What is “modelling”? In computer terms it’s providing children with the means to ask “What happens if...?” questions and allowing them to explore a pattern of relationships, helping to develop and clarify thoughts and explore ideas. Therein lies the basis for 2Simple Software’s latest gem.

2Simple Modelling Toolkit is aimed at the foundation stage and key stage 1, and comprises a suite of five core activities, each with three differentiated levels enabling younger children to explore predictions and decision making. Each activity has been designed with one or more opportunities to link with core subject areas, and as such can be used to specifically teach ICT skills or as an ICT resource to support literacyEnglish, numeracymathematics and science.

It has been developed for use in classrooms and incorporates a simple options utility that will allow teachers to direct tasks and adopt flexible and creative approaches to support teaching and learning using computers.

It requires no reading and writing skills and is supported by paper-based resources. There is substantial auditory support for community languages including, currently: Welsh, Bengali, Sylheti, Punjabi and French. Each activity has three tasks which are, in fact, levels. They relate generally to: Task 1 for foundation stage, task 2 for Year 1 and Task 3 for Year 2 .

2Simple Modelling Toolkit is not simply a piece of software, it is a tool to support teaching and learning and as such, should be used as one among a number of activities where children can collaborate and explore their ideas and understanding of the world. A particular plus point of the Modelling Toolkit is the support that is given for both children’s learning and for ICT curriculum objectives. The accompanying handbook provides teachers with a number of starting ideas as to how the software might be used in the classroom. Overall, this is another first class title from 2Simple Software.