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<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/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 2nd 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<http://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: [cid:image002.jpg@01D3A71B.B079BC40] - 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): [cid:image004.jpg@01D3A71B.B079BC40] - 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<http://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<http://www.ageoflearning.com/research> Here’s an overview of our Education Access Initiatives (scroll down to the “Access for All” button): www.ageoflearning.com<http://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<mailto: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<http://www.abcmouse.com/libraries> Sincerely, Glenn Swenson Age of Learning, Inc. Mobile: (916) 717-1749 www.ABCmouse.com<http://www.abcmouse.com/> [cid:A91A2434-524D-446B-8734-AFC1E9768786@dkmb.local] ABCmouse for Libraries is a philanthropic initiative of Age of Learning, Inc. Learn more about our Education Access Initiatives<http://www.ageoflearning.com/education-access-initiatives/>.