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BIGBOX.DOC
Brandon's BigBox
a series of
educational programs
for 3 to 7 year olds
@ 1989,90,91 Joey Robichaux
P. O . Box 91016-199
Baton Rouge , La. 70821
Compuserve: 71336,336
GENIE: JEROBICHAUX
Phone: (504) 752-2620
NOTE:
"Brandon's Bigbox" requires an IBM PC or compatable with
color graphics capability. The programs all use CGA
graphics.
"Brandon's BigBox" may be copied to and run from a hard
drive. All programs MUST exist in the current default drive
and directory.
ASSOCIATION OF SHAREWARE PROFESSIONALS
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve
a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting
the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman
can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member,
but does not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon,
MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to
ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
The BigBox
The BigBox programs must all exist in the current drive and
directory.
To begin, type "BIGBOX" at the DOS prompt and press enter.
(NOTE: This version of the BigBox is
customized to display a child's name. Simply
supply the child's name as a parameter. For
example, "BIGBOX MARY" or "BIGBOX ALEX".)
You'll see:
-------
: :
+------------------------+
: :
: B R A N D O N ' S :
: :
: L U N C H B O X :
: :
+------------------------+
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R
The BigBox contains eighteen educational games. To select a
game from the BigBox, just press one of the letters A
through R.
To quit the BigBox and return to DOS, press a "+" or the Escape
key.
Game number one -- Game A
The first game drills letter matching.
The BigBox displays an upper case letter. The player tries
to press the upper case key matching this letter.
If the player presses a non-matching key, he'll receive an
audible warning. He'll receive a hint -- and a second
chance.
If he misses again, the BigBox cycles through to another
upper case letter.
If the player matches the letter successfully, he'll receive
an audible award -- plus a "ticky" mark in a tote box on the
screen. He gets two ticky marks on a successful first guess
and one for a successful second guess.
Once the player fills his tote box with ticky marks, the
BigBox breaks away to a cartoon scene with dancing ...
little things. The BigBox then returns to upper case
drilling.
Press a "+" or Escape at any point to quit this first game and
return to the main "BigBox" menu.
Game number two -- Game B
The first game drills upper and lower case letter matching.
The BigBox displays a lower case letter. The player tries
to press the upper case key corresponding with this lower
case letter.
If the player presses a non-matching key, he'll receive an
audible warning. He'll receive a hint -- the proper upper
case key -- and a second chance.
If he misses again, the BigBox cycles through to another
lower case letter.
If the player matches the letter successfully, he'll receive
an audible award -- plus a "ticky" mark in a tote box on the
screen. He gets two ticky marks on a successful first guess
and one for a successful second guess.
Once the player fills his tote box with ticky marks, the
BigBox breaks away to a cartoon scene with dancing ...
little things. The BigBox then returns to lower and upper
case drilling.
Press a "+" or Escape at any point to quit this second game and
return to the main "BigBox" menu.
Game number three -- Game C
The third game is a memory / problem solving drill.
The BigBox displays a series of ten doors. They are number
"1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", and "0". This
number sequence corresponds with the number keys on the top
of the alphabeteic keyboard.
The BigBox displays a picture of an object in the center of
the screen. The player tries to guess which door conceals a
matching object.
The player can open a door by pressing that door number. The
door opens for a moment, revealing the object behind the
door.
If the objects match, the player receives an audible award
and the door disappears. If the objects don't match, the
door closes.
In either case, another object appears on the center of the
screen. The matching process continues.
As the player remembers which doors conceal which objects,
the doors will gradually disappear. When the last door is
opened and matched successfully, the screen cycles through a
kaleidescope of colors while a siren wails.
The game then resets and another ten doors appear.
Press a "+" or Escape at any time to return to the main
BigBox menu.
Game number four -- Game D
Game number four is a counting game.
Players see a number of objects on the screen (between 1 and
9 objects will appear). They must press the number key that
describes the number of objects on the screen.
If they press the wrong key, they'll receive an audible
warning, a hint -- and a second chance.
If they guess wrong again, they'll recieve another audible
warning, plus a short repeating drill to reinforce the proper
number. A new set of objects then appear on the screen.
If the player selects the proper number, he's rewarded with an
audible trill.
Press a "+" or Escape at any time to return to the main
BigBox menu.
Game number five -- Game E
Game five is a numeric sequence game. Players are drilled in
number relationships on a number line. The numeric keys on
the top of the alphabetic help serve as a number line
mneumonic.
Players receive a starting number between 1 and 9. They must
first select the proper number just less than the given
number. They'll receive a hint if they guess wrong.
They must then select the next number greater than the given
number. Again, they'll receive a hint if they guess wrong.
When both lesser and greater numbers are selected, the rest
of the number sequence displays in a graphic manner that
reinforces the sequential number relationship.
Press "+" or Escape to return to the main BigBox menu.
Game number six -- Game F
Game number six is an addition drill.
Players first see an addition problem displayed in the form:
3
+ 4
------
?
They must try and select the proper answer.
If they're incorrect, the program displays graphic objects in
the amounts that correspond with the problem.
For example, the hint for the above problem may be three
sneakers displayed above four sneakers. The player may count
the objects to find the proper answer. This drills the
player in counting -- it also drills the player in
identifying patterns of numerical groups.
If the player misses the problem twice in a row, he'll
receive the correct answer. It will repeat several times as
reinforcement.
When the player selects the proper answer, he'll receive an
audible reward.
In both cases, the game then cycles with a new addition
problem.
Once the player correctly solves 12 problems, he'll receive a
flashy graphics reward.
Press a "+" or Escape to return to the main BigBox menu.
Games number seven through ten -- Games G through J
These four modules are sets of reading drills. Each of the
four modules contains 26 unique words. These drills should
be played with a monitoring helper (like Mom or Dad!), although
I've heard that many little users will honestly rate themselves
on whether or not they know the displayed word!
Just to keep the game fresh, you can add your own custom word
lists. See the section on "CUSTOMIZING WORD LISTS" later in this
document.
The player receives a word. If he reads the word properly,
then press the "+" key. The player receives an audible
award, plus a brightly colored object pops up on the screen.
If the player misses the word, press any other key. This
word goes back into a stack of missed words. It will not be
displayed again until the player goes through the list of all
26 words.
Once the player goes through all 26 words, the missed words
will begin to repeat. When the player successfully reads a
word, the word is dropped from the missed stack. If the
player misses a word again, it goes back into the stack.
However, it will not repeat until all of the other missed
words are displayed.
This process continues. Since missed words return to the
stack, players get the chance to drill on the words they have
the most problems reading. Since words don't repeat until
all of the other words have passed, players don't get bored
with the same words.
Once the player reads all 26 words (and fills the screen with
26 rewards), he's rewarded with flashing lights, a siren
wail, and a cartoon of dancing teddy bears. The game then
begins over again.
Press a "@" or the Escape key to return to the main BigBox
menu.
Games number eleven through fourteen -- Games K through N
These four modules contain reading and memory drills.
Each module contains 20 recommended "sight" words for pre-
primer through first grade. These drills can be monitored
or they can be played alone. (You can add your own custom
words -- see "CUSTOMIZING WORD LISTS")
Four boxes (numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4) flash on the screen.
Each box covers a word. One at a time, each box vanishes for
two seconds, revealing the word underneath.
The player then receives a word on the bottom of the screen.
This word matches one of the words behind the boxes. The
player must guess which box hides the matching word.
The player presses a number from 1 through 4. The matching
box vanishes and reveals its word.
If the words do not match, the computer buzzes and the box is
replaced. The drill chooses a new word for the player to
match (although it may be the same word).
If the words match, a siren wails for a moment. Both words
display for two seconds. Then both words disappear. The
vanished box is NOT replaced. The drill chooses a new word
for the player to match.
In this manner, each of the four boxes vanishes as the player
successfully matches words.
When all four boxes disappear, the drill "trills" and colors
flash on the screen. The four boxes reappear, with four new
words -- one behind each box. The game continues as above.
Each time the player clears the screen of boxes, a "ticky"
mark appears on the screen. There are twenty words to match.
The player matches four words per screen. Therefore, the
player must clear five screens to match all of the words.
The "ticky" marks help keep track of how many words remain.
Once the fifth screen of words is matched, the drill breaks
away to a Mardi Gras parade!
After the parade, the drill begins again with the twenty
words.
At any time, press the "+" or the Escape key instead of a
number key to return to the BigBox menu.
Game number fifteen - game "O"
This game starts off with a package, a laser matter
transmitter, a power requirement, and a destination state on
a map of the United States.
For example, it might take "25 pellets of power" to
transmit a package to Oklahoma -- and you start off with zero
pellets!
Every time you press the space bar, 2 power pellets are
added to your current power level. You must try and match
the required power rating to successfully transmit the
package.
When you're ready, press the "G" key to try and transmit
the package. (Note: There's no way to back up! If you pass
up the required power amount ... well, you'll just have to
take your chances!)
The package will successfully transmit if you're within
two pellets of the required amount. You'll see the package
load into the transmitter, you'll hear the matter transmitter
warming up, you'll see and hear the laser beam transmit the
package across the United States ... then you'll see your
package appear in it's destination state!
If you're over or below the two power pellet cushion,
you'll either fall short in the Atlantic Ocean or ... you
might BLOW UP the matter transmitter! (Not to worry --
there's plenty more where that came from!)
This module helps introduce the states of the U.S. and their
geographic position. It helps little users learn to count by
two -- and also to watch a target value and notice when
you're too low or too high! Finally, it introduces the
notion of vectors -- the concept that a line has a value
depending on its direction and length.
Press the "+" or the Escape key to return to the BigBox
main menu.
Game number sixteen -- game "P"
Game "P" is identical to game "O" except that you count
pellets by fives instead of by twos. Also, the power
requirements are higher (the packages are heavier!)
This game starts off with a package, a laser matter
transmitter, a power requirement, and a destination state on
a map of the United States.
For example, it might take "25 pellets of power" to
transmit a package to Oklahoma -- and you start off with zero
pellets!
Every time you press the space bar, 5 power pellets are
added to your current power level. You must try and match
the required power rating to successfully transmit the
package.
When you're ready, press the "G" key to try and transmit
the package. (Note: There's no way to back up! If you pass
up the required power amount ... well, you'll just have to
take your chances!)
The package will successfully transmit if you're within
four pellets of the required amount. You'll see the package
load into the transmitter, you'll hear the matter transmitter
warming up, you'll see and hear the laser beam transmit the
package across the United States ... then you'll see your
package appear in it's destination state!
If you're over or below the four power pellet cushion,
you'll either fall short in the Atlantic Ocean or ... you
might BLOW UP the matter transmitter! (Not to worry --
there's plenty more where that came from!)
This module helps introduce the states of the U.S. and their
geographic position. It helps little users learn to count
by five -- and also to watch a target value and notice when
you're too low or too high! Finally, it introduces the
notion of vectors -- the concept that a line has a value
depending on its direction and length.
Press the "+" or the Escape key to return to the BigBox
main menu.
Game number seventeen -- game "Q"
Game "Q" differs from game "O" in that YOU pick the state!
When the game begins, the state of "Washington" is the
selected state. Every time you press the spacebar, the
selected state will advance (roughly north to south, west to
east). Once you get to Maine, it will cycle back to
Washington.
When you're satisfied with the state, press the "G" key.
The game will now operate just like game "O".
After you mail your package (either successfully or
unsuccessfully), you'll again select a state. Your
beginning choice will be the state you just used.
Press the "+" or the Escape key to return to the BigBox
main menu.
Game number eighteen -- game "R"
Game "R" differs from game "P" in that YOU pick the state!
When the game begins, the state of "Washington" is the
selected state. Every time you press the spacebar, the
selected state will advance (roughly north to south, west to
east). Once you get to Maine, it will cycle back to
Washington.
When you're satisfied with the state, press the "G" key.
The game will now operate just like game "P".
After you mail your package (either successfully or
unsuccessfully), you'll again select a state. Your
beginning choice will be the state you just used.
Press the "+" or the Escape key to return to the BigBox
main menu.
Shareware
This BigBox is part of a shareware series of educational
programs designed for 3 to 7 year olds. Commercial packages
tend to ignore this age group.
This product is a SHAREWARE product -- it has the ultimate
money-back guarantee! Try it all you like -- see if it fits your
needs. If you don't like the product, then you have no further
obligation. Erase it from your machine, or pass it along to a
friend.
If, however, you've found this program useful, then you can register
your copy for $20.00. This registration fee will get you:
* A copy of the latest version
* A free copy of the next update when it is
released.
* A printed, bound manual
* Notices and specials on new releases of
home/family/educational software
* 3 months of FREE technical support
Please send payments to:
Joey Robichaux
P. O. Box 91016-199
Baton Rouge, La. 70821
A registration form -- REGISTER.DOC -- is included for
your convenience.
In any case, I'd like to hear your comments -- including any
ideas you may have for other educational programs you'd like
to see.
Required files
This BigBox requires the following files:
BRUN30.EXE
USERLIB.EXE
USABOX.EXE
USA1.EXE
USA2.EXE
USA3.EXE
USA4.EXE
FLASHBOX.EXE
BOXFLSH1.EXE
BOXFLSH2.EXE
BOXFLSH3.EXE
BOXFLSH4.EXE
FLASHWOR.EXE
FLASH1.WRD
FLASH2.WRD
FLASH3.WRD
FLASH4.WRD
BOATBOX.EXE
BOAT1.EXE
BOAT2.EXE
BOAT3.EXE
BOAT4.EXE
BOATWORD.EXE
BOAT1.WRD
BOAT2.WRD
BOAT3.WRD
BOAT4.WRD
BIGBOX.EXE
L1.EXE
L2.EXE
L3.EXE
L4.EXE
L5.EXE
L6.EXE
WORDLIST.EXE
All of these files must exist in the current drive and
directory to run "BigBox" successfully.
**NEW ** Customizing Word Lists
This version of BigBox gives you the ability to customize
the word lists. You must run the standalone utility,
WORDLIST.
WORDLIST lets you select whether you want to customize
one of the four 20 word lists or one of the four 26 word lists.
You can re-select several times to alter every one of the
lists.
Make sure you are in the subdirectory containing your copy
of BigBox. Then type WORDLIST at the DOS prompt and
press the Enter key.
You're prompted for either the 20 word list, the 26 word list,
or you can quit. Enter a 1 to select the 20 word lists, enter
a 2 to select the 26 word lists, or enter a 3 to quit and
return to DOS. Press the Enter key after you type the proper
number.
Once you've selected either 1 or 2, you must identify which
of the four possible word lists you wish to change. If you
want to back without changing anything, enter a 0 to return
to the previous selection.
Otherwise, enter either 1, 2, 3, or 4 and press the Enter key.
You now will see each of the words in the current list.
You'll run through the words one at a time. At each word,
you're prompted for a Y or an N -- do you want to change the
word? If you press N, you continue on to the next word.
If you press Y, you're prompted for the new word. Type the
new word and press enter. You'll then continue on to the next
word.
Once you've cycled through the possible words, WORDLIST
will save the word list. You'll return to the menu where you
can select the 20 word list, the 26 word list, or exit to DOS.
FILE2669.TXT
Disk No: 2669
Disk Title: Brandon's Big Lunchbox
PC-SIG Version: S1.0
Program Title: BRANDON'S BIG LUNCHBOX
Author Version: 1.0
Author Registration: $20.00
Special Requirements: Hercules, CGA Graphics or Better.
The entire Brandon's Lunchbox series on one diskette! 18 fun
educational modules for children ages 3 to 7. Beginning and pre-readers
learn keyboard skills, drill on upper/lower case alphabet, number
sequences (greater than/less than), counting, problem solving, memory
games, simple arithmetic, sight word drills with 184 different "sight"
words -- you can create your own custom word lists! Practice counting
by two's or fives, learn US geography, watch your little ones discover
deductive rea Plenty of flashy colors, wild sounds, and fun rewards like
dancing bears Mardi Gras parades!
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1991 PC-SIG, Inc.
REGISTER.DOC
Date: ______________
Registration Form for BigBox
I hope you and your young "users" have enjoyed your visit to
"Brandon's BigBox".
Please enclose $20.00 registration fee. In return, you'll
receive:
* A copy of the latest version
* A free copy of the next update when it is
released.
* A printed, bound manual
* Notices and specials on new software
for family, home, and education.
* 3 months of FREE technical support
Please mail this to:
Joey Robichaux
P. O. Box 91016-199
Baton Rouge, La. 70821
Product I'm registering: BigBox
Serial Number : ______________________________
Who shall I ship to?
Name: ______________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
City, St, Zip: ________________________________________
Comments:______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thanks for any suggestions!
VENDOR.DOC
Brandon's BigBox 1.0
Version: May, 1991 (1st release)
Author: Joey Robichaux, member ASP. CIS: 71336,336, GENIE: JEROBICHAUX
P. O. Box 91016-199
Baton Rouge, La. 70821
Phone: (504) 752-2620
Last update - May 5, 1991
Vendor Description
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon's BigBox -- Category: Educational, Children's, Pre-School
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Description --
18 fun educational modules for children ages 3 to 7! Learn keyboard
skills, problem solving, reading drills, alphabetic matching, memory games,
sight words, counting by 2's and 5's -- plus much more. Customize your own word
lists to keep the reading games fresh! Colorful and active rewards.
Long Description --
The entire Brandon's Lunchbox series on one diskette! Beginning and
pre-readers learn keyboard skills, drill on upper/lower case alphabet, numeric
sequences (greater than/less than), counting, problem solving, memory games,
simple arithmetic, sight word drills with 184 different "sight" words -- plus
you can create your own custom word lists! Practice counting by two's and
fives, learn US geography, watch your little ones discover deductive reasoning!
Plenty of flashy colors, wild sounds, and fun rewards like dancing bears and
Mardi Gras parades!
Runs on your MS-DOS compatable and requires at least a CGA monitor.
It will work on a floppy, but runs best off of a hard drive (what doesn't?)
Registration: $20.00 includes a copy of the latest version, a free update to the
next release, a printed bound manual, notices & specials on new releases, and
access to free technical support. Author member Association of Shareware
Professionals.
Vendor Distribution Information:
-----------------------------------------------
Vendors who are ASP Associate Members in good standing are hereby given
permission to distribute Brandon's Lunchbox. I ask that you send me
notification that you are carrying this program (postcard and/or
catalog) so I may serve you better.
To ensure you have a current version, non-ASP members are required to
request permission from me to distribute the Lunchbox (if you
receive a direct mailing from me, then please consider that as
permission). Also, you may not list any of my products in
advertisements, catalogs, or other literature which describes my
products as "FREE SOFTWARE". Shareware is "Try-Before-You-Buy"
software, it is not free.
Thanks --
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #2669
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
HEY_READ ME 514 5-22-91 2:03p
VENDOR DOC 2571 5-06-91 7:20p
BIGBOX DOC 24541 5-06-91 4:58p
REGISTER DOC 1599 5-06-91 4:59p
BIGBOX EXE 7147 5-06-91 6:57p
WORDLIST EXE 4059 5-06-91 4:53p
L1 EXE 7259 5-05-91 3:57p
L2 EXE 7307 5-05-91 3:57p
L3 EXE 16491 5-05-91 3:57p
L4 EXE 13771 5-05-91 3:58p
L5 EXE 3947 5-05-91 3:58p
L6 EXE 17003 5-05-91 3:58p
BOATMOD EXE 17195 5-05-91 9:43p
FLASHMOD EXE 16091 5-05-91 9:43p
USA1 EXE 11435 5-05-91 11:04p
USA2 EXE 11451 5-05-91 11:05p
USA3 EXE 11675 5-05-91 11:05p
USA4 EXE 11691 5-05-91 11:05p
BOAT1 WRD 139 5-05-91 2:30p
BOAT2 WRD 143 5-05-91 8:35p
BOAT3 WRD 148 5-06-91 4:51p
BOAT4 WRD 152 5-05-91 8:37p
FLASH1 WRD 120 5-06-91 4:51p
FLASH2 WRD 125 5-05-91 3:41p
FLASH3 WRD 116 5-05-91 3:41p
FLASH4 WRD 121 5-05-91 3:41p
BRUN30 EXE 70680 5-05-91 10:48a
USERLIB EXE 7570 5-05-91 12:12a
GO BAT 35 5-22-91 1:59p
FILE2669 TXT 929 7-16-91 9:05a
30 file(s) 266025 bytes
37888 bytes free