When awful things happen in the world and the news shows uncensored images of human suffering, it’s hard to know how to explain these things to your children. Mister (Fred) Rogers, famed childrens’ television personality, is credited with this quote:
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.
I know that I want to shield my own children from the raw reality of the news, but it’s also important for them to understand the acts of kindness of the many types of heroes in these situations; the helpers. Because they can’t yet comprehend the gravity of the events I turn to things that are familiar in their lives to help me teach them about kindness towards others.
Wubbzy the Superhero is one example of a resource that I used in such an instance. I was asked to review the app a few days ago but found the timing uncanny in light of recent events. In the app Wubbzy and his friend Daizy learn that it doesn’t take a cape and a mask to be true superheroes – it simply means helping those in need. Whether it’s a dog stuck in a tree or a pile of letters that have fallen to the floor, heroes are there to do things for others that can’t do for themselves.
This app follows the successful format of the other storybook apps featuring Wubbzy. Within the story mode players can choose the level of interactivity, and depending on that choice players can work on their reading skills with highlighted words and clear narration. Four additional games use the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which help prepare children for the world beyond grade school.
There’s no doubt that this is another All Star app from the folks at Cupcake Digital. Not only are the educational fundamentals clearly represented but the characters and games are fun and easily recognizable by young children. Beyond that, the underlying message is timely no matter what is happening in the world. It will help open the doors to have discussions with your children about the heroes in their lives, whether it’s the crossing guard in front of the street or the firefighters in your home town.
In times like these it’s important to remember the helpers, the heroes. Helping others has no quantifying terms – a hero is a hero, no matter how big or small the act of heroism. This is the true message within Wubbzy The Superhero.
Our hearts go out to the city of Boston, and all who have been affected by recent events.
Pros:
– Storybook has three modes for different reading levels
– Additional games are based on educational concepts
Let your little one be a superhero by learning from Wubbzy & Daizy
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