NEW YORK, NY – June 7, 2016 – (HISPANICIZE WIRE) – American Greetings Entertainment (AGE) announced today that it has partnered with Bilingual Children’s Enterprises (BCE) to develop a new interactive app that introduces early learners to Spanish and English. Through videos, gaming and storybooks, the app uses science-based methodology proven to stimulate language learning for preschoolers through a dual language approach.
BCE is the creator of Tipitom, a series of bilingual early-learning videos and apps available for mobile devices. The app in development will feature a cast of multicultural characters alongside the Care Bears who will help children with pre-literacy skills, the development of fine motor skills, as well as identifying colors, letters, shapes and numbers in a fun and engaging way.
AGE selected to partner with BCE because of Founder & CEO Deborah Castillero’s extensive experience in successfully launching products for the U.S. Hispanic and LaTam markets. Castillero has a proven track record using the dual language learning approach which helps to accelerate second language learning, while fostering bilingualism. This approach also improves overall academic performance, enhances problem solving skills and helps close the achievement gap particularly for English language learners; a segment of the U.S. student population growing seven times faster than the rest.
“We want to give kids a high-quality experience and the gift of a second language” said Castillero. “With our multicultural characters, conversational storytelling, and vocabulary rich topics in two languages, literacy and reading readiness is attainable through mobile for kids globally.”
According to “The Early Catastrophe: The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3,” it’s estimated the average low-income child hears 30 million fewer words than his or her higher income peers by the time he or she is just three-years-old, and high-quality, early-education programs can make up some of the difference. Exposing early learners to vocabulary-rich conversations in context can be an effective teaching method that appeal to kinesthetic, auditory and visual learners.
“Care Bears is a global brand with nearly 35 years of history and fans all over the world,” said Megan Buettner, Head of Creative & Digital, American Greetings. We’re excited to partner with BCE to provide quality bilingual educational content to engage with some of our youngest fans.”
About the Care Bears
First introduced by American Greetings in 1982 through consumer products, greeting cards, and later an animated CGI television show, Care Bears has become one of the world’s most popular and endearing children’s properties. Today, fans of all ages around the world are falling in love with these huggable bears who help kids have fun while sharing and caring, and they enjoy a robust portfolio of thousands of Care Bears licensed products at retailers globally. The Care Bears are no strangers to television screens. They first appeared in their own television specials in 1983 and 1984, and then made the leap to the big screen in 1985-87 with “The Care Bears Movie” trilogy. They also had their own television series from 1985 to 1988 which is currently available to watch on Netflix. In November, AGP announced a new original kids series starring the whole huggable gang with a new show titled, “Care Bears & Cousins.” “Care Bears & Cousins” is co-produced by Netflix and will premiere around the world in fall 2015. The brand also has a robust social media following, has more than 5 million views of new and classic videos on YouTube, and has a portfolio of popular apps for mobile devices. Their wholesome messages of caring and sharing resonate with parents who are familiar with the brand and feel comfortable introducing Care Bears to their own children.
About American Greetings Entertainment
American Greetings Entertainment is the intellectual property, entertainment and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation, which was built upon the successful re-launch of Care Bears™ and other iconic kids’ entertainment brands, including Holly Hobbie™ and Madballs™, as well as Boofle™, Packages from Planet X™, Twisted Whiskers™, and its newest IP, Buddy Thunderstruck™. American Greetings Entertainment develops multi-platform entertainment franchises across all media channels, and extensive consumer merchandising programs that immerse children and adults in brands they love. Experience American Greetings Entertainment online at www.agkidzone.com.
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Bilingual Children’s Enterprises (BCE)
BCE is a mobile learning and entertainment platform helping young kids learn English, Spanish and other languages. Through Tipitom©, a multicultural and character driven property, their digital media platform features short form animated videos, gaming and storybooks. BCE’s mission is to better prepare early learners for success in Kindergarten and support parents interests in a dual language education.
Learn more about Tipi & Tom at www.tipitom.com
Find Tipitom on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TipiTom
Follow Tipitom @tipitomtales