Story Pirates Launches 4th Season of Top-Rated Podcast

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 12, 2020

Grab your headphones! It’s time to tune in to another exciting season of the popular Story Pirates podcast. Season 4 debuts today with a special guest appearance by Stephanie Hsu (Be More Chill, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and a new theme song written by Bobby Lord, arranged by Brendan O’Grady and Jack Mitchell, and performed by beatbox artist Kaila Mullady.

Season 4 begins deep under the ocean, where the last episode of Season 3 left off in dramatic fashion with the mysterious return of Story Pirate Rachel. In the 2-part season premiere, the Story Pirates discover that Rachel is back to her treasure hunting ways, this time in fierce competition with a singing submarine captain named Eric.

Like all Story Pirates entertainment, the episode’s featured song and story are adapted from real kids’ ideas. The Weird Sisters, by 9-year-old Evalea from Missouri, is a poppy Billie Eilish homage song composed by Monique Moses and featuring Stephanie Hsu. Eloy, a 7 year old from New Mexico, is the author of The Secrets of the Paintings, during which a talking Mona Lisa foils an art heist. Story Pirates co-founder Lee Overtree interviews kid authors during each episode.

With millions of students going to school virtually, families are looking for fresh resources to spark creativity, connection and play. Meeting kids where they live right now, the Story Pirates also just launched regular online after school programs as part of their popular Creator Club.

Every week, Creator Club subscribers tune in to listen to Story Pirates Radio, participate in the livestreamed highly interactive SPTV and Story Creation Zone episodes, and engage with teaching artists in workshops which help young authors explore and share their creativity in a safe, hilarious and freewheeling environment. On Oct. 15th at 7 pm ET, Creator Club members will enjoy a special Zoom call where they can interact with podcast hosts Lee Overtree and Peter McNerney.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Story Pirates

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Google Made Finding Online Content for Your Kids So Much Easier with Kids Space

by Leah R. SingerOctober 4, 2020

In today’s world of technology and virtual learning, it’s inevitable that kids will use devices, apps, and other technology to learn and play. It can be challenging to find quality content across digital platforms, but there are resources available for families to find enriching and engaging content.

Google can help! Earlier this year, Google launched a new Kids tab on the Google Play Store to help families find Teacher Approved apps that are both enriching and fun, making it easier for you to find the best apps for your kids. But the fun doesn’t stop in the Play Store. Earlier this fall, Google launched Google Kids Space, a family-friendly tablet experience designed to spark your kiddo’s curiosity and creativity with tons of quality content through apps, games, books and videos. Plus, every app and game on Kids Space is teacher-approved. It’s customizable to your kid and their personality. And the best part is that YOU set the boundaries with parental controls from Google’s Family Link, so you can feel better while young ones explore and learn on their device.

Google Kids Space is available as a kid’s profile on select Android tablets—no subscription necessary! All you need to do is set up Kids Space on a compatible device, and it will recommend free-to-download apps, games, and books from Google Play, and videos from YouTube Kids that are based on the interests your child chooses. That means your little one can learn about everything from dinosaurs to dragons, to crafts and baseball. Kids Space recommends content that helps kids discover, create and grow.

Kids Space has four key areas for kids to explore:

Play—Find tons of teacher-approved apps and games from Google Play. The apps are age-appropriate, thoughtfully designed and fun and engaging!

Read—Books are free, handpicked by experts, and include favorites like “Pete the Cat” and “Harold & The Purple Crayon.” Google works with publishers like Sesame Street and Harper Collins so your kids have great books to choose from, which normally cost money, but Kids Space lets you read them for free.

Watch—Kids Space recommends videos from YouTube Kids that are creative and fun. Kids can practice singing, dancing and cooking, and watch videos about nearly every topic they love, from animals to magic to nature.

Make—This section recommends videos from YouTube Kids that spark hands-on creativity and play. Kids can learn to draw, do silly science experiments or play an instrument, just to name a few. The videos help encourage off-screen activities!

Parents love Kids Space because they can set boundaries with parental controls in Google’s Family Link app, and kids will love the fun content they’ll discover on Kids Space! For added flexibility, parents can easily add additional books, apps, and games from Google Play.

Learn more about Kids Space today!

– Leah R. Singer

Google Kids Space requires a Google Account for your child. Parental controls require the Family Link app on a supported Android, Chromebook, or iOS device. Books and video content not available in all regions. Video content subject to availability of YouTube Kids app. Books content requires the Play Books app. Availability of apps, books, and video content may change without notice. Google Assistant not available in Google Kids Space.

Have a Firefighter-Loving Kid? They’ll Love These Fireman Facts!

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 14, 2020

Photo: Thomas Vogel on Unsplash

Fires have been in the news—a combination of climate change and human activities has sparked raging fires in various parts of the world. Even though fires today might not be the same as decades ago, firefighting sure has changed, and that’s a good thing. Here, Xyza: News for Kids is taking a look at how firefighting has evolved over the decades.

1. Pumps: Fire-extinguishing pumps were probably one of the first tools made to help deal with a fire. How long ago was that? Oh, about five hundred years ago, in 1540.

2. Fire Hose: Jan Van der Heyden, an engineer who also happened to be a painter, and his brother Nicolaes, also an engineer, worked to build something we still use today. The brothers improved upon the standard fire hose in 1673, using leather for the hose and wires for the ‘suction’ effect.

3. Fire Trucks: The first fire truck was a wheeled cart, created by British inventor Richard Newsham in 1721. The modern fire truck did not come along until 1905 in Massachusetts, United States.

4. Firefighters: A volunteer fire brigade created by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1736 is probably the earliest version of firefighters. The Union Fire Company (also fondly called the Bucket Brigade) inspired many such brigades worldwide. Fun fact: the members paid for the equipment themselves! They splurged on a fire bell, which was installed in a central location to notify residents of fires.

5. Fire Hydrants: As fires grew bigger in cities with dense populations so did the need for continuous water supply. Enter the fire hydrant, created by Frederick Graff in 1801, a model that continues to be used today.

Today, firefighters use drones, robots, and aluminized suits that can withstand high temperatures. But people still play a significant role in both dealing with fires and preparing for disasters. Even with fire-tracking technology, residents in wildfire-prone regions should be prepared to leave their homes with short notice.

Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?

Scholastic Celebrates 100 Years with a Brand New Platform for Parents & Educators

by Amber GuetebierAugust 12, 2020

Kids are naturally curious and ask a lot of questions, but TBH we parents don’t always have the answers, especially when it comes to bigger questions. What is depression? What does “Black Lives Matter” mean? What is homelessness? Scholastic, your go-to publisher for kids books and book fairs, just turned 100 and to celebrate, they’ve debuted a virtual, topical bookshelf on Instagram aimed at helping parents and teachers answer those bigger questions: @scholasticbookshelf. Read on to check out their mission and see what it’s all about.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDp5PVeB-n0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Why do some kids have have two dads? What does ‘Black Lives Matter’ mean? What is depression? According to Scholastic, 61% of parents and teachers already using stories to broach tricky conversations with kids. And with 3 out of 4 millenial parents using social media to seek parenting advice, the Scholastic Bookshelf merges their 100 years of storytelling expertise with a platform that allows parents and educators access to 60+ scholastic stories to discuss topics including race, empathy, illness, abuse, depression, anxiety and more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDm4CpOhiRU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Scholastic also addresses issues that are “bigger questions” to help expand educators and parents’ horizons or help them spark conversation, on topics including imagination, making friends, pets and more. Each post on the shelf includes several images with quotes and inspiration, as well as a list of what books these concepts can be found in. You can also shop the bookshelf directly to grow your home or school (or public) library.

Follow @scholasticbookshelfon Instagram to explore; then, find a topic to connect with a Scholastic book or classroom magazine excerpt. Next, swipe to explore questions, prompts and thought-starters, and #ReadOn to discover related stories on our shelves for kids of all ages.

—Amber Guetebier

Dallas Kids: These Virtual Events Are for You!

by Kate LowethJuly 31, 2020

While we may be hunkering down with our families these days, we can still enjoy all the wonderful activities that Dallas has to offer. Our virtual events calendar is loaded with things to do with kids at home, and we even have some virtual activities just for DFW kids below. Get ready to have some at-home fun!

Amaze Your Brain at Home with the Perot Museum

Have no fear, the Museum is still here! Amaze Your Brain at Home and watch your favorite concepts from the Museum come to life. The museum staff will share fun ways to explore nature and science at home and in your backyard—all while using the most common household objects and supplies.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Bring the Dallas Zoo to You

From virtual visits and chats with staff, to showing what the animals are up to and posting activity ideas from education and conservation teams, the Dallas Zoo wants to use this time to continue to engage, educate, inspire and ultimately bring a smile to your face.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Visit the Dallas Arboretum from Home

Stay updated with images from the Dallas Arboretum, and enjoy the Video, "Experience The Beauty of the Dallas Arboretum in Full Summer Bloom". Browse their website for striking weekly updates of these incredible gardens, you won't be disappointed as you stroll through their gallery of weekly updates in anticipation of the garden opening again soon for the delight of all ages.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

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SPARK! Creative at Home

SPARK! is creating cool do-at-home projects for you and your child to create during this time. New videos with step-by-step instructions are uploaded frequently to their YouTube channel and shared on Facebook page.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Kid Cooking with Joe the Baker

Joe the Baker is hosting Quarantine Cooking live streams on Facebook each weekday at 3 p.m. Join in for some kid-friendly cooking fun!

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Cliburn Kids with Buddy Bray

Take a break from at-home school studies to have some music fun, as we explore rhythm, storytelling, dance, and listening games. Buddy Bray—Cliburn artistic advisor and co-author of the Cliburn in the Classroom signature in-school program—will lead kids on short (7- to 10-minute), entertaining, and educational journeys, twice a week. Past programs are available now at Cliburn.org/kids.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Check Out Our MASSIVE Virtual Events Calendar

For more virtual fun every day of the week, head to our virtual events calendar. You'll find dance classes, scavenger hunts, animal encounters, drawing classes and MORE!

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

—Kate Loweth

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7 Easy Ways to Connect with Your Kids at Dinner Time

by Karly WoodJuly 13, 2020

Research has long suggested that family dinners are important for many reasons. While finding the time to sit down together feels like the most difficult part, sparking meaningful conversations can be a challenge, too. Luckily, there are tons of conversation packs that are chock full of entertaining activities and thought-provoking questions that can all be done at the dinner table. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites, and let the good (dinner) times roll.

Family Conversation Cards

These oversized cards are the perfect addition to any meal time. Designed in bright colors, the simple prompts are great for families with kids of any age. The 100-card pack also comes in a reusable canvas pouch for easy storage.

Available at boonsupply.com, $26

KIC-Start: Kids in Conversation

Break the ice at get-togethers or just spawn some honest conversation with KIC-Start: Kids in Conversation. The 150-card game comes with a range of mixed age-appropriate questions that are equal parts funny and thought-provoking. Take on a car trip or to the dinner table––there's no wrong way to kick start the conversation with this game.

Ages: 13 and up

Order on Amazon ($19.95)

Feminist Flashcards

With beautifully illustrated images, Feminist Flashcards is going to be the talk of your dinner table. The 40-card set is packed with endless learning opportunities, from letter sounds, women's history, hidden pictures and inspiring quotes. Each card starts with a single letter to represent an empowering feminist, along with her story told in an age-appropriate way. In addition, each pack comes with a 32-page booklet that discusses the timeline of women's rights all over the world.

Order on Amazon (14.99).

The Original Dinner Games

Dinner's never been so fun! The Original Dinner Games is here to bring over 50 engaging games to the table, with no board game required. Families will not only have fun, but kids will practice critical thinking, math and social skills, too!

Ages: 6 to 12

You can order now this version for 6-12 year olds ($15.99) or one for beginners ages 3-6 on Amazon ($11.39).

Personalogy

Perfect for dinnertime conversation, time with grandparents or a long car ride, Personalogy is all about discovering all there is to know about your fam. With 125 silly and entertaining questions, there's no end to the funny answers you'll hear from your kids.

Ages: 6 and up

Find it on Amazon ($9.60).

Blume Conversation Cards

These dynamic cards aim to offer sex education and self-care for tweens and teens. Kids will learn not only the right to know their bodies, but how they work and how to take care of them. Use this physical deck of easy and educational conversation prompts, to make those "awkward" conversations with your kiddos less awkward and more empowering. Trust us, you'll learn a thing or two yourself.

This deck includes 152 cards covering topics like: Puberty, Body Science, Consent, Healthy Relationships, Body Positivity, and Self Care.

Available at blume.com, $38

Our Moments

Our Moments is a new line of card games created to spark those face-to-face conversations, whether you're in a coffee shop or around the dinner table, with prompts that are relatable and engaging. Great for all ages, they have multiple editions including Generations, Families, Kids & Couples.

Choose from a variety of Our Moments Editions: Generations, Families, Kids, Couples. $18.95.

Available at: our-moments.co, $18.95

––Karly Wood & Amber Guetebier

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Moose Toys Debuts “Bluey” Toy Collection

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 12, 2020

Season two of the hit Australian series, Bluey is coming to Disney Junior. Now BBC Studios and Moose Toys have announced the eagerly-awaited Bluey toys set to launch this month. The new collection from Moose Toys includes a range of plush, figures, playsets and games designed to spark imagination-fueled fun and invite preschoolers to create their own Bluey-themed adventures at home.

“Bluey has been winning over audiences everywhere, and we’re so excited that kids and families in the U.S. will soon have the chance to ‘play along’ with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli beyond the screen,” said Suzy Raia, VP, Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios. “The new range from Moose Toys perfectly captures the imaginative play and family-centered essence of the show; elements that have helped make it a standout with kids and parents alike.”

“Bluey was a runaway hit in Australia, and as fellow Aussies, Moose Toys is in a unique position to bring the magic of the show directly to U.S. fans with this special collection,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “Through the television series, the loveable pup has already captured the hearts of more than 15 million fans in the U.S. and our toys will help to kids bring Bluey’s adventures into their own homes.”

The new Bluey collection allows young fans to reenact popular Bluey episodes like “Magic Xylophone,” “Grannies,” “Shadowlands” and more.

The toys will be available at Target in late June and all major retailers on Aug.1.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Moose Toys

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Kristen Bell to Host Two New Special PBS KIDS “Read-Along” Story Times

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 29, 2020

Parents and children alike have been looking forward to celebrities posting virtual story time videos. PBS KIDS has been hosting a popular ongoing “Read-Along” initiative that celebrates reading and togetherness at home.They just announced two new special story time sessions featuring Kristen Bell.

On Jun. 1, Kristen will read Goodnight, Daniel Tiger, based on the beloved Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the animated spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, from Fred Rogers Productions. Then, on Jun. 8, Kristen will read her brand-new children’s book (co-authored with Benjamin Hart), The World Needs More Purple People.

Each reading will be livestreamed simultaneously on PBS KIDS’ Facebook and YouTube channel and will remain available for viewing on demand on both platforms immediately following.

Mon., Jun. 1, 12 p.m. ET: Goodnight, Daniel Tiger

It’s almost time for Daniel Tiger to say goodnight, but there’s still so much to do! There’s play time and then bath time…and don’t forget tooth-brushing time! Finally, it’s time to get cozy under the covers for story time and a special goodnight song. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans will love winding down their busy day with their favorite friend before snuggling into their own beds to say goodnight!

Mon., Jun. 8, 12 p.m. ET: The World Needs More Purple People

What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.

To encourage family engagement and a love of reading during this challenging time, the ongoing PBS KIDS’ “Read-Along” series offers families a place to come together and read-along with fan-favorite books on YouTube and Facebook. Each PBS KIDS Read-Along also includes activity ideas and questions to help spark conversation. New PBS KIDS Read-Alongs with special guests will stream weekly all summer long. Additional readers will be announced soon!

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PBS KIDS

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Panda Crate Offers Exciting At-Home Kits for Kids 0-2

by Leah R. SingerApril 24, 2020

Chances are, your toddler or baby isn’t ready to start making slime and playing with glitter, but just because your kiddo is young doesn’t mean their minds aren’t primed for imagination. KiwiCo knows that and has developed engaging hands-on projects and activities to spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages, keeping kids entertained while spending time indoors.

KiwiCo delivers a craft kit that includes developmentally appropriate projects, inspiration, and activities. The crates are designed by a team of educators, makers, engineers, and rocket scientists (yep, that’s true) to ensure what your little one receives is enriching and entertaining. Every project is tested by kids at each stage of the product development cycle. And the best part? All of the materials are provided in each crate, so no trips to the store to get craft supplies!

Panda Crate was designed for kids ages 0 to 24 months, and is the perfect choice to keep your little one entertained. The Panda Crate kids support young kiddo’s healthy development and lifelong learning, while sparking imagination in the youngest of minds. Each crate is designed to help babies learn by doing what they do best: playing, exploring and interacting with the adults in their lives.

Panda Crate contains stage-specific products, and you can chose the crate that fits your little one’s age. Here are the different crates available:

Bond with Me (newborns – 0-2 months) — Establish a loving connection with your new baby by helping them feel safe and secure. Crate activities include ways to explore the world and help develop cognitive skills.

Count with Me (13 – 18 months) — Your little one is ready to learn about the world by experimenting. The crate helps kids discover cause and effect through repetitive play and master new skills and develop persistence.

Sense with Me (3-6 months) — Your little explorer is ready to roll, as well as sit, crawl and grab). The crate includes toys that play with concepts like over, under and through, which will help teach spatial awareness skills.

Explore with Me (7-12 months) — Engage your toddler’s senses with fun products they can watch, grab, sniff, hear and chew.

Discover with Me (19-24 months) — Help your little one learn academics with activities like sorting objects by size or matching up shapes helps them develop their number sense.

How does Panda Crate work?

To order your Panda Crate, here’s what you need to do:

1. Pick a line based on your kiddo’s age and stage.

2. Panda Crate will be delivered monthly. And your first kit is shipped in two days!

3. Have fun! Watch your kiddo enjoy their create and see their imagination grow as they start exploring immediately.

Ready to give Panda Crate a try? You can cancel or pause your subscription anytime. Save 30% on your first crate with code REDTRI!

Along with Panda Crates for kids ages 0-2, KiwiCo has activities for older kids and a range of interests! Learn more about crates for older kids.

—Leah R. Singer

PEBBLES Cereal Launches New Video Series to Help Parents and Inspire Creativity in Kids

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 14, 2020

Yabba Dabba Doo! PEBBLES cereal wants to inspire kids’ imaginations and teach them something new over the next 30 days. Starting Wed., Apr. 15, PEBBLES cereal will post a daily video on Facebook, Instagram and the PEBBLES cereal website.

The videos will feature artists and creators whose work has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including artists, dancers, chefs, crafters, magicians and more. In addition to sparking kids’ creativity, the series aims to give parents a short break and support the creative community by hiring them to share their talents. In exchange for their talents, PEBBLES cereal is paying each creator $1,500, which is roughly the monthly U.S. median housing cost.

“PEBBLES cereal has a long history of inspiring kids and kids at heart to create and do,” said Amy Brothers, Brand Manager for PEBBLES. “We felt that at this time, it was important for us to show up to inspire kids and support the creative community.”

Each video will feature a unique activity that kids can do with minimal supervision, and will require only items readily available in most homes. The videos will start with the creator introducing themselves and telling the kids about their talent before they teach kids how to do something new. Parents are invited to join in on the fun too!

The videos will be released daily at 6 a.m. ET, so kids and parents can view the lessons together over breakfast.

“The creative community needs our support now more than ever,” said Brothers. “We are excited to partner with a creative group of people to share their talents through the ‘Daily YABBA DABBA DOO’ video series.”

You can find new videos daily on the PEBBLES cereal Facebook and Instagram channels, and at the PEBBLES Cereal website. If you would like to submit your own video idea for consideration in the series, send an email outlining your talent to submissions@publicworks.agency.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Post Consumer Brands

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