Founder and former teacher Christina Spencer is confident the new products will build positive cultural identity and narrow the school-readiness gap for Black and Brown students
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- ABSee Me, an educational toy company that produces games and learning resources featuring Black and Brown characters, has announced the launch of three new products – Alphabet Matching Puzzles, We Are Family - Memory Matching Game, and Shape Pals Learning Puzzles. This is the second product rollout from the Black woman-owned brand since its launch earlier this year.
ABSee Me (pronounced A-B-C Me) developed a unique collection of puzzles and memory game to make learning more relatable for children of color and enhance their school-readiness skills. Studies show that 40 percent of children who enter kindergarten each year are behind in academic and social skills, and most of them are Black and Brown kids.
The Alphabet Matching Puzzles use words and objects from Black culture (such as "A" for Africa, "B" for braid, and "S" for spades) and are designed to help children learn the letters and sounds of the alphabet. The We Are Family - Memory Matching Game is an entertaining, classic card game that requires children to match photos of Black and Brown families. This game will enhance concentration, social skills, and visual discrimination, which helps with reading, writing, and math. The company has also launched Shape Pals Puzzles to give younger learners a head start, even before they reach the appropriate age for kindergarten. These 2-piece puzzles feature 12 Black and Brown characters and will teach young children shapes and colors.
"My father was a teacher, my sister is a teacher, so it's fair to say that teaching runs in the family," says Christina Spencer, founder of ABSee Me. "Now I'm pursuing my passion to create educational resources that feature people of color in a positive light and also equip parents and caregivers with tools to help their young children build a strong foundation for learning."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 4 million children are expected to enroll in kindergarten for the 2022 – 2023 school year. In addition to educational games, ABSee Me founder Christina Spencer believes every child will need the following five academic skills going into kindergarten:
1. Beginning Letter Knowledge - Most children do not enter kindergarten with the ability to read, but some knowledge of letters and the alphabet is fundamental for reading instruction that lies ahead.
2. High-Frequency Words - Children entering kindergarten should ideally have between 25 to 50 words in their toolbelt that they can recognize quickly and accurately. They often see these words in their environment or come across them frequently in stories.
3. Early Math Skills - The four main concepts of kindergarten math are counting, addition and subtraction, sorting and classifying, and shapes. Children will want to know how to count aloud to 20, count objects in a group of 10 or less, identify numbers and basic shapes, and sort items by color, shape, or size.
4. Understanding of Books and Print - Understanding how books and print work are two concepts children will need to tackle before they can begin to read and write. Young learners should understand that words are read from left to right and be able to hold a book and flip the pages correctly.
5. Speaking and Listening Skills - For children entering kindergarten, being able to speak clear, complete sentences, answer and ask questions, and follow one- and two-step directions will serve as a strong foundation for all learning that lies ahead.
About ABSee Me
ABSee Me supports diversity by producing educational toys and resources with an authentic representation of Black and Brown people. The platform offers puzzles, games, free printables, and articles to help caregivers and teachers provide a culturally inclusive environment for young children. The company was founded by Christina Spencer, an educator, former curriculum specialist, and entrepreneur. To learn more, visit ABSeeMe.com and follow @absee.me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Media Contact
Nicole Blake-Baxter, ABSee Me, 1 6789577675, [email protected]
SOURCE ABSee Me
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