Podd has a secret. When you find out, don't tell anyone. Podd can do lots of things that you can do but this adorable character can also perform many unusual actions. Podd actually knows 120 words but isn't going to tell you what they are. You have to find them. You'll probably have to think very hard about the action words that you use. You may want to ask your friends or even use a dictionary for some ideas. Podd will fascinate you, frustrate you, charm you, make you laugh and give hours of fun. Make a friend. Play with Podd! Ages 5-11.

Podd is a fascinating character who can do many things. When you type a word describing an action such as "run" or "jump", Podd does it. Podd's antics are great fun. But Podd is still a stranger to the world of boys and girls and has not yet had time to learn any actions connected with objects. For example, Podd can't ride a bike or play with a ball or read or write, but Podd does know how to do some unusual things entirely alone. Podd actually knows 120 words but isn't going to tell you what they are. You have to find them. When you do, keep them a secret!

The program tells you what to do at each stage.

In game 1, Podd does single actions. In game 2, you can ask Podd to do several actions, one after another. To select either game, type 1 or 2 and press the <RETURN> key. If this is the first time that you are playing, try game 1.

Podd appears with the words, "Podd can...". The computer is waiting for you to type in a word. Now think of something you would like Podd to do. When you have decided, type in the word, press the <RETURN> key and see what happens.

If Podd knows the word, Podd carries out the action. When Podd has finished, Podd will be ready for the next word. Once again, "Podd can..." appears at the top of the screen.

If you use a word that Podd doesn't know that Podd doesn't know, the words, "Oh no I can't!" appear under the first sentence. The space bar symbol appears at the same time. Press the space bar.

Podd appears again with the words, "Podd can...", so that you can try another word.

When you want to try game 2, press the <ESCAPE> key to go back to the beginning of the program.

Type in the number of actions that you would like Podd to do (between 2 and 5) and press the <RETURN> key.

The type a word into the first box and press the <RETURN> key. If Podd knows the word, a little smiling face and the space bar symbol appear. Press the space bar. Type in the next word and press <RETURN>.

If Podd doesn't know the word, the message, "I do not know that word!" appears at the top of the screen. The space bar symbol appears at the same time. Press the space bar and try another word.

Remember to press the <RETURN> key after each word. When you filled in all the boxes, press the space bar, sit back and let Podd entertain you.

At the end of the sequence the space bar symbol will appear. When you press the space bar you will be taken back to the beginning of the program.

Children learn through play. Playing is experimenting with the world. Through this children begin to learn to control their environment and they discover the most powerful method of self expression and control, language.

Podd has been designed as a program which uses the power of play to promote language development. The incentive of being able to control Podd will draw on the vocabulary that they know already and encourage them to search for new words. Podd knows 120 words, some of which are synonyms and can help as clues to other words.

If things become rather frustrating, a suggestion about possible words to try, will inspire new ideas. A dictionary will be very useful if children are going to make the best use of this program. They will undoubtedly go to friends of all ages for ideas as well. It might be useful to suggest they keep a written list of the words that Podd knows.

Assistance with spelling might be required. Podd will not recognise actions if they are mis-spelt. It may be a good idea to write the word down and to help the child to memorise it. It could then be typed into the machine or written down on the list by the child. This could encourage accurate spelling.

As another activity, children might like to devise their own Podd booklets of action sketches or cartoon strips with lists of words. They will find it easy to draw a satisfying picture.