With ItzaBitza, your child’s drawings spring to life!
We love paint programs. From the time my children could grasp a mouse (or their daddy’s PDA stylus), they’ve been asking to “draw pictures on the computer.” I realize that drawing on a computer screen is significantly different than drawing with pencil and paper. Different motor skills are necessary, and there is a different type of steadiness and patience required. But video games can be a great learning tool when you find the right one.
What happens when an easy-to-maneuver paint program becomes integrated with a problem-solving, creative challenge on top of an early reading practice tool? ItzaBitza happens, that’s what!
We were asked to review ItzaBitza by Sabi and jumped at the chance. Just one glance through at their website had me convinced. What I wasn’t expecting was how jovial and fun the music is, how utterly loveable the girl and boy characters (“Sketchies”) are, and how interactive (and smart) the game is!
The first time my son tested out ItzaBitza was right before bedtime (in lieu of a story one night). He caught on to the game rules immediately — and was amazed at how incredibly FUN it was! He giggled over little things (like how he could click on the mailbox to make letters come flying out). It was nearly impossible to convince him to put it away until the next morning, then settle down and go to sleep. Long after I left his room, I could hear himself talking to himself and laughing about what he’d seen in the game. I smiled. I really, really like ItzaBitza. And believe me, so does he.
With “living ink” technology, the simple shapes your child draws on the “paper” screen fill in and become “alive.” When asked to draw a house, your child draws a square and a triangle, then the Sketchy comes over to ask where are the windows and doors. Brilliant! It teaches simple following of directions while allowing for the flexibility of creativity and whimsy.
(And if your child draws something that doesn’t quite fit into place or isn’t quite was asked for, the line(s) simply cut up into pieces and fall away.)
The words that the Sketchies say to your child show up in speech bubbles. When your child mouses over the words, the Sketchy says them aloud. Early reading skills are thus sharpened in an unoffensive, gentle way.
Each time your child completes a task, a star appears. Click on the star to receive more challenges, which increases problem solving skills and divergent thinking abilities.
ItzaBitza is available for download onto your Windows XP or Vista computer. At only $19.99, it’s an absolute steal. For the price (and even a higher one), in my opinion, there aren’t many finer educational (all the while fun) games out there for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children.
ItzaBitza gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from our family! - By Meg
Win it! We’re giving Itza Bitza to one lucky family. Comment here before Friday 8/21/09 noon to enter!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
August 17th, 2009 at 1:03 am
I’ve never heard of this before but it sounds awesome! I can just imagine how much fun my little one would have (plus learning at the same time)!!!
August 17th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hey Meg,
Thanks so much for your wonderful review of our passion, ItzaBitza. As a mom of two, I got tired of the alternative screen time for my children and saw how much fun video games are. So a bunch of gamers and us moms of gamers challenged ourselves to create games as much fun as those for the Wii and other game hardware but with a twist – teaching very important work=life skills like reading and writing.
For your readers that are interested = the ItzaBitza web site is http://ItzaBitza.com if you have any questions, please ask on twitter.com/itzabitza
best,
Margaret (CEO – Sabi, and mom of two)
August 17th, 2009 at 10:13 am
i am a winner everyday mverno@roadrunner.com
August 17th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
This is so cool!
August 17th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Drawing and the computer — my kids’ two favorite things put together!
August 17th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I am a subscriber.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Wow! This looks awesome! My son loves to draw and is just figuring out how to make things look the way he wants them to, this would be a great addition to our ‘games’.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Painting is such a nice activity for the kids. The kids creativity will be nurtured through painting.
Fun Child Game´s last blog ..3 Important Things Used to Raise Healthy Kids
August 18th, 2009 at 4:11 am
My grandkids would benefit from this game. jelly15301@gmail.com
August 18th, 2009 at 7:59 am
My son is getting bored of the paint/colouring programs we have. This would be a great next step.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:11 am
My son loves to play on the computer and loves having his own games.
Pam´s last blog ..Trying to Sell the House
August 18th, 2009 at 11:35 am
This couldn’t have come at a better time! Our 3year old has started using the paint program & we’re of course so proud at his progress. We’d love to try this one too!
inalak@msn.com
August 18th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
sounds like fun
August 18th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Well I can assure you, this will be a huge hit in our home if we win! My four year old just looked at the computer screen (I was checking out the ItzaBitza website) and started jumping up and down, exclaiming ” Oh mommy!! Is that a game for me??? Can I play it???”
I really love that he can learn while having tons of safe online fun! Thanks ItzaBitza and thanks to The Opinionated Parent for giving us the chance to win!
imsosweepy { at } gmail { dot } com
Rebecca N.´s last blog ..I’ve Been Entering Contests and Giveaways Galore!
August 19th, 2009 at 9:19 am
My nephew seems to be quite artistic and this would be a great gift for him
August 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
We would love to give this a try. Thanks for the giveaway.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I am a subscriber via Google Reader.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
my kids would enjoy this
August 19th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
This would be PERFECT for my son!!! Thanks for the chance!
August 19th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I am a subscriber. Thanks!
August 19th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
This would be great for my son! He loves art and computers!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:33 am
ooh – this looks like something W would enjoy – thanks for bringing it to light!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I’m a subscriber
August 20th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Neat, my kids love this kind of stuff. AND I love stuff that keeps them busy for a bit.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Wow… I am always on the look out for fun and educational games for the kids… This actually looks like one that Wee Man would like…
brooke´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Rain Rain Go Away
August 21st, 2009 at 12:10 am
My granddaughter would love this. She loves to draw.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:17 am
This sounds like something we’d enjoy. I’m always looking for new computer games. Thank you for the contest!
August 21st, 2009 at 8:05 am
my daughter would adore this!
madamerkf at aol dot com
August 21st, 2009 at 10:19 am
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
August 21st, 2009 at 10:22 am
My kids would like it.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:00 am
Sounds like a lot of fun.. Please enter me
August 21st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
this is an awesome giveaway, i would love to win!
August 21st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
We would love to try this out. Our four year old is very creative and would love to use this. Thanks.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I am a subscriber.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
The kids would like this. thanks.