended play, the software offers 11 interactive art lessons and activities. Kids practice fine-motor skills by tracing gray lines to create shapes or objects. They learn how to click and drag geometric shapes to create pictures. And they play video games that require them to draw.
Also good is a color-mixing activity that teaches kids how to make secondary colors by mixing the primary colors of red, blue, yellow, and white. Learning to sequence pictures to tell a story teaches kids about animation.
Because the stylus requires dexterity and patience, the VSmile Art Studio isn't a good fit for children under 5.
The bottom line? If you don't already own the required system, this game doesn't make it worth investing in it. But if you do, this digital art desk will provide your kids with plenty of activities to explore.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
