Tag Archives: kids

Gamification: Gaming from Youth to Adult

Posted by Chad Knick on

Gamification. If you’ve been around my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that’s one of my favorite new definitions. I’ve been so intrigued by gamification, and one of my new favorite terms: Includification, that I decided to work on finding sites and activities that promote just those activities. If you’re a new viewer, or you have no idea what I’m talking about at this point, then let me give you a brief update what these terms mean.

Gamification:

1. The use of game design techniques, game thinking, & game mechanics to enhance non-gaming contexts.

Includification:

1. An ideology that content should include everyone, regardless of ability.

2. Design so that everyone can enjoy and appreciate the fruits of creative labor.

I started thinking if there were any places where these terms could be fully utilized, and I think I may have just found a couple of sites that are available to help do just that. Let’s start with the young ones first, because the earlier you can start a child’s education the more prepared they’ll be in the future. I’ll then go into detail about a wonderful site designed for adults to keep our minds sharp, focused, and energized.

For The Kids [ Preschool – Kindergarten ]: ABCMouse.com

If you’ve never read my article on gamification featuring Gabe Zichermann, he details in his lecture how gaming can actually make kids smarter. I couldn’t agree with him more and so, when I saw a commercial for ABCMouse.com, I knew I had to cover the site at some point. ABCMouse.com is an interactive hub for digital learning designed for early children’s learning. The curriculum is vast, so if you’re worried that it’s just a single subject site [ math, english, reading, etc. ] don’t worry – it has it all. I’ve looked over the site and it seems to be extremely accommodating to both children and parents alike.

Here’s a list of the possible curriculum that your child may see:

  • Reading
  • Math
  • Art
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Phonics

Each of these curriculum are presented in ways that make the educational process engaging, entertaining, and meaningful to the young student in training. Children will learn via online books, puzzles, games, and interactive printable materials that parents can use to continue your child’s education offline. The site is completely 100% child safe, and parents can even take part as an active participant in their child’s education.

Welcome to class kids! Get ready to learn!

The site utilizes personalization factors such as:

  • A personalized avatar for your child
  • A lesson builder so parents can control lesson plans
  • A progress tracker so parents can see how their child learns
  • A ticket and rewards system for children to reward them for success
  • Interactive learning activities that make learning feel personal
  • Recordable book options to make reading with your child a new experience.

A place of learning even a mother could love!

The site is backed by certified doctors and teachers and you can enroll today for either $7.95 per month, or $79.00 per year. You and your child will have a blast with these fun, easily accessible, and engaging new site. Now – as for you parents, don’t feel left out. If you find yourself feeling a little foggy after all of your time spent with your child’s education I think I’ve found a site for you too!

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Game of the Week: Teddy’s Excellent Adventure

Posted by Chad Knick on

Have any of you ever lost a toy as a child before?

Have you ever wondered if they’d ever try and find you?

Well I found a lovely, simple, little game that was designed by PlayKidsGames. The artist Jimp and code by Gazsmith Games collaborated together to create this lovely, charming, little platformer that I simply feel that I have to share with folks. I was immediately drawn to it due to the art style, but more than that it’s the story and childlike characteristics of this game that make me just smile when I clicked on it. Join me as we go on an adventure with a teddy in his search for his owner with, Teddy’s Excellent Adventure!

Cute + Platformer = Teddy

I swear when I saw the title I was immediately drawn to my childhood memories of Winnie The Pooh and Christopher Robin, but while the game doesn’t have Disney-esque artwork it’s simple whimsy are what will grab you. It’s a combination platform/point-and-click adventure. The mechanics are very simple and it makes the game simple and light for all ages to enjoy. You can use either the Arrow or WASD keys for movement, and a simple click of the mouse controls interaction with objects within the game.

‘Oh I love honey and I’m a pooh-bear, so I do care, and so I climb there!”

Now, here’s a quick breakdown of the accessibility of Teddy’s Excellent Adventure:

Pros:

  • WASD and Arrow Keys are a benefit for giving users a choice of control
  • Relaxed gameplay, that gradually amps up in intensity, is a nice touch.
  • Simple puzzles and platforming provide exhilarating gameplay as puzzles get tough.
  • Art style is warm, inviting, and seems to be easy on the eyes. Good for colorblind.
  • All words/tutorials are text based. Great for deaf gamers.
  • Music changes from moment to moment depending on puzzle/area.
  • If you fail, game allows you to start from start of newest stage.

Cons:

  • Platforming, while simple, can become a bit of an issue for motion impaired in later sections of the game. Doesn’t ruin game, just will make game more challenging.
  • Some sections have very similar color schemes and may make differentiating objects a bit hard for colorblind gamers later in the game.
  • Music can be a bit loud, but can be muted, so that helps.
  • No sound cues/audio other than music makes game extremely difficult for blind.

Other than that, this game is full of fuzzy, cuddly, adventurous fluff and should definitely be looked at. It may be simple, but isn’t that something that we all sort of secretly desire? Simple games that we can enjoy and experience in short amounts of time? The game has this lush draw of trying to get to the end. You want to so desperately get your teddy back to his owner and it drives you to continue working towards accomplishing goals. So – you can gladly check out Teddy’s Excellent Adventure on Kongregate now! – and while we’re at it I’ll also promote the promoter of this game: PlayKidsGames.

If you’re looking for a great little site full of educational/kid friendly games PlayKidsGames is a in-depth site with a large library of educational flash games that can be shared with kids.So – go platform the stuff and fluff out of this game! I’m sure this game would make Winnie blush with happiness. In fact, I’m pretty sure, he’d be busting with happiness:

Take care folks and enjoy your gaming – one input at a time!