Archive for the ‘Apps’ Category

Macaroni & Cheese Chef, Boo-Boo Kisser, Monster Scarer, and Reading Teacher

Posted by allyson on March 27th, 2012

… are just some of the many roles parents play.

I remember when I first learned to read. I remember when the words to my very favorite children’s book, Clotilda,  started to becomes clearer and sounding them out started to become easier.

I think about my childhood often as my oldest daughter, who at three-and-a-half, is starting to remind me of myself at that age. She has learned to write the letters in her name and while she struggles with the ‘Y’ every time, when she finally does get it, the proud look on her face warms my heart. Her interest in books is getting more and more profound. She asks me every day if today is “library day” and points out the Library when we drive through town.

(c) Cass Just Curious Photography

Where do parents begin to teach their kids to read? I think it starts with building a love for books and stories. Town libraries offer free, weekly story-times, some for babies as young as 6-months. We’ve read books before bed nearly every single night since my kids were infants (I’m a bit of a stickler for a routine). If there was ever a night that they didn’t want to read a book (rare!), my oldest would ask us to tell her a story. If we started with anything other than, ‘Once upon a time’ and ended with anything other than ‘Happily Ever After’, we were instantly corrected.


Where does new technology come in? An app is a great way to learn to read. And it’s a guilt-free excuse to let the kids use the iPad! When learning to read books, kids are dependent upon their index finger pointing to words and saying them aloud simultaneously. In most apps, this is done automatically with words highlighting or being underlined while spoken by a narrator. There are also options to turn the narration off so that your child can read alone. Other ways to introduce a love for words and letters is stenciling. Tracing is not only important for recognition, but also for muscle-memory and small-motor control.

Using the iPad as a learning tool not only allows parents to continue the use of a device that has gained popularity with their kids, but it also helps children gain necessary life skills. Reading along with the ponies from My Little Pony or the trucks like Chuck from Chuck & Friends, and reading classic books like Velveteen Rabbit and Thumbelina – these are brands that win with kids and story lines that contain popular, important messages.

Apps today make it easy to build a love of words and stories with your kids. To visit the full library of Ruckus Media Apps, please click here.

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!

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.

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!


Message from Lynn Smith, New Business Development: We’re On to Something Here

Posted by ruckusholly on January 31st, 2012

Lynn Smith

This post was written by Lynn Smith, Director of New Business Development here at Ruckus.  You can read about her background here.

We’re on to something here…

Moving from the print publishing world to the digital world is an exciting but daunting change to make, mainly because of the learning curve.  When representing a print publisher, licensors understand what you do & how you do it (and so do you).  A presentation could be as simple as saying the name of the company.  Everyone knows it and wants to partner.  However, coming to Digital, I find myself not only educating people about our company, but explaining the many facets of the digital publishing world.  Therefore, instead of brand owners presenting to me… I am more often presenting to them.  And I have found that the best way to show them what we do, is simply by reading a digital book with them.  Following that, I not only get a coveted “A-ha” moment, I get a “wow, that’s amazing!” moment.

By way of example, at last year’s licensing show, I was late to a meeting (as everyone is at Licensing Show) and had only 20 minutes (in the food court of all places), before I had to run off to my next meeting. I gave a brief overview of our company & then quickly showed our Hasbro Chuck & Friends digital book.  The licensor was floored. I returned from Licensing Show with significant interest, which turned into a more formal sit-down, which turned into an offer, which is now a collaborative, signed, partnership.

I am amazed daily by what my company is creating and ideas that we are generating.  It takes a lot of talented minds, hard work, and passion to build the catalog we have, but I have to give credit where credit is due – because our producers make my job that much easier.  To think that a 20 minute minute food court meeting would turn into a contract sounds crazy, but it’s not that far off when you experience our products.

And I figure… if I’m this fascinated by what we can do, imagine what our 4 year old consumers will do when they see it.

Ruckus and the Wiggles Join Forces

Posted by ruckusholly on January 23rd, 2012

The WigglesIf you’re like me, you either raised or are raising your children to the sounds of the Wiggles.  From “Fruit Salad” to “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” the Wiggles have a song about everything and kids love every one.  But it’s more than that. What’s special about the Wiggles is that these four guys who hail from Australia can really, really sing…and dance.  They’re colorful, they’re entertaining, they’re funny.  As a matter of fact, I enjoyed their music just as much as my kids.  We’d pop the CD in the car, sing our hearts out together and then after I dropped them off at pre-school, I left the music on and kept singing my heart out (without the kids in the car).  That’s how good the Wiggles are!

So, imagine my, and all of our, delight here at Ruckus as we announce a digital partnership under which we have been granted worldwide rights to develop storybook applications for iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android-enabled mobile devices and tablets!  The first three titles are slated for release worldwide with English language distribution through iTunes at the App store in April 2012, followed by additional Apple and Android releases later in the year.

True to The Wiggles’ philosophy of “Wiggle and Learn,” an edutainment platform that teaches children while they’re having fun, the new Ruckus interactive storybooks will feature The Wiggles’ music, video and educational activities appropriately placed within the narrative stories so children can truly interact with the mobile digital experience.