We’re Famigo APProved!

Posted by heather - January 07, 2013

Many thanks to the cool team at Famigo for the shout-out about our Toddler App Pack Version 1. They had a great time playing our Toddler V1 Games app! Here’s what they told us in an email:

The colorful interface and cute characters are sure to attract the attention of even the most distracted toddlers. In addition, the music and various chimes and whistles are engaging and effective in helping young kids start making associations between images and sounds. (We’re sure parents will especially appreciate the ability to mute the circus music in that particular game as well!) We most enjoyed the bubble popping game, as both kids and adults will enjoy the satisfaction similar to popping bubble wrap.

What got high marks from the Famigo team? The app was easy to use, educational, good for road trips, good for single player, great for tablets, musical, and had a solid interface. Read their full review here.

Thanks again, Famigo! We’re thrilled to be Famigo APProved!

Virtual Snowflakes for Newtown

Posted by heather - January 03, 2013

As many of you know, the children from Sandy Hook Elementary are returning to school today. The refurbished building they are using has been decorated with millions of paper snowflakes created by children all over the world and sent in, at the request of the Sandy Hook PTA — who wanted to show students that no two snowflakes, just like kids, are alike.

They were awed and overwhelmed by the number of snowflakes received, and have since asked that no more be sent.

We have created a new website where kids (and adults) all around the world can create a virtual snowflake and send a message to the families affected by the Newtown tragedy.

“Kurt and I wanted to create a space where families could go and share their feelings of peace and love with the families of Newtown,” said Jim Robinson, co-creator of KneeBouncers. “And also be able to read all the good that is being sent to them. Reinforcing that there is so much more good than bad out there, it is important for kids to know that.”

Visit http://snowflakesfornewtown.com to send your message.

Naughty or Nice List? Check Your Child’s “List Status” with The Nice-O-Meter!

Posted by heather - December 19, 2012

The official count-down to Christmas has begun! According to our calendar, there is less than a week. If the kids are getting antsy and the elf-on-the-shelf doesn’t seem to be cutting it anymore, we’ve got a fun solution for you:

The Nice-O-Meter

{Our way of adding a little bit of tech-filled fun to the holidays!}

How does it work? Very simply. It’s magically controlled by parents. Just head to nice-o-meter.com to download the app for your iPhone/iPod or Android smartphone Note: this app is not available in the iTunes store. You must download from the website.

Launch the app and hold the smartphone next to your child. Ask “Is {insert child’s name here} on the naughty or nice list?”

If you’re holding the phone horizontally, it will read naughty and remind the child that there is still time to be good!

If you’re holding the phone vertically, it will reinforce your child’s good behavior and read “Nice!”

100% free. North Pole approved.

But use it wisely.

This Week: Kids, Technology & Digital Learning Apps

Posted by heather - December 13, 2012

There has been a lot of news this week that looks at digital learning content for kids — specifically younger kids. In case you didn’t catch it, we’ve got the scoop on recent headlines related to baby games, toddler games, preschool games and digital learning content.

Joan Cooney Ganz Center releases new report on the digital app market for young children. Digital apps designed to teach young children to read are an increasingly large share of the market, but parents and educators have little to no information about whether and how they work. This report scans the marketplace — and shows promising practices and programs. You can even register to watch the report finding via webinar.

Tablet devices and digital learning content may become the new norm in African schools, according to The Economist. New start-up ventures are shaking up the costly textbook industry and delivering electronic content via tablet devices.
According to a report in the New York Times, a study of 400 apps designed for and marketed to children revealed that only 20% of them provide appropriate disclosures to parents about what kind of data they are collecting about children. {NOTE: We want to reassure you that we do not collect data from your children in any of our apps. We want your kids to joyfully play our apps and games with purpose — SAFELY.}
Nielsen says that 48% of US kids are asking for an iPad this holiday season. They’re calling it ‘iHoliday.’ Thinking about purchasing one for your KneeBouncer?

Friday Five: Elf-on-the-Shelf Shenanigans

Posted by heather - November 30, 2012

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, some of the Elf on the Shelf photos we’ve found on the internet are a whole lotta fun. So today we thought we’d give parents (and kids) everywhere a little holiday giggle. Enjoy!

Sneaking Syrup
Image Credit: Lil Boo Blue

Freezer Elf
Image Credit: Cherishing the InBetweens

Candy Cane Zip Lining
Image Credit: Rae of Light Photography

Cruising
Image Credit: Jen McKen Photography

Toothpaste Fun?
Image Credit: A Small Snippet

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

Posted by heather - November 20, 2012

Need some kid-friendly conversation starters around the Thanksgiving table on Thursday? Check out some of these fun facts to share!

What turkey? Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.

No forks?! Did you know Pilgrims didn’t use forks? They used spoons, knives and their fingers.

Abraham Lincoln first declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Sarah Josepha Hale, an American magazine editor, persuaded Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. She is also the author of the popular nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

How MUCH turkey? More than 90% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day, 50% percent put their stuffing inside the turkey and more than 40 million green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving.

Hens and Toms. A female turkey is called a hen and makes a clucking sound. A male turkey is know as a “Tom” and gobbles. At maturity, the average turkey shows off 3,500 feathers.

Macy’s Day Parade. The annual Thanksgiving Day parade tradition began in 1924 and involved a menagerie of live animals like camels, bears, and elephants. The large helium balloons replaced the live animals in 1927. To fill the 15 balloon floats it takes 300,000 cubic feet of helium — that’s 3.4 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Cranberries and Birds? Cranberries got their name because people thought the stem of a plant looked like a crane.

Fun Fact Sources: WHSV.com, History.com, and Archeology.com.

Extending the play.