Opening the Wide World to Kids: Innovative ‘Pretendables’ Combines Imagination, Learning– and Future Careers – In One Package “You Are What You Read”
M.O.G. Kids, Inc., an exciting new children's educational product development company, is introducing one-of-a-kind Pretendables, the first book and toy set to combine a book, CD-ROM, toy and costume in a single, play-inspiring package. Based on the premise, “you are what you read,” this unique and clever concept invites children ages 3-6 to enjoy the story in the book, dress up in the enclosed apparel, role play with the toys and interact with their parents or friends.
(PRWEB) February 9, 2005 -- So what do your kids want to be when they grow
up? Indiana Jones? Shaquille O’Neal? The neighborhood doctor? The friendly
fireman? With the incredibly innovative, developmentally appropriate and
altogether fun Pretendables™ , anything is possible.
M.O.G. Kids, Inc.,
an exciting new children's educational product development company, is
introducing one-of-a-kind Pretendables, the first book and toy set to combine a
book, CD-ROM, toy and costume in a single, play-inspiring package. Based on the
premise, “you are what you read,” this unique and clever concept invites
children ages 3-6 to enjoy the story in the book, dress up in the enclosed
apparel, role play with the toys and interact with their parents or friends. In
this warm and wonderful way, Pretendables introduces them to exciting careers
and adventures. Its carefully selected components and sweet story themes inspire
a child’s most precious gift – imagination—while at the same time encouraging a
love of reading.
Developed by former patent attorney Steven Fink, who
dramatically changed careers after his personal experiences of 9/11,
Pretendables’ goal is to open the world to young children. “There is nothing
else like this on the market,” says Fink. “No one is combining all these
wonderful elements of a child’s development, in a way designed for the ultimate
learning and play experience.” Fink developed the concept and wrote the
books.
Pretendables has six themed activity categories -- Professional,
Sports, Safety, Make Believe, Explorer and Public Service – designed to
encompass every aspect of a child’s possible future career choices. “They seemed
to be a natural division of the way our society is broken down,” says Fink. “We
wanted to present each career as having equal value.” Each set consists of a
colorful hardcover book, a delightful outfit or uniform that fits the book’s
subject, interactive game-playing computer software that connects to the topic,
and a theme-related toy. By donning a lab coat and stethoscope like book
characters Victor & Vikki Veterinarian or changing into a safety vest and
whistle like Sammy & Sharon Safety, children can “become” one of the
characters that they are reading about. Nine kits are being introduced now, with
many more titles planned.
“We chose fields that kids would get excited
about,” said Fink. “Victor and Vikki Veterinarian is a great example because it
teaches children about caring for others, while they also learn about different
animals and the various responsibilities of a real veterinarian.”
From
Nightmare to Dream
Displaced from his home a block from the World Trade
Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and frustrated with corporate law,
Fink, who had invented everything from patented anti-car-jacking products to
electronic novelty devices while in school, wanted to switch to a field that
would provide an outlet for his creative energy. Fink's inventive juices flowed
not only during waking hours but also during sleep, as the concept for
Pretendables came to him in a dream.
“What could be more important than
creating opportunities for children to read, imagine and learn, while beginning
to discover what they really want to do in life?” he continued, perhaps
reflecting on his own change of course. “Because of the time youngsters spend in
front of TVs and computers and the preponderance of electronic/tech toys in
recent years, opportunities for creative play are becoming more and more
limited. Pretendables incorporates the best of traditional play in an innovative
way that incorporates both low and high-tech elements.”
The “fantasy” or
“imaginary” play format is developmentally appropriate for the preschool age
group and highly recommended by experts. It’s ideal for children because it
allows them to be anything they want to be, while developing language, social
and problem-solving skills which help prepare them for school. Pretendables is
also great for parents because it enables them to interact with their children
through role play and reading. “Pretendables positively impacts children in
three different ways: It offers them immediate fantasy fun, supports ongoing
development without kids even realizing they’re learning, and plants the seeds
for the kind of future career choices that will help them become happy and
fulfilled adults.”
Bottom line: Kids love Pretendables because it’s fun,
parents love it because their children are reading and learning and dreaming
about what they can be.
Since its debut, Pretendables has received nine
Preferred Choice awards from Creative Child Magazine, for excellence in
promoting creativity in play and learning.
Pretendables book sets are
available at www.mogkids.com and retail for a special introductory offer of
$29.95.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb206404.htm