PENpal

 The PENpal brings sound to paper. When the pen touches a poster or a book that is pen-enabled, it speaks. The pen detects soundspots on any page in a book or on any graphics on the poster and plays back narrations, questions, answers, quizzes, music or sound effects - whatever audio has been pre-programmed into the paper.

The PENpal doesn't just play back pre-recorded sound. You can use the pen to record yourself, or let children record themselves, and listen to recordings instantly. Simply switch to the recording function, touch a soundspot and record and save. This is a fantastic way to improve speaking, listening and storytelling skills. Children can re-tell the stories in books, and with our Talking Stickers, they can add content to anything: posters, books, puppets...

This extremely exciting new resource can be used in countless ways. It's fantastic for EAL: parents can record in their own language for children, and teachers can customise their resources to make them fully inclusive. We have products for children aged 4 - adult, and Talking Stickers which can be used to customise resources for any age-group -- they're even useful for adult learning. 

PENpal runs on rechargable batteries which can be charged directly from the mains or from the usb cable and computer. For those who prefer normal batteries, PENpal works also with AAA batteries. PENpal has rechargeable batteries installed when you receive it, but you must first charge them using the charger (included) provided. Charging takes about 1 hour. PENpal also has 4GB of  memory - plenty to hold loads of talking books as well as your own audio recordings on books, stickers and posters.

Here are some suggestions for the use of the PENpal and sticky labels for creating customised materials for new arrival EAL learners - audio recordings can be in English and a range of other languages pertinent to the school context e.g.

- Talking uniform - what is needed for day to day, for PE, where to purchase etc
- Audio/Visual timetable - who the teachers are, how to find places, what the subjects are about etc
- Map of school - key points explained orally
- Dual-language equipment lists
- Translation of important forms - medical, ethnic monitoring etc...
- Explanations of rules                

Update (27 April 2011): Currently PenPAL is out of stock . If you order now, it will be delivered after 2 weeks.