Broderbund's Active Mind Series of Software to Enrich Children's Education with 'Creative Learning for Curious Kids'; New Line of Products Developed with Education as the Focus to Build Essential Learning Skills for Current Generation of 'Software Savvy' Kids.

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 1995--Broderbund Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: BROD), recognizing a significant business opportunity for early learning software built with a more developed and effective educational focus, is preparing to ship the first products in its Active Mind Series line of software. The Active Mind Series, which will have unified packaging to make the products easily identifiable in stores and schools, will initially include "James Discovers Math," "Math Workshop," "The Playroom" CD-ROM, and several additional products in development. The line, developed for children ages 3-12, will grow to include additional products to build skills in math, logic, reading, writing and other essential educational areas.

"Broderbund is viewed as the founder of the `Edutainment' category with `Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?' so it isn't surprising the company would be a leader in advancing the educational component of software products. The Active Mind Series is designed around specific educational goals and pedagogical approaches based on the crucial input of parents, children, teachers and leaders in the field of education," said Jan Gullett, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Broderbund.

"Now that teachers and their students have become more software savvy, they are expecting a more sophisticated and effective educational component. We feel the investment we are putting into the Active Mind Series line will deliver higher quality and education while maintaining the fun they expect from Broderbund. Our experience has taught us that the structure of our products can significantly enhance their learning benefits. Of course, learning has to be fun for children to want to use it on a regular basis," added Gullett.

Products in the Active Mind Series are more than repetitive exercises with the educational content plugged in. Each addition to the line offers a completely new and thoroughly developed pedagogical model for its subject. Included are constantly changing puzzles and activities to keep kids engaged in the learning process. Each activity provides progressive levels of challenge and, in many cases, automatically adapts to a child's skill level.

Not meant as a substitute for classroom activities, Active Mind Series products recognize that home educational software should effectively augment school teaching. Leveraging the experience Broderbund has gained from its presence in the school market, the Active Mind Series is designed to offer more opportunity for independent learning. The dynamic learning environments in the Series invite children to experience a variety of curricular subjects. Using Broderbund's experienced artists and proprietary development technology, each product in the Active Mind Series features lively characters, animation, music and illustrations to motivate children to learn.

Evaluated by Parents, Teachers and Children

In an effort to find the perfect balance between content, creative approach and technical implementation, Broderbund conducts research and testing among education professionals, parents and children. Each product is developed in conjunction with educational specialists to provide children a quality, enriching educational experience.

Parents' Corner

All Active Mind Series products provide information for parents to further the development of their children's basic learning skills. Called the "Parents' Corner," this special section of the User's Guide describes the skills children develop from each activity, suggests skill-building activities outside of the computer parents and children can share and provides a list of useful educational resources.

Pricing and Availability

"Math Workshop" and "The Playroom" CD-ROM are currently available in stores for approximately $40. "James Discovers Math" is shipping to stores for the same price. Additional Active Mind Series products will also be introduced in 1995 and 1996.

Broderbund Software, Inc. is a diversified consumer software company that offers a broad selection of fun, award-winning products for use in homes, schools and small businesses. Founded in 1980, the company is committed to creating imaginative personal computer software of lasting value for every member of the family. -0-

Note to Editors: Broderbund, "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" and "The Playroom" CD-ROM are registered trademarks of Broderbund Software, Inc. "James Discovers Math" and "Math Workshop" are trademarks of Broderbund Software, Inc.

CONTACT: Broderbund Software

Eric Winkler, 415/382-4568

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Dana Henry, 415/382-3238

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Shannon Jamieson, 415/382-4567

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