Feb 12

Perhaps many of you will remember that I wrote a review about the Brainy Baby DVDs here. I thought this was a pretty interesting study. They did not indicate how large the study was, if it was conducted independently of Brainy Baby or for Brainy Baby, so it will be interesting to see over time if the same results occur in future studies.

My youngest three still enjoy the two DVDs that we received for the review – ABCs and Shapes. They are learning things and retaining what they see and hear on the DVD, as well as what they do during school during the day. But I cannot say which has been the most effective teaching tool between the two. I think it’s a combination of both.

University Study Finds Infants Can Learn From Brainy Baby DVDs

The Brainy Baby Company today announced the results of a study conducted at the University of Texas, Austin, which found that infants/toddlers under the age of two can learn from DVDs designed to teach young children shapes. The peer reviewed study was
conducted using Brainy Baby’sR Shapes & Colors DVD and will be published in The Journal of Children and Media, (JOCAM), Fall 2010 (Vol.4, Issue 4).

This study was conducted specifically to experimentally manipulate commercially available video content and to assess the ability of a toddler to learn from a video. It also represents one of the first studies to examine the transfer of learning from video to another 2D symbolic medium such as a book.

Using excerpts from Brainy Baby’sR Shapes & Colors DVD, two leading research scientists in the field of children’s media studies, Dr. Elizabeth Vandewater (RTI International) and Dr. Rachel Barr (Georgetown University) exposed two groups of children to a series of shapes commonly familiar to the young participants. In addition, the children in the experimental group were exposed to a novel shape, a crescent, using the identical teaching style used in commercially available Brainy Baby DVDs.

The results showed that toddlers between 18 and 24 months, in the experimental group, were 22 times more successful identifying the crescent shape in a book after being exposed to the crescent in the DVD. The test also confirmed that after exposure to the DVD, the crescent could be recognized in other traditional 2-dimensional media.

“All Brainy Baby DVDs were developed using a methodology widely accepted by educators and the special needs community. We use this same methodology in all of our DVDs, which rely on verbal cues and real-life relatable objects to teach children to preschool concepts,” said Dennis Fedoruk, president and CEO of The Brainy Baby Co. “We have always been confident that our DVDs
have solid educational value. We’re ecstatic to share the results of the study, which in our opinion, support the many parent testimonials that we have received for the past 15 years and Brainy Baby’s learning potential.”

The University of Texas study concluded that content, and in particular the repetitive style in which the content is presented (such as those demonstrated in the Brainy BabyR Shapes & Colors DVD) is a critical factor to consider when examining the ability for toddlers to learn from television.

“We believe that this is a landmark study and the emerging message is that content matters when teaching young children,” added Fedoruk.

The Brainy Baby Co. has always been a strong advocate for using early learning DVDs in balance and moderation as you would with any teaching tool. The Brainy Baby DVDs are designed for parents to interact with their child by reviewing and discussing the content and to augment the lesson though the use of complementary flashcards, books, music CDs and educational toys.

“We hope that parents will feel confident that their children are benefiting when they watch a Brainy Baby DVD together,” said Fedoruk. “While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that children under age two not view television at all, we believe that in light of this study, the AAP should recognize the importance of content and the effectiveness of well-crafted, educational DVDs – even for children younger than age two. The AAP should at least consider amending their current policy to include the acceptance of educational DVDs.”

About The Brainy Baby Company

For 15 years, The Brainy Baby Company has been a pioneer and leader in DVDs, Books, Games and Toys for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Globally, Brainy Baby products are sold in more than 60 Countries. The award-winning line of videos, CDs, books, games, and toys introduce educational subjects such as letters, shapes, animals, art and music. Brainy BabyR videos feature
multi-ethnic children, original music, nursery rhymes and instrumental classics. In fact, Brainy Baby DVDs have won over 75 awards including Dr. Toy’s Top 100 Best Children’s Product, the Dove Foundation’s Seal of Approval, Parenting Magazine’s Top Videos of the Year, and more. For more information about The Brainy Baby Company, visit www.brainybaby.com

Brainy Baby is still offering their FREE DVDs, regularly $17.95, and you only pay for shipping $6.95 to receive one free DVD from the four pictured above at http://www.myfreebrainybaby.com/



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Jan 15

Clementine Art Products

Posted on: January 15, 2010 @ 8:00 am     No Comments »

When I opened an email this week, it was interesting to learn of natural art supplies for kids at Clementine Art . To be honest we have used the same ol’ same ol’ for years because they are products we love and can trust, without any thought given to what ingredients are in these favorite products. As more and more consumers become more aware of how things are being made it is creating a new market for products like Clementine Art, which has three products – All Natural Markers, Paint and Modeling Dough.


All Natural Markers $6.79


All Natural Paint $11.99


All Natural Modeling Dough $8.99

Editor’s Note: Each of the products listed do contain a list of ingredients in their product descriptions. I really appreciate the full disclosure and not having to hunt for that info. The markers do contain propylene glycol. Since other marker products do not include their ingredients, I never really thought much about what they might contain. Propylene glycol has had a history of being controversial in certain products claiming to be all natural because I remember listening to an audio recording discussing the potentially harmful ingredients in shampoos etc. and propylene glycol was one of them even though it is an “organic compound”.

As with anything, we need to be careful when looking at all natural products. The popular organic brand Tom’s of Maine lists that propylene glycol is a natural gas from the earth and can be found in products made by Tom’s of Maine. You’d be surprised at what other products contain this ingredient! There is another article listed below that seems to give a good representation of this topic as well. All this to just say to do your research and come to your own conclusions based on you findings.

More Resources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/023138_propylene_glycol_food_health.html

http://clementineboulder.blogspot.com/



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Nov 29

Original DVD Series Introduces Babies to New Vocabulary

Posted on: November 29, 2009 @ 1:00 pm     No Comments »

firstwordsHere is another gift idea for those in desiring a new entertaining, yet educational DVD set. So Smart! Productions and Echo Bridge Entertainment have partnered together to bring parents and children ages 1-3 nine DVDs from the top selling Baby’s Beginnings and King Otis and the Kingdom of Goode series, as well as three CDs, that were newly release on September 22. Additional Baby’s First Word Stories titles will be released in early 2010.

Baby’s First Word Stories is an interactive experience that encourages parents to view the DVDs with their little ones. Together, they will explore one of the most exciting developmental milestones for young children – learning first words and the rich use of language involving those words. Gently paced, with smooth transitions, simple images and minimal camera effects, each DVD starts with words about objects, then builds sentences and stories around them. The easy-to-follow present tense narrative, combined with the repetition of simple “key” words, ensures that young viewers will be able to grasp basic language at a pace that is just right. Books, toys, CDs and other Baby’s First Word Stories branded products line are currently in development.

Featuring the animated characters Edward, Iggy, Dee Dee and Larry, the six 30-minute DVDs for children age 1+ are “House,” “Pets,” “Outside,” “Get Dressed,” “We Go” and “Nighttime.” Each Baby’s First Word Stories DVD includes a bonus printable Activity Guide with eight pages of games and activities that caregivers and children can do together. The Activity Guide also includes viewing guidelines to give parents ideas for how they can interact with their child as they watch together. Suggested retail price for Baby’s First Word Stories is $15.99.

Simultaneous to the release of the new Baby’s First Word Stories titles, Echo Bridge also released the following catalog titles from So Smart’s! library:
· King Otis and the Kingdom of Goode
Three titles will be released from this popular series that provides little life lessons for children ages 3-6. Suggested retail price is $15.99.
· Baby’s Beginnings
Six titles will be released from this series for 6 months and older. The series introduces shapes, colors, sounds and more to young children. Suggested retail price is $15.99.
· So Smart! CD’s
Echo Bridge will release three So Smart! CD’s, entitled Playtime, Cartime and Sleepytime. Each features activity-appropriate classical music selections. Suggested retail price is $6.99

ABOUT SO SMART! PRODUCTIONS

So Smart! Productions is a leading creator and producer of top-rated educational entertainment products for young children. Its trusted brands include So Smart! Beginnings and First Word Stories for babies and toddlers, and King Otis and the Kingdom of Goode for preschoolers. Founded in 1997 by early childhood development researcher and artist, Alexandra Tornek, and husband and media producer, Scott Tornek, their DVDs, books, broadcast programs and music have won over 30 national parenting awards and are enjoyed by families around the world.

Also visit Echo Bridge Entertainment.



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Nov 12

GeoPuzzle Animals Review – A Maukilo Review

Posted on: November 12, 2009 @ 8:00 am     No Comments »

GeopuzzlesHR

Do you have children who love to do puzzles? Then this review is for you!

We received this puzzle to review and our children absolutely love it! It is not just a traditional puzzle, as it adds an element of challenge with its different cuts and sizes of puzzle pieces and the colors used – lots of Blue Ocean! This puzzle will keep children entertained for awhile.

Most children love animals and ours are no exception. With the GeoPuzzle, various members of my crew can be seen taking ownership of each animal in the puzzle and then announcing they will put together that particular section where their animal is located. Each animal rests on the continent in which it lives, teaching children not only the country of origin of the animals, but also the continents of the world. The GeoPuzzle is both entertaining and educational.

The puzzle pieces are made of recycled material, which is great for the environment. However, the puzzle pieces did not stand the test of time in our home (with seven children). A few of the puzzle pieces had their tabs bent before the end of the first day. That could be because a certain young boy, being too young to assist with the puzzle, was found helping anyway. The pieces seem to be pretty sturdy, so my advice is to keep younger helpers (younger than the recommended age) away from the puzzle while older children enjoy their new puzzle, unless you will be present to guide and direct little hands and fingers.

This puzzle has fast become a favorite in our home and continues to be a challenge to our children.

November 2009



Photo Compliments of The Gould Family. Copyright©2009 by Theresa Gould



More about GeoPuzzle Animals:

GEO Toys GeoPuzzle Animals. Ages 4+, $14.95. GeoPuzzles make learning world geography fun! As children assemble this 68-piece puzzle, they learn which animals are found on which continents. Made in Germany. This puzzle and more may be purchased at www.Maukilo.com





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Nov 11

Brainy Baby DVD Review

Posted on: November 11, 2009 @ 8:00 am     No Comments »

BBrings-logo

Every parent views their child’s education as an important part of life. As satisfying as it is to teach our children in everyday situations, let’s face it, we all get a little busy sometimes. It is during these busy times that educational tools can assist us in teaching our children. I do not endorse exclusive use of DVDs, TV or computer programs to teach children. My humble opinion is that real life and hands-on activities are the best ways our children absorb what we are trying to teach them. However, educational TV and computer use are definitely tools today’s parents appreciate.

BB 123's Image Final2

Recently, we received two complimentary Brainy Baby DVDs to review – The ABCs and the Shapes and Colors DVDs. These were cute DVDs filled with real children and babies. They were wholesome, lively and both of them did a very good job presenting the information being taught to the children. There was lots of repetition, which children love as it helps them retain the material better.

In each of the DVDs there were not only real children, but real objects, including healthy food and animals. While animation was used, it was minimal compared to many other products on the market. Our children love animals so they showed a lot of excitement when their favorites came onto the screen.

The music and songs used were cute and catchy, keeping the children’s attention very well and ones that most parents won’t mind listening to, as well.

BB ABC's Image Final2

The Brainy Baby DVDs are ones children will love to watch time and again during the busy moments in life. Children over the ages of 5 or 6 will find them cute, but will probably tire easily if they already know the material being taught. They are best suited for children ages 1 to 4 or 5.

Remember yesterday’s post about Brainy Baby’s Giveaway and check it out at www.myfreebrainybaby.com





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Jun 16

cyberchase

As he prepares to welcome twin daughters this summer, award-winning stage and screen actor Matthew Broderick is putting a new spin on Father’s Day for his son!! He’s giving 6-year-old son James Wilkie the best gift of all – guest starring in one of his favorite shows, Cyberchase – the Emmy Award-winning animated math series.

“My son loves Cyberchase, so I was happy to lend my voice to the show,” said Matthew Broderick. “The best part is that I haven’t told him I did it; I’m waiting to surprise him when we watch the episode together. I’m sure he’ll be more impressed by it than any other work I’ve done!”

In this special “Father’s Day” episode of Cyberchase premiering June 19 on PBS KIDS GO! (check local listings for times), Matthew Broderick voices the character of Max who, along with the help of the CyberSquad, tries to stop Hacker from setting out to ruin Father’s Day.

Be sure to tune in and watch it!! it’s going to be great!!

Following the June 19 on-air premiere, the full “Father’s Day” episode with Matthew Broderick will be available for streaming at Cyberchase Online at pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase and on the PBS KIDS GO! video player at pbskidsgo.org/video. For more Cyberchase fun, kids will also be able to print their very own Cyberchase Father’s Day cards and experience other activities at Cyberchase Online.

Now in its seventh season, Cyberchase brings math challenges to kids through television, online games, short form online videos and rich outreach activities.



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May 19

Wubbzy’s Big Movie Is A Big Hit!

Posted on: May 19, 2009 @ 3:22 pm     No Comments »

wubbzy_movieGrab your poppity popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show! Everyone’s favorite resident of Wuzzleburg is ready for some fun and adventure in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy’s Big Movie. Packed with 82 feature-length minutes of laughs and adventures, the new title spotlights seven episodes, stitched together with original footage produced exclusively for Wubbzy’s Big Movie!

The movie was released May 12th 2009 and we were thrilled to get our hands on a copy of it the first week it was released.

As you can see from the picture, the Fashionable Bambino definitely approves of Wubbzy’s Big Movie!!! She watched the whole thing straight through and when it was over she got this worried look on her face and said “Wubbzy all gone!” I have a feeling she’s going to want to watch it again very soon…

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! A Little Help from My Friends, the second title in the DVD series, was released February 3 and the third Wubbzy DVD, Pirate Treasure, followed on March 24. Starz recently aired Wubbzy’s Big Movie! on four Starz Kids and Family channel, garnering nearly 15 million impressions!

Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the wild and wacky town of Wuzzleburg. He’s charmed both children and parents, become an internet phenomenon, inspired a blockbuster lineup of licensed products and joined with brands like Taco Bell and Joy Cone Ice Cream Cones in new cross-promotional deals. Now, kids can watch Wubbzy and his pals in this Emmy® Award-winning series that provides essential, wholesome life lessons while keeping the kids laughing.

    Named one of Dr. Toy’s Top 10 DVD’s, Wubbzy has been honored by the Iparenting Media Awards, The Dove Foundation® and NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications). A hit with pre-schoolers since its August 2006 premiere on Nick Jr. ® in the U.S., Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! can be seen in more than 60 markets worldwide. Currently, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! airs 40 times a week on Nick Jr. ® and Noggin.

    On Nick Jr.com, the show is the No. 1 game for preschoolers with more than 268 million game plays! The property has partnered with dozens of high profile licensees, including Fisher Price, Hasbro, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Ty Beanie, among many others. Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! was created by Bob Boyle and is produced by Bolder Media, Inc. in association with Film Roman, a Starz Media company. Boyle, Susan Miller and Fred Seibert are the executive producers.

In Wubbzy’s Big Movie!, Wubbzy loses his memory and his friends help him to recall who he is by reminding him of all the good times they have had together. Wubbzy’s memory is tweaked thanks to a look back at seven special episodes that aired during the first season of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on Nick Jr. ® and Noggin.

DVD extras on the new release include:

  • Bonus Season Two Music Video
  • DVD-Rom Game
  • Coloring Pages
  • Printable Activities

The movie retails for $16.98 and is available wherever you normally buy DVD’s.

Purchase Wubbzy’s Big Movie on Amazon.com for only $9.99 and save $6.99 (41%)!!



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Feb 03

NEW Wow! Wow! Wubby DVD In Stores TODAY!

Posted on: February 03, 2009 @ 4:41 pm     No Comments »

‘Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! A Little Help From My Friends’
New DVD Arrives in Stores TODAY!

My daughter’s favorite TV show in the whole world is Wubbzy! Doesn’t matter what is happening or how she’s feeling, when Wubbzy comes on, she’s glued to the set until it’s over. She squeals with excitement at the very mention of Wubbzy. It’s just magical.

She is actually sitting in front of the TV watching it right now! The episodes on this DVD are great. My favorite one is “Mr Cool” where Walden tries to be what he thinks other people want him to be. Then he realizes that’s it’s more important to just be himself because being “cool” is all relative.

My favorite things about Wubbzy is that every show is educational. They teach you something really cool and sing a song about it at the end. And unlike most kids shows, this one is so far from annoying that I will actually sit down and watch it with my daughter.

We watch Wubbzy SO MUCH that I know the words to every song in every episode…. They are fun and really catchy! Trust me, you’ll see…..

Here are some details on the new DVD:

Everyone needs a little help from their friends – even Wubbzy, Widget and Walden! On February 3, friendship takes center stage as the hottest new pre-school animated series “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” returns to DVD with A Little Help from My Friends

Featuring an amazing silver foil o-card, this new 92 minute release is available from Anchor Bay Entertainment for the suggested retail price of $16.98. This new release follows the hugely successful launch of Anchor Bay’s first Wubbzy DVD collection, “A Tale of Tails”, as well as the second season of “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” on Nick Jr. and other “Wubbzy” retail items.

Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the wild and wacky town of Wuzzleburg. He’s charmed young children, been a smash hit online, wowed an array of top licensees and otherwise won over anyone who’s met the most famous, lovable resident of Wuzzleburg. Now, kids can watch Wubbzy and his pals discover the importance of friendship, cooperation, sharing and teamwork in the Emmy® Award-winning series that provides essential, wholesome life lessons while keeping the kid’s laughing. “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” has been a hit with pre-schoolers since its August 2006 premiere on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and now channels in more than 50 markets worldwide. Currently, “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” airs nearly 40 times a week on Nick Jr. and Noggin.

“Wubbzy” is also a huge success on other platforms. On Nick Jr.com, it is the No. 1 game for preschoolers with more than 220 million game plays! The property has also partnered with dozens of high profile licensees, including Fisher Price, Hasbro, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Ty Beanie, among many others who are all set to make Wubbzy the next big retail star! “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” was created by Bob Boyle and is produced by Bolder Media, Inc. in association with Film Roman, a Starz Media company. Boyle, Susan Miller and Fred Seibert are the executive producers.

DVD extras on “A Little Help From My Friends” include:

  • 2 Bonus Episodes
  • Bonus Music Video
  • Kooky Kostume Game
  • Coloring Pages
  • Printable Activities
  • Sneak Peeks

The DVD features six great episodes plus two bonus episodes, all focused on the important values of friendship:

· A Little Help From My Friends – When Wubbzy wants to borrow a wrench from Widget to fix his bike, Widget takes over the whole operation. Wubbzy is tired of needing help from his friends – they treat him like a little kid. He decides to cook them a dinner all by himself. Can Wubbzy pull off the dinner with no help at all?

· A Clean Sweep – It’s house-cleaning time, and Wubbzy has plenty of chores to do but he’s having too much fun with his kickity-kick ball to clean the house or do anything else. With the mess piling up, Wubbzy looses his ball. Hopefully Wubbzy, Walden and Widget can restore order.

· Mr. Cool – Walden wants to go the Wuzzleburg Boogie Bash, but he thinks you have to be cool to go. Walden tries to be cool but realizes everyone likes him just the way he is.

· Wubbzy in the Middle – When Walden needs to clean up his library, Widget brings in a new machine, the Handy Helper 3000. The machine malfunctions and tosses the books all over the place. Walden and Widget will no longer talk to each other and now Wubbzy is caught in the middle.

· Gidget the Super-Robot – Widget builds a mirror-image robot of herself, called Gidget, which can do anything she can. Wubbzy and Walden start playing with the robot more than with her! Will Gidget the Super-Robot take over Widget’s life?

· Broken Record – Walden is handing out trophies to everyone who qualifies for the Wuzzleburg Book of Records. Wubbzy decides that he wants to break a record and collect a trophy but each time he tries someone needs his help. Which record will Wubbzy break?

CLICK HERE to purchase Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Little Help from My Friends RIGHT NOW!



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Jan 14

Tough Competition for Scholarships This Year

Posted on: January 14, 2009 @ 2:00 pm     No Comments »

With families struggling to pay the bills and more than 18.4 million students expected to attend the nation’s colleges and universities this fall, demand for scholarships will be greater than ever before.

To help more students this year, Upromise, along with its partners, is doubling financial support for its annual scholarship program. The Upromise Scholarship will award $500,000 in college aid to 200 students nationwide.

Continue reading »



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