BizziBrains

Both Bizzibrains' I Imagine and I Learn interactive storybook apps for 3 to 5 year olds are included in new app guide , among other quality apps to support children www.literacyapps.org

Literacy Apps Discover the best apps to support your child's learning and development

Got a newbie at school, kinder or care this year? Check out Babyology's 6 apps for starting school, pre-school or kinder. #3 is a must have!

http://babyology.com.au/gadgets/back-to-school-2016-apps.html

6 great apps for starting school, preschool or kinder - Babyology From healthy lunch ideas to learning games and handy ways to store art digitally, here are the 6 apps you need for school or preschool this year.

Great article by Huffington Post that recognises "the positive aspects of digital cultures and the opportunities to harness technology to improve outcomes in education, mental health and wellbeing."
As we've talked about before here at Bizzibrains, dIscussions about limiting screen time very often miss the point. Technology and apps are incredibly diverse - content is important!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/jocelyn-brewer/forget-two-hours-a-day-ch_b_8231570.html

Reality Bytes For Opponents Of Digital Parenting We can choose to continue to place blame on the very devices we provide to young people in our effort to 'keep up with the iPhoneses', or proactively design the kind of digital world that supports our happiness and wellbeing.

Check out this bunch of cute (free) chore charts to choose from (thanks to cool mom picks). We've printed & laminated number 3 & stocked up on gold star stickers. So far so good!

http://coolmompicks.com/blog/2015/09/10/cool-printable-chore-charts-for-kids/

10 cool printable chore charts | Cool Mom Picks This is a great time to get back into routines, and we've found 10 printable chore charts for kids to help keep preschoolers to high schoolers on task.

Love this!

4 Ways to Deal With a Bully - School Mum 4 Ways to Deal With a Bully - Great information, tips, crafts and recipes for School Mums.

Grab I learn on sale for $1.99 USD this weekend only! It retails for $3.99 USD but we're celebrating it's 5 star Educational App Store certification and appPicker review, which says:
"I learn is one of the best children’s educational apps you’ll find in the App Store. This app combines storytelling, interactive learning, and some fun games all in one package. If you download this app for your child you will not be disappointed."
https://itunes.apple.com/app/i-learn/id931308929

I learn

Very excited about the 5 star certification of I learn by the Educational App Store!

http://www.educationalappstore.com/app/i-learn

I learn - Education Apps This app is targeted at young children moving into a new class or setting. The developer states that the app was developed with children ag...

Although it may seem contradictory given I make kids apps, I agree with President Obama in this article. I'm a big fan of limiting my kids screen time and when they are using screens, using that time for good (such as educational and social learning) not zoning out.

Refuse screen time and your kids might tell you they're bored. After a while you'll see their imaginations kick in. They dream up some amazing activities and games to keep themselves entertained when they have to. Do this regularly and I'm sure you'll hear the phrase "I'm bored, can I have the iPad?" a whole lot less.

http://www.today.com/parents/president-obama-urges-parents-kids-limit-screen-use-t33211

President Obama urges parents, kids: 'Put down that phone!' You heard your president: Shake my hand before taking that picture!

"I can see parents using it with their children to discuss concepts like getting ready for school or what school will be like. It's a boon for anyone with anxious little ones."
Great review of I learn, thank you Book Chook! http://www.thebookchook.com/2015/07/childrens-ipad-story-app-i-learn.html

The Book Chook: Children’s iPad Story App, I learn

18 ways to raise a resilient child - Kidspot A resilient child is one who feels cared for and listened to. Dr Justin Coulson shows how to nurture self-worth and help kids take setbacks in their stride.

Bring some joy to the little people in your life this weekend with I imagine. AppPicker say this app is "probably the best interactive story book on the App Store".
It's free, Kidsafe certified and great way to use technology to encourage imaginative play.
https://youtu.be/eQzc2drZ010

I imagine I imagine is "probably the best interactive story book app on the App Store" according to AppPicker. "I absolutely loved this story and all of its awesome in...

Put a grin on the face of your favourite little person this weekend with I imagine. It's free and Kidsafe certified.
Apple give it a thumbs up in both their 'Interactive Stories' & 'Playtime with your Toddler' sections and it's still in the top 100 free books in the App Store after nearly 18 months. It has been number 2.

https://itunes.apple.com/app/i-imagine/id771569926

I love hearing from parents about the conversations I learn has prompted between them and their children. I've heard from one Mum who was thrilled it had nudged her son into his first 'real' conversation with her about how he felt about school and another Mum who loved the discussions she and her daughter had been able to have about childcare.
“I learn prompts a discussion about kids’ thoughts and feelings, which gives parents the opportunity to address any worries that their child may have. The playground scene is a lovely opportunity for kids to consider various social situations, and ways of making friends. I learn is a fantastic way to address some of the social and emotional aspects of learning and a useful tool for developing interpersonal skills!” child psychologist Dr Kate Enderby said of Bizzibrains' I learn.
There are also lots of great books that can help children open up and discuss emotions. Childhood 101 list 7 of them here. I can never go past Dr Zeus!
http://childhood101.com/2015/05/books-about-emotions/

7 Books About Emotions | Childhood101 7 books for helping children learn to identify emotions and their causes, and for helping children learn strategies for managing their own emotions.

One thing I'm conscious I should do to encourage a healthy use of technology by my kids is to lead by example. I admit I have a little room to improve with this!
This article was a good reminder of the reasons it's good for us to unplug. Us parents could add another reason: to set a good example for our kids. It's a bit rich to be setting limits on screen use if you're always looking at a screen yourself!

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/unplug-please/

7 Important Reasons to Unplug and Find Space We need to be reminded again and again: Technology has a power-off button. And the wisest of us know when to use it. Consider again, some of the Important Reasons to Unplug Our Technology.

I was a little overwhelmed at choosing a school this time last year. 5 school tours later there was one that just felt right. We applied and started getting excited about Miss 5 starting school this year. Oh how much fun that has been!
For those of you making the decision now, School Mums words wrap it up well.
p.s. our I learn app helps kids prepare for school (and have a ball doing it)!

4 Steps to Choosing a School for Your Child - School Mum 4 Steps to Choosing a School for Your Child - Great information, tips, crafts and recipes for School Mums.

Not sure who loves this app more, the kids or me! It's free on the App Store right now, amazing given how much work must have gone into it.

Toca Nature

An I learn update is available. It allows you to save your child's favourite characters & their voice recordings to come back and chuckle at when they're older.
Now you can put a stop to older siblings sneaking into the app and changing the names of their younger siblings characters to rude words!

Looking for a decent threat now Santa and Easter bunny have come and gone?
Try rewarding good behaviour with Bizzibrains I learn app for 3 to 8 year olds.
It's worth a shot!
2 day flash sale ends Sunday night (19 April)
https://youtu.be/bedzQ__6b5E

Bizzibrains I learn interactive story book app Award winning children's app developer Bizzibrains second interactive story book I learn, produced in association with Screen Australia is now available on t...

I believe a well designed interactive story can be a great learning tool and a beautiful way to encourage a child's imagination. And I'm certainly not alone!
http://nosycrow.com/blog/can-apps-enhance-learning

Can apps enhance learning? :: Blog :: Nosy Crow I bought the Nosy Crow Cinderella app for my five-year-old daughter, Meghan, last fall. We read through it once together and after that, she would look at it on her own every so often. She possessively called it “my app” and enjoyed the “Read and Play” setting.

Babyology on I learn

Bizzibrains I Learn - the fun app that helps kids transition to school & preschool Australian children's app developer Bizzibrains has created the I Learn app to make the transition to school and preschool smooth and fun for children.

"Why it’s ace: It’s extremely interactive and personal. It gets little minds working and keeps them entertained for ages," Fit Mother Hubbard explains why Bizzibrains 'I learn' is in her list of 10 Useful Apps for the Whole Family.

10 Useful Apps For The Whole Family - Fit Mother Hubbard Whether you love technology or loathe it, the fact of the matter is, it’s here to stay. We have everything at our fingertips and I honestly believe that we are starting to see a shift in people who have traditionally lived sedentary lives. With all the health and fitness apps on the market, it’s a …

Any tips for those of us getting ready to start school this week?
After today my tip is to try a packed school lunch at home.
We thought we'd do this, mostly for a bit of fun & discovered a tricky container in A's lunchbox is very hard for her open. Not a big deal today but could have been on day 1 if she couldn't get to her favourite grapes!
http://www.kidspot.com.au/Back-to-School-For-parents-Preparing-for-the-first-day-of-school+3918+153+article.htm

First Day Of School - Back To School The first day of school can be nerve-wracking but here are some tips parents can follow to make the transition back to school a little easier.

Ideal for all kidlets about to start school, we think I learn is a cute way to help calm those first-time jitters by going over new routines with their parents and all the new things they’re about to encounter!

- See more at: http://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2015/01/i-learn-app-review/ .q5tiWTLR.dpuf

I learn app review The I learn app is designed to help kids (and parents!) express their feelings and cope with the idea of starting school.

Do you have trouble limiting your child's time on the iPad?
Love this easy method shown in the video via smart apps for kids - just set the timer in your iPad - when it ends whatever is happening on the screen STOPS and the screen locks so your child can't get back in without the code.

http://www.smartappsforspecialneeds.com/2014/11/limit-app-usage-with-this-one-easy-tip.html

Smart Apps For Special Needs: Limit app usage with this one easy tip!

Make a great start to the school or kinder year with I learn. The word on the street:
hiplittleone.com "If your child is about to start school this fabulous application is perfect for you, it’s fun, educational, interactive and creative and an excellent tool to help prepare young children for kindy or school."
schoolofmum.com.au "You know me. I can be a little skeptical about technology with toddlers. But I thought this app was clever, innovative and fabulous for children transitioning to day care, pre school or primary school."
smartappsforkids.com "Both my 7 year old daughter and I were immediately in love with this well-designed app... It's creative, interactive, fun and educational. What else could you want in an app designed for kids 3-8 years old?"
Dr. Kate Enderby, Child Psychologist “I learn is a great medium for kids, and their parents, to share ideas about the place where they learn. It prompts a discussion about kids thoughts and feelings, which gives parents the opportunity to address any worries that their child may have. The playground scene is a lovely opportunity for kids to consider various social situations, and ways of making friends. I learn is a fantastic way to address some of the social and emotional aspects of learning!"
http://www.hiplittleone.com/2015/01/bizzibrains-giveaway.html
Download I learn on the App Store:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/i-learn/id931308929

Bizzibrains giveaway » Hip Little One Bizzibrains giveaway Giveaways, Out & About, Toys & Books Add comments Jan 222015 The Kids Business Bloggers BBQTM is always a great opportunity to explore great brands and catch up with fellow bloggers and last week’s event was no different. There were some fantastic products waiting to be disc…

What a great day! Massive thanks to my gorgeous brother Steve Lansdell, the day was so busy there's no way I would have managed it without him. Photos courtesy of Kids Business.

I learn is featured in "Great Kids Apps & Games" in the Children's category on the App Store and we're chuffed :)
I learn is also now certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program. To learn more, go to www.kidsafeseal.com.

"Both my 7 year old daughter and I were immediately in love with this well-designed app... It's creative, interactive, fun and educational. What else could you want in an app designed for kids 3-8 years old?"

First review of I learn and I couldn't be happier!

http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2015/01/featured-app-i-learn.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=FeedBlitzRss&utm_content=Featured+App%3A+I+learn+is+creative+and+engaging+for+kids+3-8%21

Featured App: I learn is creative and engaging for kids 3-8! - Smart Apps For Kids Make a great start to 2015 with Bizzibrains I learn, featured in Best New Apps on the AU App Store! Both my 7 year old daughter and I were immediately in love with this well-designed app. It's an interactive book in the best sort of way, with your child's avatar...