Archive for February, 2012

A Celebration of Reading

Posted by ruckusholly on February 29th, 2012

There are two celebrations of reading worth mentioning, and honoring, this week.

In the UK and Ireland on March 1st, it’s WORLD BOOK DAY, and people will come together from around the world to celebrate the importance of reading and literacy.  It’s a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) it’s a celebration of reading. It’s actually the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.

NEA’s READ ACROSS AMERICA is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd.  The program also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.

So, what are we doing here at Ruckus to celebrate?  We will be giving away apps on our Facebook page over the next two days.  Just head over to our page throughout the day to answer questions and you might win an app of your choice from our library.

We are also calling all teachers, reading specialists and literacy professional to provide reading tips to stimulate children’s love of reading, both inside and outside the classroom. Who better to write those tips than you, our expert advisers? We’re sure that  you have some tricks up your sleeve to help kids and families fall in love with reading — or practice reading basics without making it feel like work (or homework!).  Tips can be for emerging, beginning or independent readers — or feel free to send suggestions for all three!

Email your creative reading tip and photograph to TeacherTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com  or ParentTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com (whichever is applicable), if selected, we will credit the submission with your name and image, and post a link directly to your site or school if you’d like. Plus, you’ll also be eligible to receive a $10 iTunes gift card to select your choice of stories from the Ruckus library.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get exposure, an iTunes gift card and to share your love of reading with us and our community.

 

 

Calling All Parents, Teachers, Librarians and more: Reading Tips Wanted

Posted by ruckusholly on February 27th, 2012

Teacher and Parent TipsCalling all parents, childcare providers, teachers, reading specialists and literacy professionals including librarians!

We at Ruckus Media Group, creator of award-winning interactive storybooks for children, are looking for reading tips to stimulate children’s love of reading, both inside and outside the classroom. Who better to write those tips than you, the expert? We know that you work with children day in and day out to find that “just-right” way for each child to develop a love of reading, whether they are your own children or your students.

Please email your creative reading tip and photograph to TeacherTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com (if you are a specialist) or ParentTips@RuckusMediaGroup.com (if you are a parent). If your tip is chosen, we’ll credit the submission with your name and image, and post a link directly to your site or school. And, you’ll also be eligible to receive a $10 iTunes gift card to select your choice of stories from our library.

Here are the rules, terms and conditions (make sure you read the fine print before entering):

  • You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
  • Photos (high-resolution jpegs at a maximum size of 100 KB) must accompany all submissions, and should include your name, title, school (if applicable), city and state. If you would like us to link to your blog or website, please send us your URL.
  • Reading tip minimum word count: 25 words.
  • Only authors of tips selected by Ruckus Media Group will receive a $10 iTunes card.
  • All submitted reading tips will be reviewed by an education adviser appointed by Ruckus Media Group.
  • If selected, you must fill out a consent form (to be provided by Ruckus Media Group) certifying that you are the individual in the photos, that you are the individual identified by the submitted name and contact information, that all submitted information is true and accurate and that you own the copyright interest in all submitted materials and have the right to consent to Ruckus Media’s Group’s use of such materials.  You also agree to indemnify RMG against any and all liability to third-parties arising from RMG’s use of your submission as described below.
  • You grant Ruckus Media Group permission to use the submitted: tip, photo, name, school name and location information for any and all promotional purposes related to Ruckus Media Group.
  • Ruckus Media Group reserves the right to end this campaign at any time and to refuse acceptance of further submissions without notice.

 

We can’t wait to work together to continue our mission to create experiences through mobile devices that educate children and stimulate literacy.

Start sending your tips (you can send as many as you like) today and let’s motivate the world to read!

Toy Fair 2012 Tells Us That The Digital Toy Age Has Arrived

Posted by ruckusholly on February 21st, 2012

Toy Fair logo

Last year, I wrote right here on this blog about Toy Fair 2011 and its focus on traditional toys. Yet it was clear that physical games were inching closer and closer to the world of smartphone and tablet apps. More and more companies were launching iPads for kids last year, including Fisher Price, VTech and LeapFrog. Fisher Price’s iPad stood out, and it was clear not only how toy manufacturers were noticing the digital direction in playing and storytelling but also how parents were embracing their children’s growing demands for gadgets, particularly the iPad. In last year’s post, I wrote, “While the show did feature innovative products and technologies, very few companies were represented, including our competitors. I hope that the expo expands next year to better exemplify the world of apps for children.”

Well, guess what? One year later, Toy Fair 2012 looked very different. Tech was popping out all over the place, and it was clear that major brands are taking strides to develop their traditional branded products and games around Apple products. Not only were a few digital companies present, such as Fruit Ninja, Angry Birds and Cut the Rope, but other brands were obviously entering the digital mix as well. Our partner Hasbro now makes traditional games like Monopoly and The Game of Life that connect to iOS devices for digital play through apps available in the Apple Store. There’s also a new version of Lazer Tag, by NERF, where players insert their iOS device into a blaster and engage in virtual or real battles.

Animal Planet and Monsterology NUKO’s brand are joining trading cards with digital magic on the iPad with cards that tap into action using any iOS device. MushABellies’ new 3D augmented-reality game blends the game world and the real world using a smartphone device and exclusive, patented augmented reality from Gravity Jack. And WowWee introduced its App Gear line, extending the idea of connecting apps with traditional toys to create something called “amplified reality.”

So, the question is, how much more advanced will Toy Fair be in 2013? Your guess is as good as mine, but considering the visible changes that we witnessed this year, we’re very excited to see what transpires between now and then.

Moms and Tech Twitter Party – #RuckusMoms

Posted by ruckusholly on February 15th, 2012

Woman In The Grass With A ComputerJoin us on Twitter at @RuckusMedia on March 1st at 9pm ET as we chat about moms and tech WITH moms who tech!

Joining us will be four tech bloggers who will moderate and guide us as we talk about two topics close to their hearts and professional lives.  They are:  Beckie Mostello from Tech Talk for Moms, Heidi Leder from Coast 2 Coast Mom, Jacqueline Cromwell from Nerd Family Blogs and Grace Duffy from Formerly Gracie.

We are fully aware that moms are power users of technology and social media.  Whether they’re programming their own web sites, using tech to stay organized, using Facebook and Twitter, writing blogs or thesis papers on their iPads or Macs, or using tech to help educate their children or balance their careers and family lives, moms and tech go together.  We’ll talk about all of these issues and more by chatting with the experts.

RSVP and join the party for a chance to win one of these prizes:

  • 6 FREE Months of the Premium version of Cozi, the #1 online calendar and organizing app for web and mobile.
  • $25 gift card to FashionPlaytes, the fun design your own clothes destination for ages 5-12.
  • Two copies of The Digital Mom Handbook, from the founders of ClassyMommy.com and MomGenerations.com, the ultimate guide to helping moms build successful careers at home by doing what they already do online – just better.
  • Blue Sky Planners, functional and stylish calendars.
  • Duo Pop and Duo Plink—the two newest iPad game accessories from Discovery Bay Games, created to unite traditional board game play with digital gaming for heads-up together time, $20 Apple Gift Card to purchase apps for game accessories, Highlights Magazines, and PopChips.
  • Ruckus Media Group app giveaways galore.
  • And more prizes soon to be announced!

To RSVP:

1. RSVP at twtvite: http://twtvite.com/RuckusMomsTech

2. Follow our moderators on Twitter (optional): @TechTalkforMoms @NerdMom @C2CMom @GraceDuffy

3. Sign up for the Ruckus Media Newsletter (optional): http://bit.ly/r2AOiN

4. Follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ruckusmedia/ (optional)

5. Follow us on Facebook (optional): http://www.facebook.com/RuckusMediaGroup

6. Tweet this and follow us on Twitter (optional): Join @RuckusMedia for a twitter party about Moms and Tech on 3/1 at 9pm EST http://bit.ly/Ap61qc #RuckusMoms

“See” you all soon!

App Production 101: A Chat with Susan Hood, Ruckus Story Editor

Posted by ruckusholly on February 14th, 2012

Recently we’ve been delving into the process of App Production.  The other day we heard from Susan Hood, our Story Editor, about the editorial process and she told us how she works with authors, producers, art department and curriculum developers to cook up a great digital storybook.  We enjoyed the post so much that we thought we’d go back to Susan to hear more about her role here at Ruckus and her thoughts about the future of digital storytelling, what makes a good app, what role education has in what we do and more.  Here’s what Susan had to say:

Tell us about your role at Ruckus Media Group.

I’m the story editor and curriculum advisor at Ruckus. I work with our authors, producers, art department and curriculum developers.

As an author, how do you feel about the future of reading given the fact that digital storybooks are becoming so popular?

It’s an exciting time. Digital books complement bound books and the best ones can draw in a new audience. One of our authorsA Present for Milo was telling me that his son was a reluctant reader. Then one day, he realized that he could enlarge the font on an ebook. For him, suddenly, reading wasn’t so daunting! This is one small way digital books can help kids who are struggling. I strongly believe that digital books won’t completely replace traditional children’s books; it’s not an either/or proposition. But together, they can only make reading more popular.

What do you recommend to a parent who is reluctant to get their kids involved with storybook apps?

I’d say, just try them. You’ll like them! And so will your kids. Read the reviews and, just as you look for quality children’s books, look for quality storybook apps. Look for ones that use animation, activities and games to further the story, rather than ones that have games tacked on at the end. Continue to read traditional books with your child and your child will get the message: reading is important and enjoyable no matter what form it takes!

How important is the emphasis on education in digital storytelling?

I think the emphasis should be on creating great stories that take advantage of the medium. Good stories motivate a kid to learn to read. An educational curriculum built into the stories can only make them stronger, but it should be organic and invisible.

What makes a storybook a good one?

Spot the DotA good storybook is age-appropriate, uses interesting language, engages a child’s senses and emotions, invites participation, and is enjoyable for parent and child alike. For very young children, great stories use bright colors, simple, fun-to-say words and lots of repetition. As kids get older, good stories have stronger plots (with a clear beginning, middle and end), richer vocabulary, and more complex art. Grade school kids enjoy branching out, reading different genres, such as information books, folktales, mysteries and so on. 

What makes an app a good one?  Why do you think apps are so popular?

A lot of the requirements for a good story apply to apps as well. A good digital storybook should take all the ingredients that go into a good book and then add the icing on the cake—high-quality music, narration, animation, video and interactivity. I think apps are so popular because they are so portable and interactive. Kids who can’t read can listen to a story anywhere–in the car, in a tree house, wherever. And they put the child in the driver’s seat. Kids can move through the story at their own pace. If they don’t recognize a word, they can tap it and hear it repeated as often as they like.  

What do you think is the future for digital storytelling?

The future looks bright as award-winning authors and illustrators enter the field and the games and activities become more and more innovative. The downside is that the field is becoming more crowded and there are a lot of subpar apps being released. The question is how will parents and kids find the really good digital storybooks? That’s the challenge ahead!

Susan Hood was mostly recently the Children’s Content Director of Nick Jr. Magazine, published by Nickelodeon, and has been an editor at Scholastic and Sesame Workshop. She is also a children’s book author, whose first picture books will be published this fall.


 

Inspiring Children Through Technology at the Darien Library

Posted by ruckusholly on February 10th, 2012

Here at Ruckus Media, storytelling is our priority.  Our mission is to create experiences through mobile devices that entertain toddlers to teens from their fingers to their minds. We are always looking for partners who feel the same way.  Libraries fall into that category, and we are constantly inspired by the strides being made by their efforts in the digital space.  This past October, we joined forces with School Library Journal for a Twitter Party about this very subject.  You can check out the party’s wrap-up.

The Darien Library is one such partner who feels the same way about digital storytelling as we do.  I have read about the tech initiatives that they have created to inspire digital children but wanted to experience them firsthand, so yesterday I headed over to meet with some of the folk behind the scenes to hear more.

The staff agrees that interactive storybooks and apps should not replace traditional books but that both can co-exist and support one another.  Their efforts to teach and inspire children about literacy via digital story-telling are truly inspiring and I want to share some of their educational methods here:

Darien LibraryFirst, I was introduced to an interactive e-book area.  Right in the middle of the children’s section, there’s an iPad mounted on a wall. It’s pre-loaded with an “App of the Day” for young children to experience. Children were gathered around the iPad, exploring its every touch and feel, and watching words and images slide across the screen.  It’s a great way to introduce children to the world of iPads and digital storytelling.

Then I was introduced to their Early Literacy iPad Kits.  Their six available kits to check out include an iPad 2 in a tote bag, pre-loaded with librarian-selected apps and eBooks designed to stimulate early literacy skills. The kits also include informationdarien library for grown-ups on using technology with young children, research on appropriate amounts of screentime, evaluating apps for children, and a list of the librarian-selected apps.

The kits may be borrowed for one week by parents of children ages 2 to 5.  I think these are brilliant and fantastic opportunities for parents and children to explore new technologies and digital storytelling.

They also have a Microsoft surface table, a table top, pre-loaded iPad with specialized apps like Chess.

The library really focuses on children as readers and creators and they offer classes to teach them more about the digital space (the levels go from Little Clicklets, Techplorers and i-Kids).  They realize that there is a current generation of digital kids and they are making every effort to provide the tools they need to be successful.

Lastly, they have just launched an initiative called “Appy Hour” which will give adults a chance to find out how to stay on top of the best apps.  Parents will be able to find out how to find the best apps for kids, for example.

What are your libraries doing to advance children’s technical skills and introduce the world of e-book and apps?  We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Our Newest Partnership Promotes Science, Kids and the Universal Love of Dinosaurs!

Posted by ruckusholly on February 9th, 2012

Dino Dan

Do you have dinosaur-loving kids?  Then you’re certainly familiar with Dino Dan, a Canadian/American television series for children seen in 100 countries around the world.  The award-winning series was created by Sinking Ship Entertainment and follows the adventures of a paleontologist-in-training and his friends, who uncover clues about the past and secrets of dinosaurs.

After announcing our recent partnerships with Cyberchase, which combines digital media with math, SeaWorld, which delves into the wonders of the sea, The Wiggles, which teaches kids valuable skills through music and fun and Crayola, which offers kids creative tools to learn, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dino Dan.  The brand teaches kids how to use scientific methods to explore and identify everyday problems.  As you can, we’re onto something here!

We have been granted worldwide English language rights to develop interactive DINO DAN e-books, enhanced e-books, interactive storybooks and story-based applications.   The new Ruckus digital storybooks, designed for children ages 4-8, will expand kids’ knowledge of dinosaurs and develop their scientific thinking and problem-solving skills as they build their literacy skills.  The first three storybooks will be available for mobile devices in April 2012.

To find out more about our upcoming DINO DAN apps, please check out the press release and sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all our latest news!

 

App Production 101: Words from Our Story Editor

Posted by ruckusholly on February 6th, 2012

In the upcoming weeks, we are going to delve more into the process of App Production, as requested by many of you on Twitter and elsewhere.  We heard direct from Patrick Dorey, our Art Director, about the creative process last week, as well as from Lynn Smith, our Director of Business Development, about how great ideas come to fruition.  Today we’re learning about the editorial process with words from Susan Hood, our Story Editor.  We sat down with Susan to find out more about the editorial process.  Here is what she had to say:

Susan Hood

As the story editor and curriculum advisor, I work very closely with our chief content director, producers, curriculum consultants and art department. So a variety of talents go into the editorial soup! Here’s the Ruckus recipe for cooking up a great digital storybook:

Gather the best ingredients

1. When we decide to do a new digital storybook, we meet with the creators—authors, illustrators and/or licensees (such as Hasbro, SeaWorld or Cyberchase). We learn all about their characters, brands and curriculum goals. We discuss art assets, voiceover talent, music, activities and video clips.

2. We hire appropriate authors and consultants to write original stories or adaptations. As with any story, we may have several drafts until we get a final, polished manuscript.

3. When the story is complete, we work with our curriculum consultants and designers to develop age-appropriate games and activities that go with each story.

4. Meanwhile, any original art is created. We review sketches, revisions and final art and ensure the art works with the text.

Combine and stir

5. The producers create basic storyboards combining text with art assets, video clips and ideas for activities and games.

6. Using the storyboards as a rough guide and working hand in hand with our producers, the art department designs final screens and activities.

7. Meanwhile, voiceovers are recorded and added.

Check the temperature

8. At various steps along the way, everything is reviewed by the creators, our publishing partners and our curriculum consultants and any necessary revisions are made.

9. We consult with our tech team at various stages to iron out any potential programming issues.

Add the special sauce

10. Sound effects, animations and music are added.

Simmer…

11. Rough builds are made and reviewed and refined by our editorial, production and art departments.

And serve!

12. Final builds are submitted to Apple and then released in the iTunes store.

Serves thousands!

 

Susan Hood was mostly recently the Children’s Content Director of Nick Jr. Magazine, published by Nickelodeon, and has been an editor at Scholastic and Sesame Workshop. She is also a children’s book author, whose first picture books will be published this fall.


With Cyberchase, Math is Everywhere (And So Are We!)

Posted by ruckusholly on February 2nd, 2012

CyberchaseToday we are thrilled to announce our first partnership with a PBS property, as well as the folks at WNET!  And it’s none other than Cyberchase, a favorite of so many our own children.

You’ve seen us recently buzz about partnerships with Hasbro, Crayola, SeaWorld and most recently, the Wiggles.  And now we’re adding Cyberchase!

Cyberchase is an enthralling series that inspires children to the real practicalities of mathematics.  As education is becoming more and more important in the space of children’s apps, we are honored to be a part of what this dynamic show is bringing to the table.  The Cyberchase apps will fuse math and problem-solving interactive stories with interactive components for parents. They will be the first suite of interactive storybooks from Ruckus that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, a critical area of focus in education and the heart of Cyberchase’s mission.

We have been granted worldwide right to develop interactive storybooks based on this Emmy-award winning PBS KIDS Go! math series.  The show airs on more than 300 public television channels nationwide and features a team of curious kids who use math and problem solving to outsmart a villain cyberchasein their adventurous quest to save Cyberspace.  We KNOW that our existing Ruckus fans are going to be excited as we are about our partnership, as well as all the Cyberchase fans out there in the cyber-verse!

The storybook applications, designed to inspire confidence in and enthusiasm for math for children ages 4 through 8 will operate on iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android-enabled mobile devices and tablets.  Ruckus will release 12 titles each year in two reading and math levels with the first titles scheduled to release worldwide with English language distribution through iTunes at the App store in April 2012, followed by Android releases later in the year.

To read more about our relationship, check out the press release. And let us know how if you or your child is a big fan of Cyberchase, who your favorite characters are, what you like about the show and more in the comment section below.


 

 


 

App Production 101: Words from Our Art Director

Posted by ruckusholly on February 2nd, 2012

In the upcoming weeks, we are going to delve more into the process of App Production, as requested by many of you on Twitter and elsewhere.  First up, we have an explanation of who does what on each project by Pactrick Dorey, our Art Director, based out of our NYC office.  This is a very broad overview and we will try to get more into the specifics in the upcoming weeks.

 

my little pony

Here’s a break down of various peoples jobs that work on each app:

First, dancing pixies sprinkle fair dust on a iPad and speak some secret magic words and with a burst of light, an interactive story book app is born. (Just kidding!)

First,  a producer will work out with the client on the general concept of the app. For instance, if the story is based on an existing TV show episode or an original story, there are particular considerations.

Then a writer will write the original story or adapt it.

Once the story is ironed out, the producer will use it to create a rough storyboard which gets handed off to a few designers.

The designers will piece together story page art using existing images and digitally create some of the graphics from scratch and create animation.

Meanwhile, voice recording will take place and story’s narration begins.

When all the graphics and audio are complete and approved by the client, then everything will go to a team of developers to program the functionality.

At the end, the finished product gets delivered to Apple for their approval.

Once Apple approves it, then they will put the book in the iTunes App Store.

And voila, an app is born!