Author: Samantha Vaughn

Enhancing Education Through Bilingualism with Smile & Learn

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Enhancing Education Through Bilingualism
with Smile & Learn 

Smile and Learn is an educational tool that motivates and enhances student learning. Achieving research projects like the ones we carry out at Smile and Learn is not easy, which reaffirms the interest of the entities to support this evaluation of our digital material for inclusion in educational centers. The results obtained have been very positive for Smile and Learn, and its main beneficiaries are, as is our objective, the children.

Q: What are some new and engaging projects that Smile & Learn has been working on?

S&L: Smile and Learn has been actively expanding its offerings with exciting new
developments. We’ve introduced robotics and programming content, including both theoretical videos and practical activities, to engage students in key STEM areas. Our reading resources have been enhanced with materials aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), featuring texts adapted to multiple levels of vocabulary and grammar so that all students, regardless of their proficiency, can enjoy the same stories. We’re also working
on collaborative gameplay to foster teamwork and interaction. Additionally, we’re launching financial education resources to build essential life skills and expanding our socioemotional learning content. This now ranges from recognizing and managing emotions to developing conflict resolution strategies tailored to different developmental stages!

Q: How do kids utilize Smile & Learn in and out of the classroom and how has it benefited their education?

S&L: Inside the classroom, students benefit from engaging activities that align with curricula, including videos, games, and interactive exercises that reinforce subjects like math, science, and literacy. Teachers can utilize the platform to create personalized learning experiences, adapting content to each child’s needs and monitoring their progress. Outside the classroom, Smile & Learn extends the learning experience with activities that go beyond academics, focusing on
personal growth. These include socioemotional learning resources to help children understand and manage emotions, as well as activities that develop logical and critical thinking skills. By exploring such a variety of topics, students are encouraged to discover more about their interests and strengths, fostering curiosity and self-awareness not just in the classroom but also with their families in their homes. The platform’s focus on holistic development ensures that children not only master academic skills but also gain tools to navigate the world around them, making learning meaningful and impactful both in school and at home.

Q: How beneficial has it been in utilizing both English and Spanish versions of the content? How do public libraries benefit from utilizing Smile & Learn?

S&L: The dual-language feature of Smile & Learn, with content available in both English and Spanish, significantly enhances its educational value by fostering bilingualism and language development. Children benefit from being exposed to two languages simultaneously, improving their linguistic skills, cognitive flexibility, and cultural understanding. For non-native speakers, this feature provides an accessible way to learn English or Spanish in an engaging and interactive environment, while native speakers can deepen their skills or learn a second language effortlessly and can use the activities to develop their reading skills in their native language.

Q: How can/do public libraries benefit from utilizing Smile & Learn in their learning spaces?

Public libraries benefit immensely from incorporating Smile & Learn into their offerings.
The platform provides libraries with a comprehensive, diverse, and engaging resource that caters to children ages 3 to 12. It allows libraries to support their community by promoting literacy, language learning, and STEM skills through interactive activities, audiobooks, and videos. Libraries can also use Smile & Learn to host workshops or language-learning sessions, attract families looking for educational resources, and ensure equitable access to high-quality digital content. Overall, Smile & Learn strengthens libraries’ roles as community hubs for education and cultural
enrichment while empowering young learners to thrive in a bilingual and increasingly
interconnected world.

Learn more about Smile and Learn here.

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

Early Childhood Play-Based Discovery Learning Through Technology and Library Services

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Early Childhood Play-Based Discovery Learning Through Technology and Library Services

Early childhood education thrives on play-based discovery, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. In today’s digital age, libraries and technology platforms play a pivotal role in extending these experiences beyond classrooms. This whitepaper explores how guided technology solutions—such as AWE Learning’s Early Literacy Workstations—empower educators and librarians to deliver developmentally appropriate and engaging learning opportunities for children ages 2–12.

Play-based learning is the cornerstone of early childhood development. It nurtures curiosity, builds foundational literacy and STEM skills, and promotes lifelong learning habits. However, integrating technology into these experiences requires intentionality. The challenge is balancing digital engagement with healthy screen habits while ensuring easy and safe access.

Libraries have emerged as critical hubs for discovery learning, bridging gaps for families and communities. By combining curated technology resources with professional guidance, libraries can transform into launchpads for digital citizenship and school readiness. 

Educators and librarians face mounting challenges:

  • Funding constraints limit access to high-quality technology and programming.
  • Digital opportunity gaps persist, leaving some children without safe, structured digital experiences.
  • Burnout and workload pressures make it difficult for librarians to curate personalized learning.
  • Screen-time concerns demand solutions that prioritize healthy habits and developmental appropriateness.

Without strategic interventions, these challenges risk widening achievement gaps and limiting opportunities for early learners.

The solution lies in guided digital experiences that complement—not replace—traditional play. AWE Learning exemplifies this approach with its Early Literacy Station Platinum Version 4 solutions, offering:

  • 250+ STREAM-aligned titles and thousands of preloaded activities.
  • Personalized Education Plans (PEPs) for tailoring content by age, subject, or language. 
  • Built-in time limits and child-safe browsing to promote healthy screen use. 
  • Customizable content bundles for bilingual learners and broad developmental needs. 

These features enable librarians and educators to:

  • Align technology with storytimes, seasonal programs, and curriculum goals. 
  • Support multiple learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, logical, social, and solitary. 
  • Foster digital responsibility and computational thinking from an early age.

Benefits & Use Cases:

  • School Readiness: STREAM-aligned activities prepare children for academic success.
  • Makerspaces: Play-based learning and makerspaces share a common philosophy: learning through doing.
  • Community Engagement: Libraries become safe, vibrant spaces for families to explore technology together.
  • Healthy Digital Habits: Built-in boundaries ensure balanced screen time.

How Makerspaces and AWE Learning Complement STREAM Education:

  • Activities like Sid the Science Kid: States of Water allow students to experiment with concepts like matter and states in a playful way.
  • Coding games such as Fox Factory introduce programming logic through storytelling.
  • Interactive storybooks like Arthur’s Birthday build literacy while encouraging collaboration. 
  • Contraption Maker simulates engineering design challenges, reinforcing cause-and-effect reasoning. 
  • Creative titles like Tim the Fox—Mosaic and Drawing Animals let students design and express ideas visually.
  • Games like Math Doodles and Math Speed Racing Multiplication integrate math practice into fun, real-world scenarios.

Example 1: Contraption Maker (Ages 2–12) 

  • Description: Students build chain reactions and contraptions using virtual tools.
  • Play-Based Connection: Encourages experimentation, collaboration, and iterative design.
  • Makerspace Integration:
    • Physical: Students use blocks and ramps to prototype a ball-moving machine.
    • Digital: They replicate and enhance their design in Contraption Maker. 
  • Learning Outcomes: Engineering principles, problem-solving, logical reasoning.

Example 2: Fox Factory (Ages 7–11) 

  • Description: Students learn coding by helping Fox rebuild after a storm.
  • Play-Based Connection: Combines storytelling with coding challenges.
  • Makerspace Integration:
    • Physical: Students storyboard Fox’s journey using craft materials.
    • Digital: They code solutions in Fox Factory to rebuild Fox’s world.  
  • Learning Outcomes: Computational thinking, creativity, persistence.

Example 3: Tim the Fox – Mosaic (Ages 4–8) 

  • Description: Students create mosaics by arranging colorful tiles.
  • Play-Based Connection: Artistic expression through patternmaking.
  • Makerspace Integration:
    • Physical: Students design mosaics with real tiles or paper squares.
    • Digital: They recreate or expand their designs in Tim the Fox—Mosaic.  
  • Learning Outcomes: Spatial reasoning, color theory, fine motor skills.

Example 4: Math Doodles (Ages 5–12) 

  • Description: Students explore math concepts through creative puzzles.
  • Play-Based Connection: Turns math into a visual, interactive experience.
  • Makerspace Integration:
    • Physical: Students solve math puzzles using manipulatives like counters or blocks.
    • Digital: They tackle challenges in Math Doodles to reinforce concepts.  
  • Learning Outcomes: Mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, creativity.

Benefits of Combining Makerspaces with AWE Learning:

  • Engagement: Digital games paired with hands-on activities keep students motivated.
  • Differentiation: Supports varied learning styles—visual, tactile, and auditory.
  • STREAM Alignment: Integrates multiple disciplines in authentic, playful contexts.  
  • Collaboration: Encourages teamwork and communication in both physical and digital spaces.

By combining these digital experiences with physical makerspace activities (e.g., building prototypes, creating art), educators create a holistic STREAM learning environment.

Implementation and Evaluation Strategies:

  • Professional Development: Train librarians and educators on digital well-being and guided discovery. 
  • Policy Alignment: Adopt screen-time guidelines that emphasize active engagement and serve-and-return interactions. 
  • Funding Partnerships: Leverage grants and community sponsorships to sustain technology investments.  
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Use AWE’s consolidated usage statistics to demonstrate ROI and inform programming.

Early childhood education must embrace technology thoughtfully preserving the essence of play while preparing children for a digital future. Libraries, supported by solutions like AWE Learning, can lead this transformation by offering safe and engaging discovery experiences. Together, we can inspire curiosity, foster digital citizenship, and build a foundation for lifelong learning. 

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

Making Math Fun with MathNook

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Making Math Fun with MathNook 

MathNook was formed by Jan and Tommy Hall. Jan has over 30 years of experience in the education field and Tommy is a programmer with a math degree who is also an avid gamer. This combination makes MathNook stand out with their unique math games that not only are educational but are also very playable, causing players to come back for more.

Q: What educational solutions does MathNook currently offer for young learners?

MathNook: Currently, MathNook.com has math games where students can practice skills from counting all the way up to beginning algebra. All of our games are free to play online without any membership or sign-up required. This free-to-play model allows institutions such as schools, libraries, and homeschoolers to play our math games by just going to MathNook.com. We are currently expanding our large inventory of exclusive online games as well as converting some of our more popular games to Spanish. MathNook is also bringing back some of the more popular Flash games by either rewriting them or running them via an emulator. Our Spanish games are used across the globe by many Spanish-speaking countries. The Spanish versions allow students whose primary language is Spanish to keep up their math skills while in an English-speaking classroom. Comparisons between the English and Spanish versions can help students with math terminology.

Q: Math can be a hard subject for some. How important is it to teach children math skills in a way that they can have fun and still retain the knowledge they are absorbing?

MathNook: Math games are a fun way to practice a skill, whether the student is at school or at home. Math games can be used to reinforce a skill that has been recently or newly taught before the student begins independent practice and can allow the skill to be practiced throughout the year. If a skill is taught and after 6 weeks is not revisited, the skill is often forgotten. So, playing math games can prevent this from happening. Practicing at home with math games will continue to develop a student’s math skills and promote automaticity with math facts and math terminology. Automatic recall of math skills prevents multi-step math problems from becoming laborious and overwhelming, which often causes students to give up. So not only are math games engaging, but they also help with retention of a math skill as well as build a student’s confidence.

MathNook offers free-to-play math games that practice skills ranging from counting numbers all the way up to quadratic equations. And there’s never any membership or sign-up required. MathNook’s goal is to help develop critical thinking and problem-solving in order to improve math skills via our fun and exciting math games.

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

Why Is It So Important for Kids to Write?

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Why Is It So Important for Kids to Write? 

Statistics show that reading helps develop your writing skills, but writing helps develop your cognitive growth, organizational abilities, and the power to influence others through persuasion. In short, writing powers the brain. We spoke with AWE partner Scribblitt.com about the importance of creative writing.

Q: The focus of literacy is often on reading. What benefits come from creative writing?

Scribblitt: Studies show that children who practice creative writing more often are generally better in other subjects too, like math, science, and languages. Creative writing encourages kids to practice using their imaginations, improving their ability to come up with alternatives, problem-solving, and analysis. Writing involves a lot of thought, planning, organization, and the use of language to get a point across. What great practice for kids at laying out their thoughts and trying to clearly convince someone of their point of view.

Q: Given the focus on social-emotional learning in schools now, how can writing help?

Scribblitt: Children often have difficulty understanding and expressing how they feel. Through writing, children have a safe place to explore, and this can be a highly beneficial tool for expressing their feelings.

Q: How does writing improve self-confidence?

Scribblitt: Writing gives children more opportunity to assert themselves and their opinions and develop their ‘voice.’ These developments can really strengthen their self-confidence. Further, publishing their stories develops a sense of pride, and the opportunity to have others read their books shows that their words matter.

Q: Do we become less creative as we grow up?

Scribblitt: It’s true – creativity seems to diminish as we get older. The stories of fairytale
princesses saving the day later turn into business prose and factual writing. It is so important to encourage children to write, to be creative, and to use their imagination. It is equally important to build their confidence in communicating their point of view, their thoughts, and their feelings. Then they can think about publishing their stories to read over and over again at a kid-friendly site like Scribblitt.com and hold onto childhood just a little longer.

Q: What role do families play in AWE Learning’s mission?

Owen: Families are central. Libraries are often places where parents and caregivers juggle many needs, whether that’s job searching, classes, or using community services. Because our workstations are offline, AWE provides a safe, trusted space where children can learn independently without staff or parental supervision, which gives families flexibility. They can take advantage of the community programming libraries have to offer while knowing their kids are engaged in meaningful learning. 

Scribblitt.com offers writing, illustration, and publishing tools for kids, and is free to join. Completed stories can be shared in the library, entered into writing contests or submitted to be a featured scribbler. You pay only for publishing. A hardcover book is $29.99, and a comic is $19.99 plus shipping. Email contact@scribblitt.com with questions.

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

AWE Learning Receives Platinum in 2024 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

AWE Learning Receives Platinum in 2024 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks

AWE-Press-Release-2024-MLA
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Technology’s Impact on Experiential Learning for Young Learners

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Technology’s Impact on Experiential Learning for Young Learners

What is experiential learning? Experiential learning is a teaching approach that emphasizes learning through experience and reflection. It involves hands-on activities, experimentation, and problem-solving. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in young learners’ education, noting that “learning through purposeful experiences has long been recognized as an effective approach to teaching children.” Pioneers of early education understood the importance of children making sense of their world through observation and experimentation. Their keen understanding of how young children learn continues to influence contemporary approaches to early childhood education.

How does technology impact experiential learning? Experiential learning, when combined with technology, can become even more powerful, providing children with new and innovative ways to learn. Here are some ways that technology can enhance children’s learning experience: One of the most significant advantages of technology in experiential learning is that it provides young learners with access to a wide range of resources and tools that can enhance their learning experience. For instance, digital learning spaces. Using digital spaces to educate can be a great way to enhance engagement by connecting young learners to experts in their field of study. In addition, digital spaces can encourage collaboration by creating a forum to share ideas and experiences.

Another way technology is changing experiential learning is through online simulations and games. These tools can be used to create a fun and engaging learning environment where students can learn through trial and error. Games and simulations can also be tailored to the specific learning needs of individual students, making the learning experience more personalized and effective.

Another significant advantage of technology in experiential learning in early education is that it can provide children with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. For instance, virtual reality (VR) technology can simulate real-world situations and provide children with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills. According to a publication by the National Library of Medicine on the use of technology, VR technology can be used in various fields, such as science, math, and language learning, to name a few, to provide children with an immersive and interactive learning experience. Despite the numerous benefits, technology in experiential learning in early education also presents its own set of challenges.

One of the most difficult challenges is the need for teachers and parents to ensure that children are using technology in an age-appropriate and safe manner. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that technology is not a substitute for human interaction and that children have ample opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers in a real-world setting.

In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact on experiential learning in early
education, transforming the way children learn and experience the world around them. By leveraging the power of technology in experiential learning, children can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will prepare them for success in the future.

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

Family Engagement Leads to Early Childhood Success

Posted on by Samantha Vaughn

Family Engagement Leads to Early Childhood Success

Family engagement is about the knowledge, values, and actions that enable children to be successful learners. For schools and libraries, family engagement refers to meaningful partnerships with parents that provide the opportunity to be active in the learning and development of their children. Family engagement keeps parents informed—via in-person conversations, e-mails, or
online communication tools—of their young learner’s academic standing. These practices increase parental involvement in important education-related decisions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the relationship between schools and parents reinforces learning and health beyond the classroom. This includes at home, in school, out-of-school programs,
and in the community. To increase parent engagement, schools can make a positive connection with parents, provide a variety of activities and opportunities to engage parents, and sustain their engagement by addressing common challenges. Through collaboration with schools, local libraries can host after-school educational programs for early learners and their parents.

Family engagement, however, is not a linear process. Each community is unique and must adapt their own set of best practices. Researchers have identified six types of involvement that schools can use to engage parents and improve the skills of young learners:

  1. Providing parenting support
  2. Communicate directly with parents
  3. Provide a variety of volunteer opportunities
  4. Support learning at home
  5. Encourage parents to be part of decision making in schools
  6. Collaborate with the community

It is important for educators to encourage family engagement both at school and within the community. When teachers take the time to understand families’ needs, they invite an opportunity for collaboration. By welcoming parents and families to events focused on their child’s early learning, educators build a sense of trust and teamwork with individuals who are critical to early childhood success. A study discussed in Teaching Young illustrates that these events help to develop a rapport between the educator and the family.

Studies conducted by the Harvard Family Research Project show that family engagement improves academic performance, increases school attendance, and ultimately increases graduation rates. Furthermore, it reduces at-risk behaviors and positively impacts attitudes and overall well-being. Especially in early childhood, active parental involvement in the young learner’s education process helps to build early literacy skills. Libraries also place a focus on family engagement and have implemented strategies such as Every Child Ready to Read to support parents in building their child’s early literacy skills. Similarly, 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide out-of-school learning and afterschool programs also play a fundamental role in family engagement. The development of this role includes strategies such as:

  1. Have an adequate and welcoming space to engage families
  2. Establish policies and procedures to promote family engagement
  3. Be intentional about staff hiring and training to promote effective staff-family interactions
  4. Connect families to each other, to the program staff, to schools, and to other community institutions
  5. Help support families and their basic needs

Family engagement results in short-term and long-term academic success for young
learners. From the child’s perspective, it is important to see the collaboration between their family and the educators in their lives. What types of in-school or out-of-school programs would you attend in order to have the most impact on your young learners’ early education?

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400