SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A quirky crew of characters celebrates "you-things" — those little and big things that, together, make you special and like no one else in the world. Ruth has a purple tooth. Little Dot gets scared a lot. Brad has two dads. Ling pretends that she's a king. After meeting 22 new friends, kids are asked, "What's your you-thing?," and get to become part of the story.
"No other app takes on this important topic in such a fun way," says Carolina Nugent, Education Director, KinderTown, which helps parents find quality educational apps for kids. "It opens up so many possibilities for conversations between kids and adults. And by calling them 'you-things,' Wee Society has created a new vocabulary for talking about differences."
Inspiration for the app came from close to home. "We're moms and dads who are trying to raise good little people," says Jill Robertson, co-founder, Wee Society, who also consulted with early childhood education specialists during development.
"We're sending the message that what makes you different is also what makes you awesome," says Robertson. "And if kids feel good about themselves, they're less likely to put others down." Wee Society hopes that's one small step in helping to avoid prejudicial and potential bullying behaviors down the road. The key is starting early. A 2011 study from the Anti-Defamation League found that when kids as early as age 3 were encouraged to respect differences, they show less biased attitudes and behaviors. "Preschoolers notice differences and ask about them," says Robertson. "Then around age 5, kids start placing value judgments on similarities and differences."
Wee You-Things is designed for kids ages 3-7. It's now available for download in the App Store for $2.99, and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPad Mini.
Fun features in the app include:
- A chance to create your own “you” and become a part of the story
- Twenty-two quirky and colorful characters with interactive animations (and silly sound effects) that respond to touch and encourage discovery
- Tips for parents to help kids learn about differences and start conversations that help build understanding, encourage empathy, inspire creativity, develop confidence, and induce giggles
- Rad music from the rock band Rabbit!
About Wee Society
Wee Society was founded by moms and dads who believe that bright little minds deserve really smart ideas. In collaboration with the folks at Office, Wee Society creates learning experiences through happy design — including silly stories and colorful characters that appear in apps, art prints, toys, and DIY activities. Wee Society's debut learning app, Wee Alphas, was awarded the Parent's Choice Silver Honor and was named "New & Notable" by Apple. More at weesociety.com.
Wee Society pledge
We not-so-solemnly swear to help bring kids and their parents closer together with happy apps, artful activities and tales to transfix short attention spans. We believe that you’re never too young to develop an eye for design, and that sparking imaginations leads to big bright explosions of creativity. And above all, we cross our hearts to do our best to delight little people and big people alike, and never forget that Wee Society is all about creating one big happy family, starting with yours.