Category: In The News

Selecting the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds can be a delightful yet challenging task for parents and educators. At this age, children are at a crucial stage of development where their imagination, language skills, and cognitive abilities are rapidly expanding. Audiobooks can be a fantastic resource to nurture these skills. This article aims to guide you through choosing engaging and age-appropriate audiobooks for your 5-year-old.

Why Audiobooks for 5-Year-Olds Are Beneficial

Audiobooks offer a unique avenue for enhancing a child’s literacy and listening skills. They introduce young listeners to new vocabulary, help them understand narrative structure, and develop their listening comprehension abilities. Moreover, the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds often include engaging narrations and sound effects that captivate young children’s imagination, making learning fun and enjoyable.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Audiobooks for 5-Year-Olds

Age-Appropriate Content: Choose stories suitable for a 5-year-old’s understanding and interests. Themes like friendship, adventure, and curiosity are often well-received.

Narration Quality: Look for audiobooks with clear, expressive narration to keep the child engaged and enhance their listening experience.

Length of the Audiobook: Since the attention span of 5-year-olds can be limited, opt for shorter audiobooks or segments that can be listened to in multiple sittings.

Educational Value: Consider audiobooks that offer educational content in a fun and engaging way, such as those that teach moral lessons, introduce basic concepts, or explore different cultures.

Top Audiobook Recommendations for 5-Year-Olds

Classic Fairy Tales and Fables: Titles like “The Three Little Pigs” or “Aesop’s Fables” are great for this age group, offering timeless stories with important moral lessons.

Dr. Seuss Collections: The playful rhymes and whimsical stories of Dr. Seuss, such as “The Cat in the Hat” or “Green Eggs and Ham,” are excellent for young listeners.

Educational Series: Look for audiobook series that focus on learning, such as the “Magic Tree House” series, which combines history and adventure.

Interactive Audiobooks: Audiobooks that encourage participation, like those with songs or prompts for the child to respond to, can be incredibly engaging for 5-year-olds.

Conclusion

Choosing the best audiobooks for 5-year-olds involves finding stories that are not only entertaining but also contribute to their developmental growth. By focusing on age-appropriate content, engaging narration, educational value, and the right length, you can provide your child with a rich and enjoyable listening experience. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for stories and learning that will last a lifetime.

 

In the ever-evolving world of parenting, adaptive parenting has become increasingly important. As families navigate a myriad of challenges, from technological advances to cultural shifts, adaptive parenting offers a flexible and responsive approach to child-rearing. This article explores the principles of adaptive parenting and provides practical tips for parents looking to adopt this approach.

What is Adaptive Parenting?

Adaptive parenting is about being flexible and responsive to the changing needs of children and the environment they are growing up in. It involves adjusting parenting strategies to suit different situations and stages of a child’s development. This approach recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all method to parenting and that children, as individuals, require tailored approaches to guidance and discipline.

The Benefits of Adaptive Parenting

The benefits of this parenting method are manifold. This approach fosters a deeper parent-child connection, requiring active listening and understanding of a child’s unique personality and needs. It also promotes resilience in children as they learn to navigate various challenges with the support and guidance of their parents. Furthermore, adaptive parenting prepares children for the real world, equipping them with the skills to adapt to different scenarios and people they will encounter in their lives.

Key Strategies for Adaptive Parenting

Embrace Flexibility: Be open to modifying your parenting style as your child grows and as new challenges arise. What works for one child may not work for another, and what works at one stage of a child’s life may be ineffective in another.

Continuous Learning: Stay informed about child development and parenting techniques. This can involve reading books, attending workshops, or joining parenting forums. Knowledge is a key component of this parenting style.

Effective Communication: Develop an open line of communication with your child. This involves not just talking to them but actively listening to their thoughts and feelings.

Model Adaptability: Demonstrate adaptability in your own life. Children learn by example, and by seeing their parents adapt to different situations, they learn to do the same.

Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your children and family members on your parenting. This can provide valuable insights and help you adjust your approach.

Conclusion

This parenting style is a dynamic and responsive approach to raising children in today’s fast-paced world. By embracing flexibility, committing to continuous learning, fostering open communication, modeling adaptability, and seeking feedback, parents can effectively guide their children through the complexities of modern life. Adaptive parenting is not about perfection; it’s about being responsive and willing to grow alongside your children.

 

We have exciting news to share! ABF Creative, your trusted multicultural kids and family podcast network and production company is proud to announce our involvement in Audible’s new program. But that’s not all: we have also secured a significant investment from this global leader in spoken-word media and entertainment!

This strategic partnership is a major milestone for ABF Creative and a ringing endorsement of our mission to deliver culturally resonant and emotionally engaging content. We are honored to align ourselves with an industry giant like Audible, and this partnership is a testament to our team’s passion, creativity, and dedication to excellence.

In the midst of this landmark development, it’s also important to reflect on our recent achievements that have led us to this point. As we venture into the audiobook business, our first meditation audiobook, “Slumber Steps,” is set to captivate listeners this fall. Our contributions have stretched into the realm of historical exploration as our research underpinned the narrative of African American video game pioneer Jerry Lawson in the History Channel’s series “Toys That Built America.” Our inspiring daily affirmations podcast “Charm Words” did not just win us the Black Podcast Award but also secured distribution with American Public Media. In partnership with Wondery, we unveiled “The Adventures of Cairo,” their first Black-led children’s audio fiction series. Moreover, our commitment to diverse narratives has been epitomized by producing Ben & Jerry’s podcast “Into The Mix.” All this while, the increased Hollywood interest in our original intellectual property is a thrilling precursor of new exciting opportunities.

Audible’s investment is a game-changing development that empowers us to continue innovating in the podcast industry, amplifying diverse voices and stories that inspire and entertain. As proud members of Newark’s thriving tech scene, we are excited about this opportunity to contribute further to its growth, diversity, and vitality.

With Audible’s support, we anticipate breaking even more barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the audio and podcast industry. Stay tuned because the best is still on the horizon!

 

 

Audio tech content start-up ABF Creative, is launching Charm Words Español, the first-ever Spanish-language daily affirmations podcast for children. Charm Words Español–which starts streaming December 5^th, 2022–is an iteration of Charm Words, ABF’s award-winning daily affirmations children’s podcast.

Charm Words was ABF Creative’s inaugural release in the company’s mission to develop mindfulness content. The podcast offers family-friendly, psychologist-approved daily positive affirmations meant to teach children mental health and self-awareness tools such as combating negative thoughts, self-esteem, conflict resolution, and much more. “Through various resources such as curricular-based activities, each episode of Charm Words takes a holistic and creative approach to a mindset that promotes emotion management,” says ABF Creative’s CEO, Anthony Frasier.

The Charm Words series, streamed by over 20,000 families a month, is the first of many mindfulness podcasts expected from ABF Creative. The success of the popular podcast, and the launch of its Spanish-language counterpart, shows ABF Creative’s potential as a leader in family audio content. Charm Words and Charm Words Español are prime examples of how ABF Creative is innovating and reimagining audio by creating content that fosters cultural and emotional impact. “Charm Words is the first of many. It’s never too early to start teaching kids the power of positive thinking,” Frasier says. “What better way to do so than with a daily habit-building podcast just for children.”

To fill the void of children’s mindfulness programming and mainstream adolescent learning, ABF Creative’s content development is very intentional. “We believe mental health is just as important for children as it is for adults,” says Wanda Reynolds, ABF Creative’s Chief Content Officer. That statement was held upon the launch of the original version of Charm Words. The acclaimed reception of the podcast prompted ABF Creative to double down by creating a culturally adapted version. Reynolds says, “Expanding Charm Words to the Spanish language will only increase access to these critical mental health tools, specifically to children of color.”

While there is no shortage of children’s programming, most of it is created for and by White, Middle-Class Americans. Lack of diversity can profoundly affect children of color, and it does not represent the world. “Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and Latine is the fastest growing group in the U.S. So, we knew we had to launch Charm Words Español to reach more children and parents,” says Reynolds. According to Edison Research, 33% of U.S. Latinos say they have ever listened to a podcast mostly in Spanish, up from 24% in 2020. “With the growth of Latine podcast adaptation and consumption, launching Charm Words Español for the Hispanic community and other families of color is not just an opportunity, it feels like our duty,” says Frasier.

With the hopes of reaching even more cultures and translating to more languages, ABF Creative will continue to spread Charm Words, Charm Words Español, and its other family-focused content to underserved families and children everywhere.

Charm Words is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all other podcast streaming platforms, with Charm Words Español available on those same platforms starting December 5^th, 2022. To learn more about ABF Creative visit ABFCreative.com.

ABOUT ABF CREATIVE

ABF Creative is an award-winning kids & family podcast network and production company that Innovates and reimagines storytelling by creating audio content that is anchored in narrative and fosters cultural and emotional impact. The minds behind “African Folktales with Miss JoJo,” “Raising The Game: The Untold Story of Jerry Lawson” and “The Adventures of Cairo,” ABF Creative uses a proprietary podcast production framework to deliver world-class audio entertainment. ABF Creative partners include Ben & Jerry’s, Wondery, Audible, Headspace, and Vox Communications.

African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo, the hit multicultural children’s podcast from ABF Creative, is returning for another long fun third season of cultural stories. Narrated by award-winning voice actress Heidi Kwiat known to well over half a million kids as Miss Jo Jo, the podcast has proved a runaway success since the first season was launched during COVID in June 2020.

Aiming to inspire kids with lessons on telling the truth, greediness, anti-bullying and more, each week the podcast will share ancient folktales modernized with charismatic storytelling and attention-grabbing sound design. Season two introduced interactive quizzes to each episode, season 3 expands on that concept and adds longer stories to the mix which was one of the most requested asks from parents and kids alike.

This season also doesn’t just stick to Africa. The podcast will explore folktales from Haiti, Jamaica, and Ethiopia as a way to expand the universe of the show and create more narrative opportunities for the IP’s main character Miss Jo Jo.

African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo has quickly inspired a growing diverse community of listeners and fans, adding even more accolades after its 2021 Webby Award win for diversity and inclusion. Common Sense Media, the authority in children’s media ranked the podcast 4 out of 5 stars stating “These stories are absolutely worth a listen for their entertainment, moral, and cultural value.”

African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo is a podcast from ABF Creative, the fast-growing multicultural podcast company based in Newark, NJ. ABF Creatives’ other notable multicultural kids & family efforts include “Adventures of Cairo” which was awarded Common Sense Media’s distinguished Selections seal of excellence to recognize outstanding kids and family centered podcast programs. Also, the firm released a daily affirmations podcast Charm Words which Parents Magazine recognized as 1 of 7 realistic media representations for Black kids.

Anthony Frasier, CEO of ABF Creative, celebrated the show: “We absolutely love creating this show and love how much it appeals to kids of all backgrounds. We can’t wait for kids to go on adventures with Miss Jo Jo this season. This show has transcended what it means to be a multicultural-focused podcast. The audience and reach go beyond just BIPOC children. This shows that cultural stories have the potential to appeal to the world. We anticipate Miss Jo Jo on other platforms very soon.”

African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo will be available on Tuesday, July 19th on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms. Subscribers of ABF Fam, on Apple Podcasts, can enjoy ad-free 1-week early access.

 

ABF Creative is launching an audio subscription service for multicultural kids and families on Apple Podcasts titled ABF Fam.

ABF Fam costs $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year. Subscribers to ABF Fam will get early access to new episodes of African Folktales with Miss Jo Jo and ABF Creative Originals like Charm Words, Story Village with Aunti Oni, and other yet-to-be-announced podcasts. Select podcasts in the near future will also have content exclusively available on Apple Podcasts via ABF Fam.

“The lane is wide open for trusted multicultural premium podcast content for kids,” Anthony Frasier, the CEO of ABF Creative, said. “Every kid matters, no matter what background and we want to make sure they have access to the best media out there. We created ABF Fam as a way for parents to have a safe, culturally representative, ad-free environment for their kids on Apple Podcasts. ”

A report released by Common Sense, “The Inclusion Imperative: Why Media Representation Matters for Kids’ Ethnic-Racial Development,” highlighted that “Almost 6 in 10 (57%) parents say that the media their child consumes has prompted conversations about diversity, and an even larger percentage of parents say it is important that their children are exposed to content that helps them learn more about their own culture, religion, or lifestyle.” In addition to that, “78% of parents want their children to be exposed to media that teaches them about cultures, religions, and lifestyles that are different from their own, underscoring the importance of narratives and storylines that represent the diversity of a multicultural America.”

The new multicultural podcast subscription service for kids comes a month after ABF Creative and Wondery’s partnership on Adventures of Cairo was awarded Common Sense Media’s distinguished Selections seal of excellence to recognize outstanding kids and family centered podcast programs. In 2021 ABF Creative’s African Folktales with Miss Jo Jo won the Webby Award for diversity and inclusion.

To access ABF Fam just visit one of our ABF Fam-listed podcasts or search ABF Fam on Apple Podcasts.

An Unsung Hero of Gaming History Deserves a Higher Profile

Press Start

If you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, you remember the cartridge era. Without cartridges, games like Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, Metroid, Sonic the Hedgehog, Madden NFL, and Street Fighter II would never have been possible. And without Jerry Lawson, cartridges would not have been possible.

In August, Anthony Frasier, a Black tech and media entrepreneur from Newark, New Jersey, created and narrated Raising the Game, an Audible original podcast. He wonders aloud why few understand Lawson’s impact. Lawson, the true inventor and engineer of the video game cartridge, created an essential component of the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. Why, then, are his accomplishments hidden behind a wall of white?

Frasier says that he discovered Lawson’s story while working in Silicon Valley trying to build his tech startup. He attended a memorial service for Lawson even though he was just some random guy who never knew him. “I left that day inspired, but angry I had been robbed of examples like this to model my career after. I wanted to put an end to that.” Though he started the project back in 2019, when he first got connected with Audible, all of the research and lining up all the interviews couldn’t be completed until this year, the 10th anniversary of Lawson’s death.

Read the full article on WIRED.

 

Charm Words was recently featured in a list carefully crafted by Parent Magazine titled “7 Realistic Media Representations of Black Kids for Them To Read, Listen to, and Watch.”

It’s normal to deal with bad feelings from time to time. We’ve got a podcast recommendation to help kids make it to the other side. Charm Words meets children where they are and gives them empowering words in the form of daily affirmations, like “Challenges help me to learn and grow,” and breathing exercises that combat negative thoughts. The podcast is a “daily reminder to be good to themselves and others.” The short 2-3 minute episodes, which explore topics like feeling good in your body, doing your best, and listening to feelings, are just short enough to keep little ones’ attention.

Read the full feature here on Parents.com

 

 

Daily Podcast Encourages Healthy Mental Health Routines For Kids Through Positive Affirmations

NEWARK, NJ – JANUARY 10, 2022 — ABF Creative, the first and only A.I.-driven podcast network of multicultural audio content announced its new podcast ‘Charm Words’ , a daily show designed to empower the young minds of children of color through affirmations and breathing exercises.

‘Charm Words’ encourages kids to be the authors of their own stories by replacing negative-self talk with empowering affirmations. Each episode includes a short breathing exercise and positive affirmations. The show looks to help parents and educators  take  advantage of the transformational benefits positive affirmations can have on their children by creating an easily accessible podcast they can tune into every morning.

“After reading how affirmations of worth had so much impact on young people, especially children of color, it really inspired us to find a way to make content that is intentional and accessible to all children! Charm Words helps us achieve that goal.” – Anthony Fraiser, CEO ABF Creative

The series will touch on topics of self worth, building confidence, bullying, celebrating diversity, managing your emotions and more. Each 2-5 minute episode features an animated and energetic narrator who guides the listener through breathing techniques and inspiring affirmations.

“Establishing a positive sense of self and the ability to question, probe and problem-solve are essential to the foundation of managing an ever changing world and becoming lifelong learners. Affirmations can be pathways to the positive, proactive development of racial identity, social interactions, resilience and agency in children and youth. They may also help establish,  strengthen and reinforce a self-affirming, confidence-building sense of individual strength, confidence, and self-worth – Dr. Ed Greene, PHD

Available on Spotify, Youtube Kids, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and anywhere you listen to your podcasts.  Charm Words will include episodes, releasing daily beginning Monday, January 10, 2022. 

ABOUT ABF CREATIVE

America’s first and only A.I.-driven producer of multicultural audio content, ABF Creative is a Webby award winning podcast network. ABF Creative offers advertisers national opportunities through its range of media assets creating comprehensive, innovative campaigns for some of the country’s largest companies. Our proprietary production framework, creative vision, and deep understanding of our audience’s unique tastes enable us to deliver award-winning audio entertainment that engages listeners and provides our advertisers/sponsors/partners with effective vehicles for their brand messaging. To learn more about ABF Creative visit abfcreative.com  & follow us on Instagram, Twitter & Youtube

Nielson has released it’s most recent Seen on Screen 2021 report which revealed what we always have known, people look for content that they can identify and see themselves in. Podcasts are not only one of the fastest rising media platforms, it’s also becoming more and more relevant to audiences of color. So Black listeners are expecting the same representation in audio that they are growing to expect from television and movies. If large audio platforms and companies marketing through audio continue to ignore this audience it won’t only be a cultural misstep, it could be an costly one.

Nielson’s report reveals that podcast popularity is booming among Black audiences. This is mostly because Black viewers are searching for the commentary and community around their favorite visual content. Once that audience goes to audio platforms, they need a reason to stay, and we should give it to them. Why? Black podcast listeners are not just streaming more than other groups, they are responding to brands and advertisements more than any other group as well. We are talking about an audience with a $1T buying power averaging a 73% brand recall for podcast ads. This is partly why ABF Creative creates for this audience, but also help brands make that cultural connection.

Some interesting “can’t be ignored” stats from the study:

• Black men are more likely to listen to podcasts 6-7x per month
• Black men spend 8-10 hours listening to podcasts per week

I’m looking forward to learning even more from Nielson this year, as well as our own studies we’ll be releasing around Black podcast listenership.