FYI – see below for details on ABCmouse, which is free to all public libraries.

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan

Subject: [alsc-l] Annual Update on ABCmouse – Free for All Public Libraries

This update is relevant for both users and non-users of ABCmouse. Please excuse cross-postings…

Hello everyone,

Laura Schulte-Cooper has given us the green light to provide annual updates on ABCmouse for Libraries and this will be our fourth year of doing so.

ABCmouse for Libraries is a FREE online educational resource for all public libraries. It includes more than 9,000 fun-filled learning activities that teach reading and language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music. These learning activities are standards-aligned, are suitable for children ages 2-8+, and provide a full curriculum for Preschool through 2^nd Grade.

You can find out more about ABCmouse.com and sign up for a FREE Library Account here (to evaluate or to provide access to your patrons): www.abcmouse.com/libraries

Here are some updates about ABCmouse since last year’s message:

- Widespread Use: ABCmouse is now used in over 7,500 public library locations across the U.S., including over 70% of the largest 100 library systems (New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Chicago, Los Angeles City & County, Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Houston & Harris County, King County (WA), Las Vegas-Clark County, Miami-Dade, Phoenix, etc.).

- Spanish Language Support: More than 800 learning activities are now available in Spanish with many more on the way for 2018.

- STEM Support: More than 2,000 math and science learning activities help build a foundation of understanding for STEM projects.

- Kiosk Mode: ABCmouse can be “locked down” in kiosk mode, either on Chromebox computers or on standard computers using Porteus Kiosk software.

- Patron Access Options: Librarians can now enable or disable the Create Personal Account button and the Log In button.

A Personal Account allows a child’s progress to be saved while using ABCmouse in the library and it allows a parent or guardian to track the child’s academic progress.

The Log In button allows a patron to access an existing Personal Account, Family Account, or Classroom Account.

- FAQs: There is now a list of Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the Librarian’s Homepage:

- Updated Promo Materials: The digital versions of our Printable Materials have been updated in the Library Resources area of the Librarian Homepage to reflect our newly released ages (2-8+) and grades (Preschool through Second Grade):

- Updated ABCmouse Descriptions and Images: The sample ABCmouse descriptions and images have also been updated in the Library Resources area of the Librarian Homepage to reflect our newly released ages (2-8+) and grades (Preschool through Second Grade):

Here’s a general overview of ABCmouse, along with some links to testimonials, efficacy studies, and various other bona fides:

Comprehensive Early Learning/Early Childhood Education resource: ABCmouse.com offers the most comprehensive, standards-aligned, online curriculum for children ages 2–8+, with more than 9,000 learning activities that teach reading and language arts, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music.

STEM Support: More than 2,000 math and science learning activities help build a foundation of understanding for STEM projects.

Spanish Language Support: Over 800 learning activities are now in Spanish and that number is continually growing.

Easy setup: Librarians can set up their free account in just a few easy steps, and once it’s been set up, children can easily access the site from any library computer or tablet.

Easy to use: Patrons simply click the ABCmouse link or shortcut, select an avatar, and select their age to begin using ABCmouse (age-appropriate learning activities will be suggested based on the age selected).

Compatible with iPads and Android tablets: Just download the free ABCmouse.com app on each tablet. Worthy of note: ABCmouse has been at or near the top of the charts for the most popular iTunes app for two years now, in both the “Kids” and “Education” categories.

Children love it: Every activity on ABCmouse.com, whether an educational game, song, book, puzzle, or art activity, has been designed to be both fun and educational!

Child safe: Librarians can feel confident and secure knowing that children will never encounter advertising or links to other websites.

Here’s a 2-minute video clip that gives a quick overview of ABCmouse (click the orange “Learn More” button): https://www.abcmouse.com/libraries

Here’s a 2-minute video clip with comments from several librarians about their successes with ABCmouse (click the round button in the photo): http://www.ageoflearning.com/education-access-initiatives/#libraries

Here’s a 2-minute video clip with comments from several teachers about their successes with ABCmouse (click the round button in the photo): https://www.ageoflearning.com/education-access-initiatives/#teachers

Here’s a 1-minute video clip of a success story from parents (plus access to several more ABCmouse success stories on the right sidebar):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_4hEjDkQqg

Here are some of the awards given to ABCmouse:

www.ageoflearning.com/abcmouse/#awards

Here’s some positive feedback and a number of bona fides for ABCmouse.com:
https://www.abcmouse.com/results-and-references/educators

Here are some examples of the efficacy of ABCmouse as an Early Learning / Early Childhood Education resource: www.ageoflearning.com/research

Here’s an overview of our Education Access Initiatives (scroll down to the “Access for All” button): www.ageoflearning.com

Customer Support: If you’re a current user of ABCmouse, but forgot your password or have any questions about the features/functionality of ABCmouse, please contact our Customer Support Team for assistance: LibrarySupport@ABCmouse.com or 800-633-3331 (Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, PST).

You can find out more about ABCmouse.com and sign up for a FREE Library Account here (to evaluate and/or provide access to patrons): www.abcmouse.com/libraries

Sincerely,

Glenn Swenson

Age of Learning, Inc.

Mobile: (916) 717-1749

www.ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse for Libraries is a philanthropic initiative of Age of Learning, Inc. Learn more about our Education Access Initiatives.