Archive for January, 2011

Guest Post: An App’s Curiousity Factor by Mark Sottnick

Posted by ruckusholly on January 20th, 2011

By Mark Sottnick, Founder and Executive Producer of Rabbit Ears, and creative force behind our growing library of Rabbit Ears classic stories.

01/20/11

On a recent program on Oprah’s brand new network Diane Sawyer said that the secret to success is “curiosity”.

“I read once, which I loved so much, that this great physicist who won a Nobel Prize said that every day when he got home, his dad asked him not what he learned in school but his dad said, ‘Did you ask any great questions today?’ And I always thought, what a beautiful way to educate kids that we’re excited by their questions, not by our answers and whether they can repeat our answers.”

—   Diane Sawyer

We at Ruckus and Rabbit Ears couldn’t agree more. No skill, no trait is going to be as important for success in this century as curiosity and imagination. And nothing builds this skill more than great stories, well told. Great stories open a young mind to worlds and opportunities beyond their everyday experience.  A great story opens the child’s imaginative power.

Long before there was a Rabbit Ears, my wife Doris (pictured with myself at the left) and I dreamed of reviving the lost art of storytelling. We were both teachers and knew the power and beauty of a well-told story. Convinced that we could produce entertainment that would be a powerful force for young children’s imaginations, we started Rabbit Ears from our kitchen table.

Our premise is simple: We begin with classic stories that have brought joy and meaning to generations of children and create a script that breathes new life into the original tale, with language that challenges and delights curious young minds.

Next, we have today’s most accomplished actors tell the stories – people like Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, and Denzel Washington.

Then we invite renowned musicians such as Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Branford Marsalis and Elvis Costello to compose and perform wonderful music to accompany the tales. Finally, we choose gifted artists to illustrate each story with rich and colorful images.

We believe that quality entertainment can infuse children with an appreciation of literature, art and music that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.  Digitizing these classic stories as apps has brought even greater accessibility to our library.  With modern technology, kids can take and watch them anywhere.  The apps expand on a child’s already growing imagination with the new read-and-record function, which also allows a parent or loved one to read stories to their children from a distance.  The video feature, combined with the text, provides choices for children, creating a whole new dimension to these classic stories.

We at Rabbit Ears believe that viewers of all ages will appreciate the craftsmanship and the sheer joy of our stories. We hope that you and your family will be entertained for countless hours by these extraordinary adaptations of the world’s best beloved tales.

Most of all, we believe that the stories will spark the imaginations of your child and foster the innate, active, inquisitive, curiosity that is most certainly the key to success in this century.

Mark Sottnick is co-founder of Rabbit Ears. He has an MFA in film from Yale University where he collaborated with the Yale Child Study Center on varied media projects.

Where to See and Hear Us

Posted by ruckusholly on January 14th, 2011

by Holly Fink, Ruckus Media Staff Marketing Specialist

01/14/2011

Our fearless CEO, Rick Richter, is speaking on some very dynamic panels over the next few months.  Here is a list of where and when you can hear him speak, as well the topics:

 

Digital Book World

Panel: A New Kind of Publisher for a New Kind of Product: Emerging Models for Children’s Book Publishing (Wednesday, January 26th, 2:30pm)

With Charlie Schroder (Charlie Schroder & Company LLC), Mark E. Jaffee (Cross-Platform Publishing Advisors), Michael Kripalani (Oceanhouse Media), Nick Callway (Callaway Digital Arts)

 

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 2011 Winter Conference (January 26th, NYC, 4-5pm)

Panel: The Practical Application Panel

With: Lisa Holton (Fourth Story Media), Janice Kaplan (Auryn), moderated by Pat Cummings

Women and Animation (February 8th, NYC)

 

O’Reilly Tools of Change Conference (TOC)

Panel: Publishing Companies Ripe for Expansion: What are Investors in the Publishing Sector Looking For? (February 15th, 2:30pm)

With Jeff Shelstad (Flat World Knowledge), Linda Holliday (CEO Semi-Linear, Director New York Angels), Mark Jacobsen (O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures), Brian Rich (Catalyst Investors)

 

Toy Fair (February 14th-16th, NYC)

 

Golden Gate Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Conference and Retreat

Panel: “Welcome to the Wild, Wild West: Children’s Apps and Digital Media in 2011″ (February 25th-27th, 2011)

 

Connecticut Library Association  (CLA) – The Hilton, Stamford - May 2nd

Twitter Party Wrap-Up: Apps and Literacy

Posted by ruckusholly on January 12th, 2011

by Holly Fink, Ruckus Media Staff Marketing Specialist

01/12/2011

Last night we gathered with our friends, both new and old, on Twitter for a lively discussion about two of our favorite topics: Apps and Literacy.  Based on the amount of people who came, we aren’t the only ones who care passionately that apps and literacy go hand in hand.   Everyone at the party agreed that it’s the story that rules and that story apps are very good for teaching literacy skills and that schools are slowly but surely bringing them into the classrooms.

Here are some highlights of the night’s conversation:

 

Q1: Do you think that apps can improve reading skills and increase reading comprehension? 

@FunAppsForKids I might start by suggesting that in general, story apps, book apps, reading, writing apps- are simply good for literacy!

@PaulWHankins App could work as in-road to differentiation. Good readers interact with print in way technology has not imagined.

@katmeis  My son’s middle school is looking into engaging kids in reading through social reading apps.

@SavvyMomNYC An interactive tool helps a young reader focus and creates an enjoyable fun experience.

@winanci  definitely, tried it with my daughter, we’re non-native english speakers, but apps can help us.

 

Q2: What questions should be asked when figuring out whether one app or another is the best possible selection for that child sitting on your lap?

@iPodsibilities Can they record themselves reading and play back to improve fluency?

@theiPhonemomability to integrate other skills in the app – counting, colors, etc. through interactivity and games.

@aaallain I think age, reading level, and interest are important.

@harmonicmama  I always like to find out if it’s dynamic enough to hold their attention.

@SavvyMomNYC Is it quality literature? Age appropriate? Is it leveled for a struggling reader.

@PaulWHankins  Can the app connect the reader to further works of interest?

 

Q3: Are there specific ways to integrate ebook apps in the learning environment to create meaningful educational experiences?  

@SavvyMomNYC  iPads could support center small group learning while the teacher works with other students.

@iPodsibilities Combine w/ older mentor 2 model good reading, play Pass the iPad 4 roundtable reading, independent reading centers.

@SavvyMomNYC iPads could support center learning in small groups while the teacher works with other students.

@aaallain I still have parent-child interaction using apps! It just provides a different venue for learning.

@eBookNoir phonics, early readers vocab, variety of ways.

 

Q4: Do you think animated story apps can benefit reluctant readers?

@soulfliesfree  yes i think the illustrations are a great incentive to read and uses another part of your brain.

@theiPhonemom Curious to see! My toddler is growing up w/apps. Shall see how her vocab develops compared to my older kids.

@VectoringMomma Definitely, gives them characters and stories in a cool way!

@iPodsibilities Coolness factor is important 2 note in world of SpEd- it isn’t only the young ones that r learning 2 read.

@cwilson82985Apps def increase vocabulary. It helped my son.

@StrollerBallet Animation = engagement! Of course we must acknowledge that aspect!

@aallain As much as I promote technology, I do believe in a balance between hands-on on tech-driven education.

@lovelimes I think they can benefit reluctant readers by making reading fun and interesting.

 

Q5 Have you ever used a read and record feature on an app? How was the experience?

@katmeisJust thinking I might use record function so that when I travel I can still read to my daughter. Cool!

@iPodsibilities Love to hear how families are recording stories to share with loved ones when they can’t be there.

@cwilson82985  We recorded my brother reading a story. He is leaving for Afghanistan.

@HeiddiZWe used to have this same discussion in undergrad about using calculators in math.

@PaulWHankins Concern–reluctant readers might become passive patrons. Books become Digital Domino’s (delivery only).

@lovelimesI love it for that option. I also love that you can have Grandma (or someone else) record the story!

 

Q6: Do you support apps used as a tool to aid special education students? Bilingual students?

@iPodsibilities Apps can be crucial tools for students with disabilities! Providing adaptive tech in an acceptable way.

@aaallain Yes! Apps are a great way to engage learners and provide an alternative learning environment.

@Arianah_00 I think it would be a great tool for bilingual students…or to learn another language.

@katmeisMany spec. ed students can’t hold pencils. Drawing apps=amazing tools. I’d love to see this merged w/ a reading app.

@PaulWHankins Not only a tool, but as an element of their Individualized Education Plan.  If it helps, employ the tool.

@CarrieWChildrenYes! My 6mo DD has #downsyndromeand I’ve read raving reviews about apps for them!

@katmeismany spec. ed students can’t hold pencils. Drawing apps=amazing tools. I’d love to see this merged w/ a reading app.

Stay tuned for another Ruckus Media Twitter Party in February. The topic will be “Apps and Autism”.

Join Us for a Twitter Party to Talk About Apps and Literacy on Tuesday, January 11th, 10pm ET

Posted by ruckusholly on January 7th, 2011

by Holly Fink, Ruckus Media Staff Marketing Specialist

01/07/2011

We had a blast at our first Twitter Party last month when we gathered to talk about Apps and Travel.  Many of you dished with us about entertaining the kiddos during our long distance travels and the apps we all love.  The consensus was that apps are useful, handy tools that most of us don’t feel guilty about passing to our kids.  If you haven’t read our wrap-up, read it here.

At our next Twitter party, we’ll be chatting about Apps and Literacy.  You may be obsessed with your iPhone or iPad, but did you know that it provides creative outlets for teaching children how to read?  There are apps to teach kids basic reading skills, improve critical thinking and teach new vocabulary words.  We’ll chat about how by using apps, children can improve reading comprehension, readiness and competency.  We’ll also explore how apps might serve as aids in the classroom, improving writing and spelling skills via pictures, interactivity and multi-sensory touch screens.  We’d also love your suggestions on how apps can work even further to encourage and further literacy, albeit in the classroom or at home and across all types of education (special ed, ESL, etc.).

Join us from 10-11pm EST on Tuesday, January 11th at hashtag #ruckusliteracyapps on Twitter (or on TweetGrid, TweetDeck or TweetChat, whichever platform you prefer) for this discussion   As usual, we’ll have great giveaways.

If you’re not already following us, we’re @RuckusMedia and please RSVP by email to Allyson Kane.

The Envelope Please….

Posted by ruckusholly on January 4th, 2011

by Holly Fink, Ruckus Media Staff Marketing Specialist

01/04/2010

We’re feeling like proud parents as three Ruckus Media story apps have been named Finalists for the 2010 Best App Ever Awards. Three!  Particularly exciting as our first apps released just about two months ago!.

The nominees are:

A Present for Milo: Finalist in the Best eBook App (iPad division).

 Andrew Answers and The Velveteen Rabbit:  Finalists  for Best Kid’s Apps (both iPhone/IPad divisions).

Total number of nominations:  87,000

Total finalists per category:  10!

The winners will be announced at the 2011 Macworld Expo (January 26th29th) in San Francisco.  As you can imagine, we’d love to win.

 

Here is where you, as Ruckus fans, can help.  Voting is open now through January 25th, and you can vote daily to help us get big numbers:

To vote for A Present for Milo (iPad division), go to:http://bestappever.com/v/book/A/405288824.

To vote for Andrew Answers (iPad division), go to http://bestappever.com/v/ekda/A/406162881. 

To vote for Andrew Answers (iPhone/iPod division), go to http://bestappever.com/v/ekda/O/406162881.

To vote for The Velveteen Rabbit (iPad division), go to: http://bestappever.com/v/ekda/A/395279598.

To vote for The Velveteen Rabbit (iPhone/iPod division), go to http://bestappever.com/v/ekda/O/395279598.

 

Vote! Think of this as the app world’s Oscars – you might just get thanked in our acceptance speech.

Guest Post: Why Buy a Ruckus Rabbit Ears App? by Mark Sottnick

Posted by ruckusholly on January 4th, 2011

By Mark Sottnick, Founder and Executive Producer of Rabbit Ears, and creative force behind our growing library of Rabbit Ears classic stories

1/4/2011

Why in the world should I buy an app? And even if I do, why for goodness sakes should I buy a Ruckus Rabbit Ears app?

Good questions.

Like many of you, my daughter is a busy woman. As a working mom with two young, pre-school children, she has many varied demands on her time. And, like you, she has definite demands for media and wants the very best for her children. Of course, you want media that is “anywhere, anytime” and all apps can do that. Sometimes, especially when grocery shopping or traveling with the children, you need media that will engage the child’s attention. There are other times when you wish to share – a hug, a story.

So, we have attempted to design the Rabbit Ears apps for Ruckus to satisfy the needs of a mom at these two very different times in her busy day.

For those times in the car or shopping cart, we have the “play video” feature. The child’s imagination is captured by a combination of a great story, well told.

For those times when Mom or Dad wants to share, they can read the story aloud with the child or watch together. At Rabbit Ears, we strive to maintain high standards of art, music, language and humor in order to engage children – even make them reach – and still, we wanted to make these stories entertaining for adults as well in the true spirit of “family” entertainment.

But as they say on late night TV, but wait, there’s more…..

There is a feature that allows the parent to record their own narration of the story – very helpful for those times when the parent must be away. It also affords young readers a chance to practice their reading and acting skills. Fun.

I would love to hear your experiences with  apps – where do you and your children watch them? What ones have been most successful for you? And what would you like to see in the future?

Message from Rick: What a Wild Year 2010 Was

Posted by ruckusholly on January 1st, 2011

by Rick Richter, CEO

1/1/2011

Today is a typical New Year’s Day here in Southern Connecticut. The snow is melting on the ground and it is strangely balmy and quiet. In this “Type A” community, it isn’t so often that we all kick back and relax. I think I like it.

Like a lot folks, I guess I’m also taking stock of last year, making a few resolutions (to eat more healthfully!) and rallying myself for the upcoming year. It promises to be a big one for our family and for Ruckus.

A little more than six months ago (hard to believe actually), I sat in a borrowed office with a loose idea of a plan. And I’m talking loose.  A month later, my friend and business partner, Jim Young, left his job to join “Ruckus”.  The sparkle in his eye when we discussed the idea helped to give me the confidence to put together a business plan and ask my friends and family to help us get going. Our friends and family helped in whatever way they could, often investing their hard earned savings and ofering important advice.

Soon after that, we advertised for interns to help us to continue to form the idea, and to our surprised over 500 college students applied for our 5 jobs. This amazing team designed our web site and put together our marketing plan. In August, we sent them all back to school although several will be returning this summer – my beautiful daughter among them.

Over the summer, my friends in the creative community offered to jump in and contribute projects, (including the important Rabbit Ears library) and several agents in the publishing community offered their support.

In September, two of my greatest and oldest friends  - Carolyn and Ellen – joined the company, giving up prospects for more lucrative jobs. Led by our publicist, Deborah Sloan, we officially launched with amazing press coverage including the Wall Street Journal. Two marketers and social media experts joined our staff – Holly and Allyson – and they have provided invaluable direction and effort.  A consummate southern gentleman, Will, joined our staff and brought his characteristic cheer and pragmatism to the office.  Towards the end of the year, my friends Bill and Jason joined, providing financial and creative guidance.

A lot of things surprised me this year. I was surprised by the dedication of our growing team. It hasn’t always been easy – our apps sometimes arrived late and there were times when we got a bit ahead of ourselves. Along with the praise, we took criticism from reviewers (helpful I might add). The competition got intense. Jim and I bickered from time to time over strategy, again constructive and necessary.  Quite frankly, we are all learning on the job. And we still are.

Our goal is to create a library of highly satisfying, entertaining and educational children’s apps and to make each app better than the last. In the first part of this year, we’ll make several announcements that will catapult the profile of Ruckus in the creative world. Again, we will do it with the help of our friends.

Let me invite you in 2011 to join us as a friend (if you are not already).  Help us spread the word. Tell us what you think about our apps so we might get better at what we do.

For those of you who have helped along the way, I don’t even know how to begin to thank you. The words are beyond what I can type here.

Wishing you a wonderful, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year,