Disney Publishing launches digital education apps for young children

When my children were younger they were big fans of Disney Publishing’s storybook apps. These apps allow young readers to be immersed in popular Disney stories — and practice reading — because of the many interactive features. Now, it appears that Disney Publishing is building on its success by introducing Disney Imagicademy, a new technology-driven learning initiative designed for families with children ages 3 to 8.

Disney Imagicademy exposes children to fundamental education concepts using familiar Disney characters. The curriculum was developed with the help of education and early-childhood-development experts.

The first five of the 30 app-based experiences are available today exclusively on the Apple app store. In addition, there is a companion app out for parents that will help them guide their child’s learning. The apps cover key subject matters that are important for early childhood development, including math, creative arts, science, language arts and social and emotional skills.

Among today’s releases is Mickey’s Magical Math World, an iPad-exclusive app that features five math activities: “Mickey’s Super Rocket Shapes,” “Donald’s Number Launcher,” “Minnie’s Robot Count-Along,” “Daisy’s Bedtime Countdown” and “Goofy’s Silly Sorting.” Each experience features progressive early math concepts, including counting forward and backward, sort and classify, skip count, numbers and shapes recognition, reason and logic and more.

The companion app, Disney Imagicademy Parents, gives parents real-time updates about their children’s progress, the ability to reward accomplishments digitally and remotely through digital high-fives, and opportunities to inspire non-digital learning through ideas tied directly to concepts children are exposed to in the apps.

The second set of digital apps in the Disney Imagicademy line-up is Mickey’s Magical Arts World. Focused on creative arts, the suite will be available for download in January.

Physical products and learning toys will be available in time for back-to-school shopping in 2015, featuring brands such as, including Smart Toy, Kid Designs, Wonder Forge and Mercury Active.

“Disney Imagicademy’s integrated program connects children’s apps, a parents app and physical toys to create a unique family experience that helps inspire a lifelong love of learning,” said Jeffrey Sellinger, senior vice president of Disney Learning, in a news release. “The physical and digital worlds are coming together in nearly every industry, and with Disney Imagicademy, the learning field is no exception.”

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