How do I embed ICT into KS1? Kar2ouche's latest release "Creative Writing" could well be the answer. Steph Lennon, Primary ICT Advisory Teacher, introduces this new piece of software.

Colleagues will be aware that there is currently a drive to embed ICT into the primary curriculum. This not only has the potential to improve standards in ICT capability but also to improve the learning of subject knowledge.
Many literacy lessons are being enhanced by ICT through the use of the Internet and by using word processing programs that certainly identifies that ICT is a really valuable vehicle in developing literacy skills.
Kar2ouche has produced a software program called 'Creative Writing at KS1'. Whilst this is not a 'new' piece of software, teachers are just becoming aware of its powerful potential to develop literacy skills in a way that really engages children.
Creative Writing uses the familiar interface of the Kar2ouche Composer with a range of scenes and characters. The 4 main units one could chose to use are:

1. The Three Pigs 2. Cinderella 1 3. Cinderella 2 4. Familiar Settings

What really makes this program desirable is that there are pre-prepared activities within each unit for children to complete - every teachers' dream! Each activity contains storyboards or slides for the children to add text or objects to according to the specific task. For example, the Cinderella unit contains activities for children to write an autobiography of one of the characters or complete a character profile.
This illustrates that whilst ICT is being used as a tool to improve literacy skills in an exciting way there are no 'new' skills for the children to learn and the use of ICT therefore is transparent.

Alternatively, children could go straight to the composition screen to start creating their own storyboards.
This enables children to interpret various scenes and characters within a text in a very visual way.
Children are able to select a background to suit their story, insert characters - modifying their pose, and then add props or speech/thought bubbles to complete their slide.
Children can create a number of slides to re-tell a story or teachers may ask children to focus on one part of the story and allow children to express the feelings and thoughts of a character related to an event within the text.
KS1 Teacher, Sarah Harrison, from Dr South's Primary School has been using Kar2ouche regularly with the children in her class. She says that "it is very good for those children who find writing difficult and develops their ideas and allows them to concentrate on these rather than how to hold the pencil. It basically frees them from the mechanics of writing…. as long as they can type fast enough!"
Below is an example of 2 slides from a 10-slide storyboard from the story of Cinderella. These were created by two children in Sarah's class.

Kar2ouche has recently changed their pricing structure, which makes each title more accessible for schools to keep. They have also provided Oxfordshire with a discount.

Kar2ouche Composer must be purchased first and is required to run other Kar2ouche titles. This only needs to be purchased once at a cost of 2.50 per pupil. This price also includes your first module. There is as minimum charge of £400 and a maximum charge of £1,400.

Should you require further titles they will be charged at £300 each. For further purchasing information, please contact Christine Ruane at the ICT team.

Should you happen to have Kar2ouche in school but are not sure how to make the most of it, an Advisory Teacher would be able to provide you with demonstration lessons on how it can be utilised.