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1994-11-03
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CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HARD & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . 1
MAIN MENU WINDOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
USING A MOUSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MUSICAL REWARDS AND SOUND EFFECTS. . . . . . . . 2
VOICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Voice Playback Speed. . . . . . . . . . . 3
SUBMENUS OR LEVEL WINDOWS. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PICK LISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MUSIC COMPOSITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MUSIC LEVEL 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MUSIC LEVEL 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MUSIC LEVEL 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SAVING AND RETRIEVING TUNES. . . . . . . . . . . 5
ART. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
COLORBOOK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Clear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Draw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DOODLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SPIDER WEBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SPACE TUNNELS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SPACE WORMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SPACE RIBBONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ALPHABET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ENGLISH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MAKE A FUNNY SENTENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SCRAMBLED SENTENCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SENTENCE PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
EDITING ENGLISH FILES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SPELLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RANDOM WORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
INPUT SPELLING HOMEWORK. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
RECALL LAST SPELLING HOMEWORK. . . . . . . . . . 14
RECALL OLD SPELLING HOMEWORK . . . . . . . . . . 14
DELETE A WORD FILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EDIT WORD FILES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Add Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Edit Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Search for Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MATH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
LASER BLAST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
BUG NUMBERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
APPLESPIDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
TIMESTABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
FRACTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ADDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Add Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Add Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Add Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Add Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SUBTRACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Sub Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sub Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sub Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sub Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MULTIPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Mul Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mul Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mul Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mul Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
DIVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Div Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Div Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Div Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Div Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ALGEBRA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
EXAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
MAKE EXAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
TAKE EXAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SEE SCORES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
PRINT EXAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
EDITING EXAM FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TELL TIME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TIME LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TIME LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
TIME LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
TIME LEVEL 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SCHOOL-MOM UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SPELL FILES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ENGLISH WORD FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SENTENCE PTRN FILES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SUB-VERB AGREE FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SCRAMBLED WORDS FILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
EXAM FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SOME FINAL NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SCHOOL-MOM PLUS
The Manual
INTRODUCTION
The strength and prosperity of the U.S. has always relied
on the level of our education and character of our people.
Now, the education level in the U.S. is actually
decreasing rather than increasing. Illiteracy is becoming
common and knowledge of science and technology is
becoming rare. In most U.S. Universities the foreign
students specializing in science and technology now
outnumber the American students. By placing this
software on the market I hope to do my part to rectify
this problem.
School-Mom is an educational tool for children ages 4 to
14. Its main options are Music, Art, English, Alphabet,
Spelling, Math, Exams, and Tell Time. The name,
School-Mom, comes from the old term, School-Marm.
This nickname was often used when referring to teachers
who taught all subjects to all grades. This software,
which uses a back-to-basics approach to teaching,
attempts to do the same.
I think you'll like what I've done with this software
package. I hope you will agree it's the most
comprehensive children's educational software available
at any price.
HARD & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
The minimum hardware requirements for running
School-Mom are 640K RAM and VGA graphics. A mouse
is optional in all but the Colorbook option. If you have a
sound board that is SoundBlaster (tm) compatible this
program should talk.
The minimum software requirement is DOS version 2.1
or higher.
MAIN MENU WINDOW
This window lists all the main options you may choose
from such as Music, Art, Alphabet, English, Spelling,
Math, Exams, Tell Time, Help, Music/Sound ON/OFF,
Voice ON/OFF, and Order. There are several ways to
select an option from Main Menu. You may use the up
or down arrow keys to highlight the desired option then
press the ENTER key to accept the option. Or, you may
End of Page 1
press the key corresponding to the first letter of the
desired option until the option is highlighted then press
the ENTER key. You may also use the mouse to select
an option as described in the next section. Accept QUIT
or press the ESC key to stop the program.
USING A MOUSE
If you have a mouse and have installed it's driver, you
can use it in the Doodle option to draw, in the Colorbook
option to color pages, and in the option windows to select
options. To select an option using the mouse just move
the mouse cursor to the option you want then press the
left button twice. The first press will highlight the option
and the second press will select it.
The right mouse button can usually be used in place of
the escape key (ESC) to exit menus or options. Also, the
left button can usually (not always) be used in place of
the ENTER or RETURN key. Instructions are usually
given on the screen to tell you when this is possible.
If you're not using a Microsoft (tm) compatible mouse
you may have trouble using School-Mom. If so, turn off
the mouse support in School-Mom by pressing the t or T
key during the opening screen. Tandy (tm) and Agiler
(tm) mice are sometimes not Microsoft (tm) compatible.
If you normally use Windows you may not have a mouse
driver loaded for DOS programs. If your mouse works in
Windows but not in School-Mom it's probably because
you haven't loaded a DOS mouse driver. This is normally
done in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Commands in this file
are automatically executed when your computer comes on
-- before any other programs are run.
MUSICAL REWARDS AND SOUND EFFECTS
You may or may not want the computer to give musical
rewards. To turn the rewards off, select the
Music/Sound ON/OFF option and choose Never (Off). If
you want to get a musical reward for every 100 point
choose Sometimes. To always get a musical reward
choose Always.
This option also controls some sound effects, such as the
beep for wrong answers. If you choose Sometimes or
Always these sound effects will be on. If you choose
Never (Off) they will be off.
Choosing Never (Off) will also disable the Music option.
Effectively, all sound is turned off except for voice. Voice
End of Page 2
is controlled separately.
VOICE
If you have a SoundBlaster (tm) compatible board
installed in your computer and have speakers connected
to it, your computer should talk when using School-Mom
if this option is ON. The real human voices are those of
the author and his 10 year old son. A voice will
congratulate you for good work, pronounce letters of the
alphabet, and identify numbers for the lower level math
options.
You may turn the voice off by selecting the Voice option
and choosing OFF.
Voice Playback Speed
You may use the Set Speed option to adjust the playback
speed of the human voice. After you select this option
you'll be prompted to press a key to start. Then a voice
will repeat the phrase "try again." You may increase the
playback speed by pressing the U key or decrease it by
pressing the D key. Press ESC to stop.
You only need to adjust the playback speed once. The
speed you select will be stored in a configuration file so
School-Mom can remember it each time it starts.
SUBMENUS OR LEVEL WINDOWS
Most options have submenu windows. These windows
are used to select learning levels or to choose a particular
suboption. Choose from these menus using the same
techniques as in Main Menu. In particular, use the
mouse, arrow keys, or the key corresponding to the first
letter of the option to highlight the desired option then
press the ENTER key or the left mouse button to accept.
Accept Return (ESC), or press the ESC key, or press the
right mouse button to return to Main Menu.
PICK LISTS
When you need to choose a file, a pick list will be
displayed on your screen. Use the standard mouse or
keyboard techniques to choose a file from this list. If
there are more than 10 files to choose from, you'll see a
downward pointing arrow on the bottom right of the
picklist box. To see the additional file names either hold
down the down-arrow key on the keyboard or place the
mouse cursor on the arrow and press the left mouse
button.
End of Page 3
If there are more file names above the ones shown, an up
arrow will be displayed on the upper right of the pick-list
box. To see these file names press and hold down the
up-arrow key or place the mouse cursor on the up arrow
and press the left mouse button.
MUSIC COMPOSITION
The Music option has three suboptions. You can use
these options to compose and play tunes. Note that in all
three Music options, only the treble cleft is shown. Only
octave 3 notes and a few of octave 4 notes will appear on
the screen.
MUSIC LEVEL 1
In Level 1 you are shown a musical scale and asked to
enter notes by pressing a, b, c, d, e, f, or g. As you press
a key, the corresponding note is played and displayed on
the scale. If you make a mistake you can delete the
previous notes by pressing the BACK-SPACE key. When
you're done just press ENTER to play the entire tune or
press n to start a new tune. You may also press the
SPACE BAR to skip a note. This is the same as pausing
for one beat. Also, press the up arrow key to go to the
next higher octave or the down arrow key to go to the
next lower octave. When you first start a tune, octave 3
is the default. The notes of some octaves will not be
displayed on the scale but will still play. As always, press
ESC to exit the option and return to the music level
menu.
MUSIC LEVEL 2
Level 2 is similar to Level 1 except longer tunes can be
composed and the note duration can be changed. Either
1/1 (whole notes), 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16 notes can be
played. Change the duration by using the left or right
arrow key. This change will remain in effect until you
change the duration again.
MUSIC LEVEL 3
Level 3 is similar to Level 2 except sharp and flat notes
can also be played. To choose a sharp note press the
+/= key first then the note key. To choose a flat note
press the _/- (underline/minus) key first then the note
key. The change stays in effect only until the note is
played then it reverts back to a simple note. To remove
a sharp before the note is played, press the _/- key. To
remove a flat before the note is played, press the +/=
key.
End of Page 4
SAVING AND RETRIEVING TUNES
When in Level 2 and Level 3 you may store your tunes to
a file and retrieve them later. To store a tune press the
ALT key then press the s key before releasing the ALT
key. Now type the name of the file where you wish the
tune stored and press ENTER. Do not use an extension.
For example, use a word like "tune" but do not use
"tune.dat". To get a tune that you've stored earlier, press
the ALT key then press the g key before releasing the
ALT key. A list of the tunes will be displayed. Use the
keyboard or mouse to select one of these using the
techniques described earlier for option menus. This
selected tune will be played and displayed ready for
editing.
ART
Art has six options. These are Colorbook, Doodle, Spider
Webs, Space Tunnels, Space Worms, and Space Ribbons.
The following paragraphs describe each of these.
COLORBOOK
With this option, you can recall coloring book pages, color
them from a choice of 32 colors or shades, then store the
colored pages for later use. You can also draw your own
pictures and store them.
This program is very simple to use. Use the mouse
pointer to select a color then use the mouse to color the
drawing. You can save the drawing you've colored under
a different name or you can get another drawing.
At the top of the screen you'll see 32 color choices. Place
the mouse pointer on the color you desire then press the
left mouse button to select it. The selected color will be
displayed in a box at the top right of the screen.
After you've selected a color, place the mouse pointer on
the drawing where you want that color then press the
left mouse button. Any area surrounding that point and
bounded by black will be filled with your selected color.
Your selected color will stay in effect until you choose
another.
You may also draw your own pictures by selecting the
DRAW option from the top of the screen. Normally the
drawing color is black. This is also the border color used
by the paint/color routine. When you're coloring, the
color will fill any area surrounded by the drawing color.
You may change the drawing color to the selected paint
End of Page 5
color by pressing F4. After you do this all your future
drawings will be in that color until you change it back to
black by pressing F5. Note that this new drawing color
will also be used as the new boundary color for coloring.
If you try to fill an area with color that is bounded by any
color other than the current drawing color, it will spill
out.
Try never to fill an area with the same color as it's
boundary. For example, your drawing color is black and
you want to color an area black. If you do this, the
boundary will be lost and you may or may not be able to
color it again. If you do need to do this, save your file
first.
If your drawing color is black, the same thing will occur
if you paint an area with the color directly below black on
the color bar. You will not be able to repaint it.
Similarly, if you've changed the drawing color to
something other than black, you should not paint with
that drawing color or the color found below it on the
color bar.
File
Select this option if you want to get a new colorbook
page/file, store a file, or delete a file. This option also has
an Exit option which will allow you to exit the colorbook
program.
Use the Get a File option to select a new colorbook page.
Use the mouse to select the option similar to the way
described in the Main Menu section. You'll be shown a
list of pages to choose from. Use the mouse or arrow
keys to highlight the page you want then press the left
mouse button or the ENTER key. The page you selected
will be displayed on your screen.
Use the Store a File option to store pages you've created
or colored. Choose the Store a File option using the
mouse or the keyboard. Once you do this you'll have to
type a file name or page name for your drawing. When
you type a colorbook page name to store, do not use an
extension. For example, use something like mypage10
but not mypage10.gf2. The gf2 extension will be added
to the end automatically. Be careful not to copy over one
of the original pages.
The current page name will always be displayed at the
top right of the screen on the first row. Special
instructions will be displayed on the second row directly
below the file or page name. These instructions will
appear as needed.
End of Page 6
Clear
Choose this option if you want to clear your screen and
start again. When you do this you'll loose your colorbook
page if it's not stored. Be careful with this one.
Draw
Select this mode when you want to create your own
colorbook page. After you select this mode the upper left
of your screen will change from color selections to
drawing tool selection. You can then choose to draw with
straight lines, boxes, circles, ovals, or you can choose to
use freehand. Choose Quit Draw to return to the main
colorbook screen.
If you want to draw with straight lines place the mouse
cursor on the line at the top left of the screen then press
the left mouse button. Now move the cursor down to
where you want the line to start and press the left
button again. This time hold the button down and
stretch the line until it ends at the point you desire then
release the button.
To draw a box, select it from the top of the screen then
move the cursor to where you want one corner of the box
and press the left mouse button. Hold the button down
and stretch the box until the other corner is located
where you want it then release the button.
Drawing circles and ovals is only slightly different than
drawing lines and boxes. Select the one you want from
the top of the screen then move the cursor to where you
want the center of the circle or oval. Press the left
mouse button then stretch the circle until it's the size
you desire. If you're drawing an oval you'll notice that
the oval will become tall if you stretch up and wide if you
stretch out to either side.
To draw freehand, select it from the top of the screen
then move the cursor to where you want to start. Now,
press the left mouse button and hold it down while
moving the mouse to draw. Release the left button to lift
your pen.
Printing
You may print copies of your pages to your printer using
you graphics utility that comes with DOS. If you want to
do this you must load the graphics utility before you run
School-Mom. To do this from DOS type GRAPHICS
PRINTER /R then press ENTER. Substitute your
printer type name for the word PRINTER. For example
if you have an HP Deskjet printer then use DESKJET
where I've used PRINTER. If you have an HP Laserjet
End of Page 7
then use LASERJET. If you have a standard dot matrix
printer try leaving that part blank. For more information
on printer types consult your DOS manual under the
heading GRAPHICS.
I assume you'll want the printed version to have black
lines on a white background. In this case you'll need to
color everything on the page bright white before you
print it. To print your page just press the SHIFT key
then press the PRINT SCREEN (or PRINT) key before
releasing the SHIFT key.
If you have Windows you may also use it to print the
picture. Just run School-Mom under Windows, recall
your picture, then do a screen capture to the clipboard
(see your Windows manual for details). This is usually
done by pressing the Alt key and Print Screen
simultaneously. Then exit to Windows and go to any
Windows drawing program such as PaintBrush and paste
the picture from the clipboard. Then you may edit and
print the picture on your printer.
To escape from Colorbook press the right mouse button,
the ESC key or choose Exit from the File menu. When
asked if you really want to exit the program press either
y for yes or n for no.
DOODLE
This art option allows you to draw freehand with a mouse
or joystick in multiple colors. Your drawing can not be
saved. This one is just for relaxation and fun. If you
want to use a mouse, be sure to load the mouse driver
before you start otherwise you'll have to use a joystick.
If you're using a mouse, change the color by pressing the
right button and lower the pen by pressing the left
button. If you're using a joystick, change the color by
pressing c on the keyboard and raise the pen by pressing
p. In either case press e on the keyboard to erase and
start a new drawing.
The color currently being used is shown in a box at the
lower right corner of the screen. Also, if you want to
erase part of your drawing you should change the color
to background color (or until you can't see the color box)
then move the cursor over the area to be erased.
SPIDER WEBS
Here you can use the joystick or the arrow keys to
End of Page 8
control the actions of a spider while he leaves a web
behind him. When the arrow keys are used, the joystick
is disabled for the duration of the drawing. You may
change back to the joystick by erasing the drawing.
Press c to change the color of the web, press the < and
> keys to change the rate or speed of movement, press
e to erase the web and start again, or press ESC to
return to Art Menu.
SPACE TUNNELS
In this Art option you can use a joystick or the arrow
keys to control the growth and/or elongation of a tunnel
through deep space. The rules for using the joystick or
keys are the same as those just described in the Spider
Webs description.
Press ESC to quit, e to erase and start again, c to change
the color of the tunnel, g to make the tunnel grow larger,
r to make the tunnel reduce in size, the > key to
increase the growth rate, or the < key to reduce the
growth rate. With this option you can produce beautiful
screen art that appears to have 3-dimensional qualities.
It is very relaxing. Try it!
SPACE WORMS
This Art option is similar to Space Tunnels but it
produces an elongating worm with alternating colors.
You have no control over color. See the previous section
for details.
SPACE RIBBONS
This option is exactly like Space Worms except the worm
is flattened. This produces even better 3-dimensional
effects.
These Art options were designed especially for relaxation
and enjoyment. However, they can be used to stimulate
creativity.
ALPHABET
The purpose of this option is to teach preschoolers the
alphabet, both upper case and lower case. You are shown
an uppercase letter then three choices for its lower case
equivalent. To choose the correct lower case letter use
the right or left arrow key to move the pointing arrow to
the correct choice then press ENTER. Points are added
for correct answers.
End of Page 9
After you select the correct answer you must press a key
to continue. You may press ESC to stop, otherwise the
entire alphabet will be shown. Also, you may press c to
change the foreground color for the letters.
ENGLISH
This option has four suboptions. In the first of these you
learn about nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. The
second English option develops skill in forming sentences
by asking you to unscramble sentences. The third
teaches you the 5 basic sentence patterns and the fourth
teaches subject-verb agreement.
MAKE A FUNNY SENTENCE
In this option you're first given the definition of a noun
and a list of nouns to choose from. Choose a noun using
the arrow keys to highlight your selection then press the
ENTER key (you may also use a mouse). Next, the
definition of an adjective is given and a list of seven
adjectives is shown to choose from. Then the definitions
of verbs and adverbs are given and lists of each are
shown for you to choose from.
When you've chosen the last word, two or three
sentences will be displayed that use the words you chose.
Although the sentences will be grammatically correct,
they will not always make sense. When this happens,
they're usually very amusing. Press the SPACE BAR (or
the left mouse button) to repeat the process with new
words. Press the ESC key or the right mouse button to
quit and return to English Menu.
SCRAMBLED SENTENCES
Here you're given several words that can be used to
make a correct sentence. One of the words will be
highlighted. You must move (using the arrow keys) this
highlighted word up to the top of the screen and place it
in correct sentence order. When you have placed that
word in the correct spot the second word will be
highlighted.
While you're moving the word to its correct location a
timer will be running. If you correctly place the word
before the timer runs down, you will be given extra
points. When the entire sentence is correct you'll receive
an additional 10 points.
While you're placing the words you'll notice that a small
arrow will be moving from the right of the screen to the
End of Page 10
left. If your word gets hit by this arrow it will be
knocked back down to the bottom and you'll have to start
it again. So watch it! As you build up points the arrow
will attempt to get faster. You can change the arrow's
speed using the < and > keys.
SENTENCE PARTS
Here you're first shown that sentences have two basic
parts -- the subject and the predicate. Definitions are
also given. After pressing the SPACE BAR (or the left
mouse button) you're shown how the predicate can be
separated into its parts and as a result, that sentences
have 5 basic patterns. Shorthand names of each are
given. After pressing the SPACE BAR or mouse button
again, definitions of each part are given. Finally, you will
be given examples of each of the 5 sentence patterns.
Press the SPACE BAR or mouse button once more and
you'll be given a randomly chosen sentence from the
sentence file and asked to identify its sentence pattern.
Select the pattern by using the arrow keys or mouse to
highlight the correct pattern then press ENTER or the
left mouse button again. Each correct answer is
rewarded by the addition of 10 points to your score.
Press ESC to quit or simply select RETURN with the
mouse. Press the SPACE BAR or the left mouse button
to see another randomly chosen sentence.
SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT
When you choose this option you're first given some
necessary instruction on how to insure that the verb
agrees with the subject. A sentence is then presented
with a missing word (usually a missing verb). You are
required to select the correct missing word from a list of
two choices. To choose the word, highlight it with the up
or down arrow key or the mouse, then press ENTER or
the left mouse button. Each correct answer is rewarded
by the addition of 10 points to your score. Press ESC to
quit or simply use your mouse to select RETURN. After
you've answered correctly press the SPACE BAR or the
left mouse button to see another randomly chosen
sentence.
When you escape from any of the English options you
will be placed back into English Menu. Choose a new
English option or escape again to return to Main Menu.
EDITING ENGLISH FILES
See School-Mom Utilities section.
End of Page 11
SPELLING
This program was designed to help children with their
spelling homework. You can enter your own spelling
homework or use one of the already existing word files.
After you create the files you can delete, modify, edit, or
add new words to them.
Each time you add more words using the INPUT
SPELLING HOMEWORK option you have the option of
saving the words in an existing file. If you choose to do
this, the words will be stored in two places -- in a file
with a SPL (Last Spelling Homework) extension and the
name you specified, and they will be added to the end of
a similar file with a SPO (Old Spelling Homework)
extension. Therefore, the old spelling homework file will
contain all the spelling homework you entered under a
particular file name. It's size will continue to increase as
more new spelling homework words are entered.
Each child in your family can have his own set of spelling
word files. There is a limit of 500 spelling word files.
RANDOM WORDS
This option has four levels of difficulty. The first level
contains words that are three characters long, the second
level contains words that are four characters long, the
third level contains words that are five characters long,
and the fourth level contains words that are six
characters long. Each level is identical except for the
length of the words. Large word libraries are included on
the disk and words are chosen at random from the
libraries.
A word will be shown in large blue characters. When you
think you know how to spell it press the space bar. The
word will disappear and you must spell it. If you need to
see the word again, press the down arrow key.
Remember, you can not use the arrow keys on the
number key pad if the Num Lock light is on.
After you press the space bar and begin attempting to
spell the word, if you are idle for more than 10 seconds
the computer will assume you don't know how to spell
the word. In other words, if you stop trying for more
than 10 seconds, it will be counted as a wrong answer.
If you spell the word wrong you'll be asked to try again.
You have 3 tries. The computer will then show you the
correct spelling before continuing.
End of Page 12
If you spell it correctly you must press the space bar to
continue. This allows you time to examine the correct
spelling of the word. After you press the space bar the
new word will be shown and you'll have to press the
space bar again when you're ready to spell it.
When you quit this option any misspelled words will be
listed for you to examine. Press any key to continue
after you've examined the correct spelling of these words.
INPUT SPELLING HOMEWORK
This option allows you to enter your daily spelling
homework. You're allowed to enter up to 99 words of
variable length. The only limitation on length is that the
words must have less than 17 characters. When you
choose this option you're only quizzed on those words
you've entered.
When you choose the Input Spelling Homework option
you will be asked to input the number of words you want
to enter. Just type the number then press ENTER.
Now, type each word then press ENTER. All editing
functions such as delete, back-space, insert, and arrow
key movements are allowed while you type the words. If
you decide not to enter as many words as you originally
planned just press the F10 key. If you change your mind
and want to quit just press ESC.
After you've entered all your words you'll be quizzed on
them. This occurs exactly as in the Random Words
option. In fact, all the spelling quiz options operate the
same once the words are input or recalled. Also, when
you quit, all the words you misspelled will be listed for
you to examine.
When you're done with this option you'll be given three
options. You may store the words in an existing file,
store words in a new file, or you may choose not to store
the words you just entered.
If you choose to store the words in an existing file you
will be shown a list of files to choose from. Choose one
and your words will be stored in two places. For
example, suppose you choose to store your words in an
existing file called MINE.SPL. Your words will be stored
in MINE.SPL and added to the end of another file called
MINE.SPO. The extension SPO means old spelling
homework and SPL means last spelling homework. The
file with the SPO extension will contain all your old
homework stored under the name MINE. MINE.SPO
can be accessed using the Old Spelling Homework option
End of Page 13
and MINE.SPL can be accessed using the Last Spelling
Homework option.
RECALL LAST SPELLING HOMEWORK
This option can be used to recall the last previously
stored spelling homework words. This can save you the
time of retyping the words. Note that only the last set
of spelling words can be recalled using this option.
After you choose this option you must choose a spelling
word file from a list that is shown. If the list is longer
than 10, an arrow will be shown at the bottom right of
the pick list. Either click the mouse cursor on the arrow
shown or hold the down-arrow key down to see the
additional files.
After you select a file you must select the order in which
the words will be given to you. You can choose random
order or sequential order (in the order stored). When
you're done, all the words you misspelled will be listed for
you to examine.
RECALL OLD SPELLING HOMEWORK
Use this option to recall a file that contains all your old
spelling homework. You will be shown a list of all the old
spelling homework files to choose from. Each of these
files will contain all the old words you entered and stored
under these file names. These files get larger each time
you store words in them.
As in the Last Spelling Homework option, you must now
select the order in which the words will be given to you.
You must choose random or sequential.
When you're done, the words you misspelled will be listed
for you to examine.
DELETE A WORD FILE
If at the end of the school year you want to start a new
file of spelling homework you can either delete the old
one and start another, or you can just start another using
a different name. If you have enough disk space I
recommend you start another using a different name.
But, just in case you need it, this option allows you to
delete a set of word files.
When you select this option a list of spell files will be
shown for you to choose from. Only the ones with the
SPL file extensions will be shown but both files will be
End of Page 14
deleted once you select one from the list. Suppose you
select one called TERESA.SPL to delete. The one called
TERESA.SPO will also be deleted.
EDIT WORD FILES
Use this option to change any one of the spelling word
files. If you choose the last spelling homework or old
spelling homework files you'll be presented with a list of
spelling word files to choose from. After you select a
spell file you'll be asked to choose whether you want to
add words or edit them.
Add Words
If you select the Add Words option, the computer will
quickly run through all the words in that particular file
and stop after the last one. You may then enter a new
word or press ESC to stop. When you enter a word,
unless the word already exists, it will be stored at the
end of the file. The new word will be displayed along
with its number and you'll be asked to enter another
word or press ESC to stop.
Edit Words
If you select the Edit option you must next choose to
search for a word or start at the beginning. If you choose
to start at the beginning, the first word in the file will be
displayed. Then you'll be asked to press the F10 function
key to go on to the next word, press ESC to stop, or
make changes to the word then press ENTER. Keep
pressing F10 until you see the word you want changed.
When you're done just press ESC.
Search for Word
If you choose to search for a word you must next enter
some text to search for. After you type the text press
ENTER and the first word that contains that text will be
displayed for editing. Edit it then press ENTER to find
the next occurrence of that text or ESC to quit.
MATH
This option is divided into 10 options. These are Laser
Blast, Bug Numbers, Applespider, Timestable, Fractions,
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and
Algebra. These are described in the following
paragraphs.
LASER BLAST
This is an exciting game that entertains and teaches
End of Page 15
quantity. First, a number of space ships are shown.
Then, colored numbers begin to float across the screen.
The object of the game is to shoot the correct number
with the laser. The correct number is the one that
equals the number of space ships. To shoot, simply push
the SPACE BAR or press the left mouse button. To
return to Math Menu press ESC.
To get numbers 0 through 4, start the game by choosing
the first option. To get numbers 5 through 9 choose the
second option. Obviously, most pre-schoolers should start
with the numbers 0 through 4.
This is the only option in School-Mom where the sound
and music can be controlled independently of the main
sound and voice controls. To turn on sound (both voice
and sound effects in this case) just press the s key. To
turn it off press the same key again. To turn the music
on or off press the m key. You'll notice that music can't
be turned on while sound is off.
Points are given for each hit. The faster you play, the
more points given. The speed can be increased by using
the > key and decreased using the < key.
BUG NUMBERS
This math option teaches the concept of multi-digit
numbers. You are shown three large boxes. The box on
the right will have 0 to 9 large individual bugs. The
center box will have smaller bugs grouped in clusters of
10 each. The box on the left will have very small bugs in
groups of 100 bugs each. Your job is to find how many
bugs are shown on the screen.
You must first count the number of groups that contain
100 bugs each. Press this number on the keyboard. This
gives you the most significant digit. Next, count the
number of groups that contain 10 bugs and press this
number key. This gives you the next most significant
digit. Finally, count the number of large bugs on the
right side and type this number. This gives you the least
significant digit and you're done. Ten points and an
animation are given for completion.
APPLESPIDER
This is a very exciting and intense game that drills you in
basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
From the Applespider opening screen choose Addition,
Subtraction, Multiplication, or Division. Next, you must
choose the playing speed. Your options are Very Slow,
End of Page 16
Slow, Medium, Fast, or Very Fast. More points are given
for playing faster.
The applespider wants to eat your apple. You must
prevent this by using the arrow keys to move the apple
out of the spider's way. At the beginning you are given
10 free moves. To get more moves you must solve the
equation at the bottom of the screen. For every correct
answer you get five more moves and points are added to
your score. As your score increases, the spider gets
faster.
Your Applespider score will get added to your total Math
score only if you win the game. You win when you have
correctly answered 20 math problems. When this
happens another apple will fall on the spider and squash
him.
As always, press ESC to stop.
TIMESTABLE
After selecting this option you'll have to select a level
from 1 to 13. After you choose the level a worm will
move a number of apples onto the screen in one row.
Then, you'll have to multiply that number by 1 to
continue. Let's assume that you chose Level 5. After
you give the answer to 5 X 1 the worm will move another
row of 5 apples onto the screen. You must now give the
answer to 5 X 2. This continues until 5 rows are done.
You can always find the answer by adding the total
number of apples.
When you're done just press the ESC key. You'll then
be shown how many points you accumulated. More
difficult multiplication tables give higher scores.
FRACTIONS
This option teaches fractions by asking you to identify
how much of a lollipop is remaining on a stick. The
remaining portion will be either 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, or
1. If you need help determining the portion you may
select the HELP option.
After you select the correct remaining portion, points will
be added to your score and you'll have to press a key or
mouse button to continue. Another portion will then be
randomly selected for you to determine. As always, press
ESC to quit and return to the MATH menu.
End of Page 17
ADDITION
This option has four levels of difficulty. You may choose
to enter your own numbers or you may have them
selected at random.
Add Level 1
In this beginner's level, apples are shown beside each
number. The number of apples equals the number. For
example, suppose you are asked to add the numbers 2
and 3. Beside 2 there will be two apples and beside 3
there will be three apples. To find the answer just count
the number of apples, type the answer and press the
ENTER key. After you've entered the correct answer
you must press a key to continue.
Add Level 2
This level illustrates how to add two digit numbers by
stepping you through the process. Again, you may enter
your own numbers or have them selected by the
computer at random. Individual questions in the form of
simple equations are shown at the bottom of the screen.
A question mark indicates that an input is expected. If
you enter the correct value it will be placed in its proper
spot where the question mark was located. The
computer will beep if the sound is on and the answer is
incorrect. When you've finished with the problem, you
must press a key to continue.
You'll notice that "carrying" is done automatically.
Add Level 3
This level is exactly like Level 2 except that 5-digit
numbers can be used.
Add Level 4
This level is exactly like Level 3 except ten-digit numbers
can be used.
In each of these levels correct answers are rewarded by
the addition of points to your score. If sound is on you'll
also get a tune for every completely correct answer or for
every 100 points (depends on the sound setup). Also, in
all these levels, you may exit at any time during the
problem solving process by simply pressing the ESC key.
When you've finished with the problem, you must press
a key to continue. This allows you time to examine the
correct solution.
SUBTRACTION
This option has four levels of difficulty. You may choose
to enter your own numbers or have the computer choose
End of Page 18
them randomly.
Sub Level 1
In this beginners level, apples are shown beside each
number. The number of apples equals the number. If
you are asked to, for example, subtract 2 from 4 there
will be two apples beside the number 2 and four apples
beside the number 4. However, two of the four apples
beside the number 4 will be green to indicate the two
that will be taken away. Also, the two apples beside the
number 2 will be green. To find the answer just count
the number of apples that are red. After you've entered
the correct answer you must press a key to continue.
Sub Level 2
This level illustrates how to subtract two-digit numbers
by stepping you through the process. Individual
questions in the form of simple equations are shown at
the bottom of the screen. A question mark indicates
that an input is expected. If you enter the correct value
it will be placed in its proper spot over the question
mark. The computer will beep if the sound is on and the
answer is incorrect.
You'll notice that borrowing is done automatically.
Sub Level 3
This level is exactly like Level 2 except that 5-digit
numbers are used.
Sub Level 4
This level is exactly like Level 3 except 10-digit numbers
are used.
In each of these levels correct answers are rewarded by
the addition of points to your score. If sound is on you'll
also get a tune for every completely correct answer or for
every 100 points (depends on the sound setup). Also, in
all these levels, you may exit at any time during the
problem solving process by simply pressing the ESC key.
When you've finished with the problem, you must press
a key to continue. This allows you time to examine the
correct solution.
MULTIPLICATION
This option also has four levels of difficulty. You may
choose to allow the computer to select your numbers
randomly or you may choose to enter your own numbers.
End of Page 19
Mul Level 1
This level is similar to Add & Sub Level 1 because you
must count apples to find the correct answer. However,
the apples are grouped differently. For example, suppose
you are asked to find the product of 4 and 2. You will
find two groups with four apples each. In other words,
the computer has taken the four apples and placed them
on the screen twice. There is a total of 8 apples.
Mul Level 2
This level is like Level 1 except no apples are displayed.
Mul Level 3
This level leads you through long multiplication with
multiple-digit numbers (one two-digit number and one
single-digit number). The questions to be answered are
displayed at the bottom of the screen. The appearance
of a strategically located question mark is an indication
that the computer is waiting for an input. "Carry" is done
automatically.
Mul Level 4
Level 4 is identical to Level 3 except that both numbers
are two-digit numbers.
In each of these levels correct answers are rewarded by
the addition of points to your score. You can press ESC
to quit at any time during the problem solving process.
When you're done you'll have to press a key to continue.
This allows you time to examine the completed problem.
DIVISION
This option also has four levels of difficulty. You may
enter your own numbers or you may allow the computer
to choose them for you.
Div Level 1
This division level uses single-digit numbers. You may
find the answer by counting the red apples. If you are
asked to, for example, divide 8 by 2 then beside the
numbers will be placed two rows of apples with 4 apples
in each row. The first row will have red apples and all
the others will be green. So, if you count the red apples,
you'll find the correct answer to be 4.
If the dividend isn't exactly divisible by the divisor you'll
have a remainder. This remainder will be shown at the
bottom of the screen.
End of Page 20
Div Level 2
In this level no apples are shown and double-digit
numbers are allowed for the dividend. Long division is
used and you'll be stepped through the process. Just
answer the questions at the top of the screen. If the
dividend isn't exactly divisible by the divisor you'll end
with a remainder.
Div Level 3
This level is exactly like Level 2 except that triple-digit
numbers are allowed for the dividend.
Div Level 4
Level 4 is identical to Level 3 except that double-digit
numbers are allowed for the divisor.
In each of these levels correct answers are rewarded by
the addition of points to your score. You may press ESC
to quit and return to Math Menu at any time during the
problem solving process.
ALGEBRA
This option also has four levels of difficulty. All four
levels are basic introductory algebra but the difficulty
level does increase slightly with each level. In each level
you must solve for the unknown value of Y. Just follow
the instructions and answer the questions, and the
computer will lead you through the solution. When you
see the cursor flashing, the computer is waiting for an
input.
In all the Math options, the active parts of the equation
are highlighted by flashing the numbers. Also, the final
correct answer is rewarded by the addition of 10 points
to your score. Press ESC to quit and return to Math
Menu when you're done or press any other key to
continue.
EXAMS
The Exam module has four options. These are Make
Exam, Take Exam, See Scores and Print Exam. Each of
these is explained in the following paragraphs.
MAKE EXAM
In this option you're allowed to create a multiple choice
examination. The first screen you'll see is an exam setup
screen. This screen has three fields, one to enter the
number of questions you want to ask, one to enter the
End of Page 21
title of the exam, and one to enter the filename for the
exam. You may move freely from one field to another
using the up or down arrow keys. Once you have all the
information typed correctly in all the fields press the F10
function key. If you change your mind and decide you
don't want to create an exam just press the ESC key to
return to Exams Menu.
After you press the F10 key from the Exam Setup screen
you will see another screen that asks you to type the first
question, its five answer choices, and the number of the
correct answer. A total of eight fields are shown -- two
for entering the question, five for the answers, and one
for the number of the correct answer. When you've
entered all the questions you'll be returned to Exams
Menu. If you decide to stop and not enter as many
questions as you originally planned just press the ESC
key. The exam will be created but with only as many
questions as you entered before pressing ESC.
TAKE EXAM
When you choose this option you'll first be asked to enter
your name. This is because your name will be stored
later along with your score. After you've done this either
press ESC to quit or press ENTER to get a list of all the
exam files on your current directory. You may choose a
file from the list or you may quit by pressing ESC,
choosing the RETURN option, or pressing the right
mouse button. Choose an exam file using the same
techniques you normally use to select options.
After you've chosen an exam file you'll see a screen that
shows the exam title, the first question to answer, and its
five answer choices. There are three way to choose an
answer. You may use the up or down arrow keys to
highlight the correct answer then press ENTER, or you
may press the key corresponding to the first letter of the
correct answer until it is highlighted then press ENTER,
or you may use a mouse to highlight the correct answer
then press the left mouse button to select it. If you want
to quit without answering the question just press ESC or
use the mouse to select RETURN.
The number of questions you've answered correctly will
be shown at the bottom of the screen. After you're done,
your score will be added to the end of the score file that
corresponds to the exam. The score file will have the
same name as the exam file but a different extension.
After you've either answered all the questions or quit
you'll be shown your final score. You'll then have to
End of Page 22
press ENTER to continue.
SEE SCORES
When you choose this option you'll first be shown a list
of the score files to choose from. To choose a file,
highlight it then press ENTER or the left mouse button.
If you change your mind you may quit by pressing ESC.
Next, choose whether you want to send the scores to a
printer or to the screen. If you choose the printer don't
forget to turn the printer on. Use the standard arrow
key or mouse techniques to select this option.
Before the scores are listed, the exam title and the
number of questions in the exam will be shown. If the
list is sent to the screen you'll have to press ENTER to
return to Exams Menu when the list is complete.
Your disk will come with several exams already prepared.
Try them!
PRINT EXAM
Use this option to make a hard copy of your examination.
There will be five questions per page. The last page will
contain the answers. The exam will be suitable for
classroom use.
EDITING EXAM FILES
See School-Mom Utilities section.
TELL TIME
Use this option for learning to tell time. It has four
learning levels. In each level a clock is shown on the
screen and you must choose the correct time from a list
of three answers. Choose an answer by using the
appropriate arrow key to get the large arrow directly
over the correct choice, then press ENTER. When the
correct answer is chosen, points will be added to your
score and the digital time will be displayed below the
clock.
TIME LEVEL 1
In this beginner's level the big hand always points to 12.
However, the little hand can point to any of the 12
numbers. For correct answers only one point will be
added to the score.
End of Page 23
TIME LEVEL 2
In this second level only on-the-hour, quarter, and half
hours are used. In other words the big hand can only be
on the 12, 3, 6, or 9. Correct answers are rewarded by
the addition of 3 points.
TIME LEVEL 3
In this level the big hand may point to any of the 12
numbers but may not point to any location between the
numbers. For example, the clock could show 7:05, 7:10,
or 7:15 but it will not show 7:03, 7:07, or 7:18. For
correct answers, 5 points will be added to the score.
TIME LEVEL 4
In this level any time is allowed on the clock. For correct
answers, 10 points will be added to the score.
In all these Time options, after you answer correctly
points will be added to your score then you'll need to
press a key to continue.
HELP
This option allows you to read the School-Mom manual
on the screen or print it on paper. Use the Down Arrow
key to read one line at a time or use the Page Down key
to read one screen page at a time. Press F5 to print the
document on your printer.
You may use the Up Arrow key or the Page Up key to
back up in the document. You may also use the Home
key to go back to the beginning or the End key to go to
the end of the document.
To quit this option press the ESC key.
SCHOOL-MOM UTILITIES
This utility program was designed for teachers or
parents. Its purpose is to allow additions to and editing
of the Spelling, English and Exam data files. To run
this program, exit from School-Mom to DOS then type
CHANGE and press the ENTER key.
This program contains 17 options. The first 6 options are
for editing the Spelling files (either those in School-Mom
or those in Spelling BEEZ). The next eight options are
End of Page 24
for adding to or editing the English files. Finally, the
last three options allows you to make changes to the
Exam files. As always there is a final option to QUIT.
SPELL FILES
Use these options to change any one of the spelling word
files. If you choose the Last Spelling Homework or Old
Spelling Homework files you'll be presented with a list of
additional spelling word files to choose from. After you
select a spell file you'll be asked to choose whether you
want to add words or edit them.
If you select the Add Words option, the computer will
quickly run through all the words in that particular file
and stop after the last one. You may then enter a new
word or press ESC to stop. When you enter a word,
unless the word already exists, it will be stored at the
end of the file. The new word will be displayed along
with its number and you'll be asked to enter another
word or press ESC to stop.
If you select the Edit option you must next choose to
search for a word or start at the beginning. If you choose
to start at the beginning, the first word in the file will be
displayed. Then you'll be asked to press the F10 function
key to go on to the next word, press ESC to stop, or
make changes to the word then press ENTER. Keep
pressing F10 until you see the word you want changed.
When you're done just press ESC.
If you choose to search for a word you must next enter
some text to search for. After you type the text press
ENTER and the first word that contains that text will be
displayed for editing. After you edit it press ENTER to
find the next occurrence of that text or ESC to quit.
ENGLISH WORD FILES
If you choose one of the English word file options (Noun,
Adjective, Verb1, Verb2, or Adverb file) you'll again be
asked whether you want to add or edit. The Add option
works exactly like the Add option of the Spell Files
option. The computer will quickly run through all the
words in that particular file and stop after the last one.
You may then enter a new word or press ESC to stop.
When you enter a word it will be stored at the end of the
file. The new word will be displayed along with its
number and you'll be asked to enter another word or
press ESC to stop.
If you select the Edit option the first word in the file will
End of Page 25
be displayed. Then you'll be asked to press the F10
function key to go on to the next word, press ESC to
stop, or make changes to the word then press ENTER.
Keep pressing F10 until you see the word you want
changed. When you're done just press ESC.
There is a slight difference between the verb1 and verb2
data files. The verb1 file contains past-tense and present
-tense verbs that agree with singular subjects. The verb2
file contains only past-tense verbs. If you get these
mixed up, the Make a Funny Sentence option will not
produce correct sentences.
SENTENCE PTRN FILES
This option allows you to change the sentence pattern
files. If you choose to add sentences, the last sentence in
the file will be shown along with its pattern. You'll then
be asked to enter new sentence information or press ESC
to stop. When you've typed the sentence and its pattern
correctly press the F10 key to store the information and
get ready for the next sentence. When you're done press
ESC to stop.
If you choose to edit a sentence, the first sentence and its
pattern will be displayed. You may press ESC to stop,
F10 to see the next sentence, or you may make
corrections to the sentence and its pattern then press
F10 to store the changes and see the next sentence.
SUB-VERB AGREE FILES
This option allows you to change the subject-verb
agreement files. If you choose to add sentences, the last
sentence in the file will be shown. You'll then be asked
to enter new sentence information or press ESC to stop.
When you've typed the sentence and all its associated
information correctly press the F1 key to store it and get
ready for the next sentence. When you're done press
ESC to stop.
As an example, suppose your sentence is "They ____ late."
Your two word choices will be "was" and "were". Since
the second one is correct you'll enter the number 2 in the
last field. Once you've entered all four pieces of
information and pressed F10, the sentence will be
displayed at the top and you'll be asked to enter another
sentence. When you're done press ESC to stop.
If you choose to edit a sentence, the first sentence and its
word choices will be displayed. You may press ESC to
stop, F10 to see the next sentence, or you may make
End of Page 26
corrections then press F10 to store the changes and see
the next sentence.
SCRAMBLED WORDS FILE
Use this option to make changes to the word files used in
the Scrambled Sentence option. This file contains the
scrambled words that you must unscramble to make
correct sentences.
As always you'll be asked if you want to edit or add to
this file. After choosing to add you must first enter the
number of words you want to have in the sentence.
Then, you may type the words for the sentence. You
must type the words in correct order. The software will
scramble them before they are stored. Don't forget to
capitalize the first word and place a period after the last
word.
If you choose to edit, all the information will be shown on
the screen. You can then move around and make
changes. The only thing you can't change is the number
of words in the sentence.
EXAM FILES
Use these three options (Exam File Edit, Exam Score
File Edit and Delete Exam File) to edit the exam files.
The score file edit function can only be used to remove
old scores from the score file. You can not change the
scores.
When you choose the Exam file Edit option you'll first be
given a list of the files by file name. To select one of
these files for editing, highlight it then press ENTER or
the left mouse button. After you press ENTER, the
exam name will be listed and you'll be asked to make
corrections. When you're done just press ENTER. If it's
already correct you don't have to retype it.
Next, the first question will be printed along with all 5 of
its possible answers and the number of its correct
answer. You can move the cursor around on the screen
using the arrow keys. You don't need to retype
everything. Just move to the error, make the correction
and then move to the next error. When you've made all
the corrections press the F10 key.
The second question will be displayed next along with its
possible answers. Make the changes and press F10
again. If no changes are required just press F10 and the
next question and answer set will be displayed. If you
End of Page 27
finish editing before you get to the last set just press the
ESC key.
When you choose the Exam Score File Edit option you'll
again be given a list of files to choose from. After you
choose a file by highlighting it, press ENTER or the left
mouse button. All the scores in that file will be displayed
and you must decide if these are the scores you want to
remove. If yes, press Y. If not, press N. If you choose
yes, all the scores in that file will be removed.
Choose the Delete Exam File option when you want to
delete an exam file and it's score file. Choose this option
and a list of exam files will be shown. Choose one using
the keyboard or mouse and it will be deleted from your
disk.
Remember to keep knowledge of this file-change utility
from your children. A child could use this program to
destroy your files. Always keep a backup of the software
so that if the data files get corrupted, you can replace
them.
SOME FINAL NOTES
I hope you enjoy this software and your children learn
much from it. I'll continue making additions,
improvements, and corrections. I believe it already is the
most comprehensive educational software available.
Other software packages may be prettier but the fancy
graphics require huge amounts of memory and, therefore,
limit the utility of the software. I believe those software
packages are all bun and very little meat. School-Mom is
designed to have just the right amount of both to make
it useful and attractive.
This software is dedicated to three people. First, to my
wife for her patience as I've worked late nights and early
mornings for the last 6 years writing this program.
Second, to my 10-year-old adopted son who provided the
motivation for this software. And, third, to the unwed
teenage girl who gave birth to our son then gave him to
us rather than choosing to terminate his life.
I HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO GET ALL THE
BUGS OUT OF THIS PROGRAM. HOWEVER, I CAN
NOT GUARANTEE THAT NONE EXISTS. WHEN
YOU USE THIS SOFTWARE YOU MUST DO IT AT
YOUR OWN RISK. I ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY
FOR DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF
ITS USE.
End of Page 28
Dr. Andrew Motes
All rights reserved, 1994
MOTES EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
PO BOX 575
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
CompuServe Address: 73757,1111
INTERNET Address : 73757.1111@compuserve.com
